A new addition to our series, the College Essay Bootcamp is an intensive one-week session designed for rising juniors and seniors who seek support and guidance to write their common application essay for college. Taught by Dr. Monika Gehlawat, a full professor in English, this camp will include brainstorming and drafting sessions, group workshops, one-on-one editorial feedback of student writing, as well as visits from USM leaders in undergraduate education. By the end of the bootcamp, students will have a solid draft of their common college application essay as well as material for supplemental essays depending on where they plan to apply.

The bootcamp will cost $400 and have 20 available spots for interested students. To expand access, 5 of those 20 seats will be supported by scholarships subsidized by The Office of the President at USM. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please provide a statement of interest and financial need to monika.gehlawat@usm.edu. 

Information on dates and registration for summer 2027 will be available here in March of 2027.