ACT My Journey
Middle and high school can feel overwhelming for families — but with the right approach, students can thrive! With so much advice from Google, neighbors, and family members, it’s hard to know the best path forward. And with college admissions constantly evolving, how can you ensure you’re on the right track without burning out?
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.
Plus! If your child is still in middle school, this is the perfect time to start building the right foundation. We’ll cover essential strategies to help younger students develop strong academic and life skills so they can study smarter — not harder — when they reach high school.
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.
Register now and start building the skills for success in high school, college, and beyond!
Meet the Presenters
Kaila Brown, Collegewise Counselor and Former Vanderbilt Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Kaila Brown brings seven years of college admissions expertise, having worked on both sides of the desk — as an admissions officer and a school counselor. After earning her master’s in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania, she returned to her alma mater, Vanderbilt University, where she spent five years as an Assistant Director of Admissions evaluating applications. She later joined Marist School in Atlanta as the Associate Director of College Counseling, guiding over 100 students annually through the admissions process — supporting applicants with interests spanning highly selective universities, Division 1 athletics, competitive engineering programs, and the arts.
Outside of Collegewise Kaila enjoys exploring new cities, discovering hidden gem restaurants, and spending time with her family.
Kaila Brown
Collegewise Counselor
Michael Cohen, Collegewise Director of Instruction and Former Instructor, Temple University
Michael Cohen is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students develop critical thinking and academic skills. He instructed at Temple University, where he earned his master’s degree and continues his doctoral studies in Religion. Before that, he studied History and Philosophy at the University of Delaware, laying the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to teaching.
With experience guiding hundreds of students through his college classrooms and over 500 hours of private tutoring, Michael has a deep understanding of how to support learners at all levels. As Director of Instruction, he brings his expertise to designing effective learning experiences that empower students to succeed.
Outside of academia, Michael is a proud New York Mets and Giants fan—though he admits that life in Philly makes that a challenge!
Michael Cohen
Collegewise Director of Instruction
2025 My Journey Event Schedule
February 12: Spring Forward: Strategic Planning for College Success
April 16: Building Skills in Middle School for Success in High School, College, and Beyond
July 8: Highly Selective College Admissions
August 27: College Knowledge Night for Parents of 9th-11th Graders
September 9: College for Students with Learning Differences
September 16: Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers
September 17: Game Plan for Success: The College Admissions Playbook for Student-Athletes
October 15: College Admissions 101: Your Ultimate College Roadmap to Success
My Journey Recorded Sessions
Check out the on demand sessions from previous My Journey events and get insights from recent graduates and admissions experts about preparing for college and career.
Closed captions are available by hovering over each video and clicking the CC icon in the lower-right corner.

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.
View More from My Journey
My Journey Youtube Playlist
Check out more content from previous My Journey events and get insights from recent graduates and admissions experts about preparing for college and career.