College App Studio III: Activities List + "Spike" Narrative

Scattered experiences → coherent direction.

Activities + "Spike" Narrative turns a student's scattered experiences into a coherent story of direction. We build an activities list that reads clearly and impressively, then develop the "spike" framing—how interests connect, how leadership shows up, and what the student is becoming. This is where strong applicants separate: not by having a perfect résumé, but by presenting a profile that feels intentional.

Students learn to write high-information descriptions without fluff, using action + scope + result when appropriate. We also teach smart quantification: when numbers strengthen credibility, and when story and specificity matter more. The goal is to make the reader's job easy—clarity, impact, and momentum.

The output is a clean, compelling activities section and a strategic narrative map for the rest of the application. Students finish with a sharper sense of identity: what they do, why it matters, and how it all fits together.

Key Points

Build an activities list that is clear, high-signal, and easy to scan
Craft a "spike" narrative that connects interests into a coherent direction
Learn impact writing: action + scope + result (with smart quantification)
Leave with a narrative map that strengthens supplements and interviews

What You'll Learn

1

Core seminar + guided practice

2

Student-led research and writing

3

Feedback loops and revision cycles

4

Portfolio-ready final deliverable

Choose Your Path

Select the level of support that works best for your learning style and goals.

Just the Course

College App Studio III: Activities List + "Spike" Narrative

$14

per session

$112 for 8 sessions

- Live online instruction
- Interactive coursework
- Community Q&A

Pod Learning

$36

per course

- Online or In-person
- Small group cohorts
- Feedback on submissions
- Weekly live sessions

Select a Pod

1:1 Enrichment

$58

starting at

- Dedicated coaching
- Custom pacing plan
- Partner instructors nationwide

Join a Pod

Pods are small learning groups that meet regularly to work through the course together. Choose a rigor level and schedule that fits your needs.

Pod enrollment is coming soon! Sign up for a course tier to get notified when pods are available.