September 18, 6:30-7:30pm
College Admissions 101
Between standardized tests, essays, and the countless deadlines, the college application process can become overwhelming to students and parents alike. College counselors Liz Gardner and Jessica Nelson will help make sense of the process, laying the foundation for parents and teens to have a successful application season — and maybe even find some joy in the process. We will offer an overview of the different components of the process, as well as a checklist and other organizational tools to help give it shape — and minimize the overwhelm. This workshop is appropriate for sophomores, juniors, seniors and their parents.
September 25, 6:30-7:30pm
Building a Balanced College List
With 2,000+ colleges in the US, how can students determine the best fit for them? College research can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t know where to start or what to look for. This workshop will discuss the many factors high school students should consider when developing a balanced college list, and how to navigate college research to find the best fit academically, socially and financially. This seminar is appropriate for sophomores, juniors, seniors and their parents.
October 2, 6:30-7:30pm
College Application Essays & Supplements
Essays have become an important part of the college application where you can really differentiate yourself. We’ll talk about the best ways to use this opportunity to convey something meaningful about yourself as an essential part of the larger story of self your application tells. What do you want the admissions committee to know about you? What story do you want to tell? You will leave this workshop understanding the differences between the personal statement and supplemental essays, common essay pitfalls to avoid, and how to craft essays that are authentic and compelling. This workshop is appropriate for juniors and seniors.
October 9, 6:30-7:30pm
Making your Common Application Less Common
The Common Application is one application that can be sent to 1000+ colleges. How can you tell your story in a way that admissions committees will find compelling? We’ll review each part of the Common App with a particular focus on the Activities List and additional opportunities for sharing who you are. We’ll also do a ‘mock admissions committee’ with a former admissions counselor so you can better understand how they interpret applications. This workshop is most appropriate for juniors, seniors, parents, and each attendee will receive a free digital copy of the guide How to Make your Common App a Lot Less Common 2024-2025.
October 16, 6:30-7:30pm
Paying for College: Financial Aid and Scholarships
The financial aid process for college can feel irritating at best, and incomprehensible at its worst. The 2023-2024 saw a major overhaul of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) that was fraught with issues, making this process even more confusing. We will provide an overview of the financial aid process, types of aid offered, understanding industry terminology, and important updates to the new FAFSA process. We will also discuss how to get started on scholarship search. This seminar is appropriate for seniors and their parents.
October 23, 6:30-7:30pm
Getting Unstuck: Drawing your Own Map for Success
The practice of applying to college or thinking about one’s future is often fraught with lots of big emotions and uncertainty that can stop us from moving forward and getting the work done. This workshop will help you build a strong toolkit for moving through an increasingly uncertain landscape with greater ease and confidence. By slowing down, tuning in, and listening to yourself, you can deepen self-awareness and intentionality — and create greater possibility for yourself. Whether deciding where to apply, what to major in—or whether college even feels right for you right now — we will explore some exercises you can do to help you find that critical next, right step. This workshop is best
for juniors and seniors.