Galin Chats 2019-2020

Galin Chats for Parents are designed to help families better understand the college admissions process. Our counselors and essay coaches lend their expertise to the group with a mix of presentation and Q&A. Preview upcoming chats by looking at the descriptions and dates below.

These chats are intended for parents only.

Note: Starred chats are part of our Junior Parent Series, a collection of 11 curated chats spaced throughout the year to help families keep their juniors on track. To sign up for all at once, click here!

What's Ahead for Juniors in College Admissions*

Wednesday, September 11 at 7PM

This program kicks off our Junior Parent Series. We'll overview the application process and all its components, including a calendar of what gets done when. We'll discuss college visits, college list building, securing recommendations, and application requirements.

College Planning for 8th, 9th, and 10th Graders

Wednesday, September 18 at 7PM

College planning is fun! We'll talk about how families can begin exploring colleges in the earlier grades and how this planning can help inform activities, summer plans, and course selection throughout high school.

Executive Functioning for the High-Achieving Underperformer

Wednesday, September 25 at 7PM

Learn how your student can reach their potential by harnessing the all-important executive functioning skills for academic success.

Plan & Prepare for College Visits*

Wednesday, October 2 at 7PM

This Parent Workshop will introduce parents to best practices surrounding campus visits, admissions interviews and showcasing demonstrated interest. Campus visits can run the gamut between eye-opening and exhausting. Many families scheduling visits hope to gain insight about student life, graduation outcomes, campus safety, academic rigor—the list goes on. This interactive workshop will explore the different ways to do campus visits as well as outline best practices, for both parents AND students, to have a successful and pleasant visit.

Highly Selective College Admissions

Wednesday, October 16 at 7PM

We all know about the 25 or so highly selective colleges in the country, and we've all read about how hard it is to get into these schools. In this chat we'll talk about the factors that are considered in highly selective admissions and how to strategically build college lists that include these colleges. Students considering "highly selectives" need to plan ahead to develop deep and distinctive applications and wide college lists with "good fit" alternatives. For sophomores and junior parents.

Choosing Extracurricular & Summer Activities*

Wednesday, November 6 at 7PM

How students spend their free time is very important to the colleges they apply to. Join us for a discussion of how students can best develop and communicate their interests and passions as well as new ideas for finding meaningful and fun extracurriculars and summer activities for a broad range of student interests.

Executive Functioning for the High-Achieving Underperformer

Wednesday, November 13 at 7PM

Learn how your student can reach their potential by harnessing the all-important executive functioning skills for academic success.

College Admissions for Future Engineers

Wednesday, November 20 at 7PM

Engineering can be a great major and career for those who are ready to take on the challenge. In this chat, we'll discuss what it takes to be successful in college engineering programs and the academic preparation necessary to be accepted into them. We will also talk about different types of engineering majors, programs, and schools, as well as strategies helpful in figuring out which could be the best type of engineering program for your student.

College Admissions Q&A: Ask Us Anything!*

Wednesday, December 4 at 7PM

Bring us your questions! We'll talk about what's on your mind regarding college exploration and applications.

What's Ahead for Juniors in College Admissions*

Wednesday, December 11 at 7PM

Get ready Junior parents!  This chat provides an overview of the application process and all its components, including what gets done when.  We'll discuss college visits, college list building, securing recommendations, and application requirements.

College Essentials: Course Selection & Testing*

Wednesday, January 8 at 7PM

Courses count! In fact, the student's coursework is one of the most important factors in application review. Colleges may list their minimum course requirements, but what is optimal? How much rigor is too much?

UW-Madison Summer Programs

Tuesday, January 14 at 7PM

Hands down one of the best ways to improve your students' college readiness, academic profile and college application is to have your student participate in a Summer College Program. Whether it is architecture, music, computer science or theatre, colleges across the country offer a wide variety of summer programs that give your student the opportunity to sample the collegiate life. This Parent Chat will explore the different summer opportunities and allow you to determine the type of programs that are the best fit for your student.

Executive Function Skills: How to Develop Them

Thursday, January 16 at 7PM

Middle school and high school students need their executive function skills to rise to the demands that school puts on them. This chat will discuss the executive function skills and how to develop them.

Researching & Building Your College List*

Wednesday, February 5 at 7PM

Which colleges will your student apply to? Selecting colleges can be fun but, with so many schools and opportunities to choose from, the selection process can also be a bit overwhelming. Join us for a discussion of basic strategies your student can use to research, build, and refine their college list.

Executive Functioning for the High-Achieving Underperformer

Wednesday, February 12 at 7PM

Learn how your student can reach their potential by harnessing the all-important executive functioning skills for academic success.

College Planning for 8th, 9th, and 10th Graders

Wednesday, February 19 at 7PM

College planning is fun! We'll talk about how families can begin exploring colleges in the earlier grades and how this planning can help inform activities, summer plans, and course selection throughout high school.

College Essays: Timelines & Examples*

Wednesday, March 4 at 7PM

College admissions essays help you stand out amongst your peers. At this Galin Chat, we'll preview the essays you're likely to encounter during the admissions process and provide a timeline for completing these essays on time with less stress and more polish!

What's Ahead for Juniors in College Admissions*

Wednesday, March 11 at 7PM

Get ready Junior parents! This chat provides an overview of the application process and all its components, including what gets done when. We'll discuss college visits, college list building, securing recommendations, and application requirements.

Highly Selective College Admissions

Wednesday, March 18 at 7PM

We all know about the 25 or so highly selective colleges in the country, and we've all read about how hard it is to get into these schools. In this chat we'll talk about the factors that are considered in highly selective admissions and how to strategically build college lists that include these colleges. Students considering "highly selectives" need to plan ahead to develop deep and distinctive applications and wide college lists with "good fit" alternatives. For sophomores and junior parents.

College Applications: An Overview & Timeline*

Wednesday, April 8 at 7PM

What's the Common Application? How about the Coalition Application? And what about colleges that have their own applications? We'll talk about what's asked and what's required.

NEW! — What You Need to Know About the ACT, SAT, & PSAT

Wednesday, April 15 at 7PM

Should your student be preparing for the ACT? How about the SAT? Any reason to prepare for the PSAT? At this chat, we'll discuss what each test is for and why your student may (or may not) want to take it. And with reported changes coming to the ACT soon, this is a can't miss chat for parents of sophomores.

Merit Aid & Scholarships*

Wednesday, May 6 at 7PM

This workshop is designed for parents of students in high school who are trying to be intentional and strategic about Merit Based Scholarships. This hands-on workshop will examine a sample of colleges and evaluate the array of scholarships that an institution offers. Families who are trying to make college affordable are strongly encouraged to attend.

Executive Functioning for the High-Achieving Underperformer

Wednesday, May 13 at 7PM

Learn how your student can reach their potential by harnessing the all-important executive functioning skills for academic success.