ACT My Journey
How To Be “Uniquely You”: Authenticity in College Admissions
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
As college application season approaches, many students feel pressure to stand out — but often in the same way. Between competitive classes, packed schedules, and outside opinions, it can be hard to know what authenticity really means in the admissions process.
Join Collegewise for a live Q&A session designed especially for high school juniors and their families to explore how students can present their genuine selves in college applications. Counselors will share insights, answer questions, and offer practical advice on how to make each application feel personal and real.
You’ll learn:
✔ What authenticity actually looks like in essays, activities, and interviews.
✔ How to highlight your true strengths and experiences (no exaggeration needed).
✔ Common traps students fall into when trying to impress colleges.
✔ Practical tips for building an application that reflects who you are—not who you think colleges want.
Whether you’re a student preparing for senior year, a parent hoping to guide with confidence, or an educator supporting students through this journey, this session will help you understand what it means to be “uniquely you” in college admissions.
Bring your questions and curiosity — this conversation is all about real students, real stories, and real impact.
Meet the Presenters
Justyn Hardy, Elite Collegewise Counselor
Justyn is a seasoned college admissions counselor who has dedicated his career to helping high school students explore their interests, build strong academic profiles, and achieve their educational goals. With a background in both counseling and college essay coaching, he has worked extensively with international students and families seeking guidance through the admissions process. His students have gone on to attend a wide range of institutions, including Ivy League universities, liberal arts colleges, and top public schools. Justyn is also a published writer who 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.
Sheng Wen, Collegewise Counselor
Sheng is a seasoned college counselor with extensive international experience, having guided students from diverse academic backgrounds—including AP, IB, A-levels, and hybrid systems—to top universities in the U.S., UK, Hong Kong, and Japan. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she specializes in creating personalized strategies that showcase each student’s strengths while keeping the college process supportive and low-stress. Her students have been admitted to schools like Columbia, Stanford, UCLA, NYU (her alma mater), Carnegie Mellon, and more. Outside of counseling, Sheng is a passionate fan of the performing arts, a mahjong enthusiast, and a collector of vintage tees and romance novels.
Future My Journey Webinars
Navigating College Admissions: A Q&A for First-Gen and Immigrant Families
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Show Me the Money: Finding Scholarships for College
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
College Admissions Q&A for Seniors: Your Ultimate Application Roadmap
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Study Smarter, Stress Less: Building the Skills That Lead to College Success
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Major Decisions: How to Pick the Path That’s Right for You
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Ask an Admissions Counselor: Extracurriculars and College Apps
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Closed captions are available by hovering over each video and clicking the CC icon in the lower-right corner.
What Colleges Really See: Turning High School Choices into Admissions Wins
Between social media “advice,” peer pressure, and endless course catalogs, it’s hard to know what really matters in high school. Should your student take the hardest classes? How many activities are “enough”? And how can families make smart choices that prepare students for college and keep them balanced along the way?
Join college admissions counseling experts Anita Doddi and Hanifa Abdul Sur from Collegewise for this insightful webinar to learn:
- How course selection impacts future college options, and what “rigor” actually means.
- The role extracurriculars play in admissions (and how to choose activities that matter most).
- Common pitfalls families make when planning for college, and how to avoid them.
- How to build a well-rounded, authentic high school experience that grows with your student.
Plus, get your questions answered during our extended live Q&A!
College Admissions 101 for Seniors: Your Ultimate College Application Roadmap
Navigating college admissions can feel overwhelming, but fear not — Collegewise is here! This webinar is designed specifically for seniors and their families who are in the thick of the application season. Our expert speakers will share what admission officers are really looking for and guide you through the steps that matter most right now, so you can finish strong and submit applications with confidence.
You'll uncover:
- How to create a compelling narrative throughout the application.
- What makes a great college essay (and how to polish yours).
- What admissions officers value most when reading applications.
- Strategies to manage deadlines and reduce stress during application season.
By the end of the webinar, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps to navigate senior year admissions with less stress and more confidence.
Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers
Finding the right college as an artist or performer means more than just choosing a school — it’s about discovering a place that nurtures your talent, supports your career goals, and aligns with your creative vision. Whether your teen is a visual artist, actor, dancer, filmmaker, or musician, understanding the college application process for arts-focused programs is essential. In this webinar, our experts will walk you through key steps to help craft a strong application and maximize your opportunities.
Join Collegewise and ACT to discover:
- How to choose the right college to support your creative goals.
- How to build a strong portfolio or audition.
- How to balance artistic and academic requirements, write compelling essays, and navigate supplemental materials.
- Where to find scholarships and funding opportunities for artists and performers.
