2026 Beyond the Application Cohort: Leading College Counseling in a Changed Landscape
Jan. 12 | Feb. 18 | Apr. 7 | May 5
Main Registration Page
Join Us Virtually
In today’s rapidly shifting college admissions environment, independent school counselors are navigating profound and ongoing change. From national policy shifts and institutional reconfigurations to the rising mental health needs of students and the complex expectations of families, college counseling is more nuanced, high-stakes, and mission-critical than ever before.
In collaboration with ACCIS, Beyond the Application is a completely virtual, cohort learning experience designed specifically for college counseling leaders and professionals in ADVIS and ACCIS member schools. This series offers a space for deep reflection, practical strategy, peer connection, and collaborative problem-solving — all grounded in the evolving realities of the work.
Participants should come prepared to share openly, think critically, and apply new learning directly to their institutional context.
Monday, January 12, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
The Evolving Admissions Landscape:
Trends, Equity, and Institutional Shifts
Big-picture context and national changes are reshaping how college counseling is done in independent schools. We’ll map the current landscape—policy shifts, evolving admissions practices, institutional priorities, and public pressures—and translate what they mean for your students, families, and counseling teams.
Key Topics
-
Post-COVID admissions trends: test-optional/test-required, yield shaping, AI use
-
Supreme Court decision on affirmative action – practical implications for counselors and students
-
Equity and access post-2020: Supporting first-gen, BIPOC, and marginalized students
-
Strategic updates from NACAC, colleges, and admissions offices
-
Open discussion: What are you seeing in your region/school?
Format
Thought partner presentation s + facilitated peer dialogue
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Counseling the Whole Student:
Mental Health, Identity, and Belonging
This session focuses on supporting students as people first, especially in a high-stress process. We’ll center mental health, identity affirmation, and belonging while practicing concrete strategies that reduce pressure, normalize help-seeking, and sustain culturally responsive counseling relationships with students and families.
Key Topics
- Mental health and wellness during the college process
- Redefining "success": moving beyond prestige and pressure
- Identity-based support: working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiverse, and first-gen students
- Parent engagement: managing expectations with empathy and clarity
Format
Scenario-based discussion + small-group problem-solving
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Reimagining the Independent School College Counseling Office
Grounded in today’s realities, we’ll reimagine programs and systems to better serve students and schools. We’ll explore which metrics truly matter; how to structure and staff counseling teams; ways to leverage platforms like Scoir, Cialfo, and MaiaLearning; and strategies for deeper partnerships with faculty and student support so your office runs smarter, more equitably, and with greater impact.
Key Topics
-
Metrics that matter: moving beyond college lists
-
Counseling team structures and staffing trends
-
Leveraging technology (e.g., Scoir, Cialfo, MaiaLearning)
-
Building stronger schoolwide and faculty partnerships (teacher recs, curriculum alignment, student support teams)
Format
Panel of peer counselors + breakout discussion on shared challenges
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Strengthening Counselor–College Relationships in a Shifting Landscape
Amid a shifting admissions landscape, we’ll sharpen how your office engages externally to elevate every student’s visibility. Together we’ll discuss how to cultivate trust-based relationships with college reps, design high-value visits and virtual events, advocate for underrepresented and niche applicants, and communicate with admissions partners post-COVID in ways that are timely, coordinated, and strategic.
Key Topics
- Building long-term relationships with college reps
- Hosting effective visits and virtual events
- Advocating for underrepresented students and niche applicants
- Navigating communication and collaboration post-COVID
Format
Roundtable + Q&A with invited college admissions rep(s)
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
ADVIS & ACCIS Member Ticket-Early Bird Rate
Registration Ends 11/7/25 at 11:59 PM EST
|
$300.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
ADVIS & ACCIS Member Ticket
Registration Opens 11/8/25 at 12:00 AM EST
|
$350.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Non-Member Ticket
|
$600.00 |
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
-
Directors and associate directors of college counseling in independent schools
-
Deans, academic leaders, or school administrators who supervise or partner with college counseling offices - including heads of school!
-
Experienced counselors looking to lead with clarity, equity, and institutional alignment in mind
-
Professionals seeking a fresh peer network and collaborative dialogue around current challenges
HOW IT WORKS
All sessions will be recorded and they, along with their accompanying resources, will be shared in the participants' Member Compass. The recordings will be available for viewing through June 30, 2026.
ACT 48 CREDITS
• You may request credit up to 7 days after the event.
• Per the PA Department of Education,
ADVIS is required to report your successful completion of Act 48 evaluation within 30 days of the event.
• Contact Mandie Curtis Banks for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to make our events inclusive and accessible for all. Request accommodations on the registration form, or contact Mandie Curtis Banks with accessibility questions. Please give at least two weeks’ notice to help us ensure seamless access.
EVENT CONTACT
Dena Torino, ADVIS Director of Programming