BSD Spring 2026 College Conference Series

Did you know that Bellevue College offers fourteen bachelor’s degrees and is the college selected by over 19,000 students? Find out what makes Bellevue College special. Learn about student life, financing your education, academic options and the admissions process.

Presenters:
Izzy deGrasse, Recruitment & Admission Specialist
Melissa Johnson, Executive Director, BC Foundation
Jessica Trumble, Scholarships and Programs Manager

Universities in Canada offer a wide variety of programs. Learn about the application process, new program offerings and unique characteristics of universities specifically in British Columbia. Recording from 2023.

Presenters:
Meghan Thompson, Student Recruitment Officer, University of Victoria
Tally Kirschner, International Recruiter, University of British Columbia
Kelly Dohei, Student Recruitment Liaison Coordinator, Simon Fraser University

Learn about specific programs and admissions process, how to receive support and accommodations, and other services available for students with learning differences.

Presenters:
Sara Gardner, Navigators Program, Bellevue College
Jessica Salak, OLS Program, Bellevue College
April Kosakoff, Achieve Program Manager, Highline College
Xingyao Chen, ROAR Program, Assistive Living Advisor, WSU

Learn about the diverse types of arts programs offered in the U.S. and Canada. Understand the unique process for submitting portfolios and auditioning for admission. Learn about careers in the arts.

Presenters:
Angela Scates, Outreach Specialist, New York Film Academy
Sharron Starling, Director of Admissions, Cornish College of the Arts
Andrea Barbera, Director of Student Affairs for the Faculty of Communications, Art and Technology, Simon Fraser University.
J’Taiya Carr, Assistant Director of Admissions, Willamette University, Pacific Northwest College of Art

The presentation shares the differences between Running Start and other high school programs such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and College in the High School. Students and families can learn about qualifications, costs, and factors to consider when determining if Running Start is the right option. 

The University of California system has ten campuses, nine of which offer undergraduate degrees. Two admissions representatives share specifics about their own campus and an overview of the application process for the University of California system.

Presenters:
Max Traylor, Out of State Admissions Specialist, UC Riverside
Huma Madinawala, Associate Director, First Year Outreach, UC Irvine

The University of Washington, Seattle and Bothell campuses are a popular choice for many students. Learn about admissions practices, profiles of the average first-year student and the unique characteristics of each campus.

Presenters:
Yvonne Chiu, Admissions Counselor, University of Washington Seattle
Garick Sherburn, Admissions Counselor, University of Washington Bothell

Representatives from various selective colleges will provide an overview of how their admissions teams evaluate applications and will take questions from students and families regarding the application review process.

Presenters:
Anna Aegerter, Admissions Counselor, University of Redlands
Charlotte Low, Admissions Counselor, Seattle University
Shaun Antrim, Admissions Counselor, Pacific Lutheran University
Chelsea Crist, Admissions Counselor, Saint Martin’s University

Technical colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificates of completion in professional-technical fields. Learn from admissions representatives about opportunity for hands-on training and access to unique programs.

Presenters:
Will Smith, Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Eva Juarez, Director of Outreach and Recruitment, Renton Technical College
Kaylee House, Admissions Representative, Digipen Institute of Technology

Curious about how colleges and universities make admissions decisions? Learn about the importance of college profiles in the admissions process, factors that admission teams consider and the steps of the application process. The presentation will provide an overview of this information  - applicable to all schools generally and share insights particular to the university they represent. 

Presenters:
Amanda Carroll, Assistant Director of Admissions, American University of Paris
Joseph Licari, Regional Director, Undergraduate Admissions, George Washington University
Joe Johnson, Director of Admissions Operations and Systems, Lawrence University and Lawrence Conservatory of Music

The college essay can be a critical component of the college application. Strategies to respond to essay prompts will be reviewed. Learn simple ways to avoid mistakes and how to select a topic that is appropriate for your essay. 

Presenter:
Jennifer Townsend, M.I.T., English Department Chair, Bellevue High School

Resources:

Presentation Slides
Brainstorming
Fun Brainstorming Ideas
Structure in a Personal Statement

Bellevue School District has a variety of options for students to earn dual credit: both high school and college credit through their regular coursework. This session will allow families to build greater understanding of the options and consider the best fit for their student.

Presenters:
Scott Powers, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning
Angie DiLoreto, BSD Secondary Science Curriculum Developer

If your student currently has a 504 or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), view this session to learn what support can be available for your student in college. Find out about documentation you will need to share with your selected college or university, examples of college services and programs, and how to prepare for college while in high school. 

Presenters:
Sally Sue McDonald, Special Education Coach, Bellevue School District

Discover strategies to find colleges that match a student’s profile and interests. Defining student priorities and interests is an essential first step in finding colleges that “fit.”

Presenters:
Claire Nold Glasser, College Planning Help

Learn how colleges assess your eligibility for financial aid, the aid application process, the sources of aid (e.g., scholarships and grants) and how to figure out if you are eligible for need-based aid. Learn how you can realize discounts (even if you are not eligible for need-based aid) and how you can create a comprehensive college funding plan to minimize your net cost of college. Recorded in 2023.

Presenters:
Peg Keough, Director of Education, College Aid Pro

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program. Over 160 participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students. Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. Full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates, WUE increases affordable higher-education choices for students, and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt. Recorded in 2024.

Presenter:
Palmer Muntz, Senior Regional Admissions Counselor, University of Alaska, Fairbanks