FREE WEBINAR & LIVE Q&A
Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET

Mastering the Common App: How to Stand Out and Mistakes to Avoid

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The Common App makes it easy to apply to 20+ schools, but that doesn’t mean a student is more likely to get in, especially at top universities. Many students underestimate how much strategy goes into completing the Common App effectively – and small mistakes can weaken an otherwise strong application. This webinar is designed to demystify the process and provide clear guidance on how to present your academics, extracurriculars, and accomplishments to get noticed by admissions officers. We will discuss how students can stand out within the application, avoid common mistakes that students make every application season, and apply to your dream school with confidence. The webinar will include a 30-minute LIVE Q&A with two former admissions officers to answer your specific questions.

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Here’s What You Will Learn In This Free Webinar…

  • How the Common Application Is Evaluated by Admissions Officers: Understand how colleges read the different sections of the application and what actually stands out during the review process.
  • Presenting Your Activities, Achievements, and Story Effectively: Learn how to use the application to highlight your impact, leadership, and personal narrative in a compelling way.
  • The Most Common Application Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them): Discover the small but costly errors students frequently make—and how to ensure your application is polished and professional.
  • How to Make Your Application Stand Out in a Competitive Pool: See practical strategies for strengthening your activities list, honors section, and overall presentation.
  • Live Q&A with Admissions Experts: Get answers to your most pressing questions and gain insider insight into navigating the application process with confidence.
Get informed. Get accepted.

About the Presenters…

Thomas R. Caleel

Director of MBA Admissions

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Becca

Senior Counselor

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Get informed. Get accepted.

We help your student craft an authentic, compelling application that top schools can’t ignore.
Reserve Your Free Spot

Thomas R. Caleel is the former Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and the founder of Admittedly — a college admissions firm led by former Ivy League decision-makers. A Wharton MBA and Penn graduate, that has helped students earn admission to the most selective colleges in the U.S.

Becca Brown is a Senior College Counselor at Admittedly, with over nine years of experience supporting students through the college search and admissions process. A graduate of Stanford University, Becca earned her BA in English with a creative writing emphasis and competed as a varsity student-athlete on the university’s track and field team.

Following her undergraduate studies, Becca served as an Admission Officer at Stanford University, where she evaluated applications from four regions across the United States and gained firsthand insight into the decision-making process at a highly selective institution. Her professional experience also includes work across private consulting and nonprofit organizations focused on expanding college access and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Becca specializes in admissions strategy, narrative development, essay coaching, and thoughtful college list building. She works closely with students to help them articulate authentic personal stories and develop compelling applications that reflect their unique strengths and experiences. Her counseling approach is holistic and fit-oriented, guiding students toward institutions where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Becca’s students have been admitted to a wide range of selective colleges and universities, including two students admitted Early Action to Stanford University this past cycle alone. Outside of her counseling work, Becca lives on a cattle ranch in the Sacramento region with her husband, their daughter, and many animals.

Start your college admission journey today!

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