Virtual College & Career Summit

NSHSS, CollegeAdvisor.com, and U.S. News & World Report teamed up to host our first ever Virtual College & Career Summit on Saturday, May 4. It was a day of networking, college admissions insider information, informed "AHA" moments, and inspiration! This virtual event was a phenomenal opportunity to hear from and engage with educational resources and industry leaders from across the U.S. who are all vested in your future successes!

Attendees explored our virtual event space and heard informative & inspiring presentations, visited the exhibit hall to engage with representatives from top colleges and companies, and networked with fellow students in the lounge area!

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST, May 4, 2024
VCCS Logo with icons_2024

Thank you to our collaborating partners!

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College & Career Fair Exhibitors

  • NewU University
  • TeenLife Media, LLC
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • BETA Camp
  • Baker College
  • Intern Readiness Certificate Program
  • Mount St. Joseph University Department of Nursing
  • University of Queensland
  • GradGuard
  • Horton Test Prep
  • United Planet
  • Polygence
  • HOSA-Future Health Professionals
  • Junior State of America
  • National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)
  • CollegeAdvisor
  • Old Dominion University
  • AlphaX
  • Student Research Group

Admissions Insight

Attendees gained exclusive access to invaluable knowledge and firsthand experiences from former Admissions Officers hailing from some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, including Stanford, Northwestern, and Vanderbilt. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with seasoned professionals who have meticulously reviewed countless applications and understand what it takes to stand out in the highly competitive admissions process. Our team of former AOs provided insider tips, personalized guidance, and unparalleled insights to help students navigate the journey to their dream schools!

Shannon Kennedy

Former Admissions Officer
Northwestern University

Amber Bisnauth

Former Admissions Officer
Stanford University

Ferrell Armstrong

Former Admissions Officer
Vanderbilt University

Event Agenda

Attendees explored the virtual space & hung out and chatted in the Networking Lounge while others got logged in!

The Info Desk was available in the Main Lobby at any time during the event for assistance.

Attendees could visit the Exhibit Hall at any time during the event to chat with representatives from colleges and other educational resources.

Welcome to the VCCS Main Stage! We heard a bit of information about the host organizations for VCCS and the vision for this NEW virtual experience.

Scholars heard from former Stanford University Admissions Officer, Amber, on the main stage to hear about some of her recommended best practices and approaches to navigating college admissions. - 30 min

What skills are always in demand? How can you choose summer opportunities that will add to your skill sets and abilities? Attendees heard tips and advice on how to succeed and get the most out of their summer! - 30 min

Attendees used this time to visit the Exhibit Hall and explore the Networking Lounge! - 40 min

We joined Dr. GP LeBourdais, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Polygence, to hear how you can perform your own independent research project while in high school and how it can greatly impact the strength of your college applications. - 20 min

Attendees joined CollegeAdvisor.com on the Main Stage to hear some helpful tips to ensure successful completion and submission of college applications. - 30 min

We heard from NSHSS Collegiate Council member Annika Schneider speak on the Main Stage about how impactful NSHSS membership can be for high-performing students. - 30 min

Attendees learned more about the process of finding, applying, and winning scholarships as a valuable addition to college pursuits.  - 30 min

Attendees grabbed downloadable resources & completed tasks to score leaderboard points! - 20 min

We learned why some families vastly overpay for college, yet others increase eligibility for grants, scholarships and aid. Families who educate themselves and plan a few years ahead, while their students are in 9th, 10th and 11th grade, reduce out-of-pocket costs, get more aid and take on less debt. - 20 min

To wrap up the day, Cailey walked us through her experience as an influencer, what it means to be a content creator, and exploring a new emerging field! - 20 min

Thank you for joining us and best wishes on your anticipated college & career exploration journies!