Upcoming

How to Tackle the UC Application: Guidance from Former UC Berkeley Admissions Officer Carrie Jorgenson

Join Carrie Jorgenson, ESM College Counselor and former UC Berkeley admissions officer, for a deep dive into the UC application. Learn how to tackle each section of the application and gain a better understanding of the University of California admissions landscape. 

August 21, 2024

Upcoming

Stay Ahead of the (Application) Game: Navigating the Common App and Your Application Timeline

As you delve into college applications this summer, there's a lot more to check off the to-do list than just your personal statement! The Common App can feel tedious, but it's important to make sure you have a solid plan in place to complete it—and other related steps—with plenty of time to spare. In this webinar, ESM Prep College Counselors Andrea Satariano and Amy Terrell will share some of their favorite tricks of the trade that will make sure your college applications stay on track this summer.

June 11, 2024

Upcoming

Preparing to Write Your Personal Statement

The process of writing your personal statement can be daunting. Where to even begin?! In this webinar, ESM Prep college counselor Eric Harter and Director of Essay Coaching Renee Xu discuss just how to start! Topics include how to brainstorm, choose, and hone a personal statement topic, what should go into the first draft, and tips for staying on track.

May 28, 2024

Upcoming

Everything International Students Need to Know About the Most Recent US College Admissions Cycle

The current US college application cycle is coming to a close, and students are committing to their destinations as they look ahead to their future as college freshmen. Now, admissions offices are beginning to summarize and share their data on this year’s applicants and the decisions made on their applications. ‍What have we learned this admissions cycle, and how can international applicants use this knowledge to their benefit in the future? Join college counselors Josh Davis, Sam Harris, and Seema Wadhwani as they reflect on the most recent cycle and highlight the changes, challenges, and opportunities the current admissions landscape holds for international applicants.‍

April 30, 2024

Upcoming

Admissions Decisions Are Out: What's Next?

After all the hard work you’ve put into the college application process over the past several years—and especially the past six months—congratulations are due: every senior should be extremely proud! Still, whether you've narrowed your college options to a handful of great choices or you remain on a waitlist at a school you still hope to attend, the next steps can feel overwhelming.In this webinar, two of ESM Prep's most experienced college counselors—Josh Davis and Andrea Satariano—will share their best advice about which factors to prioritize in your decision-making to ensure you end up at the perfect-fit college for you. They'll also share their wisdom about all the strategies waitlisted students should employ now to have the best opportunity to achieve their desired outcome.

March 12, 2024

Upcoming

How to Make Sure You Have a Productive (and Fun!) Summer

It may only be February, but summer break will be here before we know it! In this webinar, join Senior College Coaches Ted Murguia and Carley Nuzzo for a discussion on the importance of making summer plans now, as well as what students can (and should) do to maximize the impact of their summer break.

February 6, 2024

Upcoming

High 5: Prepping for Success on AP Tests

Are you or your student planning to take one or more AP exams this May? If exam prep has been on your to-do list but you’ve found it challenging to progress, we have some reassuring news for you: fortunately, AP success is more of a science than an art! AP exam strategies for every AP subject can be taught and trained. In this webinar, a panel of ESM Prep’s most experienced AP mentors across disciplines will discuss the AP exam prep process, sharing tips for success (normally defined as a score of 4 or 5) and actionable strategies you’ll be able to implement immediately. Join us for a hearty discussion and take the stress out of your upcoming exams!

January 16, 2024

Upcoming

Narrowing Your Focus: How Sophomores Can Find Their Niche and Flourish

Now that you’ve got your footing in high school, it’s time to figure out how you want to invest your time and energy over the next few years. Narrowing down your interests will help you find a niche that will make your college applications shine! In this webinar, ESM Counselors Carley Nuzzo and Sam Harris help you take your activities and academics to the next level. They discuss how to connect with teachers and club advisors beyond the classroom, how to plan ahead for a productive summer, what you should be thinking about now to ease the college application process, and more!

