Field Seniors Step into Their Next Chapter at College Boot Camp

It’s one of the first signs that the first day of school is almost here; Field seniors returning to campus for the annual College Boot Camp—a cornerstone of Field’s College Counseling Program. It was all smiles and laughter in the Meeting House on that first day of camp in late August, as students and their families filled the space with energy, eager to begin this defining chapter.

Several admission representatives from universities and colleges across the country joined students on campus for Boot Camp.“We are so fortunate to have great college admission partners here this week working with our students and offering their advice, insight, and expertise,” shared Shannon Donaldson, Field’s Associate Director of College Counseling. Through essay workshops, practice interviews, and one-on-one conversations with representatives, students had the opportunity to focus, reflect, and step into senior year ready for what’s ahead. “College boot camp was a super helpful experience—being able to get help with filling out the common application and also having the opportunity to have actual representatives read over my essays got me super ahead and prepared for the application season,” said Trinity ’26.

Admission representatives enjoy working with our students year after year and often note how prepared and thoughtful they are in their interviews and essays. “Field students ask thought-provoking questions that show they're really digesting and thinking about the college application process. They remained engaged with the tasks at hand throughout Boot Camp—even in the face of Taylor Swift engagement news,” shared Jenelle Burke, an admission representative from Fairfield University in Connecticut. 

College Boot Camp is designed to demystify a process that can often feel overwhelming. As Director of College Counseling Forbes Mann and Associate Director Shannon Donaldson noted, it is about giving students the tools and perspective they need before the pace of senior year sets in. “It was amazing to see our students’ summertime energy blend with their school-year focus to make meaningful progress on their college applications. Our students came to Boot Camp ready to work, and they start the year with the confidence that their work throughout this program has given them,” said Forbes Mann, Director of College Counseling at Field.