ACT My Journey
Free Virtual Events for College and Career Planning
Ask an Admissions Counselor: Extracurriculars and College Apps
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
When it comes to college admissions, few questions cause more second-guessing than, “Will this look good?” From sports and clubs to jobs, volunteering, and personal projects, students and families often wonder which activities colleges actually care about — and how to stand out without overloading their schedules.
Join Collegewise for an interactive Q&A session where our expert counselors unpack the truth about extracurriculars. You’ll hear real insights from admissions professionals about what really matters, how to turn everyday interests into meaningful impact, and why authenticity always wins over “checking boxes.”
We’ll cover:
✔ How colleges evaluate extracurricular involvement (and what impresses them most).
✔ Tips for balancing depth, breadth, and genuine passion.
✔ Examples of activities that demonstrate leadership and impact.
✔ How to tell your story authentically through your activities.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or school counselor, this session will help you approach extracurriculars with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Bring your questions—we’ll answer them live!
Meet the Presenters
Justyn Hardy
Justyn is an Elite counselor at Collegewise, where he leads a team of counselors, and he has spent his career helping high school students explore their interests, build strong academic profiles, and reach their educational goals. With a background in both counseling and college essay coaching, he has worked extensively with international students and families navigating admissions, and his students have gone on to a wide range of institutions, from Ivy League universities to liberal arts colleges and top public schools. A published writer, he brings a creative touch to the essay process, helping students turn their stories into compelling applications. Outside of work, he enjoys board games, cheese tasting, and, somehow, surfing in Nebraska.
Liz Majors
Liz is a college admissions expert with experience on both sides of the process. She served as Director of College Counseling at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Associate Dean of Admission at William Jewell College, and college counselor at Saint Teresa’s Academy, and she has worked as an application reader for the University of San Diego, giving her firsthand insight into how admissions committees make decisions. Her students have been admitted to institutions including Yale, UCLA, and Notre Dame, and she has served as treasurer for both the Missouri and Great Plains admission counseling associations. Known for her calm, attentive approach, Liz helps families find the right fit and navigate the college process with confidence.
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