November 8, 2023

Upcoming

Stepping Up Your Game: How Juniors Can Stay Ahead on College Applications

Everyone knows that Junior year is a challenge—but that doesn’t mean you can’t conquer it! Now is the time to level up your activities with a leadership role, take proactive responsibility for your academic goals, and stay on schedule with standardized testing and college research. In this webinar, ESM Prep Counselor Ted Murguia shares his best advice for how to make sure you finish this year exactly where you need to be with your college applications (and maybe even ahead of the game).

October 18, 2023

Upcoming

Embracing High School: How Freshmen Can Maximize Their First Year

It’s the beginning of a new chapter! College may feel far off, but all four years of high school count—so making a 4-year plan now that increases in rigor over time is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success. In this webinar, ESM Counselor Stuart Easton lays the groundwork for how to set that plan in motion. He discusses the importance of starting strong academically, using this year to try new activities, and considering how you can incorporate extracurricular activities outside of school into your schedule.

September 27, 2023

Upcoming

Launching from College to Career

92% of educators believe college graduates are ready to enter the workforce. Only 11% of employers believe this is the case. This staggering disconnect means that now, more than ever, college graduates and workforce entrants must develop the soft and hard skills to thrive and stand out. Skills that are often not being taught by universities. In this webinar, Natalie Gallagher facilitates a conversation with Google executives John Farrar and Michael Haralambakis about what skills and experiences are most needed to make an impression on employers today. They've built global teams across their careers and have hired hundreds of team members across tech, media, and government, and have seen first-hand what differentiates the most prepared college graduates for the workplace.

September 15, 2023

Upcoming

It’s College Application Season: Let’s Do This Seniors!

It’s been a busy three years and now the time has come to translate your experiences, achievements and growth into stellar college applications. As you enter the busiest time of your high school career, it’s critical to stay on track and keep an open line of communication with your counselor, parents, and teachers. In this webinar, ESM Prep Counselor Carrie Jorgenson talks you through the critical steps (and helpful tips) for partnering with your support system of trusted adult mentors to stay organized, schedule dedicated time for your college essays, and get those applications across the finish line!

September 6, 2023

Upcoming

Your Guide to Summer Test Prep

In this webinar, ESM Prep's Director of Test Strategy Adam Allouche and Senior Academic Mentor Brian Smith discuss why SAT/ACT scores still matter for admissions, why one test might suit you best, and how to best use your summer to maximize the effectiveness of test prep. We strongly recommend that parents and students watch this webinar before starting the test prep process in order to understand the scope of the task at hand.

June 19, 2023

Upcoming

Summer Test Prep for International Students

Adam Allouche (ESM Prep's Director of Test Strategy) and Niall Molloy (Managing Director of ESM Prep UK) discuss why SAT/ACT scores still matter for US admissions, why one test might suit you best, and how to best use your summer to maximize the effectiveness of test prep.

June 7, 2023

Upcoming

Everything International Students Need to Know About the Most Recent US College Admissions Cycle

"The current US college application cycle is coming to a close, and students are committing to their destinations as they look ahead to their future as college freshmen. Now, admissions offices are beginning to summarize and share their data on this year’s applicants and the decisions made on their applications. What have we learned this admissions cycle, and how can international applicants use this knowledge to their benefit in the future? Join college counselors Josh Davis and Sam Harris as they reflect on the most recent cycle and highlight the changes, challenges, and opportunities the current admissions landscape holds for international applicants."

April 25, 2023

Upcoming

Waitlisted: Strategies to Maximize Your Chances of Getting In Off the Waitlist

After all the hard work you’ve put into the college application process over the past several years—and especially the past six months—we want to wish a warm congratulations. Every senior should be extremely proud. The weeks after admissions decisions are released can be an exciting time! We hope that many of you are happy with how the process has played out amidst an extremely competitive field of applicants from around the world.‍That said, if you remain on a waitlist at a school you still hope to attend, it’s very important to take every action you can to maximize your chances of getting in off the list. In this webinar, Andrea Satariano and Josh Davis—two of ESM Prep’s most seasoned college counselors—will share their wisdom about all the strategies you should employ now to have the best opportunity to achieve your desired outcome.

