Wellington juniors became honorary admissions officers during a hands-on case studies event led by college reps — getting an inside look at how application decisions are made.
This week, Wellington’s college counseling team hosted a dynamic case studies event for the junior class. Students were divided into four groups, each led by a visiting college admissions professional from institutions including the University of Cincinnati, Capital University, The College of Wooster, and DePaul University. In this interactive session, students stepped into the role of admissions officers, reviewing fictional applications from Martha, Jimmy Joe, and Kevin. Along with the Common Application, students examined transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays. After assessing strengths and weaknesses, students engaged in spirited discussions about which candidates they would admit — and why.
Following the case studies, students had the opportunity to ask the admissions professionals candid questions. Topics ranged from personal essay tips and extracurricular involvement to how different colleges weigh academic performance and test scores.
Events like this offer students an insider’s perspective on the college admissions process, helping demystify what can often feel like a black box. They also encourage juniors to think critically about their own application materials as they prepare to share their stories in the months ahead.