Register for Zoom Sessions!

Register for Zoom Sessions!

AUGUST WORKSHOP:

August 7

August 14

August 21

All webinars are at 6:00 PST via Zoom

$350 for all three sessions

Session 1: “How College Admissions Really Works: The Insider’s Guide”

Focus: Build a shared foundation of knowledge for both students and parents

  • Understanding holistic admissions: What really matters (GPA, rigor, activities, essays)

  • Understanding the UC A-G requirements, as they are applied to your individual high school and how to enhance your GPA

  • How to start identifying what you want in a college

  • Why you don’t need to have it all figured out—yet

  • How parents can support without hovering: The “right” level of involvement

  • Understanding how today’s admissions landscape has changed (test-optional, holistic review, etc.)

  • Financial planning: Why starting early matters (overview of cost, EFC, and aid)

Navigating the College Application Maze: Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the college application process? You're not alone. Many students and parents struggle to make sense of the myriad requirements and deadlines.

Join us in a 3 part series that is designed to help answer most (if not all) of your questions about the college admissions process.

Sharon Cravanas is the former Director of College Counseling at Head-Royce School and a former consultant for the College Board. She has guided thousands of students through the admissions process, helping them identify best-fit colleges, craft compelling applications, and understand how admissions decisions are truly made.

Session 2: “Building the College List & Telling Your Story”

Focus: Finding best-fit schools and learning how to present a compelling application

  • Reach, Match, Likely: What these terms mean and how to balance your list

  • How to find colleges

  • Storytelling in essays: How to reflect, not just report

  • What your activities say about you—and how to make them count

  • How parents can encourage exploration without applying pressure

  • How to discuss college cost & limits transparently

  • What about campus tours and interviews?

  • Understanding the difference between the parent’s dream school and their best-fit school

  • Live demo: Essay brainstorm using real prompts

Session 3: “Testing, Financial Aid & Staying on Track”

Focus: Reduce stress by mapping out the testing, application, and financial aid timeline

  • SAT/ACT: Who should test, who can skip, and how to prepare

  • Building your timeline: Applications, recommendations, interviews, and deadlines

  • How to manage it all without burning out

  • FAFSA, CSS Profile, and merit aid—what’s what

  • How, when to look for private scholarships

  • Common financial aid misunderstandings

  • How to support executive functioning (deadlines, organization, staying calm)

  • How to work with your school counselor (you really should!)