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How Admissions Officers Make Decisions

August 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET

Curious about what really happens behind the scenes in a college admissions office? Join CollegeAdvisor for an informative webinar that demystifies the college admissions process. Designed for high school students and their families, this session will provide a firsthand look at how applications are reviewed and decisions are made.

Led by former admissions officer Aya Waller-Bey, this webinar will walk you through the process from application submission to committee decisions. You’ll gain insights that can help you strengthen your application and approach the process with greater confidence.

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Key takeaways from this webinar include:

How admissions officers evaluate different parts of the application, including transcripts, essays, activities, and recommendation letters

The role of institutional priorities, such as athletics and specific academic interests

Common myths and misconceptions about what colleges are really looking for

What “holistic review” actually means and how it plays out in practice

Tips for standing out in a competitive applicant pool

This session will also include time for Q&A so you can ask your most pressing questions about the admissions process. Whether you're just getting started or finalizing your application list, this webinar will offer valuable guidance to help you navigate the road ahead.

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Meet the speaker:

Aya Waller-Bey

Former Admissions Officer

I am a proud first-generation college student passionate about college admissions and higher education, hailing from Detroit, MI. I earned my B.A. in Sociology from Georgetown University and joined the Office of Undergraduate Admissions shortly after. I then earned my MPhil in Education at the University of Cambridge as a recipient of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. I have over eight years of college admissions, advising, and college interview experience. Currently, I am researching college admissions as a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan!