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The Book of Secrets: Unlocking College Admissions was a free workshop hosted by College Solutions on June 16, 2026, at Glenview Park Center in Glenview, IL. Former Northwestern and UVA admissions officers shared actionable advice on building competitive applications, essays, and extracurricular profiles.
Free College Planning Workshop
Join us for an insightful evening designed to help families confidently navigate the college admissions process.
From sparking curiosity in middle school to building strong academic resumes in high school, crafting standout essays to mastering the college search, experts from College Solutions will share proven strategies and insider insights. Discover the tools and guidance your student needs to shine at every stage of the journey.
Registration is now closed. Please @#${text: "contact us", link: "https://collegesolutions.com/contact"}$#@ to inquire about last-minute space!
What We Will Cover & Core Takeaways
- Direct insights from former Northwestern and UVA admissions readers
- Building extracurricular narratives and academic profiles
- Techniques for compelling, authentic college essays
- Roadmaps from middle school curiosity to high school execution
Featured Instructors & Admissions Counselors
Margaret Bolton Baudinet
Margaret graduated from the University of Virginia with the highest distinction in political and literary thought, finishing her academic tenure with research at Oxford University. She also holds five years of admission experience from UVA, specializing in legacy admissions. Margaret has served as a writing coach, counselor, and now CEO of College Solutions.
Patrick Zylka
Patrick spent 15 years working in college admissions, most recently at Northwestern University. During this time, he read more than 10,000 applications and gave presentations throughout the US, China, Indonesia, and Singapore. Patrick earned his bachelor's from UW-Madison and master's from the University of Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who presented at the Glenview college workshop?
College Solutions CEO Margaret Bolton Baudinet (former UVA admissions) and VP Patrick Zylka (former Northwestern admissions).
Was this event free to attend?
Yes, this workshop was a complimentary in-person community event.
