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Application Jumpstart Camp Readies Seniors for College

8/9/2018

Ninety-four Collegiate School rising seniors are participating in the Application Jumpstart Camp this week to get a headstart on the college application process.

Students have met with Collegiate counselors for help with filling out the Common Application that many colleges use and have begun drafting essays for other applications.

In the world of college admissions, requirements constantly change and differ from school to school, says Kim Ball, senior associate director of college counseling. The camp allows students the opportunity to make sense of the various requisites and work on applications and essays in a more relaxed environment, before the start of the hectic school year.

“We are able to have students' undivided and focused attention, and students can ask questions and also have a bit of fun while doing it since many of their friends are right alongside them,” she said.

Students also have received instruction on crafting emails, making phone calls and cleaning up social media accounts. Today, they got a chance to practice their interviewing skills with 12 admission professionals from Christopher Newport University, College of William & Mary, Hampden-Sydney College, Hollins University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, University of Lynchburg, University of Richmond and University of South Carolina.

While waiting for her mock interview with a rep from Hampden-Sydney, rising senior Callie Hancock said the week had helped her solidify her college essay.

“When the week began, I honestly had no idea where to start,” she said. “The camp gave me inspiration and I wrote an entire rough draft.”

Her classmate Matthew Barbieri said the camp eased his stress and fears about the entire application process.

“It’s not super complicated, but this camp gives you time dedicated in your schedule to get things done early,” he said. “It keeps you from procrastinating and it’s nice to get it finished.”

Mrs. Ball agreed with Matthew’s assessment — the camp allows students to feel a sense of accomplishment and begin their senior year with one less item on their to-do list.

“By the end of the week, so many students are more relaxed about the overall process and feel empowered to move forward during the rest of the year,” she said.

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