The College Counseling Office was delighted to host its first in-person College Panel evening event since the start of the COVID pandemic on Feb. 22 in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Six impressive admissions professionals representing colleges and universities from different parts of the country answered a series of questions to provide a deeper understanding of the college admissions landscape to LA students and parents.
The 90-minute session began with introductions and moderated questions on topics including misconceptions about the college admissions process, how applications are reviewed, how colleges assess candidates according to fit, and which activities make students stand out in their applications. The event concluded with panelists answering closing questions: How can students advocate for themselves in the college admissions process? What’s one thing you hope all our students in the audience go home and do this weekend?
“Providing a dedicated space where students, parents, counselors and admissions professionals can come together to have frank, honest conversations is critical for our families. There is so much information and misinformation out there about what it takes to succeed in the college process, we want to make sure that our students and parents are getting actionable and timely information directly from the source,” said Ms. Sarah Honan, LA Director of College Counseling. “I think all of the attendees from Thursday night's event left with a clearer understanding of what colleges are looking for and how they – as a student or a parent – can play an important role in this process.”