Setting up a Case Studies Program
at your school
A v i v a W a l l s
R o s s D . M a n k u t a
CASE STUDIES: 101WHAT IS A CASE STUDIES
PROGRAM?
mock, holistic application review for fictional college/university
conducted by actual admissions professionals or by your staff
students and parents vote for the applicant(s) who best fit the mock institution
WHY HOST A CASE STUDIES PROGRAM?
introduce families to a holistic application evaluation
fun, experiential way to educate about the process
allow families to appreciate the different ways in which applications can be evaluated
build relationships between your institution and college admissions representatives (if included)
HOW TO GET A CASE STUDIES PROGRAM
buy-in from key players (administration & families)
time, space, volunteers, & admission reps or staff willing to conduct the program
materials (cases, mock college profile, guide to reading applications, reading rubric) ...
CASE STUDIES: 101
CASE STUDIES: 101
CASE STUDIES: 101
CASE STUDIES: 101
BEST PRACTICES: FAMILIES
separate students & parents for smoother conversations
prepare community prior to program
make the materials easily accessible (online, mail or email them)
BEST PRACTICES: COLLEGE REPS
welcome/thank you reception with dinner
appropriate ratio of students/parents to reps
broad assortment of institutions represented
pair college reps with dissimilar institutions
you have access to RACC - a great resource for this type of program
BEST PRACTICES: COMMUNICATION
invitations to college reps sent well in advance
confirm with reps several times leading up to the event
collect RSVPs for all attendees (parents and students
send the cases to all participants (students, parents, and facilitators) a month prior to the event
LITTLE THINGS GO A LONG WAY ...
plan your event around the crazy admissions cycle
arrange a group rate and reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town college reps
communicate driving directions, weather expectations, & parking instructions the week of the event
thank your college reps after the event!
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
go it alone or organize with other schools
centralize the process (email account, continuity from year-to-year)
allow time for reps to de-brief with families
how to best utilize your time - mini fair or panel
follow up with an online survey