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

Hi, I'm Benito Nishizawa Rodríguez, a Harvard graduate and former admissions interviewer. I'm hosting a free live session on a question many ambitious families ask: do research programs, internships, and competitions actually give students an edge in college admissions?

From science fairs to corporate internships, high school students are doing more than ever. However, top universities review thousands of high-achieving applicants, and simply participating isn't enough to get accepted. Admissions officers evaluate these real-world initiatives through specific criteria, looking for genuine impact, context, and commitment. Join us to learn how top colleges actually assess these experiences so your family can make the strategic choices necessary to help your teen stand out.

In this webinar, you will learn:

What Admissions Officers Value: What top colleges look for when evaluating research programs, summer internships, and academic competitions.

Impact Over Participation: How initiative and personal growth can take an experience from common to truly meaningful.

Evaluating Context and Commitment: How admissions officers assess your teen's unique background, depth, and dedication.

Building a Strong Application Story: How your teen can connect their real-world experiences into a clear and memorable narrative.

A Clear Application Roadmap: How Collegewise helps families turn meaningful experiences into winning applications at the most selective colleges.