ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøMy Journey
Finding the right college can feel overwhelming for any student, but for those with learning differences, the process comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding how to navigate college admissions, identify supportive institutions, and advocate for the resources your student needs can make all the difference in ensuring long-term success. This webinar will guide families through the key considerations for students with learning differences, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Join and ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøto discover:
✔ Understanding accommodations and support services and how to ensure your student gets the support they need.
✔ How to identify the right colleges based on academic support services, accommodations, and campus culture.
✔ The role of self-advocacy in building confidence, independence, and college success.
✔ Application strategies for students with learning differences.
✔ Financial aid and scholarships for neurodiverse students.
With the right approach, students with learning differences can thrive in college and beyond. Join us for this insightful webinar to gain expert guidance, ask questions, and leave feeling more confident about your student’s path to higher education.
Meet the Presenters
Christina Mangano, Collegewise College Admissions Counselor
Christina Mangano brings over 20 years of experience as an educator, college counselor, and program leader, having supported students from a wide range of backgrounds and needs. A graduate of Boston College and St. Peter’s University, Christina has worked across school districts, nonprofits, and national organizations to build impactful programs and mentor students through every stage of their academic journeys.
Her deep commitment to equity and access has led her to partner with organizations like the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Future Latino Leaders Program, Cerebral Palsy of NYC, and Campus to Corporate at City College of CUNY. She’s known for her clear guidance, thoughtful support, and ability to help each student find their voice — and their best-fit college.
Outside of Collegewise? Christina enjoys spending time with her family, running a highly organized household, and making sure major life events never interfere with Giants football.
Christina Mangano
Collegewise College Admissions Counselor
Jessica Nelson, Collegewise College Admissions Counselor
Jessica Nelson brings nearly two decades of admissions and counseling experience, with a career that’s taken her from the admission offices of Eckerd College and Georgia Tech to the director’s seat at Landmark College, a leading institution for students who learn differently. A graduate of Miami University (yes, the one in Ohio!) and the University of Iowa, Jessica began her journey as a campus tour guide and never looked back.
Jessica has helped students gain admission to a wide range of colleges — from selective universities like Georgetown, Northeastern, and George Washington to liberal arts gems like Smith and Kenyon. Her deep expertise makes her especially well-suited to support students with learning differences, a focus she’s championed through award-winning programs and national conference presentations.
When she’s not guiding students through the college process, Jessica stays busy supporting her community — volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, serving on the board of a local summer camp, and coaching youth soccer with the same calm, encouraging energy she brings to her students.
Jessica Nelson
Collegewise College Admissions Counselor
2025 My Journey Event Schedule
February 12: Spring Forward: Strategic Planning for College Success
April 16: Building Skills in Middle School for Success in High School, College, and Beyond
July 8: Highly Selective College Admissions
August 27: College Knowledge Night for Parents of 9th-11th Graders
September 9: College for Students with Learning Differences: Navigating Admissions and Support Services
September 16: Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers
September 17: Game Plan for Success: The College Admissions Playbook for Student-Athletes
October 15: College Admissions 101: Your Ultimate College Roadmap to Success
Closed captions are available by hovering over each video and clicking the CC icon in the lower-right corner.

College Knowledge Night: A Roadmap to College Admissions for 9th–11th Grade Families
Are you wondering how to help your teenager navigate the college admissions process? Whether your student is in their first year of high school or preparing for senior year, now is the perfect time to start planning. Join college admissions counseling experts, Collegewise for College Knowledge Night, a must-attend webinar designed to give parents the essential tools, strategies, and insights needed to support their students on the path to college.
- The impact of shifting admission rates and how to approach the process with confidence.
- How to Build a Strong Academic & Extracurricular Profile – Understand what colleges are really looking for and how your student can stand out.
- Key Timelines & Milestones – Get a clear roadmap for what students should be focusing on each year of high school.
- The Role of Standardized Testing – Learn the latest updates on the ACT/SAT, test-optional policies, and how testing fits into the admissions process.
- Smart College Planning Strategies – Discover how to research colleges, build a balanced college list, and avoid common pitfalls.

Highly Selective College Admissions: Myths, Facts, and What Really Matters
The highly selective college admissions landscape is more competitive — and more confusing — than ever. With so much conflicting advice from social media, well-meaning friends, and outdated myths, how can families distinguish fact from fiction? If your student is aiming for a highly selective school, what actually makes an applicant stand out?
Join Collegewise and ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøto discover:
- The truth behind common myths about the Ivy League highly selective admissions process.
- What admissions officers really look for beyond grades and test scores.
- How students can develop authentic, standout applications.
- The impact of shifting admission rates and how to approach the process with confidence.

Building Skills for Success in High School, College, and Beyond
Led by Collegewise’s Director of Instruction and former instructor at Temple University, Michael Cohen, and Former Vanderbilt Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Collegewise Counselor, Kaila Brown, this webinar will give you expert insights and practical tips to help your student succeed now and in the future.
Join college admissions counseling experts, , and ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøfor this must-attend webinar to learn:
- How middle and high school students can develop key academic and life skills.
- The best ways to explore interests and build meaningful experiences.
- How to balance school, extracurriculars, and social life without feeling overwhelmed.
- What changes in college admissions mean for today’s students.

Spring Forward: Strategic Planning for College and Career Success from Junior to Senior Year
In this webinar, admission experts share top tips to help you navigate the process. While you may not have everything figured out yet, now is the perfect time to explore potential college majors and career paths that align with your strengths and interests.
In this webinar, you’ll discover:
- The steps to start building your college application profile now.
- Understanding the college application timeline and key deadlines.
- How to explore and narrow down your college major based on your interests.

Finding Your Fit: Researching & Choosing the Right College
In this webinar, admission experts share top tips on how to effectively conduct college research and solidify a well-rounded list of schools. We want every student to be thrilled about their options.
College research doesn't have to be so complicated, and with Collegewise expert advice, you'll be all set to approach it with a greater sense of confidence.

College Admissions 101: Keep Calm and Ace Your Application Process
Join us to take a deep dive into what admission officers are really looking for. Our expert speakers will guide you through every step of the college admissions journey, from making the most of high school to researching universities and ultimately crafting successful applications, all while maintaining your sanity.

The Roadmap to Success: Preparing Early for Your Best College Experience
Feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you think about navigating the leap from high school to college? Don’t panic! Preparing for college starts with developing beneficial habits and strategically planning your high school journey. In this webinar, Collegewise admission experts will give you tips to effectively prepare for a fulfilling and successful college experience from day one. Whether you’re a freshman, a senior, or somewhere in between, you should feel confident and equipped to set yourself up for an exceptional college adventure.

Invest in Your Future: Expert Tips on Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Paying for College
Tune in as Collegewise experts share key tips to help you make sense of the confusing and challenging process that is financial aid and paying for college. Discover the key strategies that will unlock the doors to higher education without breaking the bank. From need-based aid to scholarships, Collegewise’s expert panelists will demystify the complex world of financial aid, offering practical tips to help you navigate the application process with confidence.

College Admissions from A to Z: Ace Your Application Process (And Stay Stress Free)
Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming and full of questions, but we’ve got answers! From making the most of your high school experience to researching colleges and ultimately crafting your best application, watch as Collegewise’s expert college application counselors (some of whom are former admission officers) guide you through every step of the college admissions journey - all while keeping you feeling confident and stress-free through the process.
View More from My Journey
My Journey Youtube Playlist
Check out more content from previous My Journey events and get insights from recent graduates and admissions experts about preparing for college and career.