Mayfield Senior School Kicks Off New College Application Program for Juniors

Mayfield Senior School has kicked off a new program to help juniors prepare for the process of applying to college with the help of admissions officers from colleges and universities across the country. Before embarking upon this journey, the Class of 2014 and their parents were given the opportunity to participate in a hands-on Case Study Program. The program gives students the chance to experience the college admissions process in a real-world context and fully understand how applications are read by admissions officers from a variety of universities.

Before the event, students and families were each given a description of a fictitious university, “Red Brick University,” as well as three mock applications to review. They broke into small groups lead by admissions professionals from colleges and universities across the country and discussed which students would be the best fit for the university, based on the applications provided. Mayfield hosted the program in an intimate and open environment Mayfield students and parents connecting and discussing applications, and every student was able to engage with the admissions officers.

Says Sonya Williams ’14, “I really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to see what a college application looks like before I apply myself. I thought it was a really fabulous way to see what types of things stand out on an application. The help from professional college admissions officers was also very eye-opening. Their insights were invaluable. I definitely feel more prepared to face the college application process.” Another junior, Jasmin Rizko agrees: “I thought the Case Studies really brought home the fact that not all colleges look for the same type of student, so you can never have only one option. The representatives were very understanding; they were patient when we asked questions and they treated us as equals while still teaching us.”

The representatives were impressed with Mayfield students as well, commenting on how engaged, interested and prepared they were for the process. The evening ended with each admissions officer revealing which institution he or she worked for, followed by a college fair for the students and families. College admissions reps came from schools across the country, including University of Michigan, CalTech, Connecticut College, Loyola University Chicago, NYU, USC and Whitman College.

The invaluable experience of reviewing applications, as well as the chance to meet college admissions counselors and learn about institutions around the country made the evening a fantastic success. Students and parents alike feel more informed and prepared to begin the journey of applying to college.

Mayfield Senior School boasts a counseling department with two full-time college counselors who work with students one-on-one through the entire process of research, application, discernment and transition. Mayfield believes the college admissions process is an extension of each student’s Mayfield education requiring solid research, self-reflection and thoughtful analysis. With a 1:34 student to counselor ratio, this challenging process is fully personalized and focused on finding colleges and universities where each student will flourish.

For more information, visit www.mayfieldsenior.org