The Gunston School recently hosted its 4th annual College Application Workshop, a comprehensive three-day event designed to guide and prepare rising seniors for the college application process. This year’s workshop was particularly rewarding, with an impressive turnout from the Class of 2025, and a roster of experienced college admissions professionals who offered invaluable insights into every aspect of the application journey. The event unfolded over three days, each packed with activities, sessions, and one-on-one meetings that left students more confident and well-prepared for the road ahead.
Day 1: Kicking Off with a Focus on the Common Application
The workshop commenced with a session led by Emma Feeley from Davidson College, who provided students with an in-depth understanding of the Activities Section and Supplemental pieces of the Common Application. With the enthusiastic participation of all 42 seniors, the atmosphere was one of excitement and eagerness to learn. The first day set the tone for the workshop, emphasizing the importance of each component of the application and the need to approach the process thoughtfully and strategically.
Day 2: Diving Deep into Essays and Application Strategies
The second day of the workshop was highlighted by a special guest presentation from Claire Brockway of the University of Chicago. Her session on the Supplemental Essay was both dynamic and informative, sparking a lively discussion among students about the concept of “college fit.” She emphasized the significance of truly understanding the college’s culture and values before crafting an essay, and the importance of depth over volume in writing.In addition to the focus on supplemental essays, Day 2 also included sessions on personal essays, application timelines, and what the workshop dubbed "The Golden Ticket" — essential guidelines for submitting successful applications. The day was intensely productive, with students making progress on their essays and gaining clarity on how to approach the various components of their applications.
Day 3: Personalized Feedback and Expert Insights
The final day of the workshop was perhaps the most rewarding, with a morning session dedicated to one-on-one meetings between students and college admissions representatives. These personalized sessions were a highlight, as students received specific feedback on their Common Application essays from admissions officers from prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Dickinson College, Salisbury University, McDaniel College, Lehigh University, University of Maryland, American University, University of Tennessee, College of Charleston, and Goucher College. The feedback provided during these meetings was invaluable, offering students practical suggestions for improvement and strategies to make their applications stand out.The day culminated in a dynamic town hall-style Q&A session with a panel of seasoned college admissions professionals. This open forum allowed students to ask questions and engage in a transparent dialogue, further demystifying the application process.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
The success of this year’s College Application Workshop at The Gunston School was due in no small part to the generosity and expertise of the college admissions professionals who participated. Their willingness to share their perspectives and offer personalized guidance was deeply appreciated by both the students and the school.As the workshop concluded, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. The students left with a wealth of knowledge, actionable feedback, and a clear sense of direction as they embark on their college application journeys. The Gunston School community extends a huge thank you to all who made this event possible, and looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years to come.