Transitioning from Middle School to High School: The Road to College Begins!

A Live Webinar for Families Navigating the Middle School-to-High School Transition — and What It Means for College Admissions

📅 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM (Live Virtual Event)

The journey to college does not begin in 12th grade. It begins the moment your student enters high school — and in many cases, even earlier.

The high school you choose.
The courses selected for 9th grade.
The academic habits built during that first semester.

These early decisions quietly shape every future application, scholarship opportunity, and admissions outcome.

Most families only discover this when it is too late to adjust course.

This webinar ensures you are prepared from the start.

What You’ll Learn

During this comprehensive session, we will guide you through:

  • How to choose the right high school — and how that decision influences long-term college outcomes

  • What to do before 9th grade begins, including how to use the summer strategically

  • How to build a purposeful four-year course plan, including the five core subjects colleges expect

  • AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment, and GPA strategy — what matters most and how rigor is evaluated

  • How to manage the academic and social leap to a larger campus with greater independence

  • How to develop strong habits, extracurricular depth, and a cohesive student profile from Day 1

This is not vague advice. It is a structured, strategic framework families can immediately apply.

Register Now!

Reserve Your Spot:

Ann LaFemina is a seasoned educator and college admissions consultant with a rich background in supporting college-bound students. Starting her career in Long Island, New York, she initially assisted students and families navigate the college admissions process, later enhancing her role by teaching future educators as an adjunct professor. Moving to southwestern Florida in 2008, Ann founded a private consulting practice, specializing in guiding students through college admissions, particularly those in visual and performing arts. Her experience spans working with creative students in Sarasota and Manatee County high schools to directing a college counseling program at Cardinal Mooney High School, where she was celebrated for her dedication with The Outstanding Service Award in 2022. Ann's commitment to staying abreast of the evolving requirements for university admissions has led to hundreds of students successfully presenting their unique selves to colleges. A passionate professional, Ann is also active in mentorship roles and has been featured on the College Scoops podcast. She is thrilled to leverage her strategic, innovative counseling expertise to support JRA client families in making pivotal educational decisions.

Ellen Valladares is a seasoned college essay coach and award-winning author with a passion for storytelling and over 30 years of professional writing experience. With a Journalism degree from the University of Florida, her career spans roles as an editor, public relations professional, and author of notable works including "Crossing the Line" and "Filbert the Lonely Flamingo." Ellen's journey into college admissions began with her own family's experience, leading her to join Score at the Top as an Essay Expert in 2019. Her approach to coaching is deeply personal, focusing on uncovering each student's unique story to craft compelling essays. Ellen's effective guidance has helped students gain admission to top universities such as Duke, Cornell, and Vanderbilt. Residing in Weston with her husband and two sons, Ellen is dedicated to assisting students in presenting their best selves through the college application process.

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“We signed up with Score At The Top when my son was in the 11th grade. I wish we had taken Judi and her advisors much earlier on, around 9th or 10th grade. Their advice about signing up for courses, lining up extracurricular activities, preparing a résumé, writing essays, and filling out college application was invaluable. During the application period, there were times when we received responses within 15-20 minutes, even around midnight.”

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