Dunn School students and families received an inside look at the college admissions process directly from college and university admissions directors and officers from across the country in a “case study” college admission program held recently on the Los Olivos campus.

Dunn welcomed visitors from New York University, Tulane, Wake Forest, Harvey Mudd College, USC, Xavier, Pomona College, and American University of Paris.

Officials guided groups of students through a mock application review, where they got to see first-hand what really matters to college admissions committees.

“This experience truly helped demystify the college admissions process for our juniors, sophomores, and their families who attended, both in person and virtually,”
said Terri Devine, Dunn’s director of college counseling, .

“It empowers them to lower their stress levels, focus on specific aspects of the high school experience, and apply to their dream colleges with confidence,” Devine said.

Before her experience as a high school college counseling director, Devine spent nearly a decade in college admissions herself, serving as director of Mainland Admission at Hawaii Pacific University.

During the Obama administration, she was selected to participate in several White House meetings on higher education and led discussions on college access and college counseling.

Through first lady Michelle Obama’s “Reach Higher Initiative,” Devine worked with college professionals from around the country to increase college readiness.

“Watching Terri guide our students through their college admission process this year has been remarkable,” said Mike McKee, Dunn director of admissions. “Her experience and the relationships she is helping our students build with collegiate representatives will be invaluable to them.”

After the Case Study Program, students and families attended a college fair at Dunn’s Cindy Bronfman Leadership Center, where they could go beyond general inquiries about the colleges in attendance.

“Not only were our students able to ask specific questions during the mock applications of the case study, but the college fair also afforded students and families the opportunity to connect with high level admissions officers and learn firsthand about their programs, admissions processes and more.,” said Amy Grenier, CFO and Dunn parent.

“What a unique experience for my high school junior and our family,” she said.

College case studies have been held on Dunn’s campus previously, including last year, although this was the largest group yet of visiting college officials, many of whom were making their first trip to a campus in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“The positive feedback we’ve received from all involved really is a testament to the quality of our students, Terri’s experience, and Dunn’s whole student college counseling philosophy,” said Dunn Head of School Kalyan Balaven.

“We’re already looking forward to replicating the experience next year and continuing to better prepare Dunn students for the college of their choice,” Balaven said.