COLLEGE PREP ETIQUETTE COURSE
​For High School Students
Our WINTER 2025 course registration is open. See info. below.

"Our daughter was a 2021 National Merit Finalist that finished in the top 1% of her graduating class of 500, and it was an honor to watch and guide her through her many top tier college acceptances, scholarships, multiple college alumni interviews, and scholarship committee interviews as part of the college application process.

We put time and effort early into the planning of all her high school courses, test prep, and soft skills training needed for all the alumni and scholarship interviews that would come later, so that she would be confidently prepared. These skills also came in handy during college applications for study abroad and at a finalist interview for a scholarship interview to study abroad. She was elated to be accepted to Oxford, outside of London, and awarded as a Gates Scholar from her college with a generous scholarship for her interview for the Fall of 2023.

​Students need to learn all about the process, be encouraged about what they can do for successful outcomes and have inspiration and support for the college application process. Just getting started can be overwhelming for both parents and students. The average time a large public-school counselor spends with students is minutes a year, and often this is only to review course selections, and not to start these important conversations about touring and planning for college. Planning for all parts of the college application process is key.

​This course teaches how to get organized, maximize and accentuate a student's interests and talents, with the soft skills training or/or people skills training that compliment all of the college application steps. Test prep steps and strategies are discussed, and life skills gained include an instructional 4-course table manners dinner, which is essential for all students to learn. Each student should ultimately strive for their own individual perfect fit in a college, and one that works for the family finances, and not just a certain college name that they may actually know little about and ultimately may not be a good academic fit for future goals or social fit for a student.

It has been a pleasure to watch students take ownership of their resume building, college tours, preparations for college applications and interviews with the skills learned in this class. There are many stories to share about the enthusiasm and personal reflection after taking this course, which is the goal of this class. Learning and building their confidence in college prep and learning important etiquette topics are all needed to be successful. After all, this is a deeply personal journey they are about to go on. This is an essential class for any student that is college bound, and the sooner they take it, the more benefits they will have in the college application process."

Renee Swindell, College Prep Etiquette Program Director

 College Prep Etiquette Course 

College Prep Etiquette Course (Winter 2025) registration is open.
​Class size is limited.

Dates for our 3-session Winter 2025 course:
Session one:  Sunday, January 12th
1:00pm to 4:00pm for students, joint session with parents/students to follow until 6:00pm
(Location in Bentonville to be announced soon.)
​(Joint Parent/Student session will be held after Session One most likely)

Session two: Sunday, January 19th
1:00pm to 4:00pm (Location in Bentonville to be announced soon.)

Session three: Instructional Table Manners Dinner
Sunday, February 2nd
5:00pm to 8:00pm
(​Location to be confirmed soon at a Bentonville restaurant.)

Interested participants can register now online. Class size is limited to 15.
Cost for the 3-session course is $250.00, which includes the 4-course instructional table manners dinner.

This course will also include an invitation for Parents and Students for a joint session about College Planning, so that parents can join in on the discussion.
​
We have received numerous compliments on how this added joint session with parents has been so helpful and so insightful. Planning for college takes a team effort, and we are happy to help.
Fee for the Parent/Student joint session is $30.00/family and cash payment is due at the event.
​
​Registration/course material/payment information is below.
Contact us to get on the list for our next class if this time won't work for your schedule. ​
Are you ready for your child to get a start on their best high school resume that will really impress?
What do colleges and employers really value in an applicant beyond just great grades? 

This is the course to get your high school student started on the way to continued future success. If they have attended our cotillion program before this course, that's great and welcome back, but it is not a requirement to be a student in the College Prep Etiquette Course. This course focuses on in-depth important etiquette and crucial life skills that all students need to learn and master in preparation for all the new things soon to come, as well as all things college prep.

​The earlier a student can complete this course during their high school career the better.
Ninth graders are encouraged to take this course so that they can learn and apply
​all the information for their entire high school career.

It has been a joy to watch the students embrace this material and see how they are strategically planning
and making the difference in their college applications and scholarship applications.
​
If these class dates don't work for your student's schedule, we may have other options for you and often offer makeup session dates if a student has a conflict with one of the dates.
​Feel free to email for more information or questions.
We understand that students are busy and will do our best to get a session pulled together for you.

Course OVERVIEW

Session One will focus on mastering great communication skills such as greeting and handshakes and making great first impressions. It will teach how to master meaningful thank you notes, discuss the importance of a timely RSVP, cell phone and business email etiquette. We will also cover how to be a great host or hostess, and how to be a great guest at a function or in someone’s home. Additional important etiquette topics will be covered as well.  Attire is casual for this session.

Session Two will focus on writing your high school resume, presenting a positive image on social media, how to start the college search, and tips on how to make the most of your college experience. It will also cover classroom etiquette and review information needed for job applications, interviews, and focus on proper behaviors and manners in the workplace.  A small amount of ballroom dance will be introduced for students to have the opportunity to become comfortable dancing at any future work event or wedding reception that they might attend. Attire is casual for this session. 

Session Three will consist of a 4-course instructional etiquette dinner to gain the important skills needed for any business dinner or function. Please notify the director when you register if you have any special dietary needs/allergies for the dinner. Attire is semi-formal for the instructional table manners dinner.

College Prep Etiquette Course SCHEDULE

SESSION ONE*
Sunday, January 12th
1:00pm to 4:00pm
4:00pm to 6:oopm (Parent/student session)
3-hour session, plus 2-hour session with parents to follow.
Location to be announced soon.
Casual attire

​​*Joint session for Parents & Students to follow Session Two
​from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
($30 cash fee per family)
Light refreshments will be served.
SESSION TWO
Sunday, January 19th
​1:00pm to 4:00pm
3-hour session
Location to be announced soon.
Casual attire
SESSION THREE
Sunday, February 2nd
​5:00pm to 8:00pm
3-hour dinner
4-Course Instructional Dinner
 Semi-formal attire
This session is held at
​a local Bentonville restaurant.
​Location to be announced soon.