Slay the College Essay: A 4-Day College Essay Writing Intensive (8/3-8/6) at The Village Hub – Woodside, CA

Slay the College Essay: A 4-Day Personal Statement Writing Intensive

The college essay doesn’t have to derail your summer. In just four days, your student will walk away with a complete, working draft of their Common App personal statement. Guaranteed.

“I went from complete distress on the first day to finalizing a draft I really liked by the end. Writing my personal statement would’ve been impossible without their help. The Stanford admissions office wrote to me personally: ‘Your application radiated joy, optimism, and a wonderful, open-hearted spirit! I loved your essay on the wonders of the ocean.’ That essay is my personal statement.” — Workshop Student, Stanford University Class of 2029

“My older son attended the Village college essay workshop last summer, though he was initially very skeptical. He even asked, ‘how can you possibly improve your writing in just three days?’ I made him a deal: if he didn’t like the first day, he could quit. Not only did he stay for all three days, but he also produced an astonishing personal statement. His college admissions counselor was so impressed that they asked to use his essay as a sample for future students. My son later shared that the workshop wasn’t just about technical writing skills — it was about helping him ‘find his voice.’ He has already highly recommended the experience to his younger brother.” — Workshop Parent

“I wrote an absolutely horrible essay when it was just me writing. I have always considered my writing terrible and always felt very insecure about it. Once I got to work with Meredith and Cathy and got feedback, I felt much better. The essay I have now I feel good about. I do not feel insecure or embarrassed about it like I had previously. This workshop ended up being great.” — Workshop Student

What Makes This Different

Most students spend months stressing about their personal statement, writing and rewriting without ever feeling done. Our intensive solves that. In a small group of no more than 12 students, with two instructors in the room at all times, your student will find their story, write it, and finish it — in four days.

Our faculty aren’t just writing coaches. They’re former admissions officers from USC, Swarthmore, and Stanford who have read thousands of applications. They know exactly what works and what doesn’t.

What Your Student Walks Away With

• A complete, working draft of their Common App personal statement
• Proven strategies for writing an authentic, memorable essay
• Confidence going into application season

The Guarantee

Every student who attends all four days leaves with a finished draft. If, for any reason, they need more time after the workshop, we will keep working with them until it’s done.

Sessions

• June 8–11
• June 15–18
• August 3–6

All sessions run 9 am–3 pm at The Village Hub | 3165 Alpine Road, Woodside, CA.

About Village

Village has helped hundreds of teenagers thrive academically and personally since 2020. Our coaches are former admissions officers, educators, and learning specialists who bring both expertise and genuine care to every student they work with. Learn more about us at villagecoaches.com.

Meet Your Instructors

CATHY CHEN, FOUNDER & COACH AT VILLAGE

Cathy is a former USC admission officer and College Counselor at Menlo School, one of the top prep schools in Silicon Valley. She’s read thousands of college essays and knows how to help you tell your story in a unique and compelling way. You’ll love working with her because she’s a straight shooter with high standards who will challenge you to do your best work. Her goal is to help your essay shine!

MEREDITH HERRERA, VILLAGE COACH

Meredith loves helping students find their authentic voice and tell their story through their college essays. As a former admission officer and college counselor at Crossroads School and Branson School, two highly regarded independent schools in California, Meredith knows her stuff. She’s designed and led essay writing workshops for nearly two decades. Despite being a stickler for sound writing technique, students love the way Meredith makes essay writing fun and less stressful. After her workshops, students report feeling both proud of their finished product and more confident about the process overall.