Walter Johnson HS

COLLEGE SATURDAY 

February 22, 2025

8:45am - 1:00pm Walter Johnson High School

College Saturday Program

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College Saturday is a half day program where attendees with hear from experts on a variety of topics pertaining to the college selection and application process: the latest trends in college admissions, finding the right schools for each student, completing the application, virtual and in-person visits, the application process for those with learning differences, understanding the test-optional question, and how to maximize the summer before senior year. There is also a Post-Secondary Opportunity Fair at which there are admissions reps from colleges/universities, arms of the military, and gap year options.

Please Note: This event is in person and the sessions will not be recorded. Presenters’ slides will be posted after the event, where available.

Schedule of Events                                         

Post Secondary Opportunities Fair

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Keynote

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Admissions: Key Trends and How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner, College Bound, shelley@collegebound-md.com

In this presentation, I’ll discuss the latest trends reshaping college admissions and what they mean for future applicants. Key topics will include:

• The rise of test-optional policies and their impact on admissions decisions
• How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming interactions between students and colleges
• Shifts in demand for selective majors and the growing competition in certain fields
• The ongoing growth in application numbers and what that means for chances of admission
• How evolving diversity initiatives are shaping college campuses and influencing admissions strategies

Whether you’re a student or parent, this session will provide insights into the current admissions landscape and offer practical tips on how to adapt to these changes.

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Breakout Sessions 

How to Optimize the College Visit

Kim Heffernan, College Counselor, Moxie College Counseling, kim@moxcc.com

The campus visit is not just a way to learn more about college options. It’s also a significant tool for admissions strategy. These days, there are a variety of flavors available – including admissions interviews, online sessions, walking tours, college fairs, email communication, and the college’s social media – and a student’s approach can signal to a college their interest in not just applying but enrolling, which can factor into how the admissions office makes its decisions.

Understanding Test Options and Test Prep

Phil Pine, President and Co-founder, Capital Educators, philpine@capitaleducators.com 

Phil Pine from Capital Educators will provide guidance about navigating test optional college admissions and choosing the best test preparation path for your student. Time will be spent addressing changes to the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, including the ongoing transition from paper to digital formats.

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Summer Planning

Jordan Kanarek, President, Kanarek Consulting and Parnter, Collegewise, jordank@collegewise.com

Discover how students can stand out and stay competitive with extracurricular activities! 

Just as there's no perfect high school schedule, there's no single summer schedule that will stand out to an admissions committee. We'll help answer the following questions: 

• How should you be spending your high school summers? 
• Does attending a university's pre-college summer program really help you get in? 
• What programs (if any) are worth spending your money on? 

Our presenters Jordan Kanarek will be discussing the greater landscape of activities, with a focus on summer planning (and more!), and you'll leave the seminar with clear steps to help you craft your own perfect summer schedule.

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The Best Way to Build a "Good Fit" College List: Learn How to Research Colleges to Create the Best Fit for YOU.

Jodi Gershoni, Independent Educational Consultant, College Unlimited, jodi@mycollegeunlimited.com

This session will provide ideas for understanding a college’s offerings and opportunities with or without stepping on campus. Over and above rankings and reputation, the goal is to determine a good fit list of colleges for YOU! We will use a method of research that is fun, stress-free, and very informative when creating a college list that meets your needs academically, socially, geographically and more.

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Ready, Set, Launch! College Application 101:  How to Prepare Now and Showcase Your Wow Factor!

Amy Smith, Educational Consultant, Power Hour Editing and Consulting, amy@powerhourediting.com

Join College Coach Amy Smith for a jam-packed presentation detailing what to expect in the college application and how you can prepare now to succeed! Amy will quickly explain the different application portals (Common, Coalition, UC, UCAS, etc.), detail what information you need to gather and write (background, activity list, main essay, supplements, etc.), and provide tips on how you can make your application stand out. Learn how to make a plan, collect what you need to be ready to apply, and avoid common mistakes and the last-minute crunch. It’s a process with a lot of moving parts, and each college requires unique information, but with a smart roadmap, you can succeed. What’s a “Wow Factor,” and how can you communicate yours in your college application? Amy combines her journalism and PR skills at Power Hour Editing & Consulting to help college-bound students jumpstart their process, stand out, amplify their unique voices, and power to the finish line.

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Supporting Students with Learning Differences through the College Process…The Learning Difference Difference

Sue Cook Christakos, Independent Educational Consultant, College Counseling Collaborative, sue@collegeld.com

Is my student ready for college?  Can my student “get in” to college?  Will my student “get out” of college with a cap and gown? Where do I even begin to help my student?

The college process has gotten alarmingly complicated and competitive in recent years. For students who learn differently, (those with ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities, ASD), the process can be overwhelming. However, with thoughtful planning and preparation the process can have a rewarding outcome. In her presentation, Sue Cook Christakos, will be sharing six essential skills for college readiness, and provide some tips on how students can plan and prepare for college. She will also talk about neuropsychological or psycho-educational testing and its role in the process, as well as the different levels of support found on college campuses.  Finally, she will share tips about the application in an effort to help students and parents navigate this process with more easily.   

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