Opening Session - via Microsoft Teams
 6:00 p.m. - 6:25 p.m. Opening Session
Craig Wittgrove, Counselor/Post Grad Coordinator


Breakout Session I - 6:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.

Admissions Unplugged: The Process at CU, CSU, UNC, and DU​ 
Heather Daniels, Director of Admissions, Colorado State University
Dr. Jennifer Ziegenfus, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Admission, University of Colorado Boulder
Erika Pepmeyer, Director of Admission, University of Northern Colorado
Shanna Pomager, Director of Visit Experience and File Evaluation, University of Denver
CU, CSU, UNC, and DU are the in-state schools our students frequently apply to. Join us to discover how each college reviews and processes applications, and what specific information they seek about you.
Mastering the University of California Admissions Journey
Cuca Acosta, Interim Director of Admissions, University of California-Santa Barbara                    
The University of California (UC) system is a prestigious and highly selective network of public research universities. This comprehensive session will first provide an overview of the 10 UC campuses, highlighting their unique academic programs, campus cultures, and admissions selectivity. Attendees will then learn the key steps and requirements for submitting a compelling UC application, from understanding the comprehensive review criteria to crafting effective personal statements. This session will equip students and families with the knowledge needed to strategically approach the UC application process.    
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs):  All Access
Joshua Lowe, Senior Associate Director, North Carolina A&T University
Derek Nettingham, Senior Associate Director, Florida A&M University
Discover the powerful legacies of HBCUs - institutions born from resilience that transformed American education.  Today, these dynamic campuses offer students an unparalleled blend of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and leadership development.  From pioneering research to producing leaders across every field, HBCUs continue to shape the future while honoring their historic mission of educational access and empowerment.    
Financing Your College Education:  Financial Aid and Scholarships
John Gudvangen, Associate Vice Chancellor & Director of Financial Aid, University of Denver
Securing sufficient financial resources is a critical component of the college planning process. In this informative session, experts will provide an overview of the various financial aid options available, including grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships. Attendees will learn strategies for maximizing their eligibility for aid, identifying relevant scholarship opportunities, and navigating the application requirements to obtain the funding needed to make their college dreams a reality.

Breakout Session II - 7:30 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.

Honors Colleges - Why You Should Consider Them!
Katie Cannon, Regional Admissions Officer, University of Oregon
Meg Gray, Coordinator First-Year Recruitment, Arizona State University
Adrienne Loveland, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Wyoming
What is an honors college and how can it enhance your college experience? Join this session to discover the benefits of honors programs, understand why they can be a valuable addition to your education, and learn what to look for in an honors program at universities.
Creating the College List
Craig Wittgrove, School Counselor/Post Grad Coordinator
Selecting the right colleges to apply to is a crucial step in the college search process. In this session, we will discuss the key factors to consider when building a balanced college list. Participants will learn strategies for researching colleges, evaluating fit, and developing a final list of target institutions that align with the student's academic profile, career interests, and personal preferences.                                                   
Applying to Highly Selective Colleges
Claire Brockway, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Chicago
As the number of students applying to highly selective colleges continues to rise, it is crucial for students and families to grasp the complexities of the selection process. This session will offer an open and honest discussion about the academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and emotional resilience required to become a competitive applicant for these prestigious institutions.
Alumni Student Panel - College:  Expectations vs. Reality
Shelly Johnson – School Counselor, Moderator
Chris Win – School Counselor, Moderator
Josiah Mohan – University of Colorado Boulder
Cat Healy - Chapman University
Ashton Manley – University of Mississippi
Amaya Nicklas – Bowdoin College
Join us for an informative panel discussion featuring former Cherry Creek High School students who will share insights about their college application process and college experiences. The alumni panelists will discuss:
  • Things they wish they had known before beginning their higher education journey
  • The expectations vs. reality of the college application process and the college experience
  • What prepared them for success in college and what lessons they have learned since starting college
This is an excellent opportunity for current Cherry Creek students to gain firsthand perspectives from recent graduates about the college application process and the transition to college life. The school counselor moderators will facilitate an engaging Q&A session, allowing the audience to learn from the alumni panel's experiences and advice.

Cherry Creek High School 

Copyright © 2017