Tampa Bay Case Study 2024 Recap

Each year seven independent schools in Tampa Bay host a college application case studies event for their juniors and families that demonstrates part of the college acceptance process from the College Admissions point of view. Attendees form mock admissions committees and are tasked with voting to admit, defer or deny fake student applicants. The Tampa Bay Case Study event concludes with a private college fair. College admissions is a dynamic landscape that requires guidance from professionals in the field. Knowing this, the team of participating schools who host the TBCS set out to refresh the program.

For 2024, juniors and their families benefited from a focused conversation on how to approach choosing schools that are a great match for them rather than focusing on outcomes. By approaching the conversation in this manner, the dialogue was focused on a more authentic understanding of how the admissions process works along with propelling families to realistically consider cost, admit rates, the work involved in applying to various schools, and more closely aligning what they say are their desires and needs with appropriate school choices.

Shorecrest students commented that there were so many aspects to the college application process that they hadn’t thought about and were grateful to gain more insight. Shorecrest parents/guardians reflected that the conversations were eye opening and they were pleased to learn more about how their student’s application may be read. Many agreed that the conversations their families engaged in were deeper and more meaningful than in years past.

Admissions officers from over 55 colleges and universities from across the country facilitated the small group conversations and then represented their school at a private college fair that immediately followed. Over 550 students and parents/guardians attended. The Tampa Bay Studies member schools are Academy of the Holy Names, Berkeley Preparatory School, Canterbury School of Florida, Carrollwood Day School, Shorecrest Preparatory School, The Out of Door Academy and Tampa Preparatory School.