The 4-Week Essay Bootcamp

The Icon 4-Week Essay Bootcamp is a focused, high-impact writing program designed for high school students who are ready to craft, refine, and polish their college application essays with expert guidance.

This program is built for families who want more than generic writing advice. Instead, students receive structured instruction, clear deadlines, and admissions-driven feedback to help them produce a personal statement, UC Personal Insight Questions, and supporting essays that are authentic, compelling, and competitive for selective colleges.

  • The Icon 4-Week Essay Bootcamp is a short-term, intensive program that combines:

    • Weekly live writing workshops

    • Structured brainstorming and drafting frameworks

    • Pre-work assignments and video tutorials

    • Homework assignments and additional video tutorials each week

    • Personalized feedback from an admissions-oriented writing expert

    The Bootcamp is designed to help students move from a blank page to a strong, polished draft efficiently and confidently.

    Students progress together through the writing process, building momentum each week instead of procrastinating or endlessly revising in isolation.

    All core content is delivered via Zoom and email, making it accessible from anywhere in the world.

  • Each Bootcamp is led by a college admissions writing expert who has supported students who have earned admission to top universities.

    Your student works directly with someone who:

    • Has read and evaluated hundreds of college essays

    • Understands what admissions officers look for in strong personal statements

    • Knows how to balance storytelling, reflection, and clarity

    • Can identify what strengthens or weakens an application narrative

    Our writing instructors teach students how to write with purpose and intention, not just how to sound impressive.

  • Over four weeks, students participate in weekly live Zoom sessions focused on different stages of the essay process, including:

    • Brainstorming meaningful topics and experiences

    • Developing a clear narrative arc and central message

    • Drafting and refining the personal statement

    • Editing for clarity, voice, and impact

    Each week includes guided pre-work and post-class homework, meaning there are 2 sets of assignments due each week.

    Sessions are recorded, and students can rewatch them as needed throughout the program.

    Students will also receive complimentary access to the Senior Year Strategy Academy as part of their enrollment in the 4-Week Essay Bootcamp.

  • Students enrolled in the 8-Week Admissions Accelerator receive complimentary access to the Senior Year Strategy Academy, a structured support system designed to keep students on track throughout the rest of application season.

    The Senior Year Strategy Academy provides ongoing twice-monthly strategy check-ins, timely guidance tied to admissions deadlines, and accountability to help students manage essays, applications, interviews, and decisions without falling behind. This ensures that students don’t lose momentum after the Accelerator ends and continue executing their plan with clarity, confidence, and expert oversight through senior year.

  • The 4-Week Essay Bootcamp is only focused on the essays, whereas the 8-Week Admissions Accelerator program is much more comprehensive.

    The 4-Week Program is more appropriate for students and families looking for essay-only support for the Personal Statement, UC Personal Insight Questions, and Supplemental Essays. For any other application support or inquiries, families can choose the 8-Week Admissions Accelerator or supplement the 4-Week Bootcamp with private 1:1 strategy sessions throughout application season.

  • Writing is personal, and feedback matters.

    Throughout the Bootcamp, students receive:

    • Targeted written feedback on their drafts

    • Line-level suggestions to improve clarity and flow

    • Guidance tailored to their background, voice, and goals

    The goal is simple: by the end of the program, your student will have a polished personal statement, UC PIQs, and supplemental essays that feel authentic and ready to submit.

    Students may also register for optional 1:1 Essay Review or Strategy Meetings for additional personalized support beyond the group setting if necessary.

  • The Icon 4-Week Essay Bootcamp including the Senior Year Strategy Academy is $3,499.

    This is a premium, short-term program priced to reflect its intensity and individualized feedback. It is ideal for families who want focused, expert-led essay support without committing to a longer program.

  • The 4-Week Essay Bootcamp is an intensive writing course. Students should expect to dedicate 10-15 hours of commitment each week including class time, homework assignments, pre-work assignments, and office hours.