Application Jumpstart Camp Prepares Rising Seniors

This past week, along with 91 other Collegiate rising seniors, she spent five days at Application Jumpstart Camp, working with the Collegiate School College Counseling staff to prepare for the college application process. This is the camp’s third year.

During the week of Aug. 8-12, students, who represented 69% of the senior class, met with Collegiate counselors who helped them fill out the Common Application that many colleges use, as well as draft essays for other applications.

“If I didn’t do this camp, I would have to fill out applications in addition to doing homework and sports once school starts,” said Gift. “Now, I’ve gotten a head start on finishing my applications.”

Students also received instruction on crafting emails, making phone calls and cleaning up social media accounts. On Thursday, they got a chance to practice their interviewing skills with 14 admission professionals from seven different colleges including University of Richmond, College of William & Mary, Hollins University, Randolph-Macon College and Hampden-Sydney College.

Andrew Reich, Associate Director of College Counseling, says being in a comfortable environment helps ease any nervousness about the mock interviews.

“The students are confident in themselves and they learn how to present themselves in an honest, authentic manner,” he said.