Hillside Writing

03/30/2026

Register for "Launching the Uncommon College-App Essay": https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/summit/registration/create?event_code=EVT454A30

Hillside Founder Allan Reeder looks forward to sharing instruction and insights with students and families. All registrants will receive a recording.

03/18/2026

Bid on a Hillside Exploration Session for a good cause! https://e.givesmart.com/events/MtP/i/_Auction/yYLy/
You're sure to find other tempting offerings while you're there. We're thrilled to support Arlington EATS, an organization that seeks to eliminate food insecurity and hunger in Arlington, MA. Bidding closes at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 21.

Ready, set, BID! The Beats for EATS Silent Auction is officially live. From unique local experiences to must-have items, there’s something for everyone. 🎁

Whether you’re at Beats for EATS or cozied up on your couch, place your bids using your phone!

🔗 Check out the link in the comments to start bidding.

⏰ Auction closes on Saturday, March 21 @ 9:30 PM

03/07/2026

The 2026–2027 Common App prompts are here.

But when students start by choosing a prompt, they may already be limiting themselves.

In this one-minute excerpt from our webinar, Hillside's founder Allan Reeder explains what all of the prompts have in common — and what the real essay project is.

01/22/2026

Parents of college applicants — this one’s for you!
Join us for a free, live Q&A with Hillside Writing founder Allan Reeder on Thursday, February 5 at 12 p.m. ET.
🔗 Register at hillsidewriting.com/get-answers/
This 45-minute lunchtime session is your chance to ask questions about the college essay project — what admissions officers look for, how students can discover compelling topics, and best practices for timing.

11/20/2025

The hardest part of January applications? Starting up again after working so hard to hit the November deadlines. Here are a few small steps to help students get back into writing mode.

Coaching options and details: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/fall-college-app-essay-support

11/13/2025

Here’s our latest message about how we’re helping students plan, write, and refine their college essays before January deadlines:
https://mailchi.mp/hillsidewriting.com/time-to-get-organized-for-regular-decision-essays-fb

10/27/2025

In this instructive creative lab for adults, attendees will take their wish to write stories from their lives into inspiring practice! Join Founder Allan Reeder at Weston Public Library for this free class. Register here: https://westonlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/life-stories-discovering-your-story-and-how-to-write-it/

10/20/2025

If your student is juggling schoolwork and early-application essays, this hour will help. Register: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/write-in/

On Thursday, Oct. 23 at 8 pm ET, Allan Reeder will lead a free directed writing session for college applicants — a calm space to focus and move forward before early deadlines.

10/07/2025

Having trouble getting your senior to sit down and write? You’re not alone. October is a busy month for college applicants, and it can be hard to prioritize college essays.
That's why Hillside founder Allan Reeder is hosting a free directed writing session for students who could use some focus, companionship, and momentum in their essay-writing.

Thursday, Oct. 9 | 8:00–9:15 pm ET
🔗 Register : hillsidewriting.com/write-in

Most of the time will be devoted to making progress, but Allan will stay on afterwards for anyone who wants to talk.

08/29/2025

Hillside coach Steve Edwards shares that his first drafts often seem “messy, misshapen, and ill-considered.” For students new to personal writing, producing such a draft can feel discouraging. But as writers, our coaches know these early attempts are often full of promise.

Hillside Coach Steve Edwards compares his own writing process to timelapse videos.