Each admission representative led a small-group mock admission process to start the evening, gathering with parents and students to assess the extensive candidate files of three imaginary candidates. The goal was to provide insight into the admission process, and forge a better understanding of what resonates on a good application. After going through the case studies, the eight admission officers took the stage at the Lewis Family Auditorium to answer questions from the audience.

The admission directors discussed the importance of students' course selection; high school reputation; the role diversity plays in the admission process; the wait-list process; the amount of time spent on each application; how institutional needs affect the admission process; and other topics.

The directors emphasized that students should put forward their best, authentic selves, and not treat the application like a giant checklist. "It's really important to make a strong impression in this application," said Crissy Iglesias, the assistant director of admission at Penn. "You have to make each part of the application count."

The directors in attendance: Candace Leake, Bucknell University; Sarah Kochin, Carnegie Mellon University; Annie Shea, University of Central Florida; Carol Conchar, The George Washington University; Olander Fleming, University of Maryland at College Park; Mark Reid, the University of Miami; Iglesias, Penn; Victor Thomas, Washington University in St. Louis.