The John Cooper School Provides Unparalleled College Admission Experience for Sophomore Families with Interactive Case Studies Program

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The John Cooper School recently hosted a special event for its sophomore students and their families—an immersive and educational Case Studies Program. This engaging evening allowed families to dive deep into the world of college admission, getting a firsthand look at the decision making process of college admission professionals.

Held in the Ramirez Lecture Hall, the program welcomed seven distinguished college admission professionals from a variety of prestigious universities. Their goal was to provide insight into the complex college application process, giving students and parents alike a clearer understanding of how decisions are made. The event kicked off with an informative presentation, but the magic happened when the group split into smaller teams for a hands-on, interactive exercise. The admission professionals included:

• Jaime Briseno - Georgetown University
• John Chavez - Columbia University
• Gail Robertston - Trinity University
• Trevor Ross - The University of Chicago
• Wahhab Carter - University of Denver
• Kaitlin Crepps - The George Washington University
• Rod Jackson - Hampden-Sydney College

In the classrooms of The Rock Math and Science Center, seven groups of students and parents analyzed the profiles of four fictional students applying to a fictional university. The case study allowed the attendees to step into the shoes of admission officers, reviewing academic records, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. It was a real-world exercise in decision-making, where each group had to come to a consensus about which applicants should be accepted, waitlisted, or denied.

The atmosphere was electric as discussions unfolded, with students and parents engaging in thought-provoking debates over what factors should carry the most weight in admission decisions.

The mock reviews gave everyone—especially students—a first taste of what the application process may feel like when it’s their turn. The fictional students’ applications varied, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, giving families a chance to see just how nuanced the admission process can be.

Once the groups had made their decisions, everyone reconvened in the Ramirez Lecture Hall for a lively debrief. Each group shared their findings and the reasoning behind their choices, offering differing perspectives on what qualities made certain applicants stand out. The session was informative, and the admission professionals provided invaluable feedback on the groups’ decisions, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to reviewing applications.

For parents, the opportunity to ask questions about how they could support their children through the application process was priceless. The students left the event with a newfound understanding of the many moving parts involved in college admission, preparing them for what lies ahead in their high school journey.

Laura Schroeder, Director of College Counseling says, “The Case Studies Program offers our students and families a valuable opportunity to understand the college admission process firsthand. By engaging with experts, our sophomores gain confidence and clarity in preparing for their future. At The John Cooper School, we’re committed to helping students navigate the college journey with purpose and authenticity."

Ultimately, the evening showcased The John Cooper School’s commitment to college readiness. By bringing together experts in the field and creating a collaborative space for learning, the school is taking proactive steps to ensure its students are well-prepared for the college application process when the time comes. This event, designed to engage families early on, is just one example of the school’s ongoing effort to empower students and provide them with the tools they need for success in higher education.

Through programs like this, The John Cooper School is setting its students up for success—not just academically, but in every aspect of their future educational journeys.

The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. The School's mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

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