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Clarity First
Clarity First
A 6-week small-group seminar for high school juniors who want to approach the college application process with clarity, confidence, and direction before senior fall begins.
Spring 2026 Cohort meets Thursdays, April 9 - May 14th, 7:00-8:30 pm Eastern.
Spring 2026 Cohort meets Thursdays, April 9 - May 14th, 7:00-8:30 pm Eastern.
Junior year is when the pressure starts to creep in.
Junior year is when the pressure starts to creep in.
It seems too early to draft essays, but you're thinking about them.
You're wondering:
What will I write about?
Have I done enough?
Am I already behind?
Each summer and fall, I meet seniors who feel pressure to start writing quickly. They try to sound impressive before they've clarified what they want to say. They lack a message or direction.
The strongest applications are built on understanding. Understanding how applications are actually read. Understanding what matters to you. Understanding how to identify the patterns that connect your experiences and goals.
Clarity First helps you build the understanding that leads to clear direction. Because when direction is clear, writing becomes stronger and easier, and you grow calmer and more confident.
You do not need:
A trauma narrative
A perfectly linear résumé
A “passion” you’ve had since age six
A version of yourself that sounds impressive but unfamiliar
You need:
Language for what actually matters to you
A way to see patterns across your interests
A clearer sense of how colleges read applications
A plan that doesn’t rely on panic
If you’re intellectually curious, open to reflection, and willing to think a little more deeply than average, you’ll likely enjoy this process.
If You're a Parent...
If You're a Parent...
You may be navigating a process that looks very different from when you applied. Whether you attended college in the U.S., abroad, or not at all, the application process today can be difficult to interpret from the outside.
You may wonder:
Is my student doing enough?
Are they falling behind peers?
Are we missing something important?
The admissions industry often amplifies these fears.
Clarity First offers a supportive approach grounded in authenticity and alignment, not performative pressure.
It teaches students how applications are actually evaluated and what truly matters.
It helps them understand themselves more clearly so they can better articulate their strengths, values, and goals.
When students understand their own patterns and values, they approach the process with greater confidence and less urgency.
Approaching senior year with clear direction supports stronger applications, healthier decision-making, and more peace of mind.
What We Actually Do
What We Actually Do
Over six weeks, students will:
Participate in a live committee simulation to examine how readers make decisions
Use the Pattern Types Framework to identify a variety of meaningful patterns across their experiences
Clarify the values that guide their choices
Explore possible directions for common essay types, including Why Us, Why Major, and community responses
Begin drafting and refining a strong activities list that demonstrates not only what they did but why it matters
Students will leave with:
An understanding of how applications are read
A clear sense of how their application fits together
A draft of their activities list
Potential blueprints for major supplemental essays
A clear, manageable plan for summer writing
Less panic and more confidence in their application process
Students do not write full essays during the program. Instead, they build the foundation that makes essay writing far less stressful later.
"I wanted to thank you for helping me determine how to best showcase my values and goals for the future. Without your help, I might've debated topics for another month before even writing one line of text! So, I'm incredibly grateful for your guidance that not only aided my process, but made me feel more secure in such a stressful period." - AT
What This Is — and Isn't
What This Is — and Isn't
Clarity First is:
A structured, discussion-based seminar
A space for reflection and intellectual curiosity
A foundation for stronger senior-year writing
It is not:
A rushed essay-writing bootcamp
A prestige-optimization strategy session
A substitute for full individualized coaching
This is the Define phase — the thinking that makes everything else clearer.
Format and Logistics
Format and Logistics
6 weeks
90 minutes per session
Small group (3 to 6 students)
Virtual — cameras required
Workbook and reflection materials included
2026 Cohort Rate: $600
2026 Cohort Rate: $600
Deposit required to hold space; remaining balance due at program start.
Limited time offer: Register with a friend and get a free 30-minute 1:1 call for each of you!
About the Instructor
About the Instructor
Melissa Amaral is a former Princeton University admissions reader and former Rutgers University instructor, academic advisor, and assistant dean. She holds a master’s degree in College Student Affairs and a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology.
Her approach centers on clarity before performance, depth before polish, and fit over prestige.
Clarity First reflects the same philosophy she brings to her individualized coaching: structured and supportive guidance with an emphasis on self-reflection, deep insights, and values-aligned decision-making.
Top values: Creativity, Curiosity, Meaningful Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my student complete essays in this program?
Will my student complete essays in this program?
No. This seminar focuses on defining direction before drafting begins. Students leave with the foundations or outlines of several application pieces and will feel more prepared to write strong, compelling essays.
Is this program only for students applying to highly selective colleges?
Is this program only for students applying to highly selective colleges?
No. Students will learn tools and strategies that apply across a wide range of colleges (and even life beyond college).
What if my student already has ideas for their application?
What if my student already has ideas for their application?
Great! This program will help students test and refine those ideas so they are coherent and well-supported.
Is there an application process?
Is there an application process?
Yes, there is a brief form to complete. Space is limited to ensure meaningful discussion. While most seats are first-come, I reserve discretion to ensure group fit and readiness. A short informational call is encouraged before registration.
How much work is required outside of meetings?
How much work is required outside of meetings?
There are light assignments required between meetings that should take less than an hour to complete. The focus is on thoughtful reflection and preparation, not heavy drafting. Some weeks include optional resources that students may choose to explore on their own.
Will my student receive individualized coaching in this program?
Will my student receive individualized coaching in this program?
Clarity First is a small-group seminar. While less individualized than 1:1 coaching, there are plenty of opportunities for specific questions and feedback. Individual meetings can be added to the package at any time.
What happens after the seminar ends?
What happens after the seminar ends?
Students leave with a clear framework for summer drafting. Some students continue working with me through 1:1 coaching during the summer and/or fall of senior year. Others work independently using the tools developed during the seminar.
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