April 10, 2023

Upcoming

Time to Choose Your Perfect-Fit College!

Admissions decisions are in, you've narrowed your college options to a handful of great choices, and the deadline to submit your deposit is fast approaching! You're making a huge decision, so while this can be an exciting time, it's also likely to be an overwhelming one. In this webinar, two of ESM Prep's most experienced college counselors—Eric Harter and Andrea Satariano—will share their best advice about which factors to prioritize in your decision-making to ensure you end up at the perfect-fit college for you.

April 12, 2023

Upcoming

High 5: Prepping for Success on AP Tests

Are you or your student planning to take one or more AP exams this May? If exam prep has been on your to-do list but you’ve found it challenging to progress, we have some reassuring news for you: fortunately, AP success is more of a science than an art! AP exam strategies for every AP subject can be taught and trained. In this webinar, a panel of ESM Prep’s most experienced AP mentors across disciplines will discuss the AP exam prep process, sharing tips for success (normally defined as a score of 4 or 5) and actionable strategies you’ll be able to implement immediately. Join us for a hearty discussion and take the stress out of your upcoming exams!

April 5, 2023

Upcoming

Starting Test Prep in 2023

In this webinar featuring perspectives from both a test prep expert and a college counselor, Brian Smith and Eric Harter cover every aspect of the test prep process for students just getting started. They discuss different universities' test policies (optional, blind, or required), the ideal test prep timeline, differences between the SAT and ACT, and how to get started.

January 25, 2023

Upcoming

How to Make Sure You Have a Productive (and Fun!) Summer

It may only be January, but summer break will be here before we know it! In this webinar, join Senior College Coaches Carley Nuzzo and Carrie Jorgenson for a discussion on the importance of making summer plans now, as well as what students can (and should) do to maximize the impact of their summer break.

January 25, 2023

Upcoming

Executive Functioning and Student Success

It has become increasingly common to hear about the importance of executive functioning skills and their impact on student success. For years, explicit instruction or coaching in executive functioning has been reserved for those who present a need for it. However, the fact is that everyone can benefit from intentionally developing their executive functioning skills. In this webinar, ESM Prep Academic Mentors and executive functioning specialists Mary Bassey and Kevin Quail begin the conversation around the importance of executive functioning skills and skill-building for all.

February 8, 2023

Upcoming

December 2022 Admissions Update

With the vast majority of Early Decisions and some Early Action statistics now available for the current senior class, ESM Prep Founder Billy Downing will walk you through ESM's current approach to the admissions process. Topics that will be covered include what to do if your student is deferred, whether students should consider applying for Early Decision II, and how/when to communicate with schools during the Regular Decision process.

December 22, 2022

Upcoming

All About the Digital SAT

This March, the SAT is going digital! In this webinar, Niall Molloy, ESM's Director of UK Operations, and Brian Smith, ESM's Director of Curriculum, take a deep dive on the exam. They discuss the changes from the paper SAT, compare it with the ACT Computer-Based Test, and go over what students can expect both in preparing for and taking the test.

November 22, 2022

Upcoming

Campus Visits & Demonstrated Interest: How to effectively take your next steps towards college

Now that you have an idea of what you're looking for in a college and have formulated a solid list of potential right fit schools, it's time to explore them in more depth and begin show them that you might be interested in attending. In this webinar, join Senior College Counselors Ted Murguia and Carrie Jorgenson for an informative chat about how to make the most of college campus visits and begin demonstrating interest.

November 17, 2022

Upcoming

How to Learn a Lot of Math in a Little Time

So, you've realized cramming is not really conducive to learning math? In this webinar, expert math mentors Edmund Tran and Brena Adams will teach you how to prep for midterms or finals by reviewing as efficiently as possible!

