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September 9th Webinar at 6:00 pm CDT
Learning Differences and the Junior Year Crunch: Thriving Academically and Navigating College Admissions
Junior year is a pivotal—and often high-pressure—time for students. For those with learning differences, the academic load and college admissions process can bring added complexity. In this expert-led webinar, moderated by Lisa Bain Carlton, Founder and Senior College Coach at ESM Prep | College MatchPoint, parents will gain practical tools and guidance to help their students thrive during this critical phase.
You’ll hear strategies for supporting academic progress, managing executive function challenges, and preparing effectively for standardized testing—all while keeping your student’s unique learning needs at the center of the journey.
Featuring Expert Panelists:
- Elizabeth Hamblet – College LD specialist, speaker, and author
- Jed Applerouth – Founder of Applerouth Education, test prep expert
- Jenna Berk – Elite tutor and executive function coach
- Drew Heilpern – Summit Brand Ambassador
If you can’t attend live, register anyway and we’ll send you a recorded link.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
College Readiness for Neurodiverse Students
Supporting a neurodivergent student through the college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and the right college fit, your teen can thrive in higher education. This guide helps you understand how to evaluate your teen's college readiness, navigate the transition from high school to college support systems, and find the best college environment for their unique learning needs.
We have a unique approach at ESM Prep College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at ESM Prep College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
You might also be interested in these resources!
Your student took advanced classes, earned excellent grades, stayed active in school clubs, volunteered on weekends, and maybe even scored above a 1450 on the SAT. They hit every benchmark. Their college list was thoughtful. UT Austin was the top choice. And still, they were denied. This story is more common than many people realize. Each year, UT Austin turns away thousands of highly qualified applicants.
At The University of Texas at Austin, what you list as your second-choice major is not just a backup plan. It is a real part of your application strategy. In fact, for many students who are not automatically admitted through the top 5% rule, that second-choice major could be the difference between an offer and a denial. But it only works if you approach it with intention. UT does not view the second-choice major as a throwaway. It still gets reviewed through the same holistic process. If you choose it wisely and align your application materials accordingly, it can open another door into one of the most competitive public universities in the country.
For decades, the University of Texas at Austin has been the dream school for many Texas families. With its nationally ranked programs, strong alumni network, and unbeatable Austin location, it is no surprise UT remains one of the most sought-after public universities in the country. But in 2025, with over 96,000 applications submitted and rising selectivity across nearly every major, it is important to pause and ask: Is UT Austin still the right fit for your student?
When writing your college essays, you've likely heard the advice "show, don't tell." But what does this mean, and why is it so important? Let's dive into the psychology behind this writing technique and how it can make your essays more compelling.
Straight A's are a remarkable achievement, but they're just one piece of the college admissions puzzle. Understanding that colleges take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants can help you build a stronger, more balanced application. Focus on developing yourself as a well-rounded individual with clear passions and goals. This includes challenging yourself with appropriate AP courses, engaging in meaningful extracurriculars, and preparing for standardized tests.
This year, UT Austin broke records again. More than 90,000 students applied. Admit rates dropped across every college, with competitive majors like business, engineering, and biology turning away highly qualified applicants. The message from the Class of 2025 admissions cycle was clear—students who moved early, built intentional alignment with their majors, and showed impact in their communities had the strongest results. If your teen dreams of becoming a Longhorn, junior year is not the time to wait and see. It is the time to act. This is your jumpstart plan.