Junior Case Study Night

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sit on the other side of the college admissions table, making the big decisions? On January 16th, the Office of College Counseling gave students and parents the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of admissions officers during Virtual Case Study Night- a behind-the-scenes look into the world of college admissions. Through a holistic application review, students worked with admissions experts from across the country to review mock applications and make the tough call: who gets in, who waits, and who gets denied. Participants experienced the complexity of the decision-making process firsthand, and learned what it takes to stand out in a competitive application pool. Here’s how the evening unfolded.

The night began with students reviewing a set of mock applications, each desgined to represent real-world scenarios. Students worked together in breakout rooms with admissions officers to assess academic records, essays, and extracurricular activites. By the end of the excercise, students were tasked with making the ultimate decision of who gets admitted, waislisted, or denied. After each breakout room discussed their decisions, participants reconvened in the main room. One representative from each group shared their findings, providing insight into the similarities and differences in decision-making approaches across the groups. This hands-on approach approach not only revealed the intricacies of holistic admissions, but also highlighted the tough choices colleges face when building their incoming classes. One student commented, “I didn’t realize how much thought goes into every aspect of an application. It’s not just about grades or test scores- it’s about the whole person.”

The event provided several important lessons:

• Context matters: A college representative from UC Berkeley emphazied that context is crucial in essays. Admissions officers cannot assume anothing about an applicant’s background, so it is important to provide clear, detailed context. If applicant leave things vague, it may not work to their advantage.
• Balance is key: While strong academics are essential, meaningful extracurricualr involvement and leadership play a crucial role in shaping an applicant’s story.
• Holistic Review: Students learned how factors like recommendation letters, demonstrated interest, and unique personal circumstances influence decision.

As the night came to an end, students were left with a deeper understating of the admissions process and how to navigate it. The Office of College Counseling hopes that these lessons will empower students to present their best selves in future applications. One junior shared, “I feel like I have a better idea of how to make my application stronger.” As college admissions remain competitve, programs like these remind students that the process is not about perfection, but about authenticity. Sometimes, stepping into the shoes of an admissions officer is the best way to understand what truly matters.