At Collegewise, we consistently hear how challenging the college application process feels for many schools and students across the nation. To help alleviate the burden on both students and school counselors, Collegewise has developed a highly effective, comprehensive, and time-efficient solution – the College Application Accelerator Course. This intensive 10-hour boot camp is designed for rising seniors and seniors at the very beginning of their academic year. Participants learn about and complete essential components of a successful college application, which not only supports individual students but also empowers school counselors who often manage caseloads of more than 408:1 students. With so many responsibilities on a school counselor’s plate, it may not always be possible to provide every student with the more personalized college application support that they may desire. That’s where Collegewise comes in!
New Course to Help Schools, School Counselors and High School Students Enhance their College Application Experience.
Application Accelerator Course Overview
Upon completion of the program, high school students will walk away with:
- A completed Common Application (including the personal statement.)
- A completed state-specific application where applicable and a college-ready resume.
- The fundamentals of college interviews and guidance on building a balanced college list.
- A thorough understanding of the college search and application process.
Read on for a more detailed view of what is covered.
How the Collegewise Application Accelerator Course Benefits Students
The College Application Accelerator Course can be a game-changer for students. It not only provides them with a head start on their college applications but enables them to get expert guidance from industry specialists so they can apply to college with confidence.
Ashley Nieblas, Collegewise Counselor.
Ashley Nieblas, one of the counselors who developed the course explains, “With so many universities with varying admissions requirements, it can be incredibly overwhelming for students to know where to begin when it comes to the college application process. As a result, many students procrastinate, don’t understand how much work applications require, and miss out on the advantages of things like early application deadlines.”
The Application Accelerator Course directly addresses this by introducing students to the intricacies of the application process and letting them emerge with a completed Common Application, a state-specific application where applicable, a polished personal statement, and a college-ready resume within just five days. Ashley adds that the goal of the course “is to help students make the most out of their college application journey while infusing joy into the process. The Application Accelerator Course breaks down the main components of the process into digestible, manageable steps, providing structure and support for students to complete major milestones, such as finalizing their college list and completing the Common App. By the end of the course, students don’t just leave with a completed checklist and a clear understanding of the remaining tasks they need to complete. After spending hours working with a college admissions expert, each student leaves the course with a deeper sense of calm and confidence that extends beyond their college application process.”
The college application process can often be overwhelming for students, but the Collegewise Application Accelerator program aims to create a less stressful and more successful experience for families.
Student Testimonials:
“The essay and activity list feedback was so helpful. I definitely feel that it was worth it. My instructor and editor were so kind and thorough with my work. They didn't hold back, and wanted to make sure my essay and application were as great as possible.” - K.P. attended Online PAUSD Bootcamp
“I had a good time in class and my instructor was kind and helpful. I really appreciate the opportunity to attend the boot camp. The most helpful part was the essay workshop. I got a lot out of the program, and have a better advantage than I did prior to taking the program.” - S.T. attended Gunn High School Bootcamp
“My instructor was amazingggg.” - N.H. attended Palo Alto High School Bootcamp
How the Collegewise Application Accelerator Course Benefits Schools
The impact of Collegewise's College Application Accelerator Course extends beyond individual students. It also provides a fantastic supplement to the great work that is already being done by school counselors. By providing students with a comprehensive toolkit for their applications, counselors are afforded more time to address their myriad responsibilities. This innovative approach not only supports students on their journey to higher education but also eases the strain on counselors, allowing them to better serve the broader needs of their school communities.
With Future Ed suggesting that there is an estimated 50.5% of the third round of ESSER funding that must be obligated by September 2024, the Collegewise Application Accelerator Course presents one great way for schools to invest in higher education outcomes for their students using those remaining funds.
School Testimonials:
“I have known Collegewise professionally for years. When our school COVID closures were imminent, I called them for help as they are a trusted advisor. They put together a webinar plan for PAUSD that addresses many of the places where we are all struggling and we hired them to take action. I know that Collegewise will extend the same services to any company or district, and our families, administrators, and I are very pleased with Collegewise’s service, delivery, and content." Don Austin, Superintendent, Palo Alto Unified School District
"Collegewise has been one of our strongest partnership relationships for the last 7 years. Our college applications, attendance, and scholarship dollars are all up and our parents, faculty, and counselors are delighted with Collegewise.” Jamie Norell, Assistant Principal, Glendora High School
“Collegewise offered Irvine Unified students' guidance that was timely, relevant, meaningful, and very well attended...We couldn’t have been more pleased with this service and grateful for the learning opportunities the Collegewise seminars provided IUSD students and families.” Cassie Parham, Assistant Superintendent, Irvine Unified School District
Christopher Logan, Collegewise Master Counselor at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas (USVI)
Collegewise Application Accelerator Course - Details
Common Application Mastery
The cornerstone of many college applications, the Common Application can be a daunting task for students, and with the average school counselor’s caseload at 408:1, it can be challenging for them to provide the individualized support that is needed for every student. Collegewise's Application Accelerator Course ensures that participants understand the nuances of the Common App and complete it during the program. Students will also complete a state-specific application, where applicable. This step alone significantly reduces the stress for both students and school counselors, streamlining the application process.
Personal Statement Excellence
Crafting a compelling personal statement is an art, and Collegewise recognizes its importance. The course provides students with the guidance and tools needed to create a personal statement that showcases their unique qualities and experiences. This not only enhances the individual applications but also sets the stage for a more personalized and authentic representation of each student.
Resume Building for Success
Understanding the significance of a well-constructed resume in the college application process, Collegewise ensures that students leave the program with a college-ready resume. This valuable resource not only aids in the application process but also serves as a foundation for future iterations during the next chapters of their academic and professional lives.
Navigating College Interviews and Building a Balanced College List
Beyond completing application components, Collegewise's course delves into the intangible aspects of the college admissions process. Students receive guidance on college interviews, empowering them to present themselves confidently. Additionally, they gain insights into building a balanced college list, ensuring a well-rounded approach to their higher education journey.
Interested in Learning More?
As the admissions landscape continues to evolve, Collegewise remains at the forefront, pioneering targeted support solutions like the College Application Accelerator Course to transform the college application process into a more manageable, empowering experience for all involved. If you’d like to learn more about how your school could benefit from the Collegewise Application Accelerator Course, or learn more about our student/parent office hours, 1-1 hourly counseling packages, or our school counselor professional development offering, please contact Collegewise Partnerships Director and former school counselor, Joe Korfmacher.
- Schedule a meeting on Joe’s calendar
- Email Joe a question: joek@collegewise.com
- Call Joe on 908-472-0265
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About Collegewise:
With more than twenty years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.
