College Essay and SAT Prep

A focused, three-week program designed to help you excel on the SAT and craft a standout personal essay.

Overview

The 3-Week Summer SAT and College Essay Prep Program in Dhermi offers high school students a rare opportunity to focus, learn, and grow in an inspiring, distraction-free environment. Set in the tranquil, remote coastal town of Dhermi, this program allows students to immerse themselves in their studies while drawing motivation from the breathtaking Mediterranean landscape. Removed from the noise of everyday life, students can fully engage with their learning, gaining both clarity and confidence as they prepare for their academic futures.

Our program is led by a team of highly qualified instructors with degrees from world-renowned universities, including Harvard and other prestigious institutions. With a proven track record of guiding students to success, they provide expert instruction in SAT strategies and college essay writing, ensuring each student receives personalized feedback and targeted preparation.

Through small class sizes, structured lessons, and individualized coaching, students will refine their skills in critical reading, writing, and math, while crafting a powerful, standout personal essay for their college applications. By the end of the program, participants will leave not only with improved SAT performance but also with a polished application essay and a renewed sense of motivation, inspired by both their teachers and their surroundings.

The program includes housing and two meals per day, creating a fully immersive and supportive academic experience.

Program Summary

  • 3 weeks, in-person format in Dhermi, AL

  • Audience: High school students preparing for college applications

  • Comprehensive SAT preparation: Reading, Writing, and Math focus

  • College essay development: Personal statement and application essays

  • Full-length SAT practice tests and strategy sessions

  • Instruction by experienced educators and test prep specialists

  • Small group workshops and individualized feedback

  • Housing and two meals per day included

Who Attends

The 3-Week Summer SAT and College Essay Prep Program is designed for high school students who are preparing for the SAT and seeking to strengthen their college application essays. This program is ideal for:

  • Rising Juniors and Seniors who are planning to take the SAT and want to improve their test scores.

  • Students preparing for college applications who need guidance in crafting a compelling and well-written personal essay.

  • Motivated learners who are looking for focused, individualized attention to help them reach their academic goals.

  • Students aiming to enhance their academic profile in preparation for competitive college admissions.

Whether you're looking to raise your SAT score, refine your writing skills, or both, this program offers targeted support for students aiming to strengthen their college applications.

Learning Format

The 3-Week Summer SAT and College Essay Prep Program follows a structured and intense learning format designed to provide focused and comprehensive preparation. The program combines expert instruction, hands-on practice, and personalized feedback to ensure students make measurable progress:

  • Focused Instruction: Key concepts for SAT Math, Reading, and Writing will be covered in detailed lectures, providing a solid understanding of the test material.

  • Practical Practice: Students will engage in regular, hands-on practice through timed SAT drills, full-length practice tests, and college essay writing workshops.

  • Small Group Sessions: Collaborative small group work will allow students to discuss strategies, share insights, and receive feedback on their essays.

  • Personalized Feedback: One-on-one sessions will provide tailored support to help students improve their SAT performance and refine their college essays.

  • Progressive Learning: The program is designed to gradually build students’ skills, starting with foundational knowledge and progressing to more advanced test-taking strategies and essay writing techniques.

  • Supplementary Resources: Students will have access to additional practice materials and online resources to continue their learning outside of class.

Schedule

Week 1: Foundation and Initial Assessment

Day Activity Details
Day 1 Program Introduction & Diagnostic Test Overview of the program, introduction to SAT format, and diagnostic test for SAT assessment. Afternoon: College Essay Overview & Brainstorming.
Day 2 SAT Math: Algebra & Geometry Focus on algebra and geometry fundamentals. Afternoon: College Essay Outline & Structure.
Day 3 SAT Reading: Comprehension Strategies Techniques for improving reading comprehension and answering passage-based questions. Afternoon: College Essay Drafting.
Day 4 SAT Writing: Grammar & Sentence Structure Review key grammar rules and sentence structure for SAT Writing section. Afternoon: College Essay Drafting.
Day 5 SAT Math: Word Problems & Data Analysis Work through word problems, data analysis, and real-world applications. Afternoon: Essay Peer Review.
Day 6 SAT Math: Advanced Concepts Focus on advanced topics like quadratic equations and probability. Afternoon: College Essay Revision.
Day 7 SAT Writing & Reading Practice Timed SAT Writing and Reading practice with focus on time management. Afternoon: College Essay Final Revisions.

