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How Admissions Officers Rank Your Candidate Profile

September 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET

College admissions decisions are based on much more than any single grade, score, or activity. In this webinar, led by Former Admissions Officer Natalie Herring, students and families will learn how admissions officers evaluate a candidate’s overall profile, including academic performance, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and personal context. We’ll also explore how applicants are compared within a competitive pool, what can help a student stand out, and how to build a balanced, cohesive application that presents their strengths effectively.

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Meet the speaker:

Natalie Herring

Former Admissions Officer, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, and University of Chicago

Natalie Herring brings over two decades of college admissions experience to every student she works with. A first-generation college graduate and Dartmouth alumna, she has held roles ranging from Admissions Coordinator to Director and Assistant Vice President at institutions including two Ivy League universities and the University of Chicago. Her graduate degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism makes her especially well-suited for essay coaching and personal narrative work. Natalie has championed access and inclusive excellence throughout her career, partnering with organizations including Posse, QuestBridge, KIPP, and Prep for Prep to support students from all backgrounds.