Common App (personal statement) Writing Boot Camp
Rising High School Seniors SOLD OUT
JULY 9-15, 2023
If you would like to inquire about the 2023 summer trip for teens, please click to email.
Spend 6 days writing and receiving feedback with Allison and Andrea in one of the most gorgeous spots in the world. (Students leave with a completed common app essay.)
Key Largo, Florida
(Some pics and info below are from Guatemala.)
I expected this trip to be very stressful; I thought we were going to be working for many hours a day and that I wouldn’t do well with writing. I was never a good writer, so I was actually shocked in my writing skills. Allison and Andrea were wonderful teachers with a great sense of humor. Writing with them just felt normal. I loved the first day of writing prompts and how everyone opened up immediately. It was crazy how we were able to do a lot of work in just a few hours. That way, we were able to take a dip in the lake, hit up town, or just talk and get to know each other more. To me, this trip was just fucking fabulous!
—Maggie Meltzer
Each day starts at 8am with Yoga
Morgan "Mo" Sutton began practicing yoga regularly in 2012 as a means of balancing the stress of working with adolescent and young adult cancer patients as a nurse. After experiencing the power of the practice both physically and spiritually, she decided to pursue teaching yoga.
Students can expect to feel seen and supported and all levels of practice are welcome! Mo believes that as long as you are breathing on purpose, you are practicing yoga. She currently lives in Port Saint Lucie, Florida with her husband Brian and dog Cody.
At first, I thought this trip was going to be hard for me in terms of not making friends and leaving without a completed essay. But I proved myself wrong! Getting to know everyone and being able to have a change of scenery was definitely worth it. I was put out of my comfort zone and am happy because if not, I probably wouldn’t have had the experience I had. Being alone was scary, but it has its perks.
—Lexy Banegas
Morning activities available all day…
This trip exceeded my expectations. I thought it was mainly gonna be writing, but I'm so glad I got to live in this beautiful place with amazing food. I loved the freedom we received and the new friends I made.
—Maya Fernandes
BREAKFAST
Meals are prepared by Ana, the best chef ever, and her assistant, Ileana.
I expected this trip to be more of a serious writing activity with little to no free time, and I expected to leave with a completed essay. I thought that there was going to be lots of community service and little resources. In reality the trip had lots of free time that allowed me to get my writing done. I was allowed to do what I wanted when I wanted even if it wasn't what the group was doing. I had lots of fun and enjoyed the community service. I loved the house and the living situations though the bugs were annoying. I also finished my essay which was amazing.
—Emma O’Connor
From 10-1pm…
During the day, we’ll do community service, work on the essay, brainstorm, workshop, and talk craft. Each student will have 3 hours of one-on-one time with both Andrea and Allison to work on and complete their common app essay. Many hours will be spent getting group feedback.
Group writing + brainstorming session with all students
I expected this trip to be a weird experiment with a bunch of strange white people, however, it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences in my life so far. I dug deep down within myself, I opened up, I ate amazing food, learned about another culture, and started to brush up on my Spanish. It definitely was life changing and if I can participate again I definitely will.
—Jasmine Williams
Community Service Days (10am-1pm)
TBD
AFTER LUNCH….
Students will have three hours to work on their essay, kayak, paddleboard, play ping pong, fish, or receive one on one time with Andrea or Allison.
I expected this trip to be completely consumed by writing, with very little free time. I also didn’t think I would learn as much about myself as I did. I ended up having lots of fun, while being super productive, and finishing my common app essay in just a week.
Andre Coscarelli
Get ready for your one-on-one…
Then SUNSET…
I chose to go on this trip because it seemed like a beautiful, relaxing vacation and a designated time for me to get my essay done. I would have otherwise procrastinated. I expected to struggle writing this essay. I didn’t think I’d be able to put my words into a story. In reality, it was a lot easier and more enjoyable than I thought it would be, because I had not only a lot of free time to think and write but also a perfect amount of time to actually write with the teachers. The workshop was also a lot more helpful than I thought it was going to be, because the exercises were extremely helpful in finding my story, and getting group feedback to work with.
—Ella Jaffe
After dinner…
be prepared for karaoke, dessert, games.
The trip was great; I made new friends and my belief in white people being rude and not worthy of getting to know truly changed. I’ve met so many nice, genuine people here. I also loved the solar panels activity. I would just want it to be more hands on. I would’ve also liked to cook with Rosa at least one time. I would’ve also wanted to have another activity to do that wasn’t yoga because I can’t keep my attention on anything for more than 15 minutes, so it was mentally challenging. I am thankful for the opportunity and would redo it.
—Sheyla Cordova
Students will share a room with a friend.
When I came into this trip, I certainly didn’t expect to share my secret with everybody in the group. I thought I was simply sharing my essay with Andrea and Allison instead of expressing myself to everyone here. What I experienced the very first day was nothing like I had imagined. I did not even know before how vulnerable I really could be. I’m so grateful for the writing tips I’ve learned and the support I’ve received throughout this process. I loved the meals, getting to help out in the local community, and taking in the culture. I’ll forever remember the time I spent here even if it was only 7 days out of my whole life.
—Emily Olster
$3500*
Fee includes food, lodging, writing instruction (group and 6 hours of private), community service, yoga, meditation, coffee/tea, karaoke, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking.
To reserve your spot or find out more, please email allison@writingclassradio.com.
To secure your spot, please send a 50% deposit via Venmo to Allison Langer @writingclassradio. Payment in full is due by June 1, 2023.
Cancellation policy:
We do not offer refunds due to the limited number of participants. We will try to work with you if you need to cancel for emergency reasons. If you cancel and we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a full refund.
