10 Things You Must Know About Getting Into College

Today’s college admissions process is more competitive, more nuanced, and more stressful for many families than ever before. With changing testing policies, rising application volumes, and increasing financial considerations, it can be difficult to know where to focus your time and energy. 

In this recorded webinar, our speakers break down the key factors that shape admissions decisions and share practical guidance to help students and parents navigate the process with greater confidence. 

Inside the Webinar 

This session covers: 

• How to build a thoughtful and balanced college list  

• What admissions teams pay attention to beyond GPA and test scores  

• How extracurricular activities, essays, and student involvement influence applications  

• What families should understand about test-optional policies and standardized testing  

• Why authenticity and direction matter in a competitive admissions environment  

• Ways students can better communicate their strengths, interests, and goals  

• How parents can support the process without adding unnecessary stress  

Who This Recording Is For 

This webinar may be especially helpful for: 

• Families with students entering grades 9–12  

• Parents beginning the college planning process  

• Students preparing for applications, essays, interviews, or campus visits  

• Families looking for more clarity around today’s admissions landscape  

Meet the Speakers 

Chelsea Barrows, CFP® | Financial Advisor, Opal Wealth Advisors  

Chelsea works closely with families to help them make informed financial decisions and plan for major life milestones. As a Certified Financial Planner™, she focuses on helping clients align their financial choices with their long-term goals, providing guidance that supports thoughtful planning across all stages of life.  

Beth Manners | College Admissions Consultant, The Manners Group  

Beth works with students and families to guide them through the admissions process, helping them identify colleges that align with their academic strengths, interests, and goals.  

Tim Manners | Essay Specialist, The Manners Group  

Tim specializes in helping students craft thoughtful, authentic essays that communicate their unique voice and experiences.  

Why Families Are Paying Closer Attention to College Planning 

College admissions has become increasingly competitive, and many families feel pressure to make the “right” decisions early on. Having a clearer understanding of the process can help students approach applications more strategically and reduce unnecessary uncertainty along the way. 

This webinar is designed to provide families with practical insight, helpful context, and a stronger understanding of how students can present themselves thoughtfully throughout the admissions process. 

This presentation by Opal Wealth Advisors, LLC (“OWA) is intended for general information purposes only.  No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from OWA or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. OWA is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if OWA is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of OWA’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at www.opalwealthadvisors.com.