Get Into Your Dream School
If you are a high school senior, junior, or even sophomore, you are almost certainly starting to think about applying to college. And let’s be honest: doing so has become incredibly complex.
From building a college list, to navigating the application process and its deadlines, to figuring out whether to submit test scores when optional, to deciphering initialisms like EA, ED, REA, and RD, and so much more, it’s just completely overwhelming.
And that’s all before you even start filling out the Common App. Once you get to that point, you have to decide how best to frame yourself, pick a topic, write the best possible personal statement and supplemental essays, and persuasively convey your activities and academic honors.
There’s also sourcing letters of recommendation and preparing for (and then nailing) interviews – not to mention actually picking a school once you start getting decisions. We’re anxious just thinking about it! But we’ve also been in your shoes, and we can help.
CCA Makes It Easier
The Crimson Coaching Academy is a one-week application boot camp held on Harvard’s beautiful Cambridge, Massachusetts campus. Programs run weekly from June through August.
High school seniors, juniors, and exceptional sophomores are invited to apply, with admission granted based on qualifications and availability. We are proud to offer need-based financial aid for both domestic and international students, with requests evaluated on a case-by-case basis following application to the CCA.
We promise you’ll leave with a completed Common App you are proud of, having received expert, hands-on instruction and insider tips from Harvard students and admissions officers alike. Ready to get into your dream school? Apply to the CCA today.
Where have our alumni been accepted?
What to expect when you attend the CCA
PRESENTING YOUR BEST SELF
Complete the Common App
We excel at refining personal statements with individualized guidance, leveraging our instructors’ track records of successful college admissions and winning insights. Our tailored approach ensures your entire Common App authentically represents your strengths, maximizing your chances of standing out to admissions committees at top-tier colleges and universities. Ready to get into your dream school? Apply now.
GUIDANCE, TIPS, AND SECRETS
Get Insider Information
Not only will you be able to network with like-minded peers, but you’ll also receive mentorship directly from current Harvard students, as well as guidance, tips, and even some secrets from admissions officers. What does the Harvard admissions committee look for in an application? How is each applicant graded? What pitfalls should you avoid? Learn all this and more at the CCA. Ready to get into your dream school? Apply now.
UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE
Explore Harvard and MIT
Immerse yourself in these prestigious institutions alongside current undergraduates. The CCA offers a unique taste of life at Harvard and MIT that goes way beyond any public tour you might take. Ask questions of and get to know some of Harvard’s best and brightest throughout the weeklong program, making memories and ensuring your experience is truly unforgettable. Ready to get into your dream school? Apply now.
Program Dates
We offer 11 weeks of programming designed to fit your schedule. Below is a list of all of our program dates.
June 1-5
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29 - July 3
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
5-Day Schedule
While each day at the CCA is different, all run from 9AM - 5PM. Students can expect to be notified of exact classroom locations prior to their arrival, but know that all classes will be held on Harvard’s historic campus. All sessions will be staffed by multiple tutors to answer questions in real time.
9:00-10:00 Intro to the CCA
10:00-10:05 Break
10:05-10:35 Intro to the Common App
10:35-10:40 Break
10:40-11:45 Choosing Your Topic
11:45-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:45 Brainstorming Work Session for Topics
1:45-3:15 Tour of Harvard
3:15-4:40 How to Write the Best
Personal Statement
4:40-5:00 Closing Remarks
9:00-10:20 How to Fill Out the Activities & Honors Section
10:20-10:30 Break
10:30-11:30 Q&A Session with Harvard Students About the Application & Student Life
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 How to Build a College List
1:30-1:40 Break
1:40-2:10 Panel with College Admissions Officers
2:10-2:40 EA vs. ED vs. REA vs. RD
2:40-3:50 Personal Statement Work Session
3:50-4:00 Break
4:00-5:00 Honors & Activities Work Session
9:00-9:30 Test Optional & Test Score Submission Discussion
9:30-9:40 Break
9:40-10:40 Intro to Supplemental Essays
10:40-12:00 Supplemental Essay Work Session
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Introduction to Resumes
2:00-2:30 Resume Work Session
2:30-3:40 Personal Statement Work Session
3:40-4:30 How Harvard Grades Applications & How It Can be Applied Across Schools
4:30-5:00 Personal Statement Work Session
9:00-9:30 How to Edit Your Personal Statement
9:30-11:30 Tour of MIT
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:00 More on How to Edit Your Personal Statement & Other Essays
2:00-2:10 Break
2:10-4:00 Free Work Session for Personal Statements, Supplementals, Resumes, College Lists, etc.
4:00-4:05 Break
4:05-5:00 How to Ace Your Interview
9:00-11:30 Mock Interviews & Work Session
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 How to Pick a School After Decisions
1:30-1:40 Break
1:40-2:30 Integrating into College Academics
2:30-2:35 Break
2:35-3:30 Integrating into College Life
3:30-4:30 Final Work Session & Feedback for Essays
4:30-5:00 Closing Statements
Cost and Eligibility
CCA alumni and their families often tell us that investing in this program is one of the best decisions they ever made.
Tuition is $1,800, with early application discounts and generous need-based financial aid available.
Our programs are designed for high school students in grades 10-12 who are preparing for the college application process.
The CCA is hosted by HSA Tutoring:
Students (and parents) love the CCA:
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