Program FAQs

I’m an average student—not in the top half of my class.  Will College Prep Application Camp help me?

Absolutely!  Often “average” students need more help highlighting their strengths and making their applications stand out.  Because college admissions has become so competitive, many students resign themselves to attending a 3rd or 4th tier state school because they don’t see any alternatives.  We will suggest colleges that fit your goals and work to make your application stand out.

What if I don’t know where I want to apply to college? Can I still participate in Application Camp?

Yes, you need Application Camp!   Undecided students are encouraged to work on the Apply Texas or Common Application as we help you finalize your application list.

Who will be teaching the camp?

Camp is run by Megan Dorsey, a nationally recognized expert in SAT prep and college admissions advising.  Megan is a Rice graduate, certified counselor, and holds a certificate in college admissions counseling from UCLA.  Guest speakers will be brought in to share their expertise, including a Rice University interviewer and our expert editor “The Grammar Queen.”

How many students are in the class?  Will I get personalized attention?

In order to provide individualized attention, camp registration will be limited to 10 students.  We will work in small groups and one-on-one to plan, review, edit, and revise your work.  In addition, you have two private sessions, which can be scheduled as needed to help finalize your application.

What will we cover in class?

Camp includes at total of six scheduled group sessions and two individual meetings.  Our goal is to fully complete one college application including resume (activity list), essays, short answer responses, letter of recommendation requests, and practice interviews.

What will we cover in the individual meetings?

Your two individual sessions can be used at any point in the process and can cover any aspect of college admissions. Common uses for these sessions include evaluating college choices, revising and editing essays, finalizing applications, and developing additional essays for college or scholarship applications….but the choice is yours.

What do I need to bring?

A good attitude and a willingness to work!  If you aren’t interested in putting in the effort to write, revise, participate, and try, you shouldn’t sign up for camp. We will provide everything else you need, including college guidebooks, an application organizer, and a take-home workbook.

What if I can’t make it to either the summer or the fall camp?

We are in the process of developing an online version of the program for fall 2011.  Check back soon for more details.

Additionally each year, Megan Dorsey works with a limited number of students on a one-on-one college planning program.  The fees are much higher and most years, Megan reaches her maximum number of seniors before the school year begins.

Is there a guarantee?  Will I get into my top schools?

No ethical counselor can guarantee college admission.  In the past, College Prep students have seen great success in college admission, but it involves a lot of hard work.

Why do you require a deposit to hold my place in the class?

Enrolment in the camp is limited to 10 students per session.  Your deposit confirms your intent to participate in camp and lets us know you are serious.  We will close registration and turn away interested students once capacity is reached; therefore, your deposit is not refundable.

Do you have scholarships available for attending the College Prep Application Camp?

Each year, College Prep donates a full scholarship for the program to a low-income school in the area.