Camp College is a seven-session virtual bootcamp for college applications. This program is free and open to all high school counselors and students in the graduating class of 2027. Each session will include a presentation and advice from experts, and participants will have the opportunity for their questions to be answered live. All sessions will occur on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. PT.
Registration is required for each participant, but there’s no limit to the number of people who can sign up. Please feel free to share the registration link widely with anyone who may benefit from this content.
Only one registration is required to access all sessions. Links to recordings will be sent to all participants, so please feel free to register even if you’re not able to attend live!
2026 Schedule Of Topics
May 27: Building Your College List
Students will engage in a college fit exercise; demystify common myths; define a “good” college and “good” college list; learn how to identify reach, target, and likely schools; consider standardized testing requirements and options; and gain access to free online resources.
June 3: How College Application Decisions Are Made
Students will learn what happens behind-the-scenes from two college admissions counselors representing private and public institutions. Explore how colleges process and evaluate applications, define institutional priorities, and gain insights on fit.
June 10: Avoiding Missed Opportunities On The Common App/UC App
Students will learn about common mistakes when completing the University of California application and the Common Application from two college admissions counselors who read each type of application. Beyond avoiding mistakes, learn how you can level up your application, what key information to share, and when to use the Additional Information section.
June 17: Getting Started On Your App: Essays & Activities
Students will learn about the University of California application and the Common Application from two college admissions counselors representing private and public institutions. Understand the goal of college writing, begin to formulate possible topics, and organize extracurriculars for inclusion on college applications.
June 24: Personal Writing For The Common App And UC App
Students will hear from admissions staff at the University of California and a private university that uses the Common Application. Learn how the UC and Common App writing sections differ, observe best practices, gain tips for effectively communicating, and find out the no-no’s to avoid!
September 23: Ask The Experts Q&A Session
This is your chance to ask questions with the admissions directors from a private university and a UC campus! These are the people who lead admissions offices at their respective schools. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from the experts!
September 30: Financial Aid
Students will get an overview of various funding sources to pay for college. Students will be encouraged to complete a FAFSA or CADAA application and learn more about the CSS profile if they are applying to schools using that tool. Financial aid can seem intimidating, but this session will provide you with helpful tools and action items.
Archive: 2025 Sessions
5/21: Building Your College List [Watch the recording.]
5/28: How College Application Decisions Are Made [Watch the recording.]
6/4: Getting Started On App Essays & Activity Lists [Watch the recording.]
6/11: Avoiding Missed Opportunities On Your College Application [Watch the recording.]
6/18: Personal Writing For The Common App & UC App [Watch the recording.]
9/24: Ask The Experts Q&A Session [Watch the recording.]
10/1: Financial Aid [Watch the recording.]