ACT My Journey

Free Virtual Events for College and Career Planning

College Knowledge Night: A Roadmap to College Admissions for 9th–11th Grade Families

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

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.

During this webinar, you'll learn: 

✔ 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.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to guide your student through this exciting journey. College admissions may feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be. Join us for this informative session and leave with actionable steps to help your student succeed.

Meet the Presenters

Hanifa Abdul Sabur, Collegewise College Admissions Counselor 

Hanifa Abdul Sabur brings over 15 years of college counseling experience, having worked with students ranging from high schoolers to undergraduates at prestigious universities. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Columbia University, Hanifa’s career has taken her from teaching at Columbia and George Washington University to guiding students through the admissions process. 

Hanifa’s strengths-based approach helps students discover and express the best versions of themselves, leading them to colleges that are the right fit for their talents and aspirations. She has supported students in gaining admission to top universities like the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, Cornell University, and the University of Oxford. 

Outside of Collegewise? Hanifa enjoys spending time with her four kids, testing out online personality quizzes with friends, and watching Netflix reality shows.

Hanifa Abdul Sabur
Collegewise College Admissions Counselor 

 

Kevin McMullin, Collegewise Founder & Chief Education Officer 

In 1999, Kevin started Collegewise with the core belief that students should be at the center of their college application process. He knew that with the support and guidance of a trusted advisor, students could have a less stressful and ultimately more successful experience. Where did he meet his first few students? His little kitchen table in Orange County, California. Since his humble beginnings, he has grown Collegewise into the nation’s most trusted provider of college admission counseling, helping over 28,000 students. Kevin is currently the Chief Education Officer of Collegewise, overseeing our counseling and tutoring programs.  

At Collegewise, Jared helps students approach the admissions process with strategy, confidence, and a clear sense of fit. His students don’t just apply to college—they make informed, thoughtful decisions about where they’ll thrive. His counseling style is warm, honest, and approachable—more like a trusted older sibling than a taskmaster—yet always backed by serious admissions expertise. Whether he's guiding first-time college applicants or supporting recruited athletes through the nuanced world of athletic admissions, Jared knows how to help students tell their stories in ways that resonate with admissions readers. 

For more than 25 years, Kevin has reached hundreds of thousands of people as a trusted admissions speaker and author on the topic of smarter, saner college planning. He wrote and published the admissions book “If the U Fits: Expert Advice on Finding the Right College and Getting Accepted.” Kevin graduated from UC Irvine with majors in English and history and has a college admissions counseling certificate from UCLA. Kevin admits that while he knows a lot about how to parent teens during the college admissions process, he seems to be significantly less knowledgeable about how to parent his own 7- and 5-year-old boys!

Kevin McMullin
Collegewise Founder & Chief Education Officer

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

Navigating College Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for Students with Learning Differences

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

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.

If your teen is aiming for competitive universities, it takes more than strong test scores and high GPAs.  These schools seek students who make an impact, stand out in meaningful ways, and bring unique perspectives to campus. We’ll break down what actually happens inside highly selective admissions and how your student can prepare. 

With the right approach, students with learning differences can thrive in college and beyond. Join us for this insightful webinar to gain expert guidance, ask questions, and leave feeling more confident about your student’s path to higher education. 

Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

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.

Who Should Attend? 

High school students and families exploring college options for the arts, as well as counselors and educators who support creative students.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and set yourself up for success in college admissions! Register now to secure your spot. 

 

Navigating College Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for Students with Learning Differences

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

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.

If your teen is aiming for competitive universities, it takes more than strong test scores and high GPAs.  These schools seek students who make an impact, stand out in meaningful ways, and bring unique perspectives to campus. We’ll break down what actually happens inside highly selective admissions and how your student can prepare. 

With the right approach, students with learning differences can thrive in college and beyond. Join us for this insightful webinar to gain expert guidance, ask questions, and leave feeling more confident about your student’s path to higher education. 

Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

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.

Who Should Attend? 

High school students and families exploring college options for the arts, as well as counselors and educators who support creative students.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and set yourself up for success in college admissions! Register now to secure your spot. 

 

Game Plan for Success: The College Admissions Playbook for Student-Athletes

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Is your teenager dreaming of playing at the collegiate level? 

For high school athletes, navigating the admissions and recruitment process can feel like a high-stakes game. Understanding eligibility requirements, scholarships, and how to connect with coaches is crucial to making the right college choice. Whether you're aiming for NCAA, NAIA, or other opportunities, this webinar will provide a step-by-step guide to help student-athletes, and their families stay ahead of the competition.

Join Collegewise as they break down the essential components of the admissions process for student-athletes, including:  

✔ The college recruitment timeline, including key milestones and deadlines 
✔ Academic eligibility, NCAA rules, and how to stay compliant.
✔ How to stand out to college coaches and build an athletic and academic profile that grabs attention.
✔ Balancing athletics, academics and applications without burnout.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a game-winning strategy for your college journey. Whether you’re an athlete or a parent, this webinar will provide the tools you need to confidently navigate the college admissions process. Secure your spot today!

College Admissions 101: Your Ultimate College Application Roadmap

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming, but fear not, Collegewise is here! 

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.

You'll uncover: 

✔ How to navigate course selection in high school.
✔ What to do over summer and winter break.
✔ Why extracurriculars matter and how to create your own.
✔ How to create a narrative throughout the application.
✔ What makes a great college essay.
✔ What admissions officers value in applications. 

By the end of the webinar, you’ll walk away with the tools you need to confidently navigate the world of college admissions. Secure your spot today.

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. 

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.

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.