ACT My Journey

Free Virtual Events for College and Career Planning

Show Me the Money: Finding Scholarships for College

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT

When it comes to paying for college, every dollar counts — and scholarships can make a big difference. But with thousands of options (and plenty of myths floating around), it’s easy to feel lost about where to start or which opportunities are actually worth your time.Join Collegewise for this practical, information-packed workshop designed to help students and families find and win scholarships that fit their unique profiles — from merit-based awards to need-based aid. Our experts will share tools, strategies, and insider tips to make your search more efficient and rewarding.

You’ll learn:

✔ Where to find legitimate scholarship opportunities—and how to spot red flags.
✔ The key differences between merit and need-based scholarships.
✔ How to create a system for staying organized and meeting deadlines.
✔ Strategies for making your applications stand out.
✔ How to stack scholarships and reduce overall college costs.

Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to maximize your financial aid options, this session will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a smarter plan for saving money on college.Register now and take the first step toward making college more affordable — without the stress.

Meet the Presenters

Ian Parker, Former Master Tutor, The Princeton Review & Collegewise Counselor

A proud first-gen college student, Jeremy earned his B.A. and M.A from the University of Michigan before venturing into the world of admissions. He spent two years leading pre-med recruitment in the admissions office at Johns Hopkins University, where he evaluated thousands of applications. Jeremy then moved to the other side of the desk as a Senior Strategy Consultant with Crimson Education, where he not only guided students to admission every one of the 100 most competitive colleges and universities in the United States including Princeton, Cal Tech, Harvard, Duke, Georgia Tech, MIT and Stanford, but also helped them earn more than $4 million in scholarships. 

Anita Doddi, FormerUniversity of Chicago Academic Advisor & Collegewise Counselor

Anita Doddi has spent her entire career in service of students—as a student affairs professional at Macalester, as an academic advisor at UChicago, as a College Admissions Advisor both in her own practice and in other firms, and now as a Collegewise counselor and helps students through the college admissions process. Anita earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Williams College and went on to earn her master’s in student affairs and academic support at the University of Michigan. Anita has a knack for building relationships quickly and making seemingly unrelated connections between people and ideas, which comes in quite handy when she’s helping students identify and apply to their best-fit schools.

Future My Journey Webinars

College Admissions Q&A for Seniors: Your Ultimate Application Roadmap

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Senior year is here — and so is application season. Between essays, deadlines, and last-minute questions, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling a dozen priorities at once. That’s where we come in.

Join Collegewise for a live Q&A session designed specifically for seniors and their families navigating the final stretch of the college admissions process. Our expert counselors will answer your questions, share insider insights, and help you focus on the steps that matter most right now — so you can finish strong and submit your applications with confidence.

You’ll learn:

✔ How to craft a clear, compelling story throughout your application.
✔ What makes a great college essay (and how to refine yours).
✔ What admissions officers truly value when reviewing applications.
✔ Smart strategies for managing deadlines and reducing stress.

Whether you’re finalizing essays, waiting for recommendations, or just looking for reassurance you’re on the right track, this Q&A will give you the clarity and confidence to make your senior year count. Bring your questions — Collegewise experts will have answers.

Study Smarter, Stress Less: Building the Skills That Lead to College Success

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Strong study habits and time management skills don’t just make school easier; they make the entire college journey more manageable and meaningful. From achieving academic goals to keeping balance during busy application seasons, these foundational skills help students feel confident and in control throughout high school and beyond.

Join Collegewise for this interactive webinar designed for middle and high school students, their parents, and school counselors. Our experts will share practical strategies that support academic success now and set the stage for a smoother, more confident college admissions experience later.

You’ll learn:

✔ How effective study and organization habits can reduce stress and create space for meaningful involvement.
✔ Time management strategies for balancing school, extracurriculars, and rest.
✔ Ways to stay motivated and focused when deadlines pile up.
✔ How parents and educators can foster independence and confidence in students.

Whether your student is just starting high school or preparing for college applications, this session will provide tools to help them stay balanced, productive, and ready for whatever comes next.

Register now to start building habits that lead to success — in school, in applications, and in life.

 

Major Decisions: How to Pick the Path That’s Right for You

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Every college journey looks different, but for first-generation and new-to-U.S. students, that journey often starts with more questions than answers. How do you find the right school? What do U.S. colleges really look for? And how can you make choices that lead to the best-fit college experience?

Choosing a college major can feel like one of the biggest decisions in the college process — but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you already have a few ideas or are starting from scratch, this session will help you explore your interests, understand your options, and make choices that feel both exciting and practical.

Join Collegewise for an engaging conversation designed for high school students, parents, and counselors. Our experts will break down what really matters when choosing a major — how to connect academic subjects to future opportunities, what admissions officers consider when reviewing intended majors, and how students can keep their options open while still building a strong application narrative.

You’ll learn:

✔ How to explore interests and identify potential majors.
✔ What colleges look for when students indicate (or don’t indicate) a major.
✔ How to connect your strengths and curiosities to real academic pathways.
✔ Ways to approach undecided majors with confidence.

If your student is certain, curious, or completely unsure, this session will help them feel more confident and informed about the journey ahead.

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!

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.