Week 2: Intensive Practice and Skill Building

Day Activity Details
Day 8 SAT Reading Practice & Strategies Timed practice on reading comprehension with focus on strategies. Afternoon: College Essay Drafting.
Day 9 SAT Math: Problem-Solving Techniques Solve a range of SAT Math problems, focusing on effective strategies. Afternoon: College Essay Refining.
Day 10 SAT Writing: Advanced Grammar & Style Review complex grammar rules and focus on improving writing style. Afternoon: College Essay Feedback.
Day 11 SAT Practice Test Full-length SAT practice test with a focus on all sections. Afternoon: College Essay Editing.
Day 12 SAT Math Review & Targeted Practice Review results from the practice test and focus on weak areas in Math. Afternoon: Essay Final Draft.
Day 13 SAT Writing: Punctuation & Sentence Variety Focus on sentence structure, punctuation, and style improvements. Afternoon: Essay Peer Review.
Day 14 SAT Reading: Timed Practice & Review Timed SAT Reading practice with detailed review. Afternoon: College Essay Final Edits.

Week 3: Final Review and Test Preparation

Day Activity Details
Day 15 SAT Math & Reading Review Focused review of difficult areas from practice tests. Afternoon: College Essay Reflection.
Day 16 SAT Writing: Full-Length Timed Practice Complete a timed SAT Writing practice with focus on accuracy and strategy. Afternoon: College Essay Final Revisions.
Day 17 SAT Practice Test Full-length SAT practice test to simulate real exam conditions. Afternoon: Final College Essay Review.
Day 18 Test-Taking Strategies & Last-Minute Tips Focus on test-taking strategies and time management. Afternoon: Final College Essay Feedback.
Day 19 SAT Final Review & Strategy Session Last review and Q&A for SAT exam strategies. Afternoon: Final College Essay Review.
Day 20 Test Simulation & Essay Final Submission Final practice tests for SAT & submission of College Essay.

Evaluation + Certification

Each successful participant in our SAT and College Essay Prep Program will receive a written evaluation from their instructor, along with a certificate of completion. This certificate will recognize their dedication and the skills they have developed throughout the program, including their progress in SAT preparation and essay writing. While this program does not offer formal academic credit, the certificate serves as a valuable addition to college applications and demonstrates the participant's commitment to academic excellence.

Requesting Your Evaluation and Certificate
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a digital copy of their written evaluation, as well as their certificate of completion.

Although we are unable to provide an official academic transcript, we can provide a letter that explains the nature of the SAT and College Essay Prep Program. If you would like to request this letter, please email us at evaluations@sttheodoresacademy.org with the following information:

  • Full Name

  • Email Address

  • Year of program participation

  • Documents requested: Written explanation of program

This letter can be used as supplementary information for college applications or other academic purposes.

Program Fee + Financial Aid

Program Fee
The total program fee for the 3-week SAT and College Essay Prep Program is $7,600 . This fee covers all aspects of the program, including personalized instruction, course materials, practice tests, final evaluations, as well as housing and two meals per day for the duration of the program.

Additional Costs
There may be additional costs for optional activities or personal expenses during the program. Any extra charges will be communicated in advance. Depending on the activities you choose, this could be as much as an additional $600.

Payment Policy

A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be paid in full with your application before the application deadline in order to be considered for admission to the program.

Financial Assistance

We offer financial aid based on various factors. If the applicant and/or their parents (if applicable) have a combined gross income exceeding $30,000, financial aid may not be awarded. However, we encourage all applicants to apply for financial assistance, as each case is reviewed individually.

To apply for financial aid, please submit a Financial Aid Application Form along with the required documentation by the application deadline. The form will be available within your program application.

Please Note: Financial aid is not subsidized and is available to U.S. citizens, Albanian Citizens, and permanent residents of Albania only. International students are not eligible for financial aid. Aid requests will only be considered once a completed program application has been submitted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Program Fee and Financial Aid FAQ

  • A. Yes. Further payment instructions will be provided in your admittance letter. Tuition payments must be completed online via the online system by the deadline of May 31, 2025.

  • A: Tax forms from parents are required for every applicant under the age of 20.

  • A: No. We are unable to waive the application fee.

  • A. No. Financial aid is available to U.S. citizens, Albanian citizens and permanent residents of Albania only. International students are not eligible to apply for financial aid.

  • A: Yes. The College Essay & SAT Prep program financial aid application form is part of the program’s online application. Once you indicate an interest in applying for aid, the aid application application form will appear for filling out. In order to apply for aid, submit this form and supporting documents online with the rest of your application by the application deadline.

