Applying to college can be confusing, lengthy, and an unforgiving process. Make sure you’re ready for the college application season by joining Mary Pat O’Neil of True Fit College Counseling at these free and interactive Find Your Fit workshops.
Meet Mary Pat
- Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA.
- Owner/operator of True Fit College Counseling.
- Founder of Find Your Fit.
- Member of NACAC and PNACAC.
- Active volunteer in the school community.
- Passionate about helping teens discover their college path as she knows there is no “one size fits all” approach to college counseling.
I think it is important for students to take control of the college application process and know what they need in a college in order to have a better chance of success. Students need to own the process – I am here to guide them.
Scroll down to register for upcoming events and to view past webinar recordings.
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Making Dollars & Sense on the Cost of College
Surprised by the steep price tag of American higher education?
Join college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil and college financial planning expert Peg Keough for an eye-opening session on:
- The annual cost of college
- Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid
- Upcoming changes to the FAFSA
- Student loans and how they work
- Proven Strategies to reduce the cost of college
Don’t miss out! Q&A session included.
| Date/Time: Thursday, October 19 at 6:30 – 7:45 PM |
| Location: Zoom webinar |
| Admission: $10 per family ($250 value) |
All proceeds from this workshop go to supporting the work of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. No refunds will be given.
Scholarships available, no questions asked. Email [email protected].
“The Counselor Is In” Office Hours
Do you have questions about the college planning and application process?
“The Counselor Is In” Office Hours is a great opportunity to get your questions answered by independent college counselor and Find Your Fit creator, Mary Pat O’Neil. Students and/or parents can sign up for 10-minute virtual appointments on Aug 30, Sep 15, Oct 18, or Nov 16.
Please note that these 10-minute appointments are appropriate for quick questions only, and are not intended to replace full consultations with a college counselor.
Webinars On-Demand
How to Create a Balanced College List
Completing Your College Applications
How to Write College Essay
College 101
Join independent college counselor and Find Your Fit founder Mary Pat O’Neil as she dives deep into explaining the college application process. Learn about the five possible parts of a college application and what colleges look at. Understand the numbers behind highly selective colleges and why students need a balanced college list. Mary Pat also explains the cost of college and scholarships.
What to Expect in High School and Beyond
We know that families may be nervous about the transition from middle school to high school. Find Your Fit creator Mary Pat O’Neil gives an overview of what to expect in terms of high school courses, high school graduation requirements, as well as the different paths and options available after high school.
Standardized Tests and the new Digital SAT
Mary Pat O’Neil and Matty Steiner discuss the current environment of the use of standardized tests (ACT and SAT) in college admissions. They also explain the impact of the new digital SAT and its impact on the Class of 2025 and beyond.
Guest Speaker: Matty Steiner, Compass Test Prep
Canadian Universities
Mary Pat O’Neil and Cynthia Seidel discuss the differences and similarities between US and Canadian universities as well as why students may want to consider attending college in Canada. Five Canadian universities are featured.
How to Choose Classes in High School
There always seems to be confusion about picking classes in high school. Join Mary Pat O’Neil (independent college counselor) and Taylor Reuhl (LWSD school counselor) to learn about meeting graduation requirements, Running Start, what colleges look at, and much more.
How to Succeed in College Academically, Emotionally, and Socially
The transition to college can be difficult for teens. Join Find Your Fit’s Mary Pat O’Neil as she moderates a virtual panel discussing the things a college freshman can do to be successful in college – in their academics, their social life, and with their mental health.
Executive Functioning Skills: What are they and why are they important?
The last two years have not been easy for students. Many students have come out of remote learning with a loss of their executive functioning skills. These include how to organize, plan, prioritize, manage time, maintain focus, self-assess, and study efficiently.
Join Mary Pat O’Neil, independent college counselor, and Nancy Colburn, certified ADHD coach, as they discuss symptoms of executive function loss, and strategies to improve skills along with answering questions from the audience.
Navigating the Emotional Side of the College Process
There is a lot of potential stress involved in the college application process which can come from both internal and external forces. For some families, the pressure begins building early. Please join Mary Pat ONeil and Sheri Gazitt for a conversation about what they see and specific things parents can do to help their teens navigate the college journey and learn more about themselves.
Paths After High School: Technical Colleges and Apprenticeships
While attending a 4-year college is an option after graduating high school, there are other paths that lead to student success.
In this webinar, Find Your Fit’s Mary Pat O’Neil will explore the benefits and opportunities offered by technical colleges and apprenticeship programs. She will be joined by guest speakers from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology and ApprenticePath.
An Overview of the College Process
The title says it all – this is an overview for those interested in understanding what is involved in applying to college.
Understanding What College Costs and How to Pay Less
Learn some common myths about paying for college, the timeline in applying for college and the financial forms needed, what families can do to pay less for college, and much more.
Study Abroad: How to apply to colleges in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe
Interested in attending college in Canada, the UK, or Europe? In this workshop, Find Your Fit’s independent college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil welcomes guest speaker Cynthia Seidel of On Course College Counseling to help explain how applying to international colleges differs from applying to college in the United States.
Helping your teen navigate the college process
Make these final years with your teen fun, not stressful! In this session for parents and guardians, you’ll learn tips, tools, and time-tested advice on how to support and guide your teen through the college-admission process. This workshop is specifically helpful for parents and guardians who did not attend college themselves, attended outside of the United States, or whose children may need extra help managing the process.
Topics covered:
- College application timeline
- How to create a college list
- Overview of paying for college
- What you need to know about highly selective (Ivy League) schools
- Test-optional and test-blind colleges
- What parents can do to help their teen take control of the process
Do you have to choose a college major when you apply to college?
Not every kid is ready to pick a college major at 17, but they’re asked, nonetheless. How does this question impact college admissions? Does it matter if they change their mind? How can we help our kids figure this out for themselves? This workshop helps guide parents and students through this critical question.
Topics covered:
- Does a student have to pick a major on the college application
- Direct admit programs like engineering, nursing, and computer science
- What parents can do to help their teens discover what interests them
- The importance of a student’s activities in learning about themselves
- How do you advise an “undecided” student
- Pre-professional advising (medical school, law school, physical therapy)
