At 24, I was working at Vassar College, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country. As an Admission Officer, I read thousands of applications and learned what separates an ordinary application from an EXTRAordinary one.
Later, I took on the role of Director of College Counseling at an elite private girls’ school in Bel Air, California. My mission? To raise the bar and get these students into top-tier colleges.
🏈 The Head of School was feeling the pressure—like a coach with the game clock winding down.
🏈 Parents wanted results ASAP—no time for fumbles.
🏈 The Faculty? Let’s just say, they weren’t exactly cheering from the sidelines.
That summer I met with each rising senior. Each sheet of yellow lined paper contained a “formula” of how each girl could “package” herself. The key: The Essays. I read essays morning, noon and night to keep up with the number of essays each student needed for feedback and revisions. But it worked.
(Me with my Marymount colleagues and some of the alumnae I coached.)
Soon the amount of essay feedback requested from the girls was not sustainable during the school year. Essay BootCamp was born in the summer of 2003 where we welcomed students from across Los Angeles.
Later, I wrote my first book
Then something more amazing happened…
People started calling me to ask if I would work with their son or daughter.
Word about my book got around about the high profile colleges the students were admitted to and more families wanted access to the secret sauce!!
I decided to take on a few private clients. But, I was nervous.
After working in admissions at Vassar College and at Marymount High School, where Mariska Hargitay, Tatiana Ali and Kim Kardashian attended, I wondered if these essay strategies could help students who did NOT attend elite private high schools.
And guess what? It worked. Thanks to a few parents who trusted me with their kiddos, I had an opportunity to experiment (don’t tell them I said so) and refine my college essay formula.
Students everywhere can now enjoy the same private access that was once exclusive to girls at a private school in Bel Air!
🏫 Whether you’re from a public, private or Catholic school, THIS essay formula works!
📢 Whether you’re a B+/A student looking to stand out, THIS essay formula works!
🤷♀️🙋🏽 Whether you're completely stuck on where to begin or how to start, THIS essay formula works!
🎉 Whether you have a draft that's already "good" but need it to WOW the admissions office, THIS essay formula works!
Our 90-minute signature exercise is the SECRET SAUCE—it’s where the real magic happens. As of today, I’ve helped over 10,000 public, private, and Catholic school students from all backgrounds using this exact method!
The Power Play Essay Kit shows applicants how to write essays that aren’t just “good”—they’re GREAT. Even WOWZA! These are the kinds of essays that make admissions officers want to root for you. And that’s the real game-changer between getting accepted and being wait-listed or denied.
Here’s the thing: most applicants are qualified for a range of schools that they could get into without breaking a sweat. But then there’s the dream school—the one that seems just out of reach, with a fiercely competitive applicant pool.
🏈 With the Power Play Essay Kit, applicants increase their chances of admission by 50-70%.
Why? Here’s the secret: Most students play it safe, sticking to common topics and writing as if they’re submitting an English paper. The result? Their essays disappear into the sea of 50K, 80K, or even 100K+ applications.
STUDENTS AREN'T REJECTED. APPLICATIONS ARE.
The Power Play Essay Kit is your quickest way to make your college dreams a reality
and make your family proud!
“Dr. Colón truly believed in my college dreams. Through College Essay BootcampI learned to craft my activities, academic endeavors, curiosities, and passions into a cohesive narrative and persuasively articulated my vision of my future to each college. Dr. Colón provided admission secrets, essay writing tips, and gems that I would not have received otherwise. ”
Janah R., Class of 2022
Chicago Public Schools
Princeton, Class of 2026
“My sons are excellent math and science students, the essay piece I knew there would be some writers' block happening. The Power Play Essay Kit exceeded expectations (mine and the boys). The kids wrote essays that were true to themselves. The writing exercises allow the students to be introspective and develop multiple ideas that are true to themselves. Once they mastered the skill and methods, they were able to write even more essays on their own.”
Sarah P., Parent of twins Class of 2022
Brewster New York public schools
Sean, UVA, Class of 2026
John, NC State, Class of 2026
“Dr. C helped me believe in myself and communicate my qualities, character, and life to admissions officers through extraordinary essay workshops. I am extremely grateful to God to have met and worked with Dr. Cynthia Colon.”
Esteban M., Class of 2023
San Diego Private Catholic School
USC, Class of 2027
“Our son enrolled in essay camp to help with applications and scholarships. He became more confident in his writing and was able to effectively put his thoughts on paper. We are forever grateful for Dr. C’s guidance and positive outlook in this very competitive world of college admissions.”
Roxanne, Parent of Class of 2023
LA Catholic School
U Michigan, Class of 2025
“Through Dr. Colón’s incredible knowledge, passionate energy, and effective resources, my overbearing college admissions transformed into an enjoyable storytelling process. As a high schooler, it was difficult to write about my inner passions in a way that answered the essay prompts. But through Essay Bootcamp, I was able to write honest stories that made me so proud of the person I have become."
