Stepping Into the College Admissions Office: Why Case Studies Matter

That’s why this year’s Case Studies and College Fair, held at Davidson Day School and in collaboration with Cannon School, was one of the most valuable programs we’ve ever hosted. It wasn’t just about meeting college representatives or collecting brochures. It was about demystifying the college admissions process in a way that was both immersive and eye-opening.

The day began with students and parents stepping into the shoes of admissions officers. In small groups, they were handed real application files for three fictional students applying to “Euphoria University,” and were asked to make tough decisions: Who gets in? Who goes on the waitlist? Who gets denied?

What emerged from those conversations was a powerful realization—college admissions is not a meritocracy in the way many assume. Academic excellence matters, but so do institutional priorities, financial aid constraints, diversity goals, athletic recruitment, and more. Even “perfect” applicants can be denied for reasons that have nothing to do with their worth or effort.

This simulated process sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations we’ve seen from our students and families. It challenged assumptions and replaced anxiety with understanding. Most importantly, it underscored the importance of fit—not chasing prestige, but finding a school where a student’s values, goals, and strengths align with the institution.

Following the case study, our gym transformed into a vibrant college fair with nearly 70 colleges and universities represented—from small liberal arts colleges to large public research institutions. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with admissions representatives, ask informed questions, and begin to see their college futures not as abstract dreams, but as real, reachable possibilities (click here to view the full list).

We were proud to hear from many of the college reps that our students asked some of the most insightful questions they’d received all year. That’s a testament to our community’s readiness to engage in the process with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

College admissions can feel overwhelming—but events like this remind us that knowledge is empowering. By peeling back the curtain and letting families experience the decision-making process firsthand, we’re helping our students approach their college journey with less stress, more strategy, and a deeper sense of agency.

At Davidson Day, our College Counseling Office is committed to giving students every possible advantage as they navigate this next chapter. That means more than just helping them build strong applications—it means equipping them with the insight, confidence, and critical thinking needed to make informed decisions about their futures. Through intentional programming like the Case Studies and College Fair, we aim to shift the college process from something that happens to students into something they are actively prepared for and engaged in.

We’re grateful to our college counseling partners at Cannon School, and to the many representatives who joined us. We hope this program becomes a tradition—not just because of the turnout, but because of the impact it had on our students’ mindset and understanding.

Davidson Day Upper School families who missed this event can still take advantage of the resources the College Counseling Office provides year-round. Reach out to me at thill@davidsonday.org or click here to visit our website to learn more about how we support our students and families every step of the college journey.