Oakwood Hosts College Admissions Case Study Night

On March 31, admissions officers from the University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin, Syracuse University, Oregon State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), UMass Amherst, Miami University (Ohio), Elon University, High Point University, and the University of Nevada, Reno visited Oakwood to guide 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students and their families through a hands-on college admissions case study.

The RACC (Regional Admissions Counselors of California) Case Study Program provided an educational experience designed to help demystify the college admissions process. Participants stepped into the role of admissions officers, holistically evaluating three mock applicants to the fictitious Brookhaven University. They grappled with real-world admissions challenges, including balancing institutional priorities while deciding whom to admit, waitlist, or deny.

The Case Study Program aimed to:

• Build foundational knowledge of holistic admissions review
• Increase understanding of how academic and non-academic factors are considered
• Provide insight into how admissions decisions are discussed and made
• Create a shared learning environment for students, families, and admissions professionals

Students and families explored key questions such as:

• How important is each portion of the application?
• What does academic and social fit look like?
• How do essays and recommendation letters influence decisions?

After making their final decisions, attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions about their reasoning. The evening concluded with a college fair, offering an opportunity to connect with visiting college representatives. A big thank-you to the guest admissions officers for a highly informative and engaging event!

College Admissions Case Study Night Photo Album