Free Workshops for Families
Collegiate Beginnings hosts free virtual workshops throughout the year to help families navigate the most important academic decisions ahead of them. Whether you’re staring down the college application process for the first time, trying to make sense of financial aid, or wondering if homeschooling is the right move for your family, these workshops are designed to give you clear, honest answers with no pressure and no sales pitch.
Three sessions, real answers, no sales pitch.
The College Application Process: What Parents Need to Know
The college application timeline starts earlier and moves faster than most families expect. In this workshop, we walk you through the full process, from building a balanced college list to submitting applications, what really matters at each stage, and the common mistakes that cost families time, money, and acceptances.
You’ll leave knowing- The realistic timeline from junior year through enrollment
- How admissions offices actually read applications
- What the Common Application is and how to approach it
- The role of essays, recommendations, and activities
- When to start, what to focus on, and when to ask for help
Best for: Parents of high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Financial Aid: How It Really Works
Financial aid is one of the most confusing parts of the college process, and one where small mistakes can cost families thousands of dollars. In this workshop, we demystify the system: how the FAFSA actually works, the difference between need-based and merit-based aid, what scholarships are realistic to pursue, and how to read a financial aid award letter so you understand the real cost of a school.
You’ll leave knowing- The difference between sticker price and net price
- How FAFSA determines what colleges expect your family to pay
- Loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study explained simply
- How to compare financial aid award letters side by side
- Where families overlook free money they’re entitled to
Best for: Parents of any high school student, especially juniors and seniors.
Homeschool Overview: Is It Right for Your Family?
Many parents consider homeschooling but feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, the curriculum decisions, and the long-term implications for their child’s future. In this workshop, we provide a clear-eyed overview of homeschooling in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, including what each state actually requires, what curriculum options look like, and how homeschool students transition to college.
You’ll leave knowing- The legal requirements in your state (IHIP, quarterly reports, assessments)
- The biggest curriculum approaches and how to choose
- What to expect in the first 90 days
- How homeschool transcripts work for college applications
- Whether homeschooling is the right fit for your family
Best for: Parents considering homeschool, or those new to homeschooling in the past year.
How to join
Workshops run monthly. To register or be notified when the next session is scheduled, contact us at info@collegiatebeginnings.com or call (914) 348-1925.
Prefer a 1-on-1 conversation? Book a free 30-minute consultation and we’ll talk through your family’s specific situation.