Help Build a Successful College Application Story
with College Admissions Counselors Laurie Filipelli and Irena Smith Tuesday, March 11 at 7 pm

In our comparison-driven culture, applying to college can be overwhelming. As parents and guides, we can ease the pressure by reframing the narrative and helping our students shine on their own terms. Through this interactive presentation, we’ll help families cut through the frenzy —How many APs? Which extracurricular activities are the best? Should my child get a summer internship?—as well as identify their own core values and support their students in becoming their best, most authentic selves. Come find useful advice, practical application tips, and a broader view of success.

Laurie Filipelli (MA, MFA) is a certified college access counselor, writing coach, LASA parent, former high school teacher, and founder of Mighty Writing, LLC. With over 15 years of experience in college admissions, she specializes in guiding students toward meaningful college lists and authentic and well-crafted college application essays. She has authored three collections of poetry, including the 2019 Writers’ League of Texas Discovery Prize winner, Girl Paper Stone. She is also the author, in collaboration with Irena Smith, Ph.D., of the Mighty Writing College Application Essay Guide.

Irena Smith (PhD) is former Stanford admissions officer and private college admissions counselor, author, and mother of three adult children. She emigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union with her parents when she was nine, and in spite of her fierce insistence that she would never, ever learn to speak English, she went on to receive a PhD in Comparative Literature and taught literature at UCLA and Stanford before transitioning to college admissions work and writing. The Golden Ticket, described by Forbes as a “captivating and smart memoir,” is her first book.

Only one purchase necessary per household.