Navigating College Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for Students with Learning Differences
Finding the right college can feel overwhelming for any student, but for those with learning differences, the process comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding how to navigate college admissions, identify supportive institutions, and advocate for the resources your student needs can make all the difference in ensuring long-term success. This webinar will guide families through the key considerations for students with learning differences, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Join Collegewise and ACT to discover:
- Understanding accommodations and support services and how to ensure your student gets the support they need.
- How to identify the right colleges based on academic support services, accommodations, and campus culture.
- The role of self-advocacy in building confidence, independence, and college success.
- Application strategies for students with learning differences.
- Financial aid and scholarships for neurodiverse students.
College Knowledge Night: A Roadmap to College Admissions for 9th–11th Grade Families
Are you wondering how to help your teenager navigate the college admissions process? Whether your student is in their first year of high school or preparing for senior year, now is the perfect time to start planning. Join college admissions counseling experts, Collegewise for College Knowledge Night, a must-attend webinar designed to give parents the essential tools, strategies, and insights needed to support their students on the path to college.
- The impact of shifting admission rates and how to approach the process with confidence.
- How to Build a Strong Academic & Extracurricular Profile – Understand what colleges are really looking for and how your student can stand out.
- Key Timelines & Milestones – Get a clear roadmap for what students should be focusing on each year of high school.
- The Role of Standardized Testing – Learn the latest updates on the ACT/SAT, test-optional policies, and how testing fits into the admissions process.
- Smart College Planning Strategies – Discover how to research colleges, build a balanced college list, and avoid common pitfalls.
Highly Selective College Admissions: Myths, Facts, and What Really Matters
The highly selective college admissions landscape is more competitive — and more confusing — than ever. With so much conflicting advice from social media, well-meaning friends, and outdated myths, how can families distinguish fact from fiction? If your student is aiming for a highly selective school, what actually makes an applicant stand out?
Join Collegewise and ACT to discover:
- The truth behind common myths about the Ivy League highly selective admissions process.
- What admissions officers really look for beyond grades and test scores.
- How students can develop authentic, standout applications.
- The impact of shifting admission rates and how to approach the process with confidence.
Building Skills for Success in High School, College, and Beyond
Led by Collegewise’s Director of Instruction and former instructor at Temple University, Michael Cohen, and Former Vanderbilt Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Collegewise Counselor, Kaila Brown, this webinar will give you expert insights and practical tips to help your student succeed now and in the future.
Join college admissions counseling experts, Collegewise, and ACT for this must-attend webinar to learn:
- How middle and high school students can develop key academic and life skills.
- The best ways to explore interests and build meaningful experiences.
- How to balance school, extracurriculars, and social life without feeling overwhelmed.
- What changes in college admissions mean for today’s students.
Spring Forward: Strategic Planning for College and Career Success from Junior to Senior Year
In this webinar, Collegewise admission experts share top tips to help you navigate the process. While you may not have everything figured out yet, now is the perfect time to explore potential college majors and career paths that align with your strengths and interests.
In this webinar, you’ll discover:
- The steps to start building your college application profile now.
- Understanding the college application timeline and key deadlines.
- How to explore and narrow down your college major based on your interests.
Finding Your Fit: Researching & Choosing the Right College
In this webinar, Collegewise admission experts share top tips on how to effectively conduct college research and solidify a well-rounded list of schools. We want every student to be thrilled about their options.
College research doesn't have to be so complicated, and with Collegewise expert advice, you'll be all set to approach it with a greater sense of confidence.
College Admissions 101: Keep Calm and Ace Your Application Process
Join us to take a deep dive into what admission officers are really looking for. Our expert speakers will guide you through every step of the college admissions journey, from making the most of high school to researching universities and ultimately crafting successful applications, all while maintaining your sanity.
The Roadmap to Success: Preparing Early for Your Best College Experience
Feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you think about navigating the leap from high school to college? Don’t panic! Preparing for college starts with developing beneficial habits and strategically planning your high school journey. In this webinar, Collegewise admission experts will give you tips to effectively prepare for a fulfilling and successful college experience from day one. Whether you’re a freshman, a senior, or somewhere in between, you should feel confident and equipped to set yourself up for an exceptional college adventure.
Invest in Your Future: Expert Tips on Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Paying for College
Tune in as Collegewise experts share key tips to help you make sense of the confusing and challenging process that is financial aid and paying for college. Discover the key strategies that will unlock the doors to higher education without breaking the bank. From need-based aid to scholarships, Collegewise’s expert panelists will demystify the complex world of financial aid, offering practical tips to help you navigate the application process with confidence.
College Admissions from A to Z: Ace Your Application Process (And Stay Stress Free)
Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming and full of questions, but we’ve got answers! From making the most of your high school experience to researching colleges and ultimately crafting your best application, watch as Collegewise’s expert college application counselors (some of whom are former admission officers) guide you through every step of the college admissions journey - all while keeping you feeling confident and stress-free through the process.
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