📅 College Admission Workshop — Nov 7, 2026, Flushing RSVP for the free workshop →
Students and families seated at a CAAF community workshop.

Free Community Workshop

2026 Fall College Admission Workshop

Understand how colleges evaluate applications — and learn how students and families can better prepare for the journey together.

Take a Look Behind the Process

Take a Look Behind the College Admissions Process

College admissions can often feel complicated, competitive, and difficult to understand. This workshop is designed to give students and families a clearer view of how the process works — from the perspective of those who understand it closely.

Together, attendees will explore how colleges evaluate applications, what they look for in prospective students, and how families can better prepare and support students throughout the college application journey.

Event Details

Date & Time
November 7, 2026 · 2:00–5:00 PM
Location
Glow Cultural Center
133-29 41st Ave, 1st Floor
Flushing, NY 11355
Cost
Free for students & families
RSVP for the Workshop

What You'll Learn

Practical Guidance for Students and Families

How Colleges Evaluate Applications

Gain insight into how colleges review students and the different factors that can influence an admissions decision.

What Makes a Strong Applicant

Learn how academics, extracurricular activities, recommendations, essays, and personal experiences contribute to an application.

How to Prepare for the Process

Understand important timelines, standardized testing, college visits, application follow-up, and how families can support students along the way.

Topics we'll explore

  • ‣ Understanding the Common Application
  • ‣ College application timelines
  • ‣ Teacher recommendations
  • ‣ College essays and personal statements
  • ‣ SAT and ACT planning
  • ‣ When to take standardized tests
  • ‣ What happens after you submit an application
  • ‣ When and how to communicate with colleges
  • ‣ College tours and campus visits
  • ‣ What colleges consider when evaluating applicants
Board member Derek Chan leading a session with finance interns at National Financial Network.
Board member Derek Chan leading a session with finance interns at National Financial Network

Featured Speaker

John Durante, Principal of Syosset High School.
John Durante, Principal of Syosset High School

Meet John Durante

John Durante is the Principal of Syosset High School and host of a long-running college admissions podcast featuring conversations with admissions professionals from colleges and universities across the country.

Drawing on hundreds of interviews and data-driven insights, he helps students and families better understand how colleges evaluate applicants, what institutions prioritize, and how to navigate the admissions process with greater clarity and confidence.

Program Schedule

How the Afternoon Will Run

2:00 PM
Doors Open / Check-in
2:30 – 4:00 PM
College Admissions Presentation with John Durante
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Q&A and Information Stations
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Closing & Community Resources

Attendees will have an opportunity to submit questions during registration and participate in a Q&A session following the presentation. Whether you're wondering about standardized testing, application timelines, essays, recommendations, or what happens after you hit "Submit," we encourage you to bring your questions.

RSVP for the workshop.

Free community workshop for students and families. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.

RSVP Now

Volunteer With Us

Volunteer at the College Admission Workshop

We're looking for volunteers to help welcome guests, staff information stations, and support the Q&A session on November 7. Volunteers can receive documented, authorized volunteer service hours for their participation.

Sign Up to Volunteer
  • Help welcome and check in students and families
  • Support information stations and Q&A
  • Receive documented, authorized volunteer service hours

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