  • A. College Essay & SAT Prep financial aid funds are need-based awards, which means that funding is based on the financial situation of the student. Financial aid takes into account many factors; however, as a guide, if the applicant’s and parents’ (if appropriate) combined adjusted gross income exceeds $30,000, an aid award is unlikely.

  • A: Yes, you need to complete the College Essay & SAT Prep online application in order to access the financial aid application form. We advise submitting the financial aid application form prior to receiving your admissions decision letter.

  • A: Yes, we will notify all aid applicants of their admission along with their aid award by email according to the program schedule on this site.

  • A: We cannot accept applications for financial aid beyond the program application deadline.

  • A: Awards only apply towards tuition and possible support for a computer device. Aid for College Essay & SAT Prep does not cover housing.

Accommodation & Dining

Participants will stay in comfortable, shared accommodations for the duration of the 3-week SAT and College Essay Prep Program. Accommodation is included in the program fee and is conveniently located near the learning facilities, offering a safe and structured environment for students.

Room Arrangements

  • Students will be housed in shared rooms with other program participants.

  • Rooms are furnished with essential amenities, including beds, desks, and storage space.

  • Housing assignments will be made based on availability and roommate preferences submitted during registration.

Meals & Dining

  • The program fee includes two meals per day (breakfast and dinner).

  • Meals are provided in a communal dining area with a variety of nutritious options.

  • Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Supervision & Safety

  • Staff and program coordinators will be present on-site to ensure student safety and well-being.

  • Housing facilities have designated quiet hours to maintain a focused study environment.

  • Students are expected to adhere to the program’s housing policies, which will be provided upon acceptance.

Apply

To apply for the 3-week SAT and College Prep summer program, please submit the following required materials along with your online application form:

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable $50 application fee is due upon application submission.

  • Statement of Intent: Please tell us (in 250 words or less) what you hope to achieve by attending this summer program.

  • Personal Essay: Submit an essay (500 words or less) discussing a significant experience or challenge you’ve faced.

  • Resume or CV (PDF): which includes the following information: employment; education; extra-curricular academic and community activities (note whether an office held was elected or appointed); honors; awards; professional registration; professional societies; publications; avocations; hobbies; travel.

  • Academic Transcripts (upload scanned copy, does not need to be official)

    Transcripts should be submitted with the program application from all academic institutions from which the applicant has received high school credit or above. The transcript must include a complete record of courses taken and examinations taken, grades received and degrees and dates of degrees received. Transcripts should be clear and legible when uploaded. Both official and unofficial copies are accepted at the time of application; however, official transcripts may be required upon acceptance. If the transcript is not in English, a certified English translation must be provided. If the school does not issue official transcripts, a certified letter from the institution must be submitted, detailing courses taken, grades earned, and the expected or completed graduation date.

  • Financial Aid Application (optional U.S. or AL applicants only)

Application Deadlines

Applications and application fees are due by the program application deadline. Early completion of the application and application fee are encouraged! Please see below for the detailed deadlines for the upcoming program cycle.

* Contact St. Theodore Admissions to cancel your enrollment by this date to receive a full (100%) refund of the $7,600 program fee.

**Contact St. Theodore Admissions to cancel your enrollment by this date to receive a partial (50%) refund of the program fee (amounting to $3,800).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Admissions and aid decisions will be emailed to you by June 6th, 2025.

  • A: No, the summer program does not grant deferrals. If you are admitted but unable to attend, you would need to reapply in another year.

  • A: No. Any former applicant wishing to reapply to a St. Theodore’s summer program must resubmit all forms and documentation.

  • A: Applicants must be at least 15 years old. A high level of academic skill is necessary to take full advantage of our rigorous program.

  • A: A valid visa for entry within AL is required to be supplied by international citizenship participants of the program. St. Theodore will not sponsor new visas for enrollment in this program.

  • A. Transcripts should be submitted electronically through the online application. Applicants should scan a copy of their transcript(s) and upload these documents into the online application. During the application process, it is not necessary to send and official transcript.

  • A: Scanned transcripts can be unofficial or official. If we need further information, we may ask for an official transcript to be sent to our office for review.

  • A: Please contact the admissions office by emailing us at

    admissions@sttheodoresacademy.org

  • A: Students in the 3-week summer program are housed in comfortable, shared accommodations located near the program's learning facilities. The housing is included in the program fee and provides a safe and supportive environment. There are no traditional dorms, but the living arrangements are designed to offer a comfortable and community-focused experience. Students will share rooms with other participants, and housing assignments will be made based on availability and preferences submitted during registration.

  • A. To request a copy of your evaluation please follow the instructions here: