Yes, You Can Start in December
How One Student Finished Her College Applications—and Told a Powerful Story—in Just 7 Hours
If your student hasn’t started their college applications yet, you’re not alone. Some families don’t begin until winter break, and while that timeline may feel rushed, it’s still possible to submit excellent applications with the right kind of guidance.
At Wagner Prep, we specialize in hourly college admissions advising that adapts to your family’s schedule, goals, and needs. This Class of 2025 student is proof that even a late start can lead to strong outcomes—with focused support and a clear plan.
A Focused Sprint with Big Impact
This student came to us in mid-December after her Early Decision school came back deferred. With a few essays started and a rough sense of her new top schools, we got to work. Over the course of just 7 hours (4 in live sessions and 3 asynchronous), we helped her:
Review and revise Wake Forest supplements
Draft and refine three essays for Lehigh University (ED II)
Plan and edit a letter of continued interest for University of Miami
Clarify her storytelling by integrating advocacy work and personal growth
Edit materials for conciseness, tone, and emotional impact
Despite starting later than many of her peers, she submitted polished, well-crafted applications that reflected her voice, values, and maturity on time.
How She Stood Out: The Power of a Clear Narrative
One of the most powerful parts of this student’s application was her reflection on growing up with dyslexia and her work advocating for others. Her early drafts were vague, but through guided brainstorming and line-by-line coaching, she transformed her ideas into a compelling, values-driven story that stood out with specific examples of school meetings with administration, leading a club championing neurodivergence, and her work as an empathic peer tutor. .
This is what we aim to do at Wagner Prep—not just edit essays, but help students understand what makes them unique.
What Her Story Shows
Starting in December doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. When the timeline is tight, the key is focus: clear milestones, targeted editing, and smart strategy.
Whether your student is writing from scratch or refining final materials, we help students make the most of their time and stay calm under pressure.
Want to Finish Strong?
At Wagner Prep, we offer hourly college admissions advising designed to meet students where they are. Whether you're catching up, polishing your last few essays, or applying in the final round, we’re here to help.
📩 Reach out today to schedule a planning call—and let’s help your student cross the finish line with confidence.