College Saturday
February 24, 2024
8:45am - 1:30pm Walter Johson High School
College Saturday Program
College Saturday is a half day of a variety of sessions about different parts of the college process: the latest trends, the application, finding the right school, the financial aspect, virtual and in person visits, gap year, the application process for those with learning differences, different deadlines, and declaring a major. There is also a Post Secondary Opportunity Fair at which there are admissions reps from colleges/universities and arms of the military.
Please Note: This event is in person and the sessions will not be recorded.
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Session |
Presenter |
Presentation |
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Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner, College Bound, shelley@collegebound-md.com |
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Kim Heffernan, Moxie College Counseling, kim@moxcc.com |
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Holly Bull, President/Gap Year Counselor, Center for Interim Programs, hollybull@interimprograms.com |
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Crack the Applications and Get Your Burning Questions Answered With our Tips & Tricks |
Jordan Kanarek, President, Kanarek Consulting and Partner, Collegewise, jordank@collegewise.com |
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Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Navigating the College Search Process |
Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner, College Bound, shelley@collegebound-md.com |
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Rob Maddox, M.Ed., Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance, St. Mary's College of Maryland, rwmaddox@smcm.edu |
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Sue Cook Christakos, Independent Educational Consultant, College Counseling Collaborative, sue@collegeld.com |
Schedule of Events
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:45am | Doors Open | |
| 9:00-10:00 | Keynote: Staying Ahead of the Curve: Understanding the Latest Trends in College Admissions | Auditorium |
| 10:15-11:15 | Breakout Session #1 (sessions repeated) |
Various Rooms: Learning Difference: Room 167 How to Optimize College Visits: Choral Room, 174 Gap Year Options: Room 168 Crack the Applications: Auditorium Exploring the Right Fit: Cafeteria |
| 11:15-11:45 | College Fair | Outside Auditorium |
| 11:45-12:45 | Breakout Session #2 |
Various Rooms: Learning Difference: Room 167 How to Optimize College Visits: Choral Room, 174 Gap Year Options: Room 168 Crack the Applications: Auditorium Exploring the Right Fit: Cafeteria |
| 12:45-1:30pm | College Fair | Outside Auditorium |
Post Secondary Opportunities Fair
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Access2College American University Butler University East Carolina University George Mason University Montgomery College |
Universities at Shady Grove US Army US Marines University of Louisville University of Minnesota |
Keynote
Keynote: Staying Ahead of the Curve: Understanding the Latest Trends in College Admissions
Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner, College Bound, shelley@collegebound-md.com
During this presentation, I will address several key topics shaping the landscape of college admissions including: the impact of test-optional policies on admissions processes and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the interactions between students and colleges, shedding light on the ways both parties are using this technology. I will also address the profound effects of the Supreme Court Decision to end affirmative action on admissions practices, examining the implications for diversity and inclusion in educational institutions. Lastly, I will touch briefly upon the new and, hopefully, improved FAFSA (Financial Aid) process, providing insights into the changes and enhancements that have been implemented. I hope to provide you with a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics within the realm of college admissions.
Breakout Sessions
How to Optimize the College Visit
Kim Heffernan, 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.
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.
Gap Year
Holly Bull, President/Gap Year Counselor, Center for Interim Programs, hollybull@interimprograms.com (gap year counseling experts since 1980)
Learn about immediate and long-term benefits of taking a gap year, the different types of possible options based on students' interests, important aspects to consider regarding safety, changes during gap time, cost, scholarships, college deferral process, etc.
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Navigatin the College Search Process
Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner, College Bound, shelley@collegebound-md.com
Liberal arts colleges, research universities, public, private, direct entry Limited Enrollment Programs (LEPs), Co-Op programs.....how do I craft my college list? This session will explore the importance of "fit" in choosing a college and help you understand why the alignment between the student's courses, activities, and academic interests and the college's mission and programs can significantly influence one’s chance of admission and overall experience. I will also dive into how to explore colleges—virtually and in-person—and the role of student demonstrated interest in the admissions process. As we explore these topics, I hope you will gain valuable insights into the significance and value of "Best Fit."
College Financial Aid
Rob Maddox, M.Ed., Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, rwmaddox@smcm.edu
When it comes to selecting a college or university, a crucial aspect to consider is the financial aid process. It is important to note that not all aid packages carry the same purchasing power, and it may be challenging to determine which institution offers the best value. As such, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the financial aid process to make an informed decision.
Crack the Applications and get your burning questions answered with our tips & tricks.
Jordan Kanarek, President, Kanarek Consulting and Partner, Collegewise, jordank@collegewise.com
Application numbers are up at many universities nationwide, from Northeastern reporting 98,000 to Rutgers reporting a 60% increase year over year. While we continue to collect data on numbers, we are turning our focus to what this means for the Class of 2025. This seminar will focus on understanding why numbers are so high, and more importantly, on what you can do to make sure your application shines and stands out. This seminar will focus on updates your family needs to know before filling out the application and clicking "Submit."
By the end of our seminar, you’ll learn:
- Changes we expect to see for the Class of 2025
- Every component of the application and how students can stand out/where they should focus their time
- What admissions officers look for from applicants
Your family doesn’t have to approach college applications with uncertainty. Join me and discover all there is to know about the Common App, the UC app, and others of interest to you!