Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College application deadline.
In-person Program
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words
A writing course focused on developing your own voice through personal essays, daily feedback, and revision, with a completed essay as the central learning goal.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Writing Seminar I at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; strong English
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$3,096; $3,748
Duration
1 week
Format
In-person
Creative WritingLiterature
Accommodation: University residence halls or commuter
Meals: 3 daily residential; 1 commuter
Certificate: Digital CeCertificate of Completion
Campus experience: Brown University campus
Tutors: Chi Le; Christopher Lasasso; Blythe Waite
Sessions / cadence: 5 × 170-minute classes; 2–3-hour daily homework
Feedback: Daily writing feedback and guided peer review
Writing Seminar I summary
Brown's seminar combines personal essay writing with the habits needed for college-level academic work. Its central task is developing a personal or college admissions essay.
You write, receive feedback, revise, and respond to classmates' work. Close reading helps you understand how other writers use structure and language.
It suits students who want to improve their own voice and can treat feedback as a reason to rethink a draft.
What is Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words?
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words is a Brown University Pre-College workshop on personal essays and university-level writing. It explores how to present yourself clearly while communicating effectively in college admissions essays, personal narratives, and academic essays.
The workshop combines daily writing and feedback with close reading, pre-writing techniques, and guided peer responses. Students work toward a completed personal or college admissions essay while practicing revision, organization, evidence, and style.
Why Succeed highlights Writing Seminar I
A completed essay gives students a concrete way to assess their progress beyond simply attending a course.
Daily feedback makes revision a repeated practice rather than a final correction.
Guided peer review develops both the ability to evaluate writing and the willingness to reconsider your own choices.
Close reading connects personal expression with the analytical habits needed for college-level work.
Who is Writing Seminar I for?
Best for
Students who want to develop a personal essay and become more independent editors through regular feedback.
Not ideal if
You want someone to write your admissions essay for you or prefer a light schedule with little independent work.
Is Writing Seminar I worth it?
The strongest reason to choose this seminar is the combination of a tangible essay and repeated practice using feedback. It can be valuable if you need a structured setting to move from ideas to a revised piece of writing.
The program requires a substantial financial commitment and offers non-credit learning rather than a graded academic credential. Compare that commitment with the writing support you can access locally, and judge the course by the skills you expect to develop rather than its university name.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,096; $3,748; includes Writing classes, daily feedback, and guided peer review., Residential: housing and three dining hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining hall meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate of Completion upon successful completion..
Accommodation
University residence halls or commuter
Meals
3 daily residential; 1 commuter
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
1 week; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Writing Seminar I need?
Effort level
High for a short writing course.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a published application deadline to prepare the essay, grades, and any language testing.
Main challenge
Revising honestly while retaining your own voice.
Typical preparation
Gather current and previous academic-year grades and plan your application essay.
Practice describing a personal experience in clear, specific language.
Keep the course week free of commitments that would require missing class.
After enrollment, review material requirements and arrange travel before the session begins.
Useful if
You learn best by writing regularly and discussing specific choices.
What do students do on Writing Seminar I?
You develop a personal or college admissions essay while practicing techniques that support clearer university-level writing. Daily feedback, close reading, and guided peer review help you test and revise your choices.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore essay ideas through brainstorming, free-writing, clustering, and outlining.
- 2
Read personal essays closely to analyze formal devices and literary tools.
- 3
Draft your essay alongside other writing assignments.
- 4
Respond to your own writing and classmates' work in guided peer feedback sessions.
- 5
Revise and complete your personal or college admissions essay.
Writing Seminar I dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10265)
22-26 June 2026
Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. ET; Chi Le.
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10267)
6-10 July 2026
Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET; Christopher Lasasso.
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10269)
13-17 July 2026
Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. ET; Blythe Waite.
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College application cycle.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Final decisions sent to applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10265) | 22-26 June 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10267) | 6-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words (10269) | 13-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students completing grades 9 to 12.
Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for the reference cycle.
Proven English proficiency, including grammar.
Some confidence as a writer.
Brown Pre-College admission before course enrollment.
Required English test results for applicable international applicants.
How much does Writing Seminar I cost?
Program fee
$3,096; $3,748 — Commuter and residential options, respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $80 — Application fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before enrollment; generally non-refundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate applications and citizenship or immigration eligibility requirements apply.
- Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying coverage.
What's included
Writing classes, daily feedback, and guided peer review., Residential: housing and three dining hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining hall meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate of Completion upon successful completion.
How to apply to Writing Seminar I
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and write the required 250 to 500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.
- 4
Pay the application fee or obtain a waiver, and submit any required English proficiency results.
- 5
Add optional materials if appropriate and monitor your portal for requests or decisions.
- 6
After admission, review your preferred course section before paying the non-refundable deposit.
- 7
Enroll in the course separately and complete the student and parent or guardian onboarding requirements.
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What does Writing Seminar I cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Personal essay development
Draft and revise a personal or college admissions essay using your own voice.
Close reading
Analyze formal devices and literary tools in personal essays and apply lessons to your writing.
Pre-writing techniques
Use brainstorming, free-writing, clustering, and outlining to develop an essay project.
Revision and peer response
Practice self-editing and guided peer feedback while strengthening organization, evidence, and style.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Writing Seminar I?
A typical day during the program.
Section 10265
Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. ET, with Chi Le.
Section 10267
Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET, with Christopher Lasasso.
Section 10269
Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. ET, with Blythe Waite.
Independent work
Allow at least two to three hours for homework outside class.
Who teaches on Writing Seminar I?
The three sections name Chi Le, Christopher Lasasso, and Blythe Waite as instructors. Students can also use instructor office hours and request Writing Center support for assignments.
Where do students stay on Writing Seminar I?
Residential plan
- University residence halls: Single, double, or triple rooms include college furniture, wireless internet, and cooling.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff provide support, with nightly 10 p.m. face-to-face check-ins.
- Campus activities: Program activities, excursions, and fitness facility access are included.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Attend classes on campus without a residence hall room assignment.
- One daily meal: One dining hall meal is included each day; additional meals can be purchased.
- Campus resources and transit: Commuters can use campus study spaces, activities, fitness facilities, and RIPTA with their Brown ID.
Residential students bring their own linens; roommate requests are not honored.
What happens after Writing Seminar I?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Complete a personal or college admissions essay.
Develop a stronger approach to college-level writing and revision.
Earn a digital CeCertificate of Completion through successful participation.
Practice more independent study and use of university writing resources.
The course is non-credit and does not qualify for a Course Performance Report.
Where does Writing Seminar I take place?
The seminar takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange transportation to and from campus.
Residential check-in is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on the Sunday before classes begin.
Writing Seminar I FAQs
You will draft, revise, and complete a personal or college admissions essay alongside other writing assignments. Daily feedback and guided peer review support the revision process.
The course serves writers seeking either stronger foundations or a university-level challenge. It requires proven facility with English, including grammar, and some confidence as a writer.
Each section meets Monday through Friday for 170 minutes. Summer@Brown also expects at least two to three hours of homework daily.
No. This is a non-credit course without formal grades; successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion.
Yes. The commuter option includes one on-campus meal daily, campus resources and activities, and fitness facility access. It does not include a residence hall room.
Trained student life staff support students in residence halls, with nightly face-to-face check-ins and staff on call around the clock. Students are also expected to manage their time and act independently.
Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions. The seminar's practical value lies in developing your writing and completing an essay.
Alternatives to Writing Seminar I
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
- Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Course details checked
Application dates compared
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Fee options reviewed
Campus policies reviewed
Completion credentials checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Writing Seminar I: Presenting Yourself in Words
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