10 Things You Must Know About Getting Into College

The college admissions landscape has changed. Between shifting test policies, rising competition, and complex financial stakes, the journey from high school to a dream college can feel like a maze. 

Join us for an exclusive session designed to turn “overwhelmed” into organized. We’re pulling back the curtain on what admissions officers really want and how your family can build a strategic, stress-free path forward. 

Webinar Details: 

10 Things You Must Know About Getting Into College

Date: May 14th, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM EST

Location: Live on Zoom

What You’ll Learn: 

During this session, we will walk through the essential factors that shape college admissions decisions, including: 

• Choosing Colleges That Are the Right Fit
  Understanding academic match, campus culture, location, and cost considerations when building your college list.
• Understanding Your Purpose for College
  Helping students identify goals, interests, and experiences that shape meaningful college choices.
• What Colleges Really Look For
  Why transcripts, course rigor, and academic choices play a critical role in admissions decisions.
• Standardized Testing Considerations
  Understanding SAT and ACT options, test-optional policies, and how testing fits into the application strategy.
• Building a Strong Application
  How to approach extracurricular activities, essays, and supporting materials in a thoughtful and strategic way.
• Standing Out in a Competitive Process
  Why depth, initiative, and authenticity matter more than simply checking boxes. 
• Demonstrating Interest and Engagement
  How visits, interviews, and communication can help strengthen applications. 

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for: 

• High school students preparing for the college admissions process  

• Parents who want to better understand how to support their student  

• Families who want clarity on what colleges expect and how to plan ahead  

• Students in grades 9–12 and their parents who want to make informed decisions about college planning 

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 This Matters

College admissions is more competitive than ever, and understanding the process early can help reduce stress, avoid common mistakes, and create stronger opportunities for success. 

Whether you are just beginning to explore colleges or preparing to apply, this session will provide valuable insights that help students present themselves with confidence and clarity. 

Reserve Your Spot

Join us for this educational session designed to help students and parents feel more prepared and more confident about the college admissions journey.