A focused walkthrough of the CSU Application, covering how it differs from the Common App and UC App, how to present your profile effectively, and tips for strong personal statements specific to the CSU system.

Competitive summer programs open their applications in the fall and winter, so October is the time to start the search. This workshop walks students through building a program list that fits them.

Students will gain:

1. A curated list of summer programs matched to their interests, goals, and academic profile.

2. Search strategies for finding strong programs beyond the famous names.

3. A way to tell a selective program from a pay-to-play one.

4. A comparison framework for judging quality, selectivity, and fit.

5. A deadline timeline for the applications they want to pursue.

Think your family earns too much to qualify for financial aid? Join us for an exclusive parent seminar where we break down exactly what you need to know about the 2026-2027 FAFSA and CSS Profile. We’ll show you how colleges assess wealth, why high-earning families still need to file, and which avoidable mistakes quietly cost families time and money.

Many colleges now ask for an interview, a recorded video response, or both. This workshop shows students how to prepare for each one and make a memorable impression.

Students will gain:

1. Answers to the most common interview questions, built from their own specific stories.

2. A storytelling framework they can apply to any question they have not rehearsed.

3. Body language and pacing habits that make them look calm and confident on camera.

4. A method for researching each school so every answer connects back to that campus.

5. A recording-day checklist for timed video prompts, where there is no second take.

Grades follow habits, and habits are built, not wished for. This session takes students through the practical mechanics of managing a demanding schedule: planning backward from deadlines, protecting study time, and using techniques that actually match how memory works. Students won't just listen; they'll build a personalized semester calendar during the session and leave with concrete study goals and a resource list they can put to work the next school day.

One application, nine campuses, and a format unlike anything else your students will fill out. The UC Application has its own logic: twenty activity slots, strict character limits, two additional comments boxes, and no letters of recommendation to lean on. That means every field you fill out carries more weight. This session is a comprehensive walkthrough of the entire application, with strategy for presenting your activities at full value and positioning yourself for admission across the UC system, not just one campus.

The strongest extracurriculars aren't joined; they're built. This session shows students how to spot a genuine gap in their school or community and turn it into an organization that fills it. We'll cover how to move from idea to founding, how to recruit members who stick around, and why this kind of initiative carries real weight with admissions readers. If you've ever noticed a problem no one else is addressing, this workshop will show you how to become the person who does.

The Common Application is the front door to more than 1,000 colleges, and how you fill it out matters more than most students realize. This session walks through the entire application section by section: building your activities list, choosing recommenders, understanding the honors section, and avoiding the small mistakes that make admissions readers pause. Whether you're starting from a blank account or polishing a nearly finished application, you'll leave knowing exactly what a strong Common App looks like and how to get yours there.

Come learn about programs created by Meridian Prep students and discover how you can get involved!

Our students will present opportunities across a variety of fields, including health and medicine, engineering, business, civics, community service, and the arts.

Awards aren't just résumé lines; they signal initiative, follow-through, and the kind of self-directed growth that colleges and scholarship committees look for. This session introduces the Congressional Award, the highest honor the United States Congress gives to young people. Students earn it by setting and reaching goals in four areas: volunteer service, a personal skill or hobby they want to develop, physical fitness, and an exploration or expedition trip. We'll walk through how to register, how to set goals in each area, and how to describe your activities in a way that genuinely stands out.

Students will learn how to write powerful, concise activity descriptions using the Google Resume XYZ formula. Session covers how to prioritize, frame, and quantify extracurricular involvement for maximum impact.

This seminar introduces KnowItNow, a student-led organization empowering young people to create change through civic literacy. Students will explore how chapters operate and collaborate to build civic education initiatives, and how to start a chapter at their own school.

A comprehensive introduction to the SAT, ACT, and AP landscape. Students learn how to register, build a realistic test timeline, run a diagnostic, and select the right resources to meaningfully improve their scores.

Students identify and develop a passion project that reflects their genuine interests and curiosity. Session covers how to scope a project, make consistent progress, and document the experience in a way that resonates in applications.

Strong letters of recommendation can set your application apart. Join us to learn who to ask, when to ask, and how to prepare your teachers and brag sheet for maximum impact.

Demystify the college application process and start your journey with a clear plan! This workshop provides a step-by-step roadmap for the upcoming season, helping students and families navigate requirements with confidence and clarity.

Stop guessing and start searching with purpose!

Finding the right college is about more than just rankings; it’s about finding a place where you will actually thrive.

Learn how to identify which activities truly make an impact on college applications—and which ones don’t.

2026 Fellowship Applications Open

EatTheElephant.org is opening applications for an exclusive Fellowship program for just 9 students. This program partners with the internationally renowned Capstone Project at Cal Poly Pomona's College of Environmental Design (CED) to give you a chance to execute real-world research.

Categories Available: Business, Engineering, Medicine

This is a high-impact, international research and implementation fellowship designed to significantly boost your application profile while providing high-level extracurriculars and honors.

Eat the Elephant (ETE) is a non-profit organization focused on implementing real-world solutions to global infrastructure and community challenges, starting with sustainable development projects around the world.

Practical interview strategies for college, scholarships, and internships.

Step-by-step guidance on the Cal State Apply portal, from creating an account to entering coursework, activities, and campus selections. 

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Common Application, from setting up your profile to completing activity descriptions, essays, and supplemental questions. This workshop will help you avoid common mistakes, stay organized, and present yourself effectively to colleges.

An in-depth guide to completing the University of California application, including personal insight questions, activity descriptions, and academic history.

Learn how to maximize your financial aid eligibility! Parents with students grades 9-12 are encouraged to attend. Don’t believe you qualify? Our specialist has helped families with over $300k in annual income receive aid. So join us to see if you are eligible for college savings!

This workshop will cover how admissions officers evaluate your resume and how to use the Google XYZ Resume Formula to present your accomplishments with impact.

In this workshop, we’ll break down what makes a great essay, how to choose the right topic, and how to structure your story for maximum impact.

In this workshop, we’ll break down what makes a great essay, how to choose the right topic, and how to structure your story for maximum impact.

In this workshop, students will explore the importance of volunteerism and advocacy to make meaningful social impacts within their schools and communities.

This workshop will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create effective resumes that enhance their college admissions.

With standardized testing becoming more relevant, understand how to maximize your scores and use them to strengthen your applications.