College 101:
What You Should Know Before Applications Begin
FREE WEBINAR REGISTER BELOW
WEDNESDAY, January 28, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM CT
Free Webinar on Google Meet
Limited Spaces
Feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Not sure when to start, what matters most, or how all the pieces fit together? You’re not alone—and this is exactly where College 101 comes in.
Join our free live webinar, “College 101: What You Should Know Before Applications Begin,” designed to help families gain a clear, organized understanding of how college admissions really works—before the pressure of senior year.
This session is ideal for 8th-11th grade students and their families, especially those who are early in the process or want a stronger foundation for planning ahead. It is also a must-attend for juniors, regardless of how long you feel you’ve been preparing.
In this webinar, we’ll cover:
✅ When students should start applying to colleges — and why timing matters
✅ What “test-optional” really means and when test scores still play a role
✅ High school course requirements and how colleges evaluate rigor
✅ Transcripts, platforms, and materials (STARS, Scoir, Naviance, MaiaLearning, official vs. unofficial transcripts)
✅ Letters of recommendation: when to ask, how to ask, and who to ask
✅ Application deadlines vs. materials deadlines — and how colleges review files
✅ A clear grade-by-grade roadmap from 8th grade through senior year
✅ AP, IB, Dual Credit, CLEP, and other college-level coursework options
✅ Common mistakes families make — and how to avoid them
You’ll leave with a big-picture understanding of the admissions process — plus the right questions to ask and a framework that will support all future college planning decisions.
How to Join:
Click the Register Here button below to secure your spot.
Check your email for your confirmation and the Google Meet link.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 28 from 7:00–8:00 PM CT.
Grab your notebook, your college questions, and join us live!
About Your Host:
Rachel Ripley is a former college admission counselor and high school college counselor turned independent college coach with over 15 years of experience who has helped hundreds of families navigate the college process confidently while saving thousands. With insider knowledge of how colleges work behind the scenes, she is passionate about helping families pay less while finding the best-fit college for their student.