boot camp

boot camp

Core Admissions Programs:

  • An 8-week cornerstone program that guides students through the creation of their college application essays, helping them develop their main personal statement and four supplemental essays that can be adapted to multiple schools. Designed for self-driven students or as a precursor to full consulting, CAB helps students organize their information, refine their personal concept, and express their authentic experiences in a way that resonates with admissions officers. The program emphasizes the importance of holistic storytelling, allowing students to articulate their strengths and achievements across their essays. By the end, participants will have a polished set of essays that can be customized for various schools, along with the confidence to tackle the next steps in their college journey. For students transitioning to full consulting, CAB sets a solid foundation, with the later program ensuring expert guidance to tailor applications to each school’s unique expectations.

  • An intensive program mandatory for students pursuing research opportunities, designed to introduce them to college-level research methodologies and academic writing standards. Students learn to develop research questions, conduct scholarly investigations, and present findings in a professional format that makes their application stand out. After completing the boot camp, students have the option to transition into one of three advanced Sigma Scholars research programs. These programs are designed to provide students with the research expertise and credentials that can set them apart in college applications and future academic pursuits.

  • This course develops the intellectual capabilities and perspectives that define true scholarly thinking. Moving beyond surface-level academic performance, we foster the habits of mind that distinguish genuine intellectual engagement from mere credential-seeking. Students learn to approach knowledge not as a commodity to be acquired but as a landscape to be explored with curiosity and rigor. Required for all yearly clients of Sigma.

  • Designed to prepare students for the rigors of elite boarding schools, this program focuses on developing independence, time management, and advanced study skills. Students gain practical strategies for academic success while building the emotional resilience needed for life away from home.

Our transformative Boot Camp series converts the college admissions process from a source of anxiety into a structured pathway for genuine intellectual and personal growth. Through our systematic approach, students develop authentic capabilities and confidence that make superior applications a natural outcome. Our flagship Common App Boot Camp forms the cornerstone of our immediate admissions strategy, while our specialized Pre-AP and Research Boot Camps (taught in one-on-one or small group settings) build the foundation for long-term academic excellence.

AP Course Preparation

STEM Track:

  • Students will explore fundamental chemical principles, including atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and thermodynamics, laying the groundwork for AP Chemistry. The program also emphasizes key lab techniques, helping students build practical skills.

  • Focusing on scientific inquiry, experimental design, and foundational biological concepts, this boot camp prepares students to excel in AP Biology. Students will learn essential topics in genetics, evolution, and ecology, while developing the skills to design and analyze experiments.

  • This boot camp introduces students to the fundamentals of computer science, including basic programming concepts, algorithms, and computational thinking. By working on coding exercises and problem-solving tasks, students build the foundation necessary to succeed in AP Computer Science courses.

  • This boot camp introduces students to core principles of motion, forces, and energy. Emphasizing conceptual understanding and problem-solving strategies, the program helps students apply algebra to real-world physics scenarios and prepares them to confidently tackle problems.

Humanities Track:

  • This program sharpens students’ skills in advanced literary analysis and sophisticated writing techniques, enabling them to tackle complex texts with precision. Students will develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for interpreting and engaging with high-level literary works, setting a solid foundation for success in AP Literature courses.

  • Focused on mastering rhetorical analysis and persuasive writing, this boot camp prepares students to craft compelling arguments and critically evaluate language in various texts. Through targeted exercises and expert feedback, students refine their writing and communication skills to excel in AP Language and Composition.

  • This boot camp strengthens students' historical analysis capabilities and document-based question (DBQ) expertise. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources to deepen their understanding of U.S. history, mastering the skills needed to construct well-supported historical arguments and tackle DBQs with confidence.

  • This boot camp introduces students to key themes from c. 1200 to the present, including state-building, global exchange, and industrialization. Students build skills in source analysis, comparative reasoning, and historical writing, while learning to identify patterns of continuity, change, and causation—essential for success in AP World History: Modern.

Social Sciences Track:

  • This boot camp introduces students to essential research methods and the critical analysis of human behavior. Students will explore foundational psychological theories, research techniques, and key concepts, developing the skills needed to analyze human actions and mental processes. By focusing on scientific inquiry, students gain the tools to approach AP Psychology with a solid understanding of research design and behavioral analysis.

  • This boot camp covers the foundational principles of macroeconomics, including national income, inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy. Students will develop a strong understanding of how economies function on a large scale, preparing them for the complexities of AP Macro.

  • Focusing on the core concepts of microeconomics, this boot camp introduces students to supply and demand, market structures, and economic decision-making. Students will gain the analytical tools necessary to understand how individuals and businesses make economic choices, laying the foundation for AP Microeconomics.

  • This boot camp introduces students to the foundational principles of the U.S. political system, including the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, and the roles of the three branches. Students will develop skills in interpreting political data, analyzing Supreme Court cases, and crafting evidence-based arguments.

Holistic Career Preparation:

  • An 8-week, hands-on startup internship program designed for high school students eager to dive into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students collaborate with top-tier startup supervisors on real-world projects in a genuine startup environment. They learn directly from mentors who are alumni of renowned institutions like Harvard iLabs, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company. No prior work experience is necessary—just a drive to learn, contribute, and immerse themselves in the startup ecosystem.

  • Designed to help students confront and challenge distorted self-perceptions—whether they have inflated or deflated views of their abilities. The class goes beyond superficial self-esteem work, pushing students to critically examine and reshape their internal narratives. It also equips them with the global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills essential for thriving in diverse academic and professional environments, skills that top universities actively seek. This course doesn’t just build confidence; it refines students' ability to engage meaningfully in the world around them.

  • This boot camp empowers students to become confident, persuasive communicators in both high-stakes interviews and academic settings. Students learn to craft strategic, authentic narratives that highlight their strengths, while also mastering the techniques of clear, compelling speech. Whether preparing for college interviews, debates, or presentations, participants gain practical tools in self-presentation, rhetorical structure, and real-time thinking under pressure. With expert coaching and real-world practice, students leave equipped to speak with purpose, poise, and power.

  • This six-week boot camp offers high school students hands-on consulting experience with NGOs in developing countries. Students will work closely with mentors to tackle real-world challenges, develop data-driven strategies, and create impactful solutions. By the end, participants will have a consulting report, case study, and practical experience that enhances their college applications and prepares them for future roles in social impact.