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Webinar

Common App vs. UCs: A Deep Dive into Successful College Application Examples

Join us as we walk through successful Common App and UC applications. See how students make smart choices that help admissions officers quickly understand who they are and what they will bring to a campus.

 Tuesday, June 9

 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET 

   Zoom

See Real College Applications. Learn What Really Works… and What Doesn't.

The basic components of a college application seem straightforward on paper: a transcript, some test scores, a list of activities, and an essay. But once you actually sit down to fill it out, the reality hits — how does all of this add up to a "yes"?

Most families know what goes into an application. Very few understand how admissions officers actually evaluate those pieces, or what transforms a stack of bullet points into a compelling, memorable story. With only one chance to make their case, students can't afford to just guess what works.

In this webinar, we’re cutting through the confusion. We will walk you through successful Common Application and UC systems submitted by real Collegewise students.

During this event, you will learn:

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What strong applications actually look like

See real examples of successful Common App and UC applications, and learn what makes them effective from an admissions perspective.



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How Common App and UC applications are evaluated differently

Understand the key differences between the two application systems, including what each one asks students to emphasize.

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How to present activities, awards, and commitments with impact

Learn how students can describe what they have done in a way that highlights initiative, growth, contribution, and substance.

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How to choose essay topics that feel authentic and strategic

Get expert guidance on identifying topics that reveal something meaningful about the student without sounding generic or overworked.

👉 Help your student learn what works before the application season begins. Register now!

Register now

Fill out the form below and secure your spot in our event.

Meet The Speakers

Renee Bischoff
Renee Bischoff
Former Admissions Officer at Northwestern, DePaul, Lake Forest, Carleton

Renee brings over 30 years of admissions and counseling experience to Collegewise, including roles in college admissions at Carleton, Northwestern, DePaul, and Lake Forest, and in college counseling at top independent schools like Polytechnic School in Pasadena and Hawken School in Cleveland. She’s guided students to more than 200 colleges across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Cambridge, and the UCs. Known for her candor, warmth, and strategic mindset, Renee helps students stay grounded, confident, and on track no matter how complex the process. She holds a BA from Carleton College and an MBA from DePaul University.

Tien Menor
Tien Menor
College Counselor and Department Chair at Archbishop Mitty High School

For 17 years, Tien has guided Bay Area students through every step of the college admissions journey. She currently serves as a college counselor and department chair at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where she has spent the last 14 years helping students gain admission to a wide range of colleges from all the UC and Cal State campuses to highly selective schools like Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Columbia. Tien is known for her steady guidance, deep knowledge, and the genuine care she brings to every student and family she supports. She holds a BA and PPS credential from San Jose State University and a certificate in college admissions and career planning from UC Santa Cruz.

About Collegewise

 

For over 26 years, families have turned to Collegewise for clarity and trusted expertise, especially during times of change. As higher education evolves, we stay on top of every update so you don’t have to.

 

26+

Years of College
Admissions Experience.

98%

Of Students Admitted to a Top-choice School.

35,000+

Student Success Stories.

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Families Recommend Collegewise.

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