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Princeton-area parents: get exclusive college admissions insights from a former Brown University admissions officer.

Framing the Applicant

Inside the Selective College Admissions Process

June 4 | 5:30 PM 
Adriana Groza Art Gallery | Free Admission

June 4 | 5:30 PM 
Adriana Groza Art Gallery | Free Admission

Save your seat now

Stop guessing. Start planning. Secure your spot today to ensure your student is positioned for long-term success.

An Evening at Adriana Groza Art Gallery

Thursday, June 4th | 5:30PM 

Adriana Groza Art
38 Spring Street
Princeton, NJ, 08542

Hosted by Empowerly for parents of high school students

In high-achieving communities across the Princeton area, a successful college acceptance isn’t a stroke of luck—it’s the result of a deliberate strategy. The landscape has changed. Families are no longer just looking for a “good school”; they want to know how decisions are actually made behind closed doors.

Join us for an intimate evening at one of Princeton’s favorite art galleries. We will demystify the Ivy League and selective admissions process, showing you exactly how admissions committees evaluate academic rigor and extracurricular depth. This session simplifies the complexity of modern admissions, providing the insight you need to understand the selection process and support your student.

Unlocking the Admissions Playbook

Led by Daniel Mark, former Admissions Officer at Brown University, this presentation pulls back the curtain on the Ivy League and selective admissions process. We will dive deep into:

  • The Holistic Review: A deep dive into how admissions committees evaluate the applicant portrait, synthesizing academic data, personal context, and character to understand the person behind the application.
  • Defining Academic Excellence: Evaluating the relationship between GPA, course rigor, and personal resilience in the selection process.
  • The Impact of Engagement: Assessing the value of sustained involvement and leadership over a broad list of extracurricular activities.
  • The Strategic Timeline: A high-level framework for long-term planning, identifying the critical windows for preparation and execution.

This event is designed to provide strategic, actionable insights directly from the experts. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the evening and get specific, candid answers. This event is for parents only, alongside other families navigating similar decisions.

Daniel Mark

Meet the speaker

Most recently serving as a Senior Admissions Officer at Brown University, Daniel Mark brings years of experience in undergraduate admissions to the table. Before his time at Brown, Daniel was an Assistant Director of Admissions at Connecticut College, where he earned his B.A. in Economics. Over the past five years, Daniel has reviewed over 5,000 college applications, interviewed hundreds of prospective students, and played a key role in more than 50 admission committees. He has evaluated applicants from across the country, representing a variety of school systems and academic interests, including Computer Science, Engineering, the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Visual Arts. 

Additionally, Daniel has made decisions on students applying to Brown’s BS/MD program (PLME), recruited athletes, and those pursuing the Brown/RISD dual degree program. Throughout his time in admissions, Daniel has had one-on-one conversations with prospective students about building competitive application profiles. He’s also volunteered as a college counselor, where he’s reviewed essays, helped students build college lists, and educated students on standardized testing. What excites him the most about college counseling is the chance to build genuine relationships with students and serve as a supportive guide during this pivotal time in their lives.

Meet the artist

Adriana Groza is an award-winning visual artist working in fluid acrylics, creating large-scale abstract paintings inspired by movement and energy in nature. Born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, she immigrated to the United States in 2004.

Before pursuing art full time, she earned a master’s degree in project management and spent more than a decade in sales and business development. In 2020, she launched her art business, developing a signature style defined by bold color, energy, and spontaneity.

Her studio and gallery in downtown Princeton serves as both a creative workspace and community hub, hosting exhibitions and events. Her work is held in private and corporate collections across the United States and Europe, including the State of New Jersey.

Adriana Groza

Draft Agenda:

11:30 AM–12:00 PM

Registration, Bites & Networking

  • Check-in and informal networking
  • Final opportunity for families to submit questions for the panel
  • Resource tables: Empowerly, HumSub Youth Ambassadors, Triangle Young Entrepreneurs
  • Lunch buffet provided

Welcome & Framing the Day

HumSub + Empowerly + TYE

  • Welcome and thank you; nod to hosts
  • Why early, intentional planning matters
  • The connection between academics, leadership, and initiative
  • What families will leave with today: clarity, direction, and next steps

Keynote: The College Admissions Roadma

Empowerly Speaker (Co-Founder, Former Admissions Officer, or Lead Counselor)

Action-focused insights:

  • Current competitive landscape of college admissions
  • Academic rigor and strategic extracurricular development
  • Why initiative and sustained impact stand out
  • The growing value of entrepreneurship and community leadership
  • Common mistakes families make (that can be avoided)

1:00–1:10 PM – Break/Routing to Breakout Rooms

Simultaneous Breakout Sessions

Student Session: Building a Profile That Stands Out
  • Choosing extracurriculars strategically
  • Turning community involvement into leadership skills
    • Strong activities lists
    • Compelling essays
    • Leadership narratives
  • Entrepreneurship as a demonstration of initiative
  • Depth vs. résumé stacking
  • Creating a 6–12 month action plan

Interactive component: Students outline 1–2 priority focus areas.

Parent Session: Supporting Your Student with Confidence
  • College admissions planning and milestones
  • Evaluating leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Supporting independence and motivation
  • How to support without overstepping + when to seek additional guidance
  • ROI of time and financial investments

Panel Discussion: Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Community Impact

Featuring Empowerly, HumSub, and Triangle Young Entrepreneurs

Discussion themes:

  • How local community involvement differentiates applicants (in college and workforce)
  • Entrepreneurship and initiative in high school
    • What they’ve learned through community involvement and leadership opps
  • Balancing academics, service, and innovation
  • What meaningful leadership really looks like
  • Real examples of student impact
  • Advice for students (and parents) starting in middle school vs. high school
  • Audience Q&A

Panel Option:

    • Past Youth Achievement Award/Essay Contest winners, Youth Ambassadors
    • Empowerly student or alumni
    • Former Admissions Officer from Empowerly
    • TYE business leader and/or student

Recap, Next Steps & Closing

  • Key takeaways recap
  • Calls to Action:
    • Apply for HumSub Youth Achievement Awards + Ambassador Program
    • Book free Empowerly consultation + enter giveaway
    • Get involved with TYE/TiE
    • Stay engaged through future workshops and events from all 3 orgs
  • Clear “what to do next” guidance for families
    • Tangible takeaways from each org
  • Thank you and closing remarks