On March 23, The Gunston School welcomed students and parents/guardians for a special panel all about emerging trends in college admissions. Representatives from several area colleges and universities were in attendance to answer questions and speak to attendees.

Led by Gunston’s Co-Directors of College Guidance Emily Coffey and Tony D’Antonio, the session welcomed Director of Admissions Alan Paynter (Hobart and William Smith Colleges), Admissions Counselor Suzie Freidrich (Washington College), Freshman Admission Counselor JJ Remo (Salisbury University), Director of Recruitment Calvin Wise (Johns Hopkins University), and Associate Dean Derek Butler (Dickinson College). 

Topics of discussion included 

• application deadlines and the options for applying (and what they mean) such as rolling admission, early action, early decision, and regular decision;
• what key phrases mean, such as “demonstrating interest,” and the difference between “need blind” and “need aware,” and other terms such as test optional and test blind colleges;
• the recruitment process for students with special interests like athletics, dance, performing arts, fine arts, music, ROTC etc.;
• how to write your admission essay;
• the interview process and presenting yourself in a way that differentiates your application and candidacy from others. 

In particular, they strongly encouraged students to research each place and identify the specific requirements and expectations that particular college or university may have.

D’Antonio added, “You’re more than your grades, your test scores, and even your extracurricular activities. You’re a whole person. In this process, you have to be prepared to present some of your softer qualities—your sense of humor, your deep curiosity, your ability to empathize with others—which become apparent through the written parts of your application.” 

Panelists also highlighted the importance of not taking admission decisions personally. The average acceptance rate for colleges is over 60% — most colleges are looking for reasons to say “yes” to applicants. “If you want to attend college, you will! That being said, running a college is like running a business, and when making offers of admission the enrollment management team must consider factors such as the budget, institutional priorities, yield, and much more. Due to this practice, sometimes admission offers don’t always make sense to everyone. Our goal is to help you understand the process, and craft an application list that focuses on fit,” added Coffey. 

Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis shared, “While there are many aspects of the college search and application process that have not changed much over time, each year there are new trends that students and families need to be alert to. For instance, the panel helped to explain recent trends like “test-blind” schools and “instant decision days”— which are key things to understand about the modern college landscape.”

Next up for Gunston’s College Admissions office is the College Application Workshop held in August for rising seniors. D’Antonio and Coffey spend the summer recruiting college admission officers to join the bootcamp and work with students to review and edit their college essay drafts, meet one on one with rising seniors, and participate in a panel discussion.