Workshop Wednesdays
Apply to college with confidence with our FREE, virtual workshops
How can I really nail my college essay? Is the Common App easy to fill out? How can my family afford college?
When you dive into your college search, the questions start piling up. So it’s time to find the answers in our free, online Workshop Wednesdays series. We’ll cover the topics that rise to the top for students planning for college.
Get advice from college admissions counselors and financial aid experts. Registration for summer sessions opens in May. Sign up and then watch for live sessions every week.
Writing College Essays Part 1: Brainstorm & Begin
July 15 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
In our most interactive workshop, we’ll lay out the DOs and DON’Ts of starting a college essay. Discover the ways to represent yourself in a genuine way to stand out among a sea of applicants.
Unpacking the Liberal Arts
July 22 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
Discover all the unique ways a liberal arts education can prepare you for life after college. With a vast choice of majors, liberal arts and sciences students learn skills that help them throughout their careers. We’ll also take a look at different types of higher education settings to help you decide which one might be best for you.
Writing College Essays Part 2: Revise & Refine
July 29 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
In our second interactive essay workshop, we’ll discuss the editing and fine-tuning of your college essay. Discover the ways to represent yourself in an authentic way to stand out among a sea of applicants. Note: previous attendance at the first essay workshop is not required!
Filling Out the Common Application
August 5 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
Let us be your guide as you make the leap into the Common App. This step-by-step tutorial from counselors who read Common Apps every year will give you the motivation to move from section to section with confidence. Get the tips that will help you make the most of your talents, energy, and academic achievements.
Cultivating a Best-Fit College List
August 12 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
Does your college list reflect your values? Learn how to look past the rankings to identify colleges that offer the specific mentorship, community, and mission you need to thrive.
Getting Your Letters of Recommendation
August 19 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
Getting into college is not a solo effort! In this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss the best ways to partner with your VIP supporters as they build letters of recommendation that truly highlight the academic strengths and personal characteristics that say you are college-ready.
International Admissions and Financial Aid Deep Dive
August 26 | 8:00 – 9:00 AM Central Time
For international and overseas students who are starting to get serious about U.S. universities, this is the perfect workshop. Get an insider’s look into how we read applications, how you can afford the top-ranked Macalester education, and how to navigate the current college admissions landscape. Plus, get answers to questions in real time from experienced admissions representatives.
Financial Aid 101
August 26 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time
Affording college is one of the top reasons students stress about the search. Don’t let fear of the unknown slow you down. We’ll lay out all the tools and resources available, and explain how the financial aid office is really friend not foe. Along the way, we’ll decode the financial aid lingo.
Past Workshops Recorded in 2025
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
In addition to Workshop Wednesdays, you’re always invited to learn more about Macalester in our Online Info Session. Hear about a variety of opportunities, classes, and pathways to graduation. Join an admissions staff member and current students to explore learning and living at Mac. Session includes a Q&A portion.