RE Log Spring 2023

SPRING 2023 Ransom Everglades LOG 35 Though a stellar academic foundation remains the core of a strong application, the best applications are no longer a recitation of superior accomplishments. Students who make a successful case for their candidacies find ways – as Locke frequently says – to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. They are, in a sense, able to write their own headlines (another Locke- ism). “One of our most important roles,” Locke said, “is identifying those unique experiences and events that tell a story – in essence, finding the headline for each RE student.” The story doesn’t end there. Locke and his team are professionalizing the office: improving resources, reaching out to families earlier, and adding opportunities to learn and connect. They are developing a timeline designed to integrate the college journey into the upper school academic experience in a way that is efficient, effective and engaging rather than stressful. They are teeing up a host of workshops – on essay-writing, portfolio- production, interview-preparation – that will help students in practical ways. Key parts of the process will be helping students and their families expand their universe of potential colleges and “One of our most important roles is identifying those unique experiences and events that tell a story – in essence, finding the headline for each RE student.” – Jason Locke, Executive Director of College Counseling universities while building strong student-counselor relationships. The hope is to ensure that students land at colleges and universities that are right for them. The REimagination is roaring. “We are taking a bold step in the reimagining of the college counseling office,” Locke said, “one that promises to elevate RE students through a more personalized and strategic college counseling experience.” Back row: Jason Locke, Marty Elkins, Christina Iglesias, Roger Caron, Kate Fetterman, Ann Parks, Francisco Herrera, Marlen Nuñez de Varela, Claudia Jolivert. Front row: Brandon King, Patrick Tassoni Jr., China Hutchins, John A. King Jr. Jason Locke leads the College Admission Symposium in January.