College Advising
ICAN’s College Advising training equips school counselors and college access professionals with the tools and resources to effectively guide students through the college selection, application, and decision-making processes. This training focuses on helping students understand their options and navigate the complex steps required to apply for and attend college.
Topics Covered:
- Understanding the college application process and timelines
- Identifying factors to consider when selecting a college (academics, location, financial aid)
- Helping students navigate the college admissions process
- Writing strong college essays and personal statements
- Tips for preparing students for college interviews and campus visits
- Assisting students with the scholarship and financial aid application process
- Supporting students during the college decision process and helping them make informed choices
Through this training, counselors will be empowered to guide students at every stage of the college process, from research to application to final decision-making.
Upcoming Sessions & Registration
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Top 10 Websites to Know and Love
With the overwhelming number of online resources available to support students in their postsecondary planning journey, it’s essential to know which tools truly deliver value. This fast-paced session will introduce counselors and college access professionals to ten must-know websites that can streamline the advising process, deepen student engagement, and support informed decision-making.
Participants will explore the functionality, audience, and practical use cases for each website—including tools for career exploration, college matching, financial aid guidance, test preparation, and more. Whether you’re working one-on-one with students, supporting parents, or planning classroom lessons, you’ll leave with a refreshed digital toolkit to enhance your daily practice.
September 30, 2025 | 11 am - Noon
Registration Opening Summer 2025 -
College Fit & Match: Guiding Students to the Right Postsecondary Path
Choosing a college or training program isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about fit and match. This session will help educators guide students in identifying the best postsecondary options based on academic match, financial fit, and personal preferences. We’ll explore tools, advising strategies, and practical frameworks to help students assess their options and make confident, informed decisions that lead to long-term success.
October 16, 2025 | 1 -2 pm
Registration Opens Summer 2025 -
College Planning Myths: What Students (and Parents) Get Wrong and How to Set Them Straight
Many students and families approach college planning with misinformation or outdated assumptions that can lead to stress, missed opportunities, or poor decision-making. This session explores common myths about college affordability, admissions, and success—and provides strategies counselors can use to guide students with accurate, empowering information. Participants will leave with practical tools and messages to help families navigate college planning with clarity and confidence.
February 18, 2026 | 1-2 pm
Registration Coming Soon -
Stopping Summer Melt: Preventing Enrollment Drop-Off and Learning Loss
Summer melt takes two forms—students who plan to attend college but never enroll, and students of all ages who lose academic progress over summer break. This session addresses both challenges with a two-pronged approach: strategies to support college-intending graduates through summer enrollment tasks, and tools to minimize learning loss in K–12 students. Participants will leave with a framework for identifying at-risk students, delivering timely support, and maintaining engagement over summer break to ensure every student is ready for what's next—whether it’s the next grade level or the first day of college.
April 28, 2026 | 1-2 pm
Registration Opens Summer 2025
Payment & Pricing Details
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Training registration fees can be paid through online via credit card.
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Is your organization or district paying? Do you need a PO and invoice? Click here to request an invoice and register.
Invoice requests must be made at least 14 business days prior to the training. If you want to request an invoice after the 14 day window, contact bmorey@icansucceed.org.
ISCA Partnership
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ICAN has partnered with the Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA) and will offer a 25% discount to current ISCA members on select ICAN professional development opportunities. To access this discount, you must log into your ISCA member portal on the ISCA website and use the members-only link. |
