Hillside Writing

09/06/2026

Coming up this Wednesday: an online College Essay Jumpstart with founder Allan Reeder.

Register here: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/college-essay-jumpstart-sessions/

If your college applicant needs inspiration, direction, or simply a structured hour to begin, this small-group session offers essential teaching, guided writing time, and the motivating company of fellow writers at work.

Wednesday, September 9
7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
Online via Google Meet
$35
Capacity: 10 students

Another session will be offered Tuesday, September 15. Registration is at the same link.

08/28/2026

If your college applicant hasn’t begun their college-app essay, here’s a perfect Saturday opportunity to begin before the crunch of early deadlines.

Register to join Hillside Writing Founder Allan Reeder at the beautiful new Belmont Public Library: https://belmontpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/yes-you-have-a-story-to-tell-a-creative-lab-for-college-app-essay-writers/

Saturday, September 12
12:00–1:15 p.m.

The most effective, memorable essays develop through an organic process of building from the specific details of the writer’s experience. Allan teaches students how to shape memory into material. The process positions students to write what only they can write, and to ask the questions that reveal the value of their experiences.

Parents are welcome to attend. Our thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library for generously sponsoring this free event.

08/21/2026

Announcing new dates for College Essay Jumpstart Sessions! Learn more + register: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/college-essay-jumpstart-sessions/

Need to find momentum on the college essay? Join Hillside founder Allan Reeder for a focused hour of practical teaching, guided writing, and the motivating company of fellow writers at work.

Choose one session. $35 • Online • 10 students max.

08/04/2026

One last free Creative Lab this summer! Register: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/events/
If you're a rising senior (or the parent of one), join us at Robbins Library in Arlington for a free, hands-on session designed to help students explore ideas, find direction, and get writing.
Thursday, August 13
7:00–8:15 p.m.
Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

07/16/2026

Rising seniors who finish their main college-app essay over the summer are always very glad they did! To provide students an inspiring boost toward this goal, founder Allan Reeder is running one-hour Jumpstart Sessions this July. Sign up here: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/college-essay-jumpstart-sessions/
📅 Choose July 21 or 28
7–8 p.m. ET
$35

06/15/2026

These one-hour Jumpstart Sessions are designed to help students make progress on their college-app essays. Come with an idea, a draft, or no idea at all. Allan will help you build momentum so you can make the most of your summer writing time.

📅 June 17 & 24, online
🕖 7–8 p.m. ET
💻 Online
💲 $35/session
Register: https://www.hillsidewriting.com/college-essay-jumpstart-sessions/

05/18/2026

We're excited to partner with our friends at Maxima Hive to offer a free Creative Lab for college-app essay writers on June 3, taught by Hillside founder Allan Reeder.

Register here: hillsidewriting.com/yes-you-do-have-a-story-to-tell/

This interactive session is designed for juniors who are just getting started — and for those who already have a draft and want to build momentum heading into summer.

Caregivers are welcome to attend and participate.

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.