The Summer Advantage: Build a Stronger College Application

Unlock the hidden potential of summer break!

Whether your teen joins a summer program, gets a part-time job, volunteers, or starts an independent project, summer break experiences will shape their journey and help colleges see who they are beyond grades and test scores.

Join Collegewise counselor Justyn Hardy and ScholarshipOwl counselor Jennifer Finneti as they share how students can turn summer plans into meaningful growth, compelling application stories, and real scholarship opportunities.

✨ You’ll learn:

How to choose the right summer activities based on your teen’s interests, goals, and personality
How students can use their summer strategically to research, prepare for, and apply for scholarships
How summer experiences strengthen applications through essays and activities lists
Planning tips and timelines to help your family stay organized

With actionable tips and a live Q&A session, you’ll leave with the insights needed to help your teen succeed as they plan their journey to college.

Jennifer Finneti

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. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. 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.

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.