College Information Virtual Program

Thank you for visiting the Pittsford Sutherland/Mendon Counseling Departments' College Information Virtual Program. We have assembled 14 different presentations regarding various aspects of the postsecondary planning process.

There are relevant topics for families and students presented by a variety of experts. To view one of the presentations, please click on the colorful presentation title/icon. We hope you find the presentations to be informative. Should you have any questions about the information presented, please feel free to reach out to your child's school counselor.

Lynne Drake, Counselor, Pittsford Sutherland High School

It’s never too early to get started thinking about colleges! Listen to practical tips to help students head in the right direction early in their high school career. 

Marian Nicoletti, Assistant Vice President Dean of Admissions, Rochester Institute of Technology

How are admissions decisions made?  See how applications are reviewed and what colleges are looking for in their applicant pool.

Patrick O’Neill, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Programming and Events, University of Rochester

Discussion will be centered on ways talented students can distinguish themselves in the applicant pools of selective colleges and universities. Do’s and don’ts of the admissions process will be discussed as well as holistic application review, early decision, and admissions interviews. 

Mike Bergin, President, Chariot Learning

PSATs, SATs and ACTs: What do the scores mean? How are they used? How can I prepare? When should I take them? How do I sign up?  

John Mordaci, Assistant Vice President for Graduate and Transfer Admissions, Nazareth College  

Lynne Drake, Counselor (SHS) and Parent of Learning Disabilities College Student   

Discuss the college search process for a student with a disability. Learn what is available for academic supports at the college level.

Sarah Nazarian, English Teacher, Pittsford Mendon High School 

Writing an essay is an integral part of the college application where much time must go into preparing, writing, and editing the final product.  This presentation will focus on some initial tips for writing a solid college essay. 

MaKenna Gagnier, Admissions Counselor, the State University of New York at Geneseo  

Become familiar with the array of opportunities within the SUNY system, how applications are reviewed, and how admissions decisions are made.

Mark Muenzer, Senior Associate Director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, RIT     

Preparing for College and a career in STEM 

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Fletcher, Enrollment and Scholarship Officer, SUNY Brockport  

Learn about U.S. Military options and NROTC Scholarships.

Kelly Cruttenden, Associate AD for Compliance, University at Buffalo Division of Athletics 

Learn about NCAA regulations, the differences between Divisions 1, 2 and 3, recruiting, financial aid, contacting coaches and much more. 

 Megan Sarkis, Assistant Director of Admissions, SUNY Brockport  

What parents and students need to know to survive the first year of college.

Renee Swift, Assistant Director Student Financial Services, St. John Fisher University

Become familiar with the financial aid process. Learn about free, reputable sources of information on college financing, 529 plans, scholarship searches and financing options for families.

Christopher Scheppner, Associate Director of Admissions, St. Bonaventure University

Strategies for students to thrive academically and develop career plans during college, saving time, money and stress.