Mock Admissions Program Offers Insight Into the College Process

Saint Andrew’s School welcomed grade 10 and 11 students and their parents to Charles and Hagerty Hall for an engaging Mock Admissions program that offered a behind-the-scenes look at how colleges make admissions decisions. 

Designed to educate and empower families, the interactive evening gave participants a firsthand understanding of what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive college landscape. The College Guidance Office has been hosting this event for 10 years.

Working in small groups, students and parents stepped into the role of an admissions committee for a fictional institution, Superior University. Together, they reviewed mock applications and made difficult decisions: admit one student, place one on the waitlist, and deny two others. The exercise encouraged meaningful conversations about academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, personal character, and how students present themselves through their applications.

The program was led by distinguished college admissions deans from a wide range of institutions, including Babson College, Boston College, Brown University, Lynn University, Middlebury College, MIT, Northwestern University, Providence College, Rollins College, Southern Methodist University, Tufts University, University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University. As committee chairs, the deans guided discussions and shared valuable insights into the holistic admissions process, helping demystify how colleges evaluate applicants.

Dr. Robert Bouressa, Director of College Guidance, is proud of what it offers students and parents and what it has become. 

“It's a unique educational opportunity for our students and parents to go deep into the admissions and selection process beyond what they can get in any other forum. Beyond the benefit to our families, I believe it's also a testament to Saint Andrew's that these professionals come to our school to share their valuable time and knowledge.”

Shirely Yu ’27 attended the event last year but decided to attend again.

“I feel like I learn something new every time. I learned that the admissions process can be subjective, so the best approach is to stay true to yourself and what you’re genuinely passionate about. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to experience a realistic view of how the admissions process works.” 

After the small groups, everyone gathered in Cohen Auditorium to debrief and share insights and interesting conversations. By the end of the evening, students and parents left with greater clarity and confidence, equipped with practical insights they can apply as they begin navigating the college admissions journey.