Last week, our Year 12 students participated in an intensive USA Essay Writing Course, equipping them with the tools to craft compelling college application essays. 

Led by University and Careers Counsellor Maria Kalogera, the course guided students through a 10-step process to develop authentic, reflective, and well-structured essays.

Key takeaways included:
✅ Using their own voice to write a compelling story
✅ Understanding what US admissions officers look for
✅ Developing a structured approach to writing
✅ Receiving personalised feedback

During the course, students completed Steps 1-4, the critical stages where they brainstormed ideas and wrote their first draft. The Futures Team will continue to offer one-to-one support so they can work through the remaining steps, refine their writing, and finalise their Common Application essay.

By going through this process, students will have acquired the skills to approach their supplemental essays with confidence, ensuring they effectively showcase their interests, experiences, and fit for each university.

 Aspasia shared her experience:

"I found the course really useful because I brainstormed a solid idea for my essay, have my first draft ready, and a clear plan for what to do next."

Building on this foundation, over the next few weeks, students will also learn how to:
📌 Write CVs tailored to university applications and internships
📌 Create LinkedIn profiles to showcase their achievements and aspirations
📌 Communicate their personal brand effectively through essays, CVs, LinkedIn, and interviews

We are incredibly proud of their progress and excited to see where their stories will take them! 

University and Careers Counsellor Maria Kalogera is part of the St. Catherine's Futures Department - a team of experts who actively work with students in the Upper School to guide them through the Career Exploration and University application processes. The department is led by Rebecca Demetriades and also includes Dr. Erin Miniotis and Erietta Efthimerou.