College Preparation

100% of GWN seniors graduate high school and go on to college. We intend to continue our record by guiding girls through the college application process with proper tools and resources. GWN is dedicated to helping girls find, and get accepted to, the colleges and universities of their dreams.

College Preparation Components:

One-to-One Mentoring Sessions. Professional women writers work closely with mentees to explore and tackle the college application process. While Mentors aren't necessarily college admissions experts, they offer guidance based on their own college experiences or help their mentees craft and polish the college application essay. Mentors also have access to the GWN volunteer College Prep Advisor who does have expert training in the field as well as a wealth of resources.

One-to-One College Counseling Sessions. We offer girls individual in-depth counseling sessions with a certified high school guidance counselor severa times a year. Girls receive personalized advice on finding colleges that match their interests and abilities, and are clued in to the tools and paths that will help them get there.

Girls College Bound (GCB). GCB is free and open to all New York City high school girls, not just active GWN mentees. Through GCB, we offer free college essay writing clinics led by Girls Write Now veteran mentors and teaching artists who are writing professors from New York University, Columbia University, and other top colleges and universities. The workshops give girls the tools and critique they need to produce a unique, effective, and personalized college essay strong enough to “wow” admissions offers. GCB also offers full-day college informational seminars that give girls the chance to explore college up close and in person. Led by GWN mentors and heads of the admissions and financial aid departments from the city’s leading colleges and universities, these events feature presentations, panel discussions, an essay writing clinic, and campus tours.

Girls College Bound Resource Guide. GWN produces a comprehensive annual guide that includes information about the basics of applying for college admission, scholarships, and financial aid, including the inside scoop on New York City public colleges and special programs. Download it or stop by the office and pick one up.

Partnerships With Community-Based Organizations. Girls Write Now partners with other agencies to provide vital college readiness resources to more NYC girls. Current partners include Barnard College, Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, Sadie Nash Leadership Project, and the Queens Public Libraries.