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Webinar

Gaining an Edge in UC Admissions: Expert Strategies Revealed

Join former admissions leaders for a behind-the-scenes look at how UC decisions are made and what your student can do now to stand out in one of the most competitive admissions systems in the country.

 Monday, November 2

 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET 

   Zoom

The UC Admissions Playbook Every Family Needs

With 9 undergraduate UC campuses, 250,000 applications submitted each year, and 13 key admissions factors, the UC application process can certainly feel complex. Success requires more than a checklist of admissions tips. Families need to understand how academics, context, PIQs, activities, major choice, and application details all work together to shape admissions decisions.

Join Joel Ontiveros (former UCLA Assistant Director of Admission) and Lee Ann Cornell (UCLA alumna & former Director of Admission) for a practical breakdown of the UC admissions landscape and actionable insights your family can use right away.

During this event, you will learn:

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How UC readers evaluate applications

Learn from our experts who’ve reviewed thousands of applications.
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How to approach each application section strategically

Get guidance on the PIQs, activities, awards, and ‘Additional Comments’ section.

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How to avoid common UC application mistakes

From major choice to transcript self-reporting, learn what to watch for before the Nov. 30 deadline.

🎁 Attend live to receive a free copy of our 2026-2027 UC Application Guide + the recording!
The webinar recording will be shared exclusively with those who attend the event. 

Register now

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

Meet the Speakers

Joel O
Joel Ontiveros
Former UCLA Assistant Director of Admission

Joel Ontiveros has been reading UC applications for eight years. He attended UCLA and got his first job out of college working as an Admissions Officer and then as an Assistant Director for his alma mater. Eventually he joined the Banana Slugs at UC Santa Cruz where he worked as a Regional Admissions Representative and primarily recruited out of state. Joel was pleasantly surprised to find out that UCLA (the most applied to university in the country) actually has humans read every application at least twice. He believes in the transformative power of the UC system - even with all its quirks and issues.

Lee Ann Cornell
Lee Ann Cornell
UCLA Alumna & Former Director of Admission

Lee Ann Cornell has spent more than a decade studying how admissions offices make decisions and helping students use that insight to their advantage. She has served as Director of Admission for three different graduate schools and led admission-related initiatives at universities across the country, giving her a clear, behind-the-scenes view of how applications are reviewed. Her students have been admitted to hundreds of colleges, including Ivy League universities, selective public flagships, and top liberal arts colleges. She is known for making a complex process feel organized and human and for helping students uncover authentic, compelling essay ideas.

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.

 

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