Learn What Admissions Expects–Brainstorm Your Topic–Start Your First Draft–Get Feedback

Expert Advice–Individualized Attention–Stress Reduction

We are excited to partner with PC Reads for a LIVE and IN PERSON college essay workshop!

In this two and a half hour workshop, Michelle McAnaney, Founder of The College Spy, will teach your student how to write an effective Common Application college essay. Students will be walked step-by-step through the brainstorming and topic selection process with feedback and assistance from Michelle. There will be time to start the first draft of the essay during the workshop. This workshop is for both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.

Students will finish the first draft of their essay for homework and submit the draft for detailed, written feedback on how they can improve their essay.

Some students will need assistance strengthening the content of their essays. These students will be provided with guided questions to spur their thinking and expand their essays. Other students will benefit from assistance structuring their drafts to improve the flow of their writing. Students who are exceptionally strong writers may only need assistance in polishing their essay as they move towards completion. Wherever your student is in the writing process when the first draft is submitted, our feedback will help move the draft to the next level.

The workshop is limited to only five students to assure maximum individualized attention.

Date: September 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Pizza will be served for dinner.)

Location: PC Reads Office, 1700 Park Avenue, Park City, UT

Who will benefit from the College Essay Workshop?

Current high school seniors who want advice on what colleges are looking for in a Common Application essay and expert guidance on the process of identifying a topic and writing an effective essay.

Families who want to assure that their student is motivated and moving forward with the essay writing process.

Parents and students who want to reduce stress by avoiding a last-minute crunch as applications come due.

The College Essay Workshop Includes:

• Information on what makes an effective college essay.

• Best practices for writing a college essay.

• Analysis of sample essays.

• A format and structure to assist with brainstorming topics with immediate feedback from the instructor.

• Assistance choosing a topic.

• A deadline for completing the first draft and submitting it to the instructor for review. (This deadline will help students make progress on their essays well before the college application deadlines.)

• A comprehensive review of the first draft of the essay. The student will receive detailed, written feedback on how to improve the first draft.

The College Essay Workshop Instructor

Michelle McAnaney, founder of The College Spy, is an expert in college admissions and has helped hundreds of students and parents successfully navigate the college admissions process. She has visited over 250 colleges and shares her first-hand college knowledge with her clients to ensure they find the right fit. Michelle has more than 20 years of experience as a college admissions consultant and school counselor. She is delighted to share her expertise with your student.

For more information on The College Essay Workshop, contact Michelle McAnaney directly at michelle@thecollegespy.com or 207-593-6837.