News
A Roadmap to College Success
GPS Hosts Two-Part College Admissions Event
Earlier this week, GPS hosted a two-part event designed to provide valuable guidance to both students and parents as they navigate both college admissions and the adjustment to college life. Titled, The College Blueprint: Admission, Acceptance, Success, students and their families gained insight into the college search, application process, and transition to higher education.
Panels for Parents
The event kicked off on Monday, January 27, at McCallie School, where college deans and directors gathered with both GPS and McCallie parents to discuss key factors in the admissions process. Following introductions, breakout sessions allowed parents to engage with panelists on critical topics such as value and affordability, holistics admissions, resilience-building, failing forward, residential life, academic planning, and several other topics college-bound students and their families will inevitably encounter.
The panel featured a distinguished group of experts from various sectors of higher education including:
- Amanda Anderson, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Miami (FL);
- Lyndsay Malcomb, Director of Admissions at St. Lawrence University;
- John Shackelford, Director of Athletics at Sewanee: The University of the South;
- Barbara LoMonaco, Vice President for Student Life at Centre College;
- Dr. Melissa Irvin, Associate Vice Provost for Division of Student Success at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville;
- Megan Tyler, Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Director of Admission at Wofford College; and
- Jeff Heitzenrater, Assistant Dean of Admission at Sewanee: The University of the South.
The evening concluded with parting words in the Chapel, where panelists shared their last pieces of wisdom, leaving parents with a sense of clarity and confidence as they embark on the next chapter of their children’s educational journey.
Panels for Students
The student-centered portion of the event took place the following day, Tuesday, January 28, at GPS. With an audience of juniors, the morning opened with remarks from panelists Amanda Anderson, Barbara LoMonaco, Lyndsay Malcomb, and John Shackelford before breaking into two dynamic discussions. The first panel focused on navigating the college search and application experience, guiding students on how to identify the right academic and extracurricular fit. The second panel explored maximizing the college experience, emphasizing engagement, time management, and community involvement. Students rotated through both sessions, ensuring they received well-rounded perspectives from experts in admissions, student life, and athletics.
GPS continues to provide students and families with essential resources and programming to support their educational journeys. The College Blueprint event served as an important touchpoint for empowering students with knowledge, fostering informed decision-making, and preparing them for success beyond high school.
For more information on upcoming college readiness events, visit GPS.edu or contact the GPS College Counseling Office.
