Scholar Launch-1

Free Online Webinar

MaryFormer Harvard Admissions Officer: How to Stand Out in Early Applications with Research

Speaker: Mary, former Harvard admissions reader

⏰ Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern

Webinar Highlights

Your early applications are the first impression you make on admissions committees, and a strong research experience can help you make it count. In this exclusive webinar, a former Harvard admissions officer will share how students can present their research in a way that truly resonates with readers. You'll learn:

  • How to write about your research experience clearly and effectively in early applications
  • Why a structured research program adds depth and credibility to your profile
  • How to ask your Faculty Advisor for a strong, personal letter of recommendation
  • What students completing research this fall can already highlight before early deadlines

Get an insider's view of what admissions readers look for, and walk away with practical steps to make your academic work shine before deadlines arrive.

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern

Can't make it live? A replay will be available for you if you sign up!

Sign Up to Get Zoom Link

About Mary

Mary is a former admissions officer based in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in United States History from Dickinson College, graduating with honors, and went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Secondary Education at Villanova University, where she earned certification to teach Social Studies.

Mary began her career in higher education as an Assistant Director of Admissions at her alma mater, Dickinson College, where she spent four years promoting equitable access to college, coordinating admissions events, supervising the student tour guide program, and strengthening partnerships with community colleges and nonprofit organizations that support underrepresented populations and nontraditional students. As a regional admissions manager, she reviewed thousands of applications from across the United States.

Seeking to deepen her understanding of higher education, Mary earned a Master of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Higher Education Administration. During her time at Harvard, she took courses across the university, conducted research on student success in higher education, and reviewed applications for Harvard Law School. Following graduation, she gained further experience in admissions and higher education through positions at Barnard College and New York University.

In addition to her admissions experience, Mary has long been passionate about teaching and mentoring. She has tutored English as a foreign language, taught public high school in the Philadelphia area, led college counseling workshops for Native American students, and taught SAT prep and college essay writing in both Boston and Manhattan. She has also mentored international students visiting the U.S., supporting their leadership development. Mary values working with students of diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to adapting her guidance to meet each student’s learning needs.