Jolene R., Class of 2023
Los Angeles Archdiocesan Catholic School
Boston College, Class of 2027
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STUDENTS
VIEWS AND COUNTING
In this quick 30 minute training, you're going to learn exact proven formula to craft standout college essays that capture the attention of admissions officers. This teen-proofed, battle-tested formula is easy-to-follow and takes the guesswork out of, "What do I write about?" (Value $3505)
Within the first 60 minutes, students go from brainstorm to drafted essays, cutting the writing time in half. The 12-Minute What-Why-Memory formula is our secret sauce. Whether you come to the table with an idea, a draft, or nothing started, this essay formula injects confidence into every single student! From B+ to A+ students, you can create essays that captures the attention of Admission Officers who will ultimately advocate for you! (Value $2,957)
You're going to receive customizable, reusable templates specifically designed to speed up your essay writing process and cut drafting time in half. The template in Step 3, known as the "JIA" template is a favorite for all students. JIA is truly priceless—it's the key that moves your essay from "Good" to "WOWZA," just by following the template. (Value $77)
Over the years I've seen hundreds of failed essays topics and I don't want you to make the same mistakes. So, I'm going to reveal the 4 topics applicants should avoid and what you should do instead so that you land a spot at your dream college. (Value $197)
This is PURE GOLD!! If you've ever wanted to see real submitted essays that were big winners, here is your opportunity!! If you're like me, you just need a sample to get those wheels turning. These essays are exactly what students need for a kick start!! Gold! (Value $77)
Watch as I transform three real student essays into compelling, acceptance-worthy submissions that stand out among thousands. See how small tweaks and powerful strategies turn ordinary essays into ones that grab the attention of admissions officers. Learn the secrets behind crafting essays that truly make a difference!
The Common Essay – The type of essay every admissions officer has read 1,000 times. Watch as I transform it into an essay that earned an acceptance to The University of Notre Dame.
The Kitchen Sink Essay – This essay had it all, but sometimes less is more! After applying our essay formula, it became one that secured admission to Northwestern.
The Boring Essay – An essay that lacked impact and failed to engage the reader. Using our formula, it was completely reworked and went on to get accepted by Harvard.
Value $197
SUPER BONUS : REAL Essay Transformations; 3 Before-and-After Essays (Value: $197)
🏃♂️ Would you show up to a cross-country meet without ever having run around the track?
💃 Would you compete in a dance competition without a coach to choreograph the routine and guide your team?
📚 Would you walk into a final exam without reviewing the study guide?
📝 Would you take the SAT without cracking open a test prep guide or working with a tutor?
If you answered NO to at least two of these, here’s why you need the Power Play Essay Kit:
✅ Reduce Stress. Increase Success: See 25% improvement in just the first 90-minute exercise.
✅ Get Every Edge and Advantage Possible: Play to win.
✅ Mom and Dad will stop nagging: Enough said.
✅ You’re a Dream Builder: You’re chasing something big.
✅ You’ll never regret investing time now to make the family proud later: This is your moment to shine.
With the Power Play Essay Kit in your hands, you hold the power to transform your college application and take control of your happy future. Say goodbye to the usual common topics, stop writing about the 4 Ds: Death, Divorce, Devastation or an actual “D.” Say hello to the expert advice and step-by-step guidance you need to find your All STAR Stand-Out winning essay! This Essay Kit is your ticket to unlocking more college acceptance letters than you ever dreamed of!
As my mother used to say, “Don’t put off for tomorrow, what you can do today!” Start writing the most important piece of writing to date and join the ranks of those who have turned their dreams into reality.
🏈 Are you ready to join the team? We’ve been waiting for you!
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión!
She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and founder of College Essay Bootcamp and Dream College Academy. “Cyndie” grew up with 14 Tíos and Tías with advice on everything except how to get admitted to college.
Cynthia's immigrant mother had the courage to ask for help and changed the trajectory of her life. Because of Lydia (Mom), Cynthia is an alumna of USC, Columbia University, and UCLA. Dr. Colón is on a mission to help more public school students get private school service to access top 100 colleges.
Dr. Colón delivered her first TEDx Talk, “College Admissions Is NOT Fair,” in Los Angeles in 2023. She has been featured on KTLA, ABC, NBC, FOX 5, KCAL, WGN, WPIX.
The Powerplay Essay Kit is designed for quick and easy consumption. All the materials, including the step-by-step guidance and exercises, are broken into manageable sections so students can digest them in small parts. The entire kit can be completed in just a couple of days, all while making steady progress on the essay.
YESS!! For seniors, it provides quick, actionable steps to draft and refine their essays efficiently. The kit’s structure cuts the drafting time in half, helping students move quickly from a rough draft to a polished final version. It’s perfect for those who are just starting, need to catch up or make last-minute improvements.
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