Roadmap To College:

2026 College Advising Webinar Series

Presented by Seeley Test Pros/LEAP

Expert guidance for every step of the college admissions journey. Join Julie Spak and Ingrid Latham, our expert college advising team, for a monthly deep dive into the most critical aspects of the college process. Whether you have a high school freshman beginning their journey or a senior crossing the finish line, these webinars provide the clarity and strategy you need for a successful college launch.

When: Wednesdays from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST         Where: Online webinar

March 11 from 12pm -1pm EST 

WRITING LETTERS OF CONTINUED INTEREST (LOCI), NAVIGATING WAITLISTS, AND MAKING DEPOSITS

Understand when and how a Letter of Continued Interest can strengthen your application after a deferral or waitlist decision. Thoughtful Next Steps That Lead to Confidence, Clarity, and the Right College Match.

• When a LOCI helps — and when it doesn’t
• What admissions officers want to see in a strong letter
• How to share meaningful academic and extracurricular updates
• Appropriate tone, structure, and length
• Mistakes that can undermine your message
• Deciding to be on a waitlist
• Making that final college decision

April 8 from 12pm -1pm EST

CREATING COLLEGE LISTS AND MAKING VISITS

Exploring colleges has never been easier with a wealth of online content and various options for in-person tours.  Learn how to build your college list with factors that are important to you

• What columns should I put on my college spreadsheet?
• Where can I discover information about colleges?
• Where do I find campus tours and virtual events online?
• What are my options when visiting a campus in-person, and how can I show demonstrated interest?
• What questions should I ask on a college visit?  What about my parents?
• What do I need so that my teachers/coaches/employers can write my letters of recommendation?

May 13 from 12pm -1pm EST 

MAJORS, CAREERS, AND SUMMER PLANNING

Explore how academic interests, career goals, and summer plans work together in the college admissions process.

• How to explore majors as a way to discover interests and career possibilities
• Understanding the connection between majors, careers, and graduate paths
• What colleges expect to see students doing during the summer
• Choosing summer activities that reflect curiosity and growth
• Jobs, volunteering, courses, research, travel, and enrichment programs
• How summer experiences strengthen future essays and interviews
• Planning ahead without overscheduling — balance matters

June 10  from 12pm -1pm EST

CURATING COMMON APP LISTS OF ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

Find out how to summarize everything you have done outside of school.  Most students are surprised at the variety of experiences that can be entered on the Common App.  

• How many Activities can I list on the Common App, what are the categories, and how long are the descriptions?
• How many Honors can I list on the Common App and what are the categories?
• Will I need a resume?
• How long do most college admissions staff spend looking at my Activities and Honors?
• What are some things that I can still do to add to my Activities and Honors?

July 15 from 12pm -1pm EST 

WRITING COMMON APP ESSAYS

Learn how to approach the Common App essays with confidence and clarity.  

• Overview of the current Common App essay prompts
• What admissions readers hope to learn beyond grades and scores
• Brainstorming techniques to uncover meaningful topics
• How to choose the right approach for your story
• When (and when not) to use the Challenges & Circumstances and Additional Information sections
• Writing tips for voice, reflection, and clarity
• The drafting, revising, and feedback process — what works best

August 12 from 12pm - 1pm

NAVIGATING THE COMMON APP

The Common App isn’t so common anymore as an increasing number of colleges are customizing their portion of the Common App.  Discover how to navigate some typical issues on the Common App.  

• When can I start working on the Common App?
• How do I enter my dual enrollment classes?
• How can I see if any of the colleges on my list require additional information and essays?
• How do I explain any difficult situations?
• What happens after I hit submit?
• What is a college admissions portal?

September 9  from 12pm -1pm EST 

DEMONSTRATING INTEREST IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Learn how colleges track and use demonstrated interest — and how students can engage authentically.

• In-person visits: campus tours and major-specific building tours 
• High school visits when colleges come to your high school 
• College fairs
• Attending a local college event, e.g. “Tulane in Cleveland”
• Virtual events: online information sessions, webinars about certain majors
• Receiving emails from colleges and clicking on links they send
• Following colleges on social media
• Connecting with your regional admissions rep
• Admissions and alumni individual meetings, interviews, conversations
• How demonstrated interest can be used in college-specific essays and builds networking skills

October 14 from 12pm -1pm EST 

GETTING MORE INVOLVED IN HIGH SCHOOL

Find out how you can get involved with your school and community to build important skills and get more out of your high school experience.  

• What are the categories of Activities and Honors on the Common App?
• How can I develop my leadership skills even if I don’t have a formal title?
• What are some things that I can still do to add to my Activities and Honors?
• How can I enjoy just being a teenager?

November 11 from 12pm -1pm EST 

FINANCIAL AID 101

 Understand how colleges evaluate financial need and award aid — and how families can plan effectively.  

• FAFSA timelines and preparation tips
• Which colleges require the CSS Profile and why
• Differences between merit aid and need-based aid
• What it means to be a full-pay student
• How financial aid policies impact admissions decisions

December 9 from 12pm - 1pm EST

MAXIMIZING TEST SCORES AND UNDERSTANDING TESTING POLICIES

Learn about all the various acronyms and terms related to standardized testing and how they affect college admissions.  

• What are the differences between ACT and SAT?
• What do colleges mean when they say Test Optional or Test Preferred?
• How do I interpret my PSAT results?
• Can I use my AP scores for college admission?