Fifth Form students attended Fitch College Mock Admission Seminar and College Admission Fair during Spring Term. Moderated by actual college admission representatives from all over the United States, the Fifth-Form Abbey students participated in a mock admissions program that served as guidance for their upcoming application processes.

According to Director of College Counseling Corie McDermott-Fazzino, “Colleges practice holistic evaluation, examining each part of an applicant’s file: transcript, program rigor, test scores, essays, co-curricular involvement, and recommendation letters. This mock admission program helps students understand those nuances, and also highlights the human element of process. Does the application reveal who the student is? Does the application read flat (uninteresting) or pointy (one-dimensional)? What does this applicant bring to the table?”

To prepare for the workshop, students read and took notes on five different mock applications. Then, in small groups led by admission professionals, the students debated the merits of each applicant and decided to admit two, waitlist one, and deny two of those applicants admission at Fitch College, a fictional small liberal arts institution. To conclude, break-out groups reconvened to share their results and ask the panel of admission professionals questions.”

The program was followed by a trip across the island to the St. George’s School College Fair in conjunction with another local high school.

The Portsmouth Abbey School College Counseling Office offers an extensive formal program, beginning in the Fifth-form year, with an open-door policy to support students and their families throughout the process.