College Applications Bootcamp@Acton
Your Path to College, Simplified!
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The college application process can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for Acton's inaugural College Applications Bootcamp (CAB), a hands-on, stress-reducing program designed for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This immersive experience will help students break down the college application process into manageable steps, providing expert guidance every step of the way.
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We are proud to host Vivien Wu (Harvard BA, Wharton MBA), who will lead the sessions with her extensive knowledge and experience. Through structured lessons, interactive workshops, and personalized feedback, students will gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate their applications successfully.
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With limited seats available, priority registration will go to rising 12th graders, but all interested students are welcome to sign up!
2 Week Bootcamp Details
Below you will find the information for our College Application Bootcamp. All sessions will be Monday through Friday and include Lunch.
Dates
Session 1: July 7 - July 18
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Session 2: July 21 - August 1
Time
9 AM - 3 PM Daily
Location
About Vivien Wu
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BA, Harvard University
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MBA, The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania
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College counselor, high school teacher certified in MA state
Vivien Wu has 15 years of experience in college, internship, and career counseling. Throughout this time she has helped students achieve their grade improvement, performance, or learning goals. She has coached teens for educational goals ranging from applying to Ivy Leagues and elite programs, to obtaining scholarships, to navigating transfers, gap years, and accommodations.
In all of the universities and institutions she joined, Vivien worked for selection committees, read and advised application and scholarship application essays, and worked for diversity, equity, and inclusion committees to enhance campus culture.
Vivien is an active writer herself and has done scholarship, grant, corporate communications, marketing copy, and journalism writing as well as creative fiction writing. Her love of writing and performing poetry and prose began at age 10.
As a Taiwanese-American and first-generation immigrant, Vivien draws on her personal experiences with adversity and perseverance to connect with and inspire mentees to achieve their best. She is passionate about helping youth overcome their struggles with academic performance or writer’s block because she is inspired by the lasting changes and increased confidence that result from practicing storytelling and self-advocacy.

Camp Overview

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What Students Will Gain
By the end of the bootcamp, students will have:
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An updated resume showcasing their achievements
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A well-structured Extracurricular & Awards List
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A personalized college list (Reach, Target, and Safety schools)
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A major and academic plan aligned with their interests
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A polished Personal Statement and Common App essay
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A strategic plan for Early Decision/Early Action vs. Regular Decision
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Program Highlights
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Step-by-step guidance on filling out applications, presenting extracurriculars, and crafting a compelling academic narrative
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Writing workshops to perfect Personal Statements and Supplemental Essays
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Mock interviews and feedback sessions to prepare for college admissions conversations
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Expert advice on special situations (Optional Essays, extra recommendations, scholarships, gap years, and more)
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Scholarship search strategies and essay adaptation tips
Maximize your college application success by attending both bootcamp sessions for extra time and personalized guidance.​
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