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College Essay Writing
Write a compelling essay for the Common App and a supplemental essay for a college of your choice, under expert guidance and with a structured process that takes you from start to finish in 30 days.
The college essay is the most personalized part of a college application. It’s an opportunity for you to share your unique stories and showcase the valuable experiences and qualities you would bring to a school’s campus. In this four-week course, you’ll be guided through the writing process for your own essays to set you apart in the competitive landscape of college admissions. The course will focus on the essay required for the Common App, the application used by 1,000+ colleges and universities, in addition to how to approach and write the supplemental essays specific to each school.
The course begins by exploring what is required of the Common App essay and essays that have been successful. By the end of the first week, you’ll create an outline for your essay. In the second week, you’ll draft your essay, learning how to write captivating introductions and compelling body paragraphs with personal anecdotes and vivid imagery. In the third week, you’ll work on polishing your essay with a focus on strengthening your voice in it and adding details. In the final week, the course turns to supplemental essays and how to write targeted responses while conveying authenticity.
All throughout the course, you’ll work directly with your instructor and receive personalized feedback on your work. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in peer sharing sessions to receive additional perspective and recommendations on how you can revise and strengthen your writing. By the end of the course, you’ll have completed your essay for the Common App and at least one supplemental essay that resonates with admissions officers.
What you will learn:
✔ Write your Common App essay and one supplemental essay for a college or university of your choice
✔ Tailor your essay responses to specific colleges' values and mission statements
✔ Craft attention-grabbing introductions and well-balanced body paragraphs using effective narrative techniques and specific sensory details
✔ Revise your writing by following a comprehensive checklist
Tuition
$299
Ages
Teens: Grades 6-12
Adult Learners: 18+
 | Receive expert guidance Learn from world-class faculty who provide personalized feedback |
 | Learn at your own pace Explore engaging video content and meaningful instruction |
 | Meet your instructor and classmates Join an optional weekly class to connect with other artists in real-time |
 | Practice and create Strengthen your craft over four weeks as you develop creative projects |
 | Find collaborators Collaborate on your projects—or just for fun—in direct messages and group chats |
- Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
- Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, that can create PDF files
- Airbuds/headphones
- Review Essays That Worked for John Hopkins University
No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).
Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.
Interlochen Online's Learning Experience
World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.
Questions? Speak with an Advisor.
Email: online@interlochen.org
Phone: 231.276.5990
You can also schedule an appointment.
The best of Interlochen, now online.
Learn on a schedule that works for you
Expert instruction and personalized feedback
Connection with peers from around the world
Coursework that supports your creative expression
