Planning the Year Ahead: Everything You Need to Know About College Admissions

Overwhelmed by the college planning process?

By junior year, grades, course rigor, testing, and extracurriculars are shaping the story colleges will evaluate. It’s a pivotal moment - but whether you're deep into junior year or simply planning ahead, there are clear, proactive steps families can take right now to reduce stress.

College counseling experts Justyn Hardy, Elite Collegewise Counselor, and Jennifer Finetti, ScholarshipOwl Admissions Counselor, will share practical, proven guidance families can use right now to build a strong, competitive application.

In our session, you'll learn how to:

Understand what admissions officers value most in applications
Build a successful academic foundation in high school
Create a focused testing plan for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams
Supercharge summer and winter breaks
Use extracurricular activities strategically to strengthen the application profile

Justyn Hardy

Elite Collegewise Counselor

Justyn is a seasoned college admissions counselor who has dedicated his career to helping high school students explore their interests, build strong academic profiles, and achieve their educational goals. With a background in both counseling and college essay coaching, he has worked extensively with international students and families seeking guidance through the admissions process. His students have gone on to attend a wide range of institutions, including Ivy League universities, liberal arts colleges, and top public schools. Justyn is also a published writer who brings a creative touch to the essay process, helping students turn their stories into compelling applications. Outside of work, he enjoys board games, cheese tasting, and—somehow—surfing in Nebraska.

Jennifer Finetti

ScholarshipOwl Admissions Counselor

Jennifer Finetti brings over 20 years experience in edtech, marketing, communications,
content development, academic advising, and financial aid & scholarship counseling to
ScholarshipOwl. As a parent who helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from both a personal and professional perspective.

Jennifer has shared her financial aid and scholarship expertise on news segments across
the country as well as in USA Today, CNBC, and Yahoo! Finance. She earned her MA in
Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.