November 2, 2022

Upcoming

The Language Game Plan

Taking your language-learning seriously demonstrates to universities that you understand and are open to other people, cultures and ways of thinking. It also means you possess social-emotional maturity, an understanding of our globalized society and that language skills can lead to wider career opportunities and expanded relationships. In this webinar, join ESM College Counselor Carley Nuzzo in conversation with our partners at LanguageBird to learn how to develop your language-learning game plan to get and stay on track. Let us show you how to demonstrate these skills on applications and explain why you should start language courses as early as possible and continue throughout high school.

October 12, 2022

Upcoming

How to Manage Dual US/UK University Applications

In this joint discussion hosted by ESM Prep and Keystone Tutors, ESM College Coach Josh Davis and Keystone's Head of Consultancy Harriet Brook meet to compare the US and UK university application processes. They’ll identify key differences between the timelines and requirements, discussing the best way to balance both processes with limited stress and maximum effect.

September 21, 2022

Upcoming

The Final Push for Early Applications

As senior year starts and students begin to see the light at the end of the high school tunnel, assignments can pile up, priorities can change, and motivation can fluctuate. In such an environment, the dates for early applications can sneak up and shock even the most prepared students. In this webinar, Josh Davis and Stuart Easton will talk about all the ways to avoid this by organizing resources, prioritizing what matters, and optimizing applications so that they are not just done, but ready to stand out in a sea of hopeful students. They will also discuss how, with EA and ED applications done, students and families can make sure they don't take their foot off the gas and how these same tools can be used to stay proactive about all regular decision applications as well.

September 13, 2022

Upcoming

Crafting Your Ideal College List

Join college counselors Sosan Madanat and Ted Murguia for a conversation about the best ways to start your college exploration journey. They will discuss how to sift through the thousands of colleges to create your best-fit college list. Topics will include: Online resources, software available at your high school, college tours, and how to build a solid list of criteria to select schools.

August 24, 2022

Upcoming

A Stress-Free Guide to Navigating Your College Application Season

Tune in with Senior College Coaches Eric Harter and Carrie Jorgenson to learn how you can tackle the college application process from a place of excitement rather than stress. Find out tips and tricks to help you navigate each month's tasks and meet deadlines well ahead of schedule.

August 17, 2022

Upcoming

Everything You Need to Know About Independent School Admissions in the US & UK

Please join admissions experts Richard Northley (based in the UK) and Lisa Schultz (based in the US) as they discuss best practices for entry into the two different school systems. They will compare and contrast the educational methodologies, ideal entry grades, interview preparation, required standardized testing, and what is needed for the most compelling applications to top schools in both the UK and the US.

July 27, 2022

Upcoming

ESM Alumni Panel: How to Be a Successful Student-Athlete

Playing college-level sports is a dream for many students, and it can be a formative experience. It also requires a serious commitment of hard work to balance sports with academics. In this webinar, please join ESM College Counselor and former student-athlete Josh Davis alongside two ESM alumni for an honest chat about being a student-athlete. Sam Rothschild (Rowing at Dartmouth) and Mia Holtze (Basketball at Williams) will discuss the academic, athletic, and social aspects of a student-athlete's life, as well as the recruitment experience and what life looks like now compared to being a student-athlete through high school.

June 9, 2022

Upcoming

Applying to Boarding and Independent High Schools After Covid

The pandemic has changed everything in terms of understanding and navigating the boarding and independent secondary school admissions process. Applications climbed to historic highs and the rules as we knew them were altered forever. In this webinar, ESM's resident admissions expert Lisa Schultz and SSAT/ISEE specialist Stuart Easton will share innovative strategies and best practices to support successful admissions to the top private schools in a post-pandemic world.

May 11, 2022

Upcoming

Preparing to Write Your Personal Statement

The personal statement-writing process can be daunting. Where to begin? In this webinar, ESM College Counselor Carrie Jorgenson and Senior Academic Mentor Chris Johnson will discuss just how to start! Topics will include how to brainstorm, choose, and hone a personal statement topic, what should go into the first draft, and tips for staying on track.

