College Boot Camp helps Class of 2027 prepare to take next step

Poughkeepsie High School’s rising seniors took part in a four-day College Prep Boot Camp at Marist University, diving into the college application process before the school year begins.
The Aug. 17-20 camp is one aspect of the Poughkeepsie City School District’s ongoing emphasis on college and career preparation. It was organized in collaboration with the Marist Liberty Partnership Program, or LPP.
Students received dedicated work time and individualized support as they tackled important parts of the college process, including the common application, college lists, essays, senior profiles, financial aid and scholarships, and upcoming application deadlines.
Rising senior Isabella Taliaferro said “The College Readiness Boot Camp gave me a lot more insight into how the college application process works and helped me understand it better.”
During the camp, Taliaferro also registered for the SAT, which she plans to take in September, and continued preparing for her goal of studying psychology after high school.
Rising senior Shania Barnard said having the opportunity to start in the summer helped relieve some of the pressure she anticipated going into senior year. Barnard said she dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer.
“Being able to sit down and consistently work on things that I would otherwise be very stressed about during my senior year, and being able to prepare this early, is something I’m really happy I did,” she said.
The experience extended beyond application work. LPP sponsored lunch each day in the Marist dining hall, giving students the opportunity to eat alongside Marist students. Spending the week in a college environment allowed students to experience campus life firsthand and, perhaps most importantly, begin to picture themselves there.
Throughout senior year, students will continue to receive support with college applications, financial aid, scholarships, career planning and other postsecondary pathways as the Class of 2027 prepares for what comes next.
The district is grateful for its continued collaboration with LPP and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Poughkeepsie’s students.