2024-25 Speaker Series Wrap-Up: Navigating the College Admissions Process
At Hemispheres Academy, we are committed to providing our students and families with the resources they need to succeed. One of the ways we do this is through our annual Speaker Series, where we invite experts to share their knowledge on topics that matter to our community. This year, we focused on one of the most important topics for students and parents alike: applying and getting into college.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, we hosted three distinguished speakers who provided invaluable insights into the college admissions process. Each speaker brought their unique perspective, offering guidance on everything from crafting a strong application to securing financial aid. Here’s a recap of the sessions:
Session 1: Understanding the College Admissions Process
We were thrilled to kick off our Speaker Series with Becky Grappo, a highly respected college counselor and founder of RNG International. As a member of our Foreign Service community, many know Becky for her work in helping students find the right fit for both boarding schools and universities. During her session, Becky provided an in-depth look at the admissions process, covering key topics such as application strategies, selecting the right schools, and how to present a compelling student profile. Her expert advice helped demystify the often-overwhelming college application journey.
Session 2: Using AI to DIY Your College Journey
For our second session, we welcomed Dr. Lauren MacKinnon Steed, a Foreign Service Family member and college consultant, who introduced an innovative approach to college applications—leveraging AI tools to streamline the process. She shared practical strategies for students on how to research schools, draft essays, and organize their applications using artificial intelligence. Her insights provided a fresh perspective on how technology can make the college admissions journey more efficient and personalized.
Session 3: Studying Abroad – Expanding Your Academic Horizons
Finally, We learned about how to apply to schools outside of the U.S.A. Audrey Mark, an international education consultant with experience in global university admissions, shared her insights about how to find, apply to, and succeed at schools abroad. Audrey shared insights on navigating the college application process abroad, as well as offering guidance on how studying overseas can open doors to incredible academic and career opportunities. She reviewed the process for several of the most popular countries for English speaking students.
You Can Still See These Webinars
Each session included a Q&A segment where community members had the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice tailored to their unique situations. We are grateful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and to our students and families for their active participation.
For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the discussions, recordings of each session are attached below. We hope these resources will continue to support our students in their college journey!
