Schaumburg library to offer teens 'College Bootcamp'
No doubt about it, preparing for college can be daunting. There's the searching, choosing, figuring out the financials, applying for scholarships and filling out lengthy applications.
If you need help with making the process a little smoother, let the Schaumburg Township District Library pave the way. We've got three free workshops this month designed to help college-bound high school students write knock-'em-dead essays and impressive applications.
These "College Bootcamp" sessions presented by C2 Education take place from 7-8:30 p.m. the first three Wednesdays in May in the Adult Classroom on the library's second floor.
Registration is required, so be sure to call the Teen Desk at (847) 923-3240 or register online at www.schaumburglibrary.org and click on the "Teens" button at the top. Registration can also take place at the Teen Desk in front of Teen Place.
Students may attend any number of the sessions, but will get the most benefit from attending all three.
"College Bootcamp" kicks off with "Preparing Your Essay, Part 1" on Wednesday, May 7. This session highlights the all-important college essay. Participants will learn the purpose and significance of the essay and strategies for composing a final product that college admissions officers will consider "exceptional." In this workshop, each student will organize an essay and write a first draft.
The second session, "The College Application," will be held Wednesday, May 14. Students will learn how to navigate and maximize their Common Application. They will also learn effective interviewing techniques designed to wow a college-admissions officer.
"College Bootcamp" concludes with "Preparing Your College Essay, Part 2" on Wednesday, May 21. Students who attended Part 1 should bring the first draft of their college essay to this session. Instructors will review and edit the rough draft, and make suggestions for making it stand out.
"Over the past few years, the library has focused on increasing the number of college planning programs for high school students and parents," said Anna Pederson, STDL's high school liaison librarian.
"I'm excited to offer the college prep boot camp because it gives students an intensive learning experience with the staff from C2 Education. After three sessions, students will have a well-crafted college admissions essay and the knowledge they need to get into the school of their dreams."