Free Webinar: Conversations with a Consultant - College Admission Mythbusters

*For All Grade Levels

Each admissions cycle offers new insights into how colleges are evaluating students and what strategies are proving most effective. In this free webinar, we will take a close look at the key lessons emerging from the Class of 2026 admissions cycle and what families can learn from the results.

College admissions continues to evolve rapidly, with major conversations around standardized testing policies, the surge in application volume at many universities, and the growing competitiveness of impacted majors such as computer science, engineering, and business. In this session, we will unpack what these trends actually looked like this year and what they may signal for future applicants.

Families will gain perspective on how admissions decisions played out across a range of institutions, what stood out in successful applications, and how students positioned themselves effectively in an increasingly competitive environment. We will also discuss how changes in testing policies, shifting institutional priorities, and the continued spike in applications are influencing admissions outcomes.

This session will be led by Melissa Wood, M.Ed., College Consultant Director and Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed., GCDF, Program Director. Drawing from their extensive experience working closely with students throughout the application process, Melissa and Bonnie will share practical insights and observations from the most recent cycle to help families better understand what colleges are looking for today.

Whether you are the parent of a freshman just starting the high school journey or a junior preparing for applications soon, this webinar will provide valuable context and takeaways to help families navigate the evolving landscape of college admissions with greater clarity and confidence.

PRESENTERS:

Melissa Wood, M.Ed.

College Consulting Director

Access College America

Melissa is a licensed school counselor with a dynamic background in education, leadership, and student development. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from Sam Houston State University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas State University, and a School Counselor Certification from Angelo State University. Read more about Melissa.

Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed, GCDF

Program Director

Access College America

Bonnie is a globally certified Career Development Facilitator who holds a Masters in Education and English. She has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a passion for helping students find careers that they love and the educational paths to get them there. She is the Program Director for Access College America, a national provider for guidance with college planning based in Austin, Texas. Read more about Bonnie.

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Access College America is proud to present their college planning series FREE for the community.

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