Sophomore Families Benefit from Insiders’ View of College Admissions

Have you ever wondered what criteria college admissions representatives really consider when reading college applications? Nearly 35 Wesleyan sophomores and their parents were able to demystify the application reading process during the Atlanta Invitational Case Studies (AICS) program on Sunday, February 21. 
This year, as with most things, AICS went virtual. Prior to the event, families were provided with fictitious case study files of applicants to a sample university, which they read and evaluated. The program used Zoom to break students into small groups who were guided by a college admission professional to make admission decisions (admit, waitlist, deny) for those applicants. Decisions often seemed easy - or impossible - based on numbers alone, but attendees learned that factors such as major, geography, leadership, special talents, and rigor all play a key role in helping colleges make admission decisions and shape a class. With a better understanding of how applications are reviewed, students will now be able to meaningfully think about their own academics, activities, and involvement.
 
The AICS program began in 2008 and has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Wesleyan college advisors Ken Connor and Andrea Shupert serve on the planning committee for the AICS program, which is exclusive to 17 metro-Atlanta area private schools. Connor and Shupert along with Wesleyan college advisor Erica Engsberg and college advising administrative assistant Megan Harper hosted Zoom breakout groups.  This year’s event hosted over 900 students and parents along with representatives from 49 colleges and universities.
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