Last week, our seniors gathered for the College Counseling Summer Institute (CCSI), a three-day program designed to help them get a head start on applications before the school year begins.

“It’s basically a boot camp for students,” said Director of College Counseling Rhody Davis. “It gives them the space to focus before the demands of senior year kick in.”

The program, a Viewpoint tradition for more than 20 years, included workshops on supplemental essays, Common Application and UC application sessions, and a new addition: two workshops focused on essay brainstorming and revision, led by specialist Felicia Hellman. Students also met with admission officers for feedback on their college essays.

“Progress looks different for every student,” Davis said. “Some came in with drafts already, while others were just starting out, but everyone had the chance to move forward.”

While CCSI focuses on applications, Davis sees it as a reflection of Viewpoint’s college counseling program, which is built on longstanding and trusted relationships between counselors and students.

“My goal is for students to feel like they can come in and know it’s a safe, welcoming space,” she said. “You’re not going to share your vulnerabilities in this process if you don’t trust someone. And when that trust is there, even the difficult feedback lands in a constructive way.”

While college may be the next big step for our seniors, Davis sees it as only the beginning of a much larger journey.

“The bigger question is what you want to do when you’re in college,” Davis said. “Do you want to study abroad, pursue research, or build skills that will prepare you for the future? Being intentional about those goals helps you make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Congratulations to the college counseling team on another successful CCSI and for guiding our seniors through this exciting next chapter.