Weehawken School District
2022-2023 Webinar Series
All webinars start at 6pm and are followed by an open Q&A session with a Senior Mentor from Command Education
Use this Zoom link to join all webinars
Click the link below to add all the dates to your calendar or add individual ones you’d like to attend below.
Thu. October 20, 2022
What Do Colleges Want?
- Well-rounded students vs students with a hook
- The building blocks: GPA and test scores
- Clearly defined career interest and academic passions
- Community impact
- Activities and leadership
- Rigorous courses and course selection
Thu. November 17, 2022
Selecting Meaningful Activities
- School clubs – joining, starting, and leadership positions
- Sports, arts, writing, entertainment-related activities
- Volunteering and picking a mission that matters to you
- Part time and seasonal jobs
- Internships and research opportunities
- Basic intro to passion projects
Thu. December 15, 2022
What’s a Passion Project Anyway?
- Selecting a passion project based on your interests
- Analyzing and addressing needs in the community
- How to get your passion project off the ground
- How to grow a passion project: social media and outreach
Thu. January 19, 2023
Standardized Tests (SAT and ACT)
- Explaining the role of standardized testing in college applications
- The difference between the SAT and the ACT
- How to choose between the two tests
- How to sign up for the SAT and ACT
- Study methods and resources
- Goal scores and how many times you should take these tests
Thu. February 16, 2023
The Common App
- What is the Common App and how do you access it?
- Personal Statement
- Activity List
- Honors/Awards
- Self reporting → test scores and grades
- Additional school supplemental applications
Thu. March 16, 2023
Writing Workshop - Personal Statement and Supplements
- Mini Application Booster Camp presentation
- Explaining how to pick a story- what does it add to your application?
- Essays that worked examples
- Common supplement questions and how to respond
Thu. April 20, 2023
Fee Waivers: The FAFSA the Furious OR Questbridge
- How to make college affordable
- Colleges scholarships and financial aid packages
- The Questbridge option
- Standardized test fees and application waivers
- Resources for finding outside scholarships: Fastweb, local organizations, finding scholarships for your passions, interests, and talents
Thu. May 18, 2023
How Far We’ve Come: Activities, Leadership, and Passion Project Check in
- [Mostly Q&A based session]
- Talking through student involvement in their various activities
- Checking in on any passion project progress
- Reiterating how to grow a passion project through social media and partnerships
Thu. June 1, 2023
Creating a College List and the Application Timeline
- How to pick between colleges
- College research and visits
- Starting with the summer before junior year, how to craft a general timeline for college applications
▪ Getting involved in meaningful activities
› Starting a passion project
▪ Completing your standardized testing
▪ Creating a college list
▪ Building relationships with teachers
› Letters of recommendation
▪ Personal Statement and Common App
▪ Supplements