GPS Welcomes Admission and Enrollment Professionals to Campus for Parent and Student Panels

When it comes to getting a true insider’s look at the process of applying to college and making the transition once enrolled, you have to hear it from admission leaders themselves! This week, eight university admission professionals traveled to GPS for a two-part interactive experience for our juniors and their parents. On campus were Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Clemson; Fabrizio D’Aloisio, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville; Laura Davis, Sr. Associate Director of Admissions, Lafayette College; Melissa Falk, Dean of Admission at the University of Richmond; Jeff Heitzenrater, Assistant Dean of Admission at Sewanee: The University of the South; Cornell LeSane, Vice President for Enrollment Management at College of the Holy Cross; Chrystal Russell, Dean of Admission at Hampden-Sydney College; and Chad Spencer, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Centre College.

On Monday evening, GPS + McCallie parents were invited to visit the GPS campus for a parent-only presentation about supporting their children through the college admission experience. Andrew Reich, GPS Director of College Counseling, welcomed the crowd before introducing the speakers and the run of show, which featured three separate panel discussion rotations. By the end of the night, parents were privy to information about the parent role in the college search, application components within their student’s control, and understanding college value and affordability.

This morning, GPS juniors met with five of the industry leaders for a series of rotations geared more toward the student perspective as it relates to applying and transitioning to college. The other three were engaged in similar topics with McCallie juniors on their campus. Topics covered included “Making the Most of the College Experience,” “What does it mean when I hear that a college might be a “good fit” for me?” and “Activities, Deadlines, Essays, Testing, Demonstrated Interest, Course Rigor: Admissions!”

As the girls made their way through the panels over the course of the morning, they had the opportunity to ask questions and seek additional guidance. They reconvened for parting words and wisdom from each admission professional.

At GPS, we recognize selecting a college is a personal journey that involves the student, her college counselor, and her family. While her counselor can provide expert advice and insight into colleges that best meet her requirements and fit her profile, ultimately the decision lies with the student and her family.

Because the college search is uniquely tailored to each girl, it is no wonder that GPS alumnae go on to graduate from the college where they started at a rate that’s nearly double the national average.