Admission Insights Webinars

Let’s cut to the chase. The college application process is complicated. Understanding each step and how to take the best approach are key to success and less stress. That is why the W&M Alumni Association has created the Admission Insights Webinar series. Designed for W&M alumni, family and friends who are readying their children for college, these webinars provide insightful tips for all things college admission. Check out our upcoming sessions and previous recordings below!

All webinars are presented via Zoom and will be recorded for on-demand viewing. These webinars are intended for informational purposes, and attendance has no bearing on admission to William & Mary.

Upcoming Webinars

Recommendation Letters: Finding the Right Advocates

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

College recommendation letters are an opportunity to have someone else help tell your story. Join us for an insightful webinar with Chris Hailey ’84, M.A. ’92, P ’13, P ’19, college counselor at Hampton Roads Academy, who will walk through the process of selecting the right recommenders, deciding what information to provide them and ensuring recommendations highlight your strengths and achievements.

The College Essay: Crafting Your Personal Story

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Crafting a compelling college essay is crucial to showcasing your unique story and personality. In this webinar, Raven Baytops ’16, associate director of college counseling at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia, will share expert tips on how to brainstorm ideas, structure your essay and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting your essay or refining your final draft, this session will provide valuable insights to help your story resonate with admission officers.

Webinars On-Demand

Decisions, Decisions – Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Join us as admission professionals weigh the benefits, challenges, and nuances of Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision. For this talk, we are pleased to welcome Charles B. Carabello from the University of Georgia and Juan Espinoza of Virginia Tech.

Choosing Where to Apply – Deciding What Matters to You and Your Student

Monday, September 18, 2023

You have completed college tours, and now it is time to start thinking about submitting applications. Join us as Jerome Griffin ’06, a W&M alumnus who now serves as associate director of admission for Haverford College, discusses how to determine to which schools your student should apply.

Common App

Monday, October 2, 2023

The Common App allows students to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities with one application. Two experts from the nonprofit Common App — Meredith Lombardi, director of education and training, and Evette Becker ’11, director of product innovation — will give an overview of the platform and discuss how it can be helpful during the college application process.

They've Said Yes! Will You?

Monday, April 15, 2024

Congrats! You’ve received your admission decisions! Now it’s time for you and your student to weigh your options and decide where to commit. Join us as we discuss key tips for navigating the college selection process so that you can make the most informed choice. For this talk, we are pleased to welcome Raven Beverley and Ella Knight ’00, M.Ed. ’19 from The Office of Undergraduate Admission at William & Mary.

Senior Year: A Junior’s Guide to Success

Monday, May 20, 2024

The beginning of senior year signifies that your student is one step closer to starting the college application process. Join us as Matt Essman ’99, director of college counseling for Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, shares tips on how to prepare juniors for college applications.

The Ins and Outs of College Interviews

Monday, June 10, 2024

How should your student prepare for college interviews? During this webinar, we will break down the interview process, what it looks like and how it varies among institutions. We are pleased to welcome Will Hailey, M.Ed. ’19 and Ericka Torres ’22 from William & Mary to provide guidance on equipping your student for success.