Beyond the Buzz: What Research, Internships & Competitions Really Mean to Colleges

Join us in our webinar on Wednesday, November 5, at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET to learn how colleges evaluate students’ real-world experiences and what truly helps applicants shine in the admissions process.

 

Ideal for parents with teens in grades 7-11.

Can research, internships, and competitions actually help your teen get in?

From science fairs to summer research to national competitions, today’s students are doing it all. But what do colleges really think of these experiences?

Join Benito Nishizawa Rodríguez, a Harvard graduate and former admissions interviewer, for an expert look at how top universities actually evaluate research, internships, and competitions, and what truly helps an applicant stand out.

Discover how admissions officers read between the lines, what signals intellectual curiosity, and how your teen can tell a story that feels authentic and unforgettable.

 

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • What admissions officers really look for in research, internships, and academic competitions
  • The difference between participation and impact, and why that matters in selective admissions
  • How top universities interpret context, commitment, and growth from extracurriculars
  • Practical strategies to help your teen tell a cohesive, memorable story through their experiences

 

Register now and learn from a Harvard expert who has helped students turn meaningful experiences into standout college applications.

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Your Speaker

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Benito Nishizawa Rodriguez

Harvard Graduate, Former Harvard Admissions Interviewer & College Advisor

Benito Nishizawa Rodríguez brings more than 17 years of experience as a college advisor. As a Harvard graduate, former admissions coordinator, and former Harvard admissions interviewer, Benito has experienced both sides of the admissions table. Throughout his career, he has guided students in the admissions process for various prestigious educational institutions, including Ivy League schools and Liberal Arts colleges, as well as private and public universities. His expertise has led to successful admissions for students at renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, and other top-ranked colleges in the United States.

About Collegewise

Since 1999, our team of 100+ counselors has dedicated their expertise to creating a worry-free, effortless college application process for students of all levels. 

Collegewise empowers students academically and relieves parents of their project management duties through our personalized counseling and tutoring programs. 

Say goodbye to application stress and welcome a new, streamlined experience with Collegewise. 

26+ years of college admissions