ALL 2024 WORKSHOPS ARE FULL!
CLICK HERE TO BE NOTIFIED ABOUT FUTURE SESSIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
PRACTICE INTERVIEWS
LEARN HOW TO ORGANIZE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
DISCOVER HOW TO OPTIMIZE RELATIONSHIPS AND TIME WITH SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELOR AND TEACHERS
GET TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
COMPLETE COMMON APPLICATION & UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA APPLICATION
RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON COLLEGE LIST
WRITE, REVISE, EDIT PERSONAL STATEMENTS
CREATE ACTIVITY LISTS FOR APPLICATIONS
Before our workshop even begins, our team will arrange 3 Zoom conferences to provide an overview of the college process, discuss the student’s activity list and summer plans, and consult on the college list.
Once our workshop begins, we meet each day for six hours with scheduled breaks to regroup and refresh.
We break the day into several sessions, each with its own specific goals and outcomes.
To maximize student productivity, we assign a reasonable amount of purposeful homework, relevant to the session’s goals.
Each day includes an “Ask the Experts” session where students can pose questions about the college process in a relaxed and supportive environment. This is also a time when students reflect on their accomplishments of the day.
To keep the days well-paced, we offer a mixture of formats: directed work time, personal reflection time, essay writing time, presentations, one-on-one time with counselors (to give feedback on essays and college lists), and college interview simulation with constructive feedback.
“Many people seem to skirt around the college process, talking in vague terms, but College Blast very clearly outlined (and had us complete) each step of the process. It significantly reduced my stress and workload, and I felt very informed. I liked how it was split up between spring and summer; it made sure the workload wasn’t too heavy all at once. The individualized attention, both for writing and for the process, was very helpful. Really appreciated the ability to send drafts back and forth and receive multiple rounds of feedback.”
—Senior, The Bishop’s School, 2022 CB participant
“The structure was great. The flexibility and counselors’ availability whenever a question popped up was super helpful. I always felt like I could ask a quick question and move on without getting stuck for long periods of time. I got all my work done and loved all the help I got with essay ideas and topics.”
—A.P. Head-Royce School, 2022 CB participant
“I liked the pacing because it did not feel too overwhelming. It was very nice to brainstorm, write, and edit with the help of multiple counselors.”
—E.S. Piedmont HS, 2022 CB participant
“College apps are so stressful, but every time I met with any of you, I always felt a sense of relief that it was all going to work out.”
—L.B. Andover, 2022 participant
“I think I would have struggled to get as far as I did without as much time in class.”
—J.K.C. Piedmont HS, 2022 CB participant
“I feel like I am much more prepared than some of my other classmates and I am glad to have a head start on the process itself.”
—A.C. Miramonte HS, 2021 CB Participant, now attending University of Oregon
“College Blast gave my daughter time for preparation and the confidence to put her very best foot forward despite all the challenges posed by Covid.”
—Parent of 2020 CB participant, now attending Brown University
“Many thanks again to everyone at College Blast. The 5-day session set her course and raised excitement for the entire process.”
—Parent of 2020 CB participant, now attending Cal Poly SLO
“The wealth of knowledge between Joanne, Martin, and Kate was incredible. I really appreciated all three of their perspectives on my essays and college list. The 1-on-1 time while working on my essays made the process extremely productive.”
--W.T. Saint Mary’s College HS, 2019 CB participant, now attending UCLA
“I have my Common Application essay done, three of my four UC Application essays done, four supplemental essays done, and I’m prepared for a college interview. I have so much less stress going into senior year. I would highly recommend College Blast because it is an awesome atmosphere with amazing counselors who make it so easy to feel comfortable and get the help you need. Not only did I get a ton of work done, but I also made new friends.”
--K.N. Campolindo HS, 2019 CB participant, now attending SMU
“College Blast gives you confidence in the college application process and makes it all manageable. Getting to work with peers that are having a similar experience was also a highlight.”
--K.T. Oakland Tech HS, 2019 CB participant, now attending Brown University
“I would highly recommend College Blast to my friends. I would tell them how much work we completed. All three counselors were great and eager to guide. I felt like I received tons of support and direction.”
--A.D. Miramonte HS 2019 CB participant, now attending Amherst College
“This workshop explains everything you could be confused about and seriously puts you ahead of the game for senior year. 10 out of 10, would highly recommend!”
--T. M. Skyline HS, 2019 CB participant, now attending UC Davis
“College Blast calmed my nerves, helped me create a detailed schedule and gave me direction and drive going into the fall of senior year.”
— M.B. Head-Royce School, 2018 CB participant, now attending University of Richmond
“The hardest part of the college process is just getting started. During College Blast I wrote essays that supported what I wanted colleges to learn about me.”
— M.A. Head-Royce School, 2018 CB participant, now attending University of Pennsylvania
