CC Presentations and Webinars
College Counseling Presentations and Webinars
2025–26
Feb. 4, 2026
College Process for Visual & Performing Arts Students
In this webinar, Amy Mitchell from Emerson College explores college options for visual and performing arts students. She breaks down how different institutions structure their arts curricula and discusses the logistics of double majoring or minoring. Amy provides expert guidance on best practices for submitting portfolios and auditions, as well as tips for crafting a compelling artist statement.
Jan. 15, 2026
Class of 2027 Winter Check In
This is a follow up on the Juniors' visit to the University of San Diego, where they gained insight into what to expect during the college application process this coming spring. To access the presentation please click here.
Jan. 13, 2026
Summer Enrichment Programs
Guest speaker Eli Lesser of Wharton Global Youth discussed why summer learning matters for students, how to identify quality programs that fit your family’s needs, and how to spot “pay to play” red flags.
College Process for Visual & Performing Arts Students
In this webinar, Amy Mitchell from Emerson College explores college options for visual and performing arts students. She breaks down how different institutions structure their arts curricula and discusses the logistics of double majoring or minoring. Amy provides expert guidance on best practices for submitting portfolios and auditions, as well as tips for crafting a compelling artist statement.
Jan. 15, 2026
Class of 2027 Winter Check In
This is a follow up on the Juniors' visit to the University of San Diego, where they gained insight into what to expect during the college application process this coming spring. To access the presentation please click here.
Jan. 13, 2026
Summer Enrichment Programs
Guest speaker Eli Lesser of Wharton Global Youth discussed why summer learning matters for students, how to identify quality programs that fit your family’s needs, and how to spot “pay to play” red flags.
Nov. 4, 2025
Password: Torreys
Dr. Jennifer Winward presented an overview of the resources available to LJCDS families through Winward Academy. The platform supports students preparing for the SAT and ACT. Families interested in using the platform can sign up on this form. Practice SAT and ACT dates for spring will be published in the coming weeks.
Oct. 28, 2025
A Practical Approach to Athletic Recruiting in an Ever-Changing College Landscape
Review the presentation slides on the college athletic recruitment process.
Oct. 13, 2025
Jon Lee, senior director of outreach and partnerships for Compass Education Group, discusses college admissions and the modern testing dilemma; the latest developments in SAT/ACT digital transitions; choosing wisely between tests and formats; crafting a personalized testing and prep timeline; when to submit scores in a test-optional era; and test prep strategies: cost, format, schedule, and realistic goals.
From APs to Advanced Studies
In the 2026–27 academic year, the Upper School curriculum will replace Advanced Placement (AP) with Advanced Studies courses. Learn more from the resources below.
1. Why Advanced Studies?
2. 2026–27 Sample Course Catalog
3. Check the FAQs
The College Perspective
Watch the webinar from Oct. 20, 2025, and hear straight from a panel of admissions officers:
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Cornell University: Marina Wencelblat Fried ’98, Senior Associate Director of Admissions
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University of Michigan: Kris Tesoro, Regional Admissions Recruitment Coordinator
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Washington University in St. Louis: Grace James, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admission
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University of California, Santa Barbara: Cuca Acosta, Director of Admission
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Harvey Mudd: Raissa Diamente, Executive Director of Admission
Listen to quick quotes from college reps shared during the webinar.
Tim Garreston from Seagrove Wealth Partners discusses college affordability and the financial aid process, and explains the formula colleges use to determine students’ eligibility for financial aid, as well as how students can position themselves to maximize their grant and scholarship offers from institutions.
September 24, 2025
Class of 2027 - Information Preview for Parents and Guardians
Password: Torreys
Presentation PDF link
The LJCDS college counseling team welcomes families of the Class of 2027 for an introduction to the admissions journey, covering testing, values, enrichment, support services, and the importance of college visits.
September 12, 2025
Class of 2028 & 2029 - Planning for Success
Password: Torreys
Presentation PDF Link
The college counseling team meets with parents and guardians of the classes of 2028 and 2029 to discuss important college admissions information and to establish a strong foundation for their students’ Upper School experience.
August 28, 2025
Class of 2026 Parent Check-in
Password: Torreys
The college counselors meet with the seniors’ parents to provide updates on the college process.
June 6, 2025
Class of 2026 Check-in
Password: Torreys
2024–25
April 22, 2025
Financial Planning and Affordability Session
Password: Torreys
Tim Garretson of Pinnacle Private Advisors discusses what families can do now to plan for their students' college costs and how to reduce those costs through thoughtful planning, merit-based scholarships, and need-based grants. This session is for all Upper School families considering strategies to pay for college.
April 18, 2025
Transition To College with College Counseling and Wellness Team (Part 1)
Password: DEN5*YFt
The college counselors join LJCDS Director of Wellness Michelle Hirschy and Rady Children’s Hospital Dr. Nicholas Chan for timely information about the upcoming changes for seniors.
February 20, 2025
College Essay Support
Password: Torreys
Presentation PDF Link
LJCDS Director of Writing, Communication, and Media Literacy Luke Jacob shares insights into our supportive approach to college admission essays. Understand our program’s philosophy, timeline, and the collaborative environment we create for our students. Hear firsthand from current seniors Gabby Cesaire ’25 and Marcus Hepper ’25 as they share their experiences and discuss how our program helped them craft their stories.
February 4, 2025
Arts Presentation - Visual and Performing Arts
Password: Torreys
For those students thinking about majoring, minoring, or taking coursework in the visual and performing arts in college, Assistant Director of Admissions at Syracuse University, Janet Shusta-Recchia, shares college choices for visual and performing arts, how different types of schools distribute arts curriculum, double majoring and minoring, best practices for submitting creative work (portfolios/auditions) in the application process, and writing artist statements.
January 14, 2025
Junior Parent Check-in Meeting - Class of 2026
Password: Torreys
Presentation PDF Link
The college counselors meet with the parents of the Class of 2026 to update them on the college process.
October 17, 2024
College Affordability and Financial Planning
Password: Torreys
Tim Garretson of Pinnacle Private Advisors has helped many families prepare for the cost of a college education. He provides an outlook on what families can do now to plan for their students’ college costs, including need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and funding strategies for out-of-pocket expenses. While the focus of this session is on senior families, other interested families are welcome to join for an early look at what might be coming in the years ahead.
