Get the College Admissions Blueprint
3-day virtual event with expert-led sessions, live college fair and answers about financial aid and scholarships. Completely free for students and families.
CONFERENCE DATES
April 17th - 19th
Hear directly from admissions officers
Panels in English, Spanish & French
Fully virtual, attend from anywhere in the world
Made possible by:
Everything you need to navigate college - in one weekend!
The Break into College Conference is a free, three-day virtual event created to help students and families make informed, confident decisions about college. With expert-led sessions on everything from affording college and understanding different types of schools, to navigating the process with learning differences, applying to specialized programs like engineering, arts, business, or international schools, and even pursuing nontraditional paths like ROTC or community college—we’re committed to making the college journey more transparent and achievable for all.
Sydney Montgomery, Esq
First-gen Princeton & Harvard Law grad
Founder|Executive Director Barrier Breakers®
In 2025, we had over 2,300 registrants for our free online conferences!
Apply with ease this year…
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS
Learn from voices who’ve been there
Our keynote speakers bring rare insights from Wall Street, elite universities and the college essay trenches.
Julissa Arce
Author, Activist & Former Goldman Sachs VP
Mexican-American dreamer & best-selling author of 'Someone Like Me' and 'You Sound Like a White Girl'. Former Wall Street executive turned immigrant rights activist. Co-founder of the Ascend Educational Fund for immigrant students.
Ethan Sawyer
The College Essay Guy
Nationally recognized college essay coach and author of 'College Essay Essentials'. He has helped thousands of students write authentic essays that Ivies and elite colleges love.Meet admissions reps face-t0-face
COLLEGE FAIR
April 18th Saturday, 1:30PM - 4:30PM EST
Schedule 1:1 calls with admissions representatives across the country. Ask questions you can’t find answers to online.
EXPERT PANELISTS
Meet Our Panelists!
Jed Applerouth, Ph.D
Applerouth Tutoring Services. Nationally recognized expert in Standardized testing.
Dr Julie Loppacher
Rising Tide Educators. 20+ years in higher ed disability services. Expert in inclusive learning environments.
Sarah Seymour
Executive Director of Pre-College Programs Kaplan. Passionate about first-gen student's success.
Nicole Savage, MPA
The College Board. Director of AP Readiness Strategy. Expert in college & career readiness programs.
Luna Nombrano Larsen
Director at Trio. Proud autistic & dyslexic woman passionate about neurodiversity advocacy.
Matt Leichman
Univ of Maryland. Admissions Counselor guiding prospective students through applications.
Mark Detterline
Senior Assistant Dean Of Admissions, Director of Selection at Swarthmore College.
Erica Woods M.Ed
Villanova University. Director of Strategic Partnerships in Admissions. Passionate about first-gen student's success.
Leslie Thatcher
Perkins Transition Center. College and career readiness for students with visual impairments.
Sasha Fawaz
Kaplan. Pre-College ACT & SAT Teacher and College Advisor.
Ibrahim Firat
Co-founder Nexus Futbol Academy. Breaking barriers for talented youth athletes seeking holistic development.AND MORE!
Michele Evard, Ph.D
Evard Educational Consulting. Custom homeschool plan design and college applications.
Liam Dailey
Beloit College. Senior Director of Admissions Communication.3 Days of Impact
View the full agenda below
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Learn how your organization can get in front of thousands of high school students and parents, all while helping us fund our Barrier Breakers College Scholars Program, helping first-generation and low-income students access college for free.
If you have questions about sponsorships, reach out to conference@barrier-breakers.org.
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