College Admissions Panel:
Expert Advice on Navigating the Path to College
In this panel discussion, our college admissions experts will answer some of the most common questions parents and students have when navigating the admissions process.​
Date:
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Time:
8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Learn More
This event brings together three college admissions experts to discuss what colleges are actually looking for and how they make their decisions.
Together, our panelists have decades of experience in the admissions space, and have helped guide hundreds of students through the college admissions process. This group knows admissions inside and out, and they’re eager to offer their valuable perspectives to help parents and students navigate an often overwhelming process.
Join us to get answers to questions like:
01
What are colleges really looking for in an applicant today?
02
Should you consider applying early?
03
How should you approach “test-optional” policies?
Panelists
Gena Lester
College Admissions Counselor
Dr. Gena Lester has guided hundreds of students through the ever-changing world of college admissions with enthusiasm, proven expertise, and patience. With a BA in Christian Education, Gena began her career in education as a private school administrator for a K-8 academy. During her 14 years at the school, Gena completed four advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in higher education and an MS in Psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology, both at Capella University. She is the creator of the “U-Niquely-U” formula, which guides each student to find their perfect fit and best match in the college selection process. She is also an international best-selling author, speaker, and thought leader in the college admissions space, as well as a mom to three college graduates.
Elaine Wyner
College Admissions Counselor
For almost 40 years, Elaine has been successfully matching students with the best colleges for them. Elaine earned her BS in Education from Lesley University and her Master’s in Education with specialties in educational administration and supervision from the University of Hartford. She has been an educator and administrator for kindergarten through college, as well as an independent educational consultant in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida. As a private admissions coach, she has built strong working relationships with Deans of Admission at educational institutions throughout the world, and has successfully assisted hundreds of families in their college application process. A trusted expert in her field, Elaine has written feature articles on education for local newspapers and been interviewed on television on topics including learning styles, tutoring, and college planning. In addition to her work in education, Elaine has volunteered for many years as a board member at cultural institutions in Boca Raton, Florida, including the Public Library, Friends of Caldwell Theatre, and Children’s Museum of Boca Raton.
Liz Beal
College Admissions Counselor
Liz has worked in college counseling and admissions for over 15 years at both public and independent schools. As an independent consultant, she is grateful to work more closely with students and their families, getting to know them well as she guides them through the college search and application process. Three principles guide Liz's work: the process of applying to college should be one that brings out the best in students; college counselors are meant to ensure that students and their families feel supported in making informed decisions; and that greater access and equity in higher education will yield a stronger future for all. Liz earned a BA in Psychology from Bucknell University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Early in her career, she worked with two school-based programs that focused on helping students apply to college. She then served as Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment at Smith College before returning to “the other side of the desk,” where she founded and directed the college counseling program at Fenway High School. Liz has also worked as a college and financial aid advisor to youth groups in the greater Boston area. Most recently, she was an Associate Director of Admissions at Concord Academy, where she helped students from all over the world find an educational home and supported a cohort of students as their advisor.
Host
Katy Langhorst
National Director of Enrollment and Service
at StudyPoint
As National Director of Enrollment and Service, Katy oversees our Enrollment and Service Teams while working closely with families to identify and address their academic tutoring, SAT/ACT preparation, and admissions support needs. This includes understanding your child’s academic history and working with you to identify which instructor on our staff will be the right match for your child’s unique personality.
Before joining StudyPoint in 2010, Katy spent 13 years in the world of education, including six years as a Regional Director for SCORE! Educational Centers and five years as a 4th and 5th grade classroom teacher in a public school. She holds a BS in Child Psychology from Yale and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Lesley University, and she currently serves on the boards of several non-profits.