Hosted by: Jessie Peck Martin, MEd, founder of Elevated Admissions, and Rhonda Lathrop, CFP, Merrill Lynch

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 // 7:00-8:00 PM ET

Where: virtual via Zoom

Suggested Donation: $50 (100% of proceeds to benefit the Stratton Foundation)

Promo Codes for Different Donation Levels:

$250 donation — SF250

$100 donation — SF100

$75 donation — SF75

$25 donation — SF25

Elevated Admissions is excited to support the Stratton Community Foundation with a session focused on bringing some much-needed clarity (and maybe even a little relief) to the topic of college costs.

College is one of the biggest investments your family will ever make. And while every family’s goals look a little different—from aiming for the most selective campus possible to prioritizing strong merit aid or long-term value—the path to understanding what a college actually costs can feel anything but straightforward. Between admissions strategy, financial aid formulas, and savings plans, it’s no wonder parents often feel like they’re guessing.

The good news is that a bit of knowledge can smooth a whole lot of uncertainty and help your student land at a school that fits both their ambitions and your budget. There are options, and many families have more flexibility than they think.

Topics will include:

• Admissions Strategy & Cost: When Early Decision helps—and when it might not

• Merit Aid Realities: Where students really find their strongest merit opportunities

• Affordability & Aid: What drives a school’s aid offer (and what doesn’t)

• Building a Smart List: How to create a college list that works for your student and your wallet

• Savings & Payment Strategies: Making the most of 529s, savings, and investment accounts

Whether you’re hoping to reduce stress, understand your options, or simply get ahead of the financial side of the process, we can help. The Elevated Admissions team is here to make the confusing parts clearer—and to remind you that you have more control in this process than it may seem.

About the presenters

Jessie Peck Martin, MEd, is the founder of Elevated Admissions, an independent educational consultancy. Jessie is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). Jessie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University (go Brown and White!). Jessie is an SMS parent ‘22 and ‘24.

Rhonda Lathrop, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch since 2015.  Rhonda is a graduate of Boston College, Carroll School of Management, in Accounting and Finance. Rhonda is an SMS parent ’12.’13.’14,’17, and ’20.