UC Admissions Unpacked: Expert Tips for San Diego Families

It's no secret that San Diego students face some of the toughest competition for UC admissions.

Join us LIVE at the La Jolla Community Center on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM for a strategy-packed session to learn how your student can stand out and find success.

This is a free in-person event! Ideal for families with teens in grades 8–11.

How to Win in Today’s UC Admissions Landscape

University of California campuses continue to receive record numbers of applications each year, many from exceptionally strong students in the San Diego area.

In an environment where high grades and rigorous coursework are common, thoughtful preparation and smart positioning can make a meaningful difference. The question is not just whether your student is working hard. It is whether they are building a profile that stands out in a large and highly qualified pool of applicants.

Collegewise is here to help! Join us for our in-person event with UC admissions experts, Ida and Carlos, to learn exactly what it takes to make a memorable impression on UC admissions officers.

You’ll Discover:

💡 How Admissions Officers Evaluate Applicants: What really matters in UC applications from San Diego.

🎓 Crafting an Authentic Profile: Proven strategies to showcase strengths that will make your teen memorable.

📚 Course Selection Strategies: AP or Honors? IB or AP? Dual enrollment? Learn how to choose.

💻 Impact of Recent Shifts: How evolving admissions policies and new technologies are reshaping admissions.

📝 Proactive Planning: Practical, actionable strategies to maximize high school opportunities.

When:
Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 PM

Where:
La Jolla Community Center

6811 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

We've helped 3,100+ students successfully gain admission to UC campuses. Now it's your family's turn!

Ida Lonnqvist

UC Admissions Counselor & Cambridge Graduate

Ida brings international experience and a passion for student storytelling to her work as a college counselor. A graduate of the University of Cambridge and the University of Sussex, she has guided students to selective institutions including USC, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. With a background that spans teaching, essay coaching, and student support across multiple countries, she is fluent in Finnish and Swedish and well-versed in international curricula like the IB, A-Levels, and the French Lycée system. Known for her compassionate and individualized style, Ida helps students move from self-doubt to self-assurance while discovering the stories that make their applications shine.

Carlos Gooden

Former Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago, and Application Reader at USC and UC San Diego

Carlos has spent more than 20 years in higher education, serving in admissions roles at nine institutions including the University of Chicago, University of Southern California, UC San Diego, and Xavier University. He holds a doctorate in Educational Administration and is currently publishing a peer-reviewed book on the subject. Carlos brings a research-based, student-centered approach to college counseling, grounded in both professional experience and academic study. Whether guiding students through applications or visiting campuses in his travels, he remains deeply committed to helping families make informed, meaningful choices.