College Essay Workshop
Counseling Department Programming
The College Essay
Common Application, SRAR, Naviance Summer Workshop
Programs 2025-26
LOCATION DETAILS WILL BE SENT OUT PRIOR TO EACH EVENT.
When looking at the schedule, you will notice that most of the presentations are designed with a particular grade level in mind. Regardless of which school a student attends or their grade level, families are encouraged to virtually attend any sessions they wish. It is our desire, that regardless of the host school, you feel welcomed. While we have two high schools, three middle schools and six elementary schools, we are one Lower Merion family. Students are welcomed and encouraged to be part of all sessions. When presentations are virtual, links will be sent out prior to each event.
STARS/Common Application Workshop
Post-Secondary Planning Process (Senior Families)
Post-Secondary Planning Process, LMHS (Senior Families)
LMHS Auditorium
Financial Aid Overview
Virtual
Financial Aid Overview
7:00 pm
Access the Zoom here!
Find more information about this program on the School Counseling page here.
View a recording of the Financial Aide Overview Presentation here.
FAFSA Walkthrough
Post-Secondary Planning Process, LMHS (Junior Families)
Post-Secondary Planning Process, HHS (Junior Families)
HH/LM - Virtual Zoom - College Admissions Roundtable for sophomores, juniors & their families
Virtual
Virtual College Admissions Roundtable
The LMSD Counseling Department invites you to a Virtual College Admissions Roundtable on Tuesday, Dec. 2nd at 7PM.
This evening will be a round-robin virtual event for sophomores, juniors and their families. Hear from college representatives from different types of institutions speak about their type of school and requirements to gain admission.
Institutions that represent the following categories will be presenting:
- A High Selective college
- A Large Public Flagship College
- An International School
HH/LM - Post-Secondary Planning: College & Career Readiness for 10th Grade
Navigating High School/Planning for the Future (for 9th Grade Students)
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
HH/LM - Special Interests Select-a-Session
Virtual
7:00 - 7:45 - Choose from one of the following 2 sessions:
Session 1:
NCAA Athletics in College: Prepared to Play
Presenter: Erin DeMarco, Associate Director of Athletics, Drexel University
View a recording of the NCAA presentation.
Session 2:
College Planning for Students Who Learn Differently
Presenter: Karalyn Derstine, Associate Director of the Office of Disability and Access & 504 Coordinator, Ursinus College
7:45 - 8:30 - Choose from one of the following 2 sessions:
Session 1:
Gap Year Programs
Presenter: Mike Chodroff, Global Education Advisor, CIEE
View a recording of the Gap Year presentation.
Session 2:
College Admissions Without the Stress
Preserving Your Teen's Mental Health
Presenter: Jared Epler, Lower Merion High School
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
Financial Planning for College - K-8 Families
SibShops Zoom
-
Zoom
LMSD students in third through eighth grades who have siblings with special needs are invited to join "SibShops," a series of fun, supportive zoom sessions just for them.
Led by LMSD counselors Lisa Ruzzi and Deb Wilson-Leslie, the hour-long Wednesday night zooms will provide a relaxed and upbeat setting, where participants can:
- Meet other siblings
- Share common joys and challenges
- Learn ways to handle tricky sibling situations
- Play games, do art activities, and have fun!
The six Wednesday night sessions will run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning February 18, 2026. Consistent attendance is encouraged.
There is no cost to participate, but you must register by emailing Ms. Wilson-Leslie at wilsond@lmsd.org.
Other important notes:
- Students should be able to use Zoom independently
- Privacy and confidentiality are essential and will be reviewed in the first session
- Families should provide a quiet, distraction-free space so participants can talk comfortably
Post-Secondary Planning: College & Career Readiness for 8th Grade Families
Virtual
Post-Secondary Planning: College & Career Readiness for 8th Grade Families
Thursday, April 9th @ 7:00 PM
Join us for a virtual session designed to help 8th grade families begin thinking about the path ahead with clarity and confidence. We'll explore what college and career readiness really means at this stage, and how to support your student without pressure or overwhelm. This session will offer practical guidance, helpful context, and space to start asking the right questions early.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96579446760?pwd=gQjolRtm3mOD97KA506AaSVqTISK1h.1
Career Symposium
Virtual
This event will take place sometime in April. Exact date is TBD.