College Prep
Navigating the College Admission Process
The college search is an educational process: a journey of self-discovery full of challenges, rewards, and responsibilities. At Mercersburg, we believe in working hand in hand with students and families to decide which college or university is the best match. Mercersburg College Prep is no different. It is a program designed for rising 10th and 11th graders as a way to offer that same support, same focus and the same benefits over the course of an intensive, yet profoundly beneficial week.
Each student in the Mercersburg College Prep Program will obtain invaluable tools to help them navigate the college admission process. From interviewing and essay writing skills to college visits and resume building, the program is designed to give every participant an advantage as they search for the perfect fit.
Download our brochure here.
Interview with Bill McClintick 1 from Mercersburg Summer on Vimeo.
Features
Program Features include the following:
• Personal/Group Interviews
• Maximizing College Visits
• Interviewing Skills
• Application Process and Timeline
• Activities/Resume Building
• Essay Writing Skills
• Admission & Student Life
• College Visits (2 days)
• Test Prep
• Extracurricular & Leadership Seminar
• Panel Discussions
• Guest Speakers
• Financial Aid Seminar (w/ parents)
Program Director
Bill McClintick
Prior to coming to Mercersburg in 1989, Bill was assistant director of admission at Hartwick College in New York, and associate director at Kalamazoo College (MI). In September 2008, Bill was installed as president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); he had previously served three years as the organization’s vice-president for admission practices, and five years as its liaison to the NCAA.
Bill is past-president of the PA Assoc. for College Admission Counseling, and the namesake of PACAC’s William R. McClintick Service Award. He also served a three-year term on the College Scholarship Service (part of The College Board).
Get Bill’s take on his experience and the experience of his staff below.
Interview with Bill McClintick 2 from Mercersburg Summer on Vimeo.
Bill McClintick highlights interviewing skills.
Interview with Bill McClintick 3 from Mercersburg Summer on Vimeo.
Beyond the Classroom
Personal Portfolios
Each student will be assigned a college counselor for the week and every participant will leave Mercersburg College Prep with a personalized college list. This list will be determined through one-on-one and group interviews as well as a thorough review of a student’s file. All students will leave with valuable resources and guidebooks with training on how to use them effectively.
Email Updates
Each participant in the program will receive four emails throughout the calendar year. Each email will include important updates and reminders, feature articles, college visit information, and much more. It is our way of staying connected and keeping participants informed long after they leave campus.
Applications & Essays
First impressions can make all the difference in the admission process. At Mercersburg College Prep, all students will attend sessions on mastering the techniques for completing college applications and writing effective and interesting college essays.
Daily Schedule
Sample Daily Schedule
7:30 am Breakfast
8:30 am Test Prep
10:00 am Break
10:15 am Essay Writing
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Activity/Resume Building
3:15 pm Interviewing Skills
5:00 pm Free Time
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Admission and Student Life
9:00 pm Movie
11:00 pm Lights Out
College Visits
Making a trip to see potential schools is a vital part of the college selection process. Mercersburg College Prep will visit the campuses of a variety of colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic. Each visit will include a group tour and an information session given by the college’s admission office. Mercersburg College Prep staff will also use these trips to emphasize the importance of properly planning and maximizing every college visit.
During the course of the week, participants will spend two full days visiting a range of schools in the area. One day will be spent in Washington D.C., visiting schools in an urban setting, like American University and Georgetown University. The other day will be dedicated to exploring smaller, liberal arts schools such as Dickinson College, or a rural state school like Shippensburg University.
College Matriculation
(Students at Mercersburg Academy Class of 2009
• 43% enrolled in the “Most Competitive” colleges and universities as determined by Barron’s Profile.
• 24% enrolled in the “Highly Competitive” colleges and universities as determined by Barron’s Profile.
• 18% enrolled in the “Very Competitive” colleges and universities as determined by Barron’s Profile.
• 18% enrolled in on of the Top 50 National Universities and 28% in one of the Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges as resported by U.S. News & World Report.
• 23% accepted in one of the Top 50 National Universities and 33% in one of the Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges.
