Knightly News

Good grades and top test scores tell only part of the story when it comes to a college admission application. To get the attention of college admission representatives at the nation’s best institutions of higher education, students need to make a comprehensive presentation of who they are academically and personally. How do students tell the story? College Counseling Director Justin Fenske wants students to ask themselves the following questions.

1.       What are my interests?

“Someone with interests is interesting,” says Fenske. He says university admission officers want to know that students are curious and exploring ideas for the future. He says now is the time for students to try new things. “High school is not just about checking off boxes,” he says. “It’s about learning and finding what you’re interested in.” He points to senior Crawford Grigsby who is interested in the construction industry. Crawford explored that interest further by working construction jobs and learning from business owners. Classmate Arya Patel is interested in science. To explore that interest more, she created the Episcopal Science Olympiad Club to bring classmates who are enthusiastic about science together. “It doesn’t have to be this big thing,” says Fenske. He recommends that students with an interest in English submit works to a writing contest or even “Troubadour” to showcase their talent. Episcopal programs like ESTAAR and thesis also provide good opportunities to explore more. The goal is to be creative with finding ways to learn more about yourself and what you may pursue as a potential career.

Fenske points out that it is perfectly fine for student interests to evolve as they progress through high school and move on to college. The exercise of determining an interest early will actually serve them well because if they can fully develop an interest once, they can more easily do it again.

2.       How am I successful?

Students should make a note of how they are successful as it occurs so that once application time arrives, they can easily recall past accomplishments. “Students should take pride in the things they do,” says Fenske. “They need to brag.” For example, Fenske says earning a class award is an easy way to demonstrate success or showcase improvement. Ultimately, success communicates that students can commit to a goal and see it through to completion. For college admission officers, this translates into a stronger likelihood of completing a degree.

3.       How do I care for my community?

As universities seek to become more socially conscious, admission officers frequently want to know how a particular student serves their community. Fenske wants students to think about this. He says students can outline how they contribute to the larger Baton Rouge community through Episcopal-sponsored service learning projects, or they can describe how they participate in the micro-communities that exist within Episcopal. Upon reflection, students typically discover that they have been involved in the community in a variety of ways.

4.       How have I made an impact?

Today’s Upper School students are tomorrow’s leaders. It’s not too early for them to think about the impact they can have at school and beyond. “We want students to have accomplishments,” says Fenske. He encourages students to take a leadership role in a club or a cause. If it is an area of interest for the student, it will come naturally to them and provide them a valuable outlet.

A Team Effort

Applying to college can be a stressful and daunting experience, especially when students must find ways to tell their story on an application. Fenske hopes students keep these four key points in mind as they make their case for admission. In addition, he reminds students that there is a team of people available to help.

The Role of College Counselors and Teachers

College admission officers review an application as a whole, including teacher and college counselor recommendations. Students who are involved on campus and who regularly meet with faculty and counselors are sure to receive a recommendation that impresses. The College Counseling team offers a variety of resources to help students including a college essay workshop and application clinic. The team has also partnered with MasteryPrep to provide test prep boot camps and classes. In addition, Fenske says Episcopal faculty are very good at helping students pursue their interests and finding ways to develop their skills. He encourages students to speak with their teachers, advisors, and counselors if they need assistance.

The Role of Family

The college admission journey is oftentimes a family affair. Many college campus visits occur during family vacations, and parents are frequently sounding boards for essay ideas and discussions. Fenske encourages families to get involved with their students’ interests by helping students discover creative ways to explore natural interests or talents. If a student loves sports, Fenske suggests helping them explore the business side of sports or the wellness aspect of competition. He says something like playing fantasy sports together or learning more about the latest video game can go a long way in helping students develop their interests in meaningful ways. 

To learn more about College Counseling at Episcopal, click here.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.