May 19, 2022

Upcoming

The British Student's Ultimate Guide to US Universities

It's been said that the US and UK are "two countries separated by a common language" and nowhere is this more true than in higher education! In this webinar, ESM Prep counselor Rachel Edgell will explain the US university application process from a UK perspective. What exactly are the differences between US and UK universities? When should students start planning their US applications? How does the Common App differ from UCAS? Rachel will share her experience with students applying to US universities from the UK, and she'll shed light on some best practices for interested families and students.

April 12, 2022

Upcoming

College Admissions Update with ESM Founder Billy Downing

In this webinar hosted by ESM Founder Billy Downing, he’ll share insights from this year’s application cycle to help families better understand the current admissions landscape. He’ll also offer advice for high school Juniors beginning the admissions process.

April 7, 2022

Upcoming

AP English Language Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Logan Hunt for a review session for the AP English Language exam. He will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 29, 2022

Upcoming

AP Biology Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Keely Chaisson for a review session for the AP Biology exam. She will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 23, 2022

Upcoming

AP Calculus AB/BC Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Edmund Tran for a review session for the AP Calculus exams. He will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 22, 2022

Upcoming

AP US History Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Stuart Easton for a review session for the AP US History exam. He will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 22, 2022

Upcoming

AP Physics Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Phil Sommerfeld for a review session for the AP Physics exams. He will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 21, 2022

Upcoming

AP Computer Science A Workshop

Join ESM Prep Academic Mentor Kira Brownell for a review session for the AP Computer Science A exam. She will cover the exam format, study techniques, tips for success on free response questions and more.

March 21, 2022

Upcoming

How Normal Is My Teen's Behavior? Digital and Family Wellbeing with Dallington

"As ESM Prep helps students to navigate the excitement and change which define the final few years of high school or sixth form, our mentors and counselors often notice the personal challenges that this stage of life can present. For this webinar, we’ve partnered with Dallington—experts in wellbeing and development for young adults aged 16-24—to demystify the developmental period of late adolescence and consider how parents can offer teens a balanced level of support, structure, and space for growth. Please join us alongside Dallington’s Founder Jessica McGawley, Head of Mentorship Farah Khushabi and Head of Consultancy Dan Lawrence for an enlightening chat aimed at easing anxiety surrounding this transitional period and the renegotiation of roles within the parent-child relationship. They’ll touch on the process of individuation, risk-taking, digital wellbeing, and answer questions about how you can remove some of the pressure from your daily interactions with your child and approach any causes of concern."

April 21, 2022

Upcoming

Everything You Need to Know About the Waitlist

How does a waitlist work? What does it mean to be waitlisted? What should you do if you’re waitlisted? In this webinar, ESM Prep College Counselors Carley Nuzzo and Ted Murguia answer all of these questions and more, giving you professional insight and tangible steps to take for your best possible outcome.

March 30, 2022

Upcoming

SAT/ACT Testing in 2022

Adam Allouche, ESM's Director of Test Strategy, and Brian Smith, ESM's Director of Curriculum, guide students through the upcoming year in standardized testing. They will discuss planning for freshman, sophomores, and juniors; test admissions policies for Fall 2022 applications; and offer general test preparation advice for both students and families.

January 26, 2022

Upcoming

Applying to US & UK Universities from Asia

In this joint discussion hosted by ESM Prep and Keystone Tutors, ESM College Counsellor Rachel Edgell and Keystone's Director of Asia Jenny McGowan meet to compare the US and UK university application processes. They’ll identify key differences between the timelines and requirements, discussing the best way to balance both processes with limited stress and maximum effect.

January 25, 2022

Upcoming

Looking Forward: What Every Junior Should be Thinking About

College application deadlines can seem far away for juniors, but ESM Prep Director of Writing Kat Baruffi and College Counselor Eric Harter are firm believers in starting some application components before the start of senior year. In this webinar, Eric and Kat will discuss how to get a solid leg up in the application process by starting now!

