Supplemental Essays: A Crucial Component to College Applications

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Thursday, March 26, 2026
7-8pm

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn why supplemental essays matter to college admissions committees, how to successfully approach different types of supplemental essays, and start brainstorming about their own supplemental essays.

After growing up in the Midwest and attending college in the West and graduate school on the East Coast, Kelly moved to Austin, Texas to get a Ph.D. at UT. She wound up staying to raise her two children (one of her daughters is a LASA and Johns Hopkins grad!) and to teach writing at a local liberal arts college. In 2020, Kelly launched her own college consulting business to help students navigate the college admissions process and to share their best selves in their college essays.

Tickets available at https://pflasa.org/product-category/masterclasses/
Only one purchase per household necessary.

WHAT’S MY JOB HERE?: UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE AS A PARENT IN THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

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Tuesday, March 3, 2026
6–7pm

As an essay coach and college consultant, I watch parents struggle mightily every year to figure out what their role in the college application process should be. What’s doing too much? What’s doing too little? What if your student wants you to butt out? What if no matter how many times you yell, plead, and try to inspire, your student isn’t engaging in the process? How much responsibility do you entrust to your student? These are all questions most of the parents I work with don’t know the answer to. This class is about having a very frank discussion through vignettes, concrete examples, and longterm experience about making sure you aren’t going into the college app process with the wrong assumptions about your part in the process. Bring your questions!

Get tickets at https://pflasa.org/product-category/masterclasses/

LASA PTSA Loves our Student Members!

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That’s right, we love our student members! Every year, LASA PTSA runs a contest to see which class will have the highest student membership. The race is on! Here’s the student membership count as of January 31st:

  • Class of 2028 – 59 members
  • Class of 2029 – 56 members
  • Class of 2027 – 47 members
  • Class of 2026 – 41 members

It’s a close race! Spread the word and have your classmates join PTSA. Every membership counts. While you’re at it, have your parents join too!

https://www.lasaptsa.org

The Admissions X-Factor: Unlocking the Power of Passion Projects

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Thursday, February 12, 2026
6-7pm

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of strategic ways to turn interests into impact for top-tier colleges.
Also they will learn how admissions offices review applications, what activities and profiles stand out, how to approach SAT/ACT planning, and how to optimize opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

Tickets available at PFLASA Store: https://pflasa.org/store/the-admissions-x-factor-unlocking-the-power-of-passion-projects-2-12-26/

2026 Project Graduation Call for Volunteers

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We hope you will consider volunteering at the 2026 Project Graduation all night lock-in at the East YMCA on June 1-2. We are asking for adult volunteers across all grade levels to help by volunteering for a shift (or all night) during the event. It is a fun event and the volunteers have a great time!

Location: East Communities YMCA
Starts: Monday, June 1, 2025 at 10pm
Ends: Tuesday, June 2, 2025 at 5:30am
Sign up now!

Feel free to reach out with any questions/comments at projectgraduation@pflasa.org.
We will set up a couple of Zoom calls closer to, to explain the flow of the night and our needs.

Thank you for your kind consideration!
Manue Reynolds and Maya Gamble
2026 Project Graduation Co-Chairs

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Planning

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Wednesday, February 4th
7-8pm

Colleges are very interested in what students are choosing to do outside of the classroom, and for LASA students, summer is the ideal time to dig into your serious activities. They are looking for meaningful work, which can show up in different ways (i.e. internships, pre-college academic programs, shadowing, etc.) Colleges are looking at community impact, intellectual curiosity, and what matters to a student (and how they are choosing to address that). We’ll talk about how to think creatively about where to look for opportunities, the timeline, potential application process, and how students can set themselves apart with their activities.

Purchase your ticket to join us!