Walter Johnson HS

COLLEGE SATURDAY 

February 21, 2026

8:45am - 1:00pm Walter Johnson High School

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College Saturday Program (printable)

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College Saturday is a half day program where attendees with hear from experts on a variety of topics pertaining to the college selection and application process: the latest trends in college admissions, finding the right schools for each student, completing the application, virtual and in-person visits, the application process for those with learning differences, applying to colleges outside the U.S., and gap year and trade school alternatives after graduation. There is also a Post-Secondary Opportunity Fair at which there are admissions reps from colleges/universities, arms of the military, and gap year options.

Please Note: This event is in person and the sessions will not be recorded. Presenters’ slides will be posted after the event, where available.

Schedule of Events                                            

Post Secondary Opportunities Fair

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Keynote: Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Admissions: Key Trends + How to Stay Ahead

Shelley Levine, Certified Educational Planner

College Bound | shelley@collegebound-md.com

In this presentation, I’ll break down the major trends reshaping college admissions and what they mean for students. We’ll cover:

• The shift from test-optional to test-preferred—and what it means for admissions strategy
• How AI is influencing student communication, applications, and college evaluation
• Increased competitiveness at public flagship universities
• How major choice, course rigor, and extracurricular involvement affect admission outcomes
• The growing role of Early Action and Early Decision in shaping admissions 
• How international recruitment and enrollment trends are impacting admission rates

Whether you’re a parent or a student, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of today’s admissions landscape—and practical strategies to plan ahead with confidence.

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Breakout Sessions 

How to Optimize the College Visit

Kim Heffernan, College Counselor, Moxie College Counseling, kim@moxcc.com

The campus visit is not just a way to learn more about college options. It’s also a significant tool for admissions strategy. These days, there are a variety of flavors available – including admissions interviews, online sessions, walking tours, college fairs, email communication, and the college’s social media – and a student’s approach can signal to a college their interest in not just applying but enrolling, which can factor into how the admissions office makes its decisions.

Beyond the Four-Year College: Trade Schools, Gap Years, Service Programs, and Other Pathways After Graduation

Mariah King, -----------------, Walter Johnson High School, Mariah_A_King@mcpsmd.org

This session will explore a variety of post-graduation options beyond the traditional four-year college route. Families will learn about trade and technical programs, gap year opportunities, service and workforce programs, and other alternative pathways students can pursue after high school. The goal is to help students and parents better understand these options, weigh factors like cost, career outcomes, and personal interests, and feel confident that there are multiple meaningful paths to success after graduation.

Finding Your Fit: Researching and Choosing the Right College for You

Jordan Kanarek, President, Kanarek Consulting and Partner, Collegewise, jordank@collegewise.com

With over 4,000 universities just in the US, it’s no wonder most students feel overwhelmed by the research process to find the right schools. Where do you even begin? You will gain expert insights on how to effectively conduct college research and solidify a well-rounded list of schools. 

By the end of the breakout, you will discover: 

How to do robust and effective research 

What factors to consider when conducting college research 

How to maximize college visits 

How to create a balanced college list that includes likely, target, and reach schools 

How to find schools that are the right fit for your personality, aspirations, and budget

Exploring International Education - Start Guide to Studying Abroad

Atheena Gouviotis, Assistant Director of North American Enrollment, The American College of Greece, Agouviotis@acg.edu

Sophie Bernheisel, Assistant Director of US Admissions, American University of Paris, sbernheisel@aup.edu

This session helps students and parent understand the advantages of studying abroad, key factors to consider, and what the application process involves. It compares international study options with staying in the U.S. and provides helpful resources for families interested in exploring global education opportunities. Representatives from the American College of Greece and the American University of Paris will be available at the end of the presentation for questions. 

Ready, Set, Launch! College Application 101:  How to Prepare Now and Showcase Your Wow Factor!

Amy Smith, Educational Consultant, Power Hour Editing and Consulting, amy@powerhourediting.com

Join College Coach Amy Smith for a jam-packed presentation detailing what to expect in the college application and how you can prepare now to succeed! Amy will quickly explain the different application portals (Common, Coalition, UC, UCAS, etc.), detail what information you need to gather and write (background, activity list, main essay, supplements, etc.), and provide tips on how you can make your application stand out. Learn how to make a plan, collect what you need to be ready to apply, and avoid common mistakes and the last-minute crunch. It’s a process with a lot of moving parts, and each college requires unique information, but with a smart roadmap, you can succeed. What’s a “Wow Factor,” and how can you communicate yours in your college application? Amy combines her journalism and PR skills at Power Hour Editing & Consulting to help college-bound students jumpstart their process, stand out, amplify their unique voices, and power to the finish line.

Supporting Students with Learning Differences through the College Process…The Learning Difference Difference

Sue Cook Christakos, Independent Educational Consultant, College Counseling Collaborative, sue@collegeld.com

Is my student ready for college?  Can my student “get in” to college?  Will my student “get out” of college with a cap and gown? Where do I even begin to help my student?

The college process has gotten alarmingly complicated and competitive in recent years. For students who learn differently, (those with ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities, ASD), the process can be overwhelming. However, with thoughtful planning and preparation the process can have a rewarding outcome. In her presentation, Sue Cook Christakos, will be sharing six essential skills for college readiness, and provide some tips on how students can plan and prepare for college. She will also talk about neuropsychological or psycho-educational testing and its role in the process, as well as the different levels of support found on college campuses.  Finally, she will share tips about the application in an effort to help students and parents navigate this process with more easily.   

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