College Application Bootcamp
Summer 2026
July 21st-24th
This experience is designed for rising 11th and 12th grades (Class of 2027 and 2028). A two part hands-on, intensive bootcamp, will leave your student feeling organized, supported, and confident with their college applications. Through both group and individual work we tailor the workshop to each students’ grade level, development, academic strengths, and future goals.
Services Included
In-person participation in a five day intensive college application workshop
In-person application completion booster weekend in August after applications open for the 2026-2027 application cycle
Complimentary 30 minute family consultation session with an HCC counselor
College Essay Drafts
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Activities List
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Resume Building
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Deadline Strategy
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Major Exploration
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College Essay Drafts 〰️ Activities List 〰️ Resume Building 〰️ Deadline Strategy 〰️ Major Exploration 〰️
What to Expect
Expect both lecture style presentations and guided work time for students to complete college application materials. Our counseling team will educate students on every component of the college application process.
Who?
Rising 11th and 12th grade high school students
When?
July 20, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Time?
12:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Location?
Dove Library 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011
What’s Included:
College List
Identify criteria that make a college a good fit for individual students
Build a balanced college application list of Likely, Target, and Reach schools
Learn college research techniques
Major search and selection
Complete major and career aptitude assessments
Learn how to research majors at different universities
The Essays
How to brainstorm and identify strong essay topics
Common App personal statement
UC PIQ essay writing techniques
Supplemental essay writing
Completion of essay drafts
Editing and feedback
Applications & Deadlines
Learn the difference between deadline types (Early Action, Early Decision 1 & 2, Regular, Rolling, and REA)
How to choose deadline strategy for a specific college list
Types of Applications: Common Application, UC Application, Cal State Application, UCAS, Texas Apply, Direct to Institution, and more.
Discuss Teacher Letter of Recommendation requests
Scholarship search
Testing
Discussion of testing policies
Test required schools
SAT/ACT score reporting: self-reporting vs. sending official reports
Test-optional for 2026-2027 admissions cycle and use of Fairtest.org
Activity Section
UC app activity section and how to list non A-G courses and complete the descriptions
Common App activity section and how to write descriptions and rank the 10 activities
Unique Pathways
Recruited Athletes - Create NCAA eligibility center account
Major specific supplementals and portfolios for Business, BS/MD, Nursing, Art, Architecture, Theater, etc.
The first part of camp is a week long workshop in July of interactive presentations, one-on-one consultation, and group work.
The second part of camp is application booster weekend in August. Since college applications for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle are available starting August 1st, all rising senior students will meet with an HCC counselor for an individual session in August to fill in and complete all college applications. All rising junior students can meet with a counselor to discuss maximizing time and performance in junior year.
11th Grade Perks
Preview to college admissions
Prepare for 2027-2028 application
Identify strengths and weaknesses in current application
Discussion of 12th grade coursework and academic planning
Major exploration
12th Grade Perks
Creating a balanced college list
Major and Career exploration
College essay completion
Activities list completion
Application completion
Application timeline and demonstrated interest strategy
Camp Schedule
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Our students ease into the day with a quick icebreaker games, review of the days schedule, and a welcome circle to set the tone.
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Lecture style presentation of the days topic which can include college research, activity list development, college essay development, application strategy, testing discussions, and more.
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Students will have independent time to work with individual monitoring, feedback, and support from our team of counselors
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After making individual progress, students will be led through exercises and prompts to help them fine tune their work.
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We'll end the day with a closing circle that sets expectations for the next day before students head home for the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Through our intensive workshop style programming, students will leave camp with:
College List
College Essay Drafts
Resume and Activity lists created
Individualized admissions strategy
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Complete the registration process and intake form so counselors know who you are before camp starts.
We expect students to come prepared with the following on the first day of camp:
Copy of current transcript(s)
Electronic device (laptop, iPad, etc.)
Motivation to start the college application process
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered college counseling approach with clear communication and reliable results. Our goal is to teach students time management, organizational skills, and coping mechanisms for stress throughout the college application process. HCC students effectively complete the application process while also becoming better prepared for post-graduation life.
It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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Yes! We offer hourly rate and counseling packages to continue work with your student throughout Junior and Senior year.
Contact us for more information!
Where to Find Us
While our office is located in Liberty Station, we are hosting our camp at the Dove Library in Carlsbad in the private, community Gowland Meeting Room. Located on the first floor of the library.
Dove Library - Gowland Meeting Room
1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Student Feedback
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"An opportunity to plan ahead when you feel anxiety about your future. You relieve some of that anxiety because you will know what to expect in senior year. "
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“College Camp helped me become more grounded and confident in the college application process. I now feel ready to head into senior year and apply for college. "
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“Helped me become more grounded and confident in the college application process. I now feel ready to head into senior year and apply for college. "
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“Gave me the preparation needed for my common app and uc apps and helped me perfect my essays and learn exactly what the colleges are looking for and taking into account."