12:00-12:55 PM
How to Tackle the College or Gap Year Application Process? Ask an Admissions Panel!
Do you have questions about the application process, ways to support your high schooler as they embark on applications, or even the importance of extracurriculars now and after high school? This panel of local admissions officers will answer your questions and more, offering insightful guidance for parents and students alike.
Panelists:
Paul Hovey – Fairfield University
Timothy O’Sullivan – Quinnipiac University
Yanella Pallo – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Zach Whitney – Lafayette College
More about the panelists . . .
Paul Hovey is Director of Transfer Admission and Campus Visit Experience at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He has been at the University for 11 years. During his tenure, he has overseen first-year admission from various parts of New England, including MetroWest Boston. In his current role, he remains involved with first-year admission but also oversees transfer admission and all aspects of the campus visit experience at the University, including general campus tours, major-specific events, and large-scale open house programming for admitted students.
Timothy O’Sullivan is the Director of Recruitment in Undergraduate Admissions, at Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, CT, where he has worked for the past 12 years. Tim’s territories include Massachusetts, California, Florida, Colorado, and Washington. He is also the liaison to all 21 Division I Athletic Programs. Tim enjoys working with students, families, and counselors, and also loves traveling for work and hosting events for admitted students. Tim earned his Bachelor’s from Long Island University, where he also played DI Baseball, and later earned his Master’s from Quinnipiac University.
Yanella Pallo is an Assistant Director of First-Year Admissions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has been with UMass for almost 2 years now and works with the Access and Outreach team. They host on-campus (and remote) events such as UREP UMass: Real Talks, UREP Overnight, and fun programming during our Open Houses and Accepted Students Days. As a first-generation student, Yanella knew that the college search was something she would have to do alone. She had to step out of her comfort zone and take initiative such as finding ways to get to college campuses to tour while also navigating a language barrier with her non-English speaking parents.
Zach Whitney is an Assistant Director of Admissions at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, where he has made his long-anticipated return after graduating from Lafayette in 2021. Zach earned his Bachelor’s in Neuroscience, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies before diving into the world of College Admissions, where he’s enjoyed nearly four years of working with families like yourself. Like many others in Higher Education, Zach fulfills quite a few roles around the office, but if there is one thing that stands out, it’s that he’s known to compare the college search journey to a trip at the ice cream shop… “No matter how many options you try, or even if your favorites aren’t available, you’ll still leave with something sweet that suits you.”
1:00-1:45 PM & 2:00-2:45 PM
The Digital SAT, The ACT, and YOU: A Guide to Navigating College Admissions Testing
Gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of college admissions testing. This workshop will provide clear, comprehensive guidance to develop an informed and strategic plan for admissions testing. Learn about recent SAT changes, the differences between the SAT and ACT, how to choose the right test for your student, keys to building a testing timeline, and effective preparation.
From the new, digital SAT to the spread of test optional policies, the landscape of college admissions testing has never been more confusing. This workshop will provide clear and comprehensive guidance to help families develop an informed and strategic plan for their student’s admissions testing. Attendees will learn about the upcoming changes to the SAT and the differences between the SAT and the ACT, how to choose the right test for their student, the keys to building a testing timeline, and the essential components of effective preparation. By participating in this workshop, families will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of college admissions testing.
Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, a trusted resource for expert tutoring and test preparation since 2011. With a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Vermont and an M.Ed. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Travis began his teaching career in West Philadelphia, where he saw firsthand the impact of thoughtful, one-on-one instruction. As a leader in test preparation, he has helped thousands of students navigate the SAT and ACT with clarity and confidence.
1:00-1:45 PM & 2:00-2:45 PM
Supporting Students with Essay Writing
For many students and their families, the words “Common App Essay” elicit feelings of pressure and overwhelming stress. It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, inaccurate beliefs about the process are often the source of this anxiety. In this session, we will first discuss and debunk the myths that surround the Common App essay and supplemental essays, and then talk about how to confidently support your student throughout their essay writing process.
Rebecca St. Mary brings twenty-five years of brand strategy and marketing research experience to her role as Director of College Consulting at JBG Educational Group and Counseling Alliance. JBG is an organization headquartered in Medfield, Massachusetts that provides virtual and in-person tutoring, educational consulting, executive functioning support, life coaching, and counseling services to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
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