Happening on Campus: The College Guidance Application Workshop

As college application deadlines approach in early November, the entire Wooster School community rallies around our graduating senior class. Beyond mere encouragement and well wishes, however, the entire school – from classroom teachers, to coaches, to support staff and administrators – shifts its attention and workflow for one entire day to contribute to a workshop designed to help seniors put the finishing touches on their college admission materials. 

The workshop, which has been an annual event at Wooster each fall for the past ten years, took place this year on October 25th. "This is one of the best opportunities for our seniors, because it builds their confidence as they get closer to the finish line of the college admissions process,” said Judith Israel, Associate Director of College Guidance at Wooster. “Once they submit their applications, they can humbly say they did their very best, with the support of the entire Wooster School community."

In addition to Wooster faculty and staff, representatives from some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country also volunteer their expertise during the workshop. Many come in person, and some connect with students virtually. Not only does this provide students with the invaluable perspective of the professionals who are in charge of reading and evaluating their applications, but it is also a great opportunity for Wooster students to introduce themselves and make interpersonal connections with the people who are ultimately responsible for making admissions decisions. 

“What’s great about Wooster students is that they have a genuine intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for being in the classroom,” said Michelle Dunavant, Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Kenyon College in Ohio. “They are engaged, and that jumps out on their applications. Throughout their essays, in their activities, the leadership opportunities they get at school, you see they are ready to be fully committed members of our communities. It’s exciting.” 

The annual college application workshop is structured into five categories: essay review, Wooster; essay review, college rep; interview practice; finalized college list review; and resume and Common Application review. Specific pairings with Wooster faculty and staff is done deliberately, with members of the Humanities Department, for example, enlisted to provide feedback on written work, and members of the Admission and Advancement teams helping students with interviewing skills. It is a testament to the commitment of the entire school community that these pairings also include our Director of Divisions and Head of School.

“The application workshop involves the entire Wooster community,” said Beth Jones, Associate Director of College Guidance. “Not only do our students benefit from multiple points of view and perspectives on all their hard work, they see and feel the support that is integral to their Wooster experience.” College representatives from fifteen schools this year were matched up with three to four Wooster students each, to provide direct feedback on students’ personal statements. 

The personal statement, sometimes referred to as “the college essay,” is a 650-word piece of writing that invites students to share their story. Students begin working on their personal statements during the spring of junior year, and continue crafting them throughout the summer and into the fall of senior year. It is an opportunity for our students to distinguish themselves as individuals, a hallmark of their journey at Wooster School, and a key factor in shaping their future success. 

For more information about the Student Guidance program at Wooster School, please contact John Newman, Director of Student Guidance, at john.newman@woosterschool.org.