February 9, 2022

Upcoming

Fall 2021 College Admissions Update with ESM Founder Billy Downing

In this webinar hosted by ESM Founder Billy Downing, he’ll share insights from this December’s Early Decision / Early Action round to help families better understand the current admissions landscape. He’ll also discuss what high school Juniors should be thinking about as they begin the admissions process this coming summer.

January 21, 2022

Upcoming

The Gift of Being Prepared: Strategically Plan Ahead for College Admissions

Do you think the college application process begins senior year? In this webinar, ESM Prep College Counselors Carley Nuzzo and Brad Harris discuss why starting early is critical, especially now in the increasingly competitive, rapidly changing, and continually more complex admissions landscape. We will help you make sense of the process and guide you through a timeline to help students navigate the steps successfully and with as little stress as possible.

December 8, 2021

Upcoming

The Continued Interest Letter: Maximize Your Application after Submitting

Have you already submitted your application to your dream school? Great! But you're not done. In this webinar, ESM Prep College Counselors Eric Harter and Justin Scott discuss why the "continued interest" letter is more important than ever, and walk you through how to write a great one focused on your interests and major.

November 17, 2021

Upcoming

How to Write College-level Essays Your Senior Year

As your college applications are sent off and you begin to turn your attention to life after high school, the end of first semester is the perfect time to begin practicing what will make you a successful writer in college. Join Stuart, a former high school English teacher, and Julia, a former English 101 professor, as they discuss bridging the gap between the writer you are today and the writer who will succeed from day one in college. From stellar organization to flawless structure, from mature word choice to efficient process, this webinar is designed to help you get a jump on becoming a college level writer just in time for semester one finals!

November 3, 2021

Upcoming

Navigate the ACT/SAT Math Sections Efficiently

Do you find yourself running out of time on the ACT or SAT math sections? Are you often at a loss for how to start a problem? Join Kasey Hancock and Phil Sommerfeld as they discuss multiple strategies to handle a variety of math problems. This will include ways to identify patterns in the wording of questions and relevant strategies to approach them confidently, all through the exploration of past ACT and SAT questions.

October 13, 2021

Upcoming

Why It's Critical to Apply Early

In this webinar, ESM Founder Billy Downing discusses all things Early Decision: what it is, how it differs from Early Action, and why it's so important to let your top choice university know you're committed to attending.‍

August 31, 2021

Upcoming

Tips to Master the ACT Science Section

Academic mentors Andra Necula and Brena Adams will give a crash course on the scientific knowledge needed for the ACT, from calculating the concentration of a solution to identifying an allele for a recessive trait in a pedigree.

September 15, 2021

Upcoming

College Application Crash Program

ESM Prep College Counselors Brad Harris and Eric Harter discuss how to stay motivated—or get back on track if you've fallen behind. They provide useful tips for how to make the final push on college applications before the November 1 Early Action deadline.

September 1, 2021

Upcoming

Fall 2021 Testing Updates

ESM Mentors Adam Allouche and Brian Smith will summarize all recent updates regarding SAT and ACT testing for Fall 2021, including news, test admissions policies, and general recommendations for students taking fall tests.

August 18, 2021

Upcoming

Founder Billy Downing Talks How to Prepare for Summer 2021

Upcoming

Career Exploration Series - Finance

Featuring our own Katie Levy and William Mosely, as well as alumni and friends Patrick Ward, Maddie Dyer, and Gabrielle Harter‍

Upcoming

PhD Grad Panel

Upcoming

How to Manage Dual US/UK University Applications

Upcoming

College Visits: Virtual or In Person?

Our UK team's Rachel Edgell walks you through your options

Upcoming

How to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

Director of Test Prep Strategy Adam Allouche walks you through the process

Upcoming

MBA Grad Panel

Curious about an MBA? Our panel of expert MBAs break down the degree

Upcoming

MA Grad Panel

All about how to get into, pay for, and succeed in MA programs

Upcoming

Preparing for the Digital AP Exam (2021)

Featuring Josh Davis, Katherine Pollack, and Daniel McElroy

Upcoming

The Test Score Send Dilemma

How to navigate vague testing requirements and tough send decisions in 2020