College Admissions Through an Equity Lens
September 24, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET · Virtual
Presented to Hotchkiss BIPOC Group
Equity & Access
College admissions is often presented as a straightforward process: work hard, build a strong record, and find the right school.
The reality is more complicated.
Families enter the admissions process with vastly different access to information, resources, networks, and institutional knowledge. Some know the unwritten rules before the process even begins. Others are expected to discover them along the way.
In this conversation for the Hotchkiss community, educator and college-access strategist Vielka Hoy will examine college admissions through an equity lens—and help families become more informed, strategic participants in the process.
What We'll DiscussThe Hidden Rules of College Admissions
What experienced families and advisors often know about admissions that isn't always communicated clearly to everyone else.
Strategies for Underrepresented Private School Students
How students and families can navigate information gaps, identify resources, advocate for themselves, and make thoughtful decisions throughout the admissions process.
Questions Every Family Should Ask
The questions worth asking admissions and financial-aid offices and what their answers can reveal about access, opportunity, support, affordability, and student experience.
The Myth of Merit
A candid discussion about what "merit" means in a system shaped by differences in opportunity, privilege, preparation, and access and how families can think about achievement without pretending everyone began the race at the same starting line.
Reserve Your Spot
Register below to attend. The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants before the event.
Looking for Individual College Guidance?
Vielka also works directly with students and families through Navega, providing individualized college counseling grounded in fit, access, affordability, and long-term student success.
Rather than beginning with rankings or a predetermined list of schools, Navega helps students understand their options, identify colleges where they can thrive, and navigate the admissions process with greater information and confidence.
1:1 college counseling can include:
College-list development and strategy
Admissions planning
Application strategy and positioning
Essay and application guidance
Financial-aid and affordability considerations
Support evaluating admissions and financial-aid offers
College decision-making centered on academic, social, and financial fit