RECO Writes
A highly selective capstone writing course for students in Grades 10-12. Applications will open in January 2026.
Advanced students craft and publish a portfolio of original public-facing writing alongside seasoned intellectuals in The RECO Review.
3 months | 12+ live hours | 6000+ words | Individual Mentoring
Overview and Purpose
RECO Writes is our capstone course for students ready to share their ideas with the world.
Over 3–4 months, students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a portfolio of three distinct pieces of writing — each in a different genre.
What you will create
Students craft a portfolio of 3 written pieces on any theme of their choice, showing truly well-rounded thinking and diverse communication skills.
Each portfolio will include one short piece (1000 words), one medium-length piece (2000 words), and one long piece (3000 words).
Articles could include op-eds, critical essays, scholarly reviews, letters, narratives, explainers, and much more.
Themes and Article Types
Students work with their mentor to select a theme and choose article types that align with their interests and goals.
Themes can range widely — from culture, politics, and technology to health, education, and human rights.
Explore the different article types below. To illustrate how different genres can approach the same theme, we’ve used biotechnology as an example.
-
Argument-driven pieces expressing strong, thoughtful perspectives on complex issues.
Example: An argument for and against the ethics of gene editing.
Skills: Creative thinking, evidence-based argumentation, and social awareness.
Suggested length: 1,000–1,500 words for op-eds; 2,000–3,000 words for critical essays.
-
Analytical take on a book, article, film, piece of media, or scholarly source.
Example: A review of The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson.
Skills: Close-reading, textual analysis, ability to put texts in conversation.
Suggested length: 1,500–2,000 words.
-
Personal experience woven with ideas, texts, or social observations.
Example: Reflecting on a family health history after reading about CRISPR breakthroughs.
Skills: Self-awareness, literary ability, ability to bring academic texts in conversation with personal questions.
Suggested length: 2,000–3,000 words.
-
Open or imagined letter that explores personal or social themes.
Example: A letter to biotech leaders urging equitable access to medical innovation.
Skills: Critical thinking, persuasive writing.
Suggested length: 1,000–1,500 words.
-
Clear, accessible breakdown of a complex topic for general readers.
Example: An explainer on how mRNA technology works in vaccines.
Skills: Conceptual clarity, ability to simplify ideas, writing for engagement.
Suggested length: ~1,000 words.
-
Research-informed article written for non-academic, curious audiences.
Example: “Are GMO crops dangerous to consume? A data-driven analysis.”
Skills: Research, analysis, structured thinking, conceptual clarity.
Suggested length: 2,500–3,000 words.
The RECO Review
All writing created through RECO Writes can be published in The RECO Review — an online publication driven to make research accessible to the public and promote critical thinking on diverse social issues.
Here, students’ work appears alongside well-known and emerging intellectuals, PhDs, and undergraduates, showcasing their ability to contribute to public conversations.
The first issue of The RECO Review will be released in December 2025.
Testimonials
-
![]()
“Most students go to college without purpose. RECO is doing important work in helping students make the most of their time in college."
Anuja Kohli Mariwala, Education Consultant
-
![]()
“The approachability and friendliness of the team made my experience extremely enjoyable. I’ve connected with my mentors even post the program.”
Aarush Kamdar, Grade 11, Don Bosco International School, Mumbai
-
![]()
“I appreciated how flexible they were, prioritizing each student and their specific needs and not burdening them with additional work.”
Fuad Agha, Grade 12, Reva Independent PU, Bangalore
FAQs
-
Our programme helps students strengthen their profiles, develop a wide range of intellectual and socioemotional skills, and develop a sense of purpose to guide their lives and academic choices.
You should apply for Finding Your Academic Purpose if you want to build your profile while challenging yourself, forming deep intellectual bonds, and using your education to make the world a better place.
-
Participants will explore a real-world issue you are passionate about through research, self-reflection, and writing workshops. Participants will also have access to 9+ hours of recorded Zoom sessions led by experts on 1) the skills of interpreting texts, graphs, and evidence, and 2) case studies on economic inequality, diversity and discrimination, and environmental change.
-
No, the program is designed for students interested in addressing complex real-world problems, which often require insights from multiple disciplines—humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more. If you’re passionate about making a difference in areas like healthcare, government, inclusivity, education, human rights, or any other societal issue, this program could be a great fit for you.
-
You will walk away with original writing ready to become a publishable op-ed, research paper, blog, or script. Your writing will also address key questions that admissions officers often ask and will help you stand out in your applications.
-
Yes, upon successful completion of Finding Your Academic Purpose, you will receive a certificate that recognizes the rigorous application process and curriculum. Exceptional students will also receive a letter of recommendation, speaking to their contributions.
-
Individual mentors are professionals from various industries chosen for their ability to challenge students' critical thinking on any topic they wish to explore, create an inclusive environment, and offer insightful feedback to enhance students' written and oral communication skills. Admitted students are matched with mentors based on their specific areas of interest.
-
We believe the best conversations happen in small groups, so each program admits up to only sixteen students. Peer-based learning will take place in pairs/groups curated based on students’ level of academic experience.
-
The program helps students develop a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, root cause analysis, writing, public speaking, presentation, listening, collaboration, self-awareness, and confidence.
About the Programme
Logistics and More
-
Finding Your Academic Purpose is conducted entirely through live Zoom interactions. Most sessions will be scheduled based on the availability of the students, ensuring maximum flexibility.
Please see the curriculum for more details.
-
This changes depending on the week. However, it ranges from 2-4 hours of total work, including live discussions and individual work.
-
Finding Your Academic Purpose is a carefully designed programme with each session building onto the next. Thus, we highly recommend that you attend all sessions.
If you miss a session, you will receive a one-page summary of the material covered. We will try our best to record all sessions too.
-
Finding Your Academic Purpose is tailored meant for students in Grades 8-11 from any city, regardless of the board exam they are pursuing (CBSE, ISC, IBDP, A/AS-Levels, or others).
While the program is especially valuable for those planning to apply to liberal arts and sciences colleges in India or abroad, it’s also highly beneficial for students with different post-high school plans. All students are encouraged to apply.
-
To apply, please submit a written application using the APPLY button in the menu of the website. Selected candidates will be offered an interview, and then admitted if they excel.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will learn if you are moving on to the next stage, and the higher your chances of admission.
-
No, we do not offer traditional college counseling services which include guaranteeing admissions, building college lists, or editing college essays. Our focus is on helping students reflect on their personal interests and academic goals and articulate them confidently and in detail.
While we're not college counselors, our programs are highly recommended by many college counselors because they help students develop critical various skills and a deeper understanding of college expectations. This, in turn, makes students stronger college applicants.
-
If you withdraw from the program after it has started, no refund will be issued. However, if you withdraw before the start date and a waitlisted student takes your place before the programme begins, you will receive a 75% refund on the programme fee.
Want to get started?
St