AWW wrap-up!

Dream Project’s largest event of the year, Admissions Workshop Weekend (AWW), held last year on November 15 and 16, brought high school seniors together with mentors and writing tutors for two days of intense work on completing quality college applications. During the fall quarter, before college application deadlines, seniors travel from their high schools to the UW campus (transport courtesy of Dream Project), where, after a brief information session in Kane Hall, they are led to Mary Gates Hall or the Electrical Engineering Building for work time. While working, mentors and writing tutors were available for assistance and advice.

Preparation for Admissions Workshop Weekend began in late September with weekly meetings of the AWW Planning Committee. This year, the committee comprised 17 dedicated Dream Project members, some of whom were new to Dream Project events. Upon leaving for the day, students were asked to fill out an exit survey. This marks the first year that 100% of the students who filled out the survey (324 students responded) said they are “planning to apply to college.” By any measure, AWW was definitely a success!

One of the best parts of being a part of the Dream Project is knowing you really make a difference.  Here’s some feedback from the students who attended AWW:

“The most helpful part [of AWW] was the mentors and how they were always eager to help out on any part of the application process, especially the personal essays”

“This event was EXTREMELY helpful and I am so glad I attended. I was very stressed and self-conscious about my personal statement, but after listening to all the advice and help I received it made me feel more confident and more at ease. I’m really happy about the progress made today.”

“[AWW] was beneficial for me because I had so many questions on college applications and the mentors helped me understand what things I need and how to get my other things like the SAT test score and how to increase my scores. I really appreciated the mentors and their hard work in helping me.”

“The most beneficial part was being able to sit down one on one with a current college students and gaining knowledge from them about the admission process and college in general.”

“The help I received on my personal statement and short answer essay was HUGE for me. I honestly think there is no other place that would have helped me this much with the application process.”

So many connections were made, along with hundreds of college applications sent.  Thank you to all the Dream Project staff, mentors and AWW planning committee, and we look forward to next year’s AWW!