College Symposium 2026 - Main Page
LJCDS UPPER SCHOOL COLLEGE SYMPOSIUM 2026
Program Agenda
12–12:30 p.m. Upper School Community Check-in
12:30 –1:30 p.m. Deans & Directors Panel (Four Flowers Theater)
1:40–2:20 p.m. Group A Sessions
2:30–3 p.m. Group B Sessions
3:10–3:40 p.m. Group C Sessions
3:50–4:30 p.m. Mini College Fair (Library, second floor of the admin building)DEANS & DIRECTORS PANEL
Moderated by Associate Head of School Colleen O’Boyle
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Lukman Arsalan, Clark University, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Assistance
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Mitch Warren, Purdue University, Assistant Vice Provost & Director of Admissions
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Gary Clark, University of California, Los Angeles, Associate Vice Chancellor
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Melorie Nielsen, University of San Diego, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
Breakout Sessions
Each participant will have the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions of their choice. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. This printout shows session locations and in which rotation blocks they will be offered. A copy of this will be provided at check-in.
List of 1 items.
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Breakout Session Details
College 101 + College Application Timeline
Presenter: Samantha Garcia, University of Colorado BoulderThe Common Application for Newbies
Presenter: Taylor Patterson, Worcester Polytechnic InstituteIt's all about YOU: Tips for Essay Writing
Presenter: Jackie Burkett, University of San DiegoIt's all about YOU: Tips on Showcasing your Activities
Presenter: Ashlee Fulop, University of British Columbia, CanadaFinding Your College Fit: Building a Strategic College List
Presenter: Isaac Cervantes, Lehigh UniversityMaking Connections: Mastering College Visits & Admission Officer Relations
Presenter: Sarah Anne Kauffman, University of MiamiGlobal Campus: Unlocking International University Opportunities
Presenter: Sara Smith, University of St Andrews, ScotlandNavigating College Search and Applications in the Age of AI
Presenter: Sebastian Brown, University of OregonCurriculum Review: Evaluation of Academic Rigor if AP/IB/Dual Enrollment is Not Offered
Presenters: Julie Franzetta, Carnegie Mellon University & Bridget Lavin, Barnard CollegeThe Liberal Arts Skills Advantage: Skills for a Lifetime
Presenter: Caitlin Latta, Denison UniversityThe Major Decision: Undecided? Declared? Academic Interests and College Applications
Presenter: Maddy Smalley, Boston UniversityBusiness Bound?: A Roadmap to Admission Success
Presenter: Ryan Stanley, Babson CollegeAll Roads Lead to Engineering: Exploring the Multiple Pathways
Presenter: Nick Albanese, University of RochesterPaying for College: Financial Aid & Scholarship Overview
Presenter: Camille Crites, Syracuse University
Navigating Critical Changes in Admissions Testing
Presenter: Ben Neely, Chief Academic Innovation Officer with Revolution Prep
College Fair
Bring your questions to the second-floor library!
End the day at the mini college fair, where attendees can connect directly with admission representatives from all participating colleges to learn more about their institutions and ask specific questions about their programs.
Participating Colleges
We are pleased to welcome admission representatives from the following institutions:
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Babson College
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Barnard College
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Boston University
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Clark University
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Denison University
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Lehigh University
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Purdue University
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Syracuse University
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University of British Columbia, Canada
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University of California, Los Angeles
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University of Colorado Boulder
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University of Miami
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University of Oregon
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University of Rochester
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University of San Diego
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University of St Andrews, Scotland
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
*Participating school list is subject to change.
