College Admissions: Class of 2020 Leaves Extraordinary Mark

The 120 graduating seniors are heading to 65 colleges and universities after a remarkable college-admissions process.

By Ryan Wood

Grace Zhou didn’t initially have Rice University on her list of potential destinations when she started pondering college choices.

At the beginning of her senior year, Grace spoke frequently with St. Margaret’s Associate Director of College Counseling Amy Warren, her dedicated college counselor, who suggested that Rice might be an option worth a closer look because it matched Grace’s interests. Grace researched the university, took a virtual tour and was intrigued. She visited the Houston campus in October of her senior year and decided Rice was the perfect fit. She began the early-decision application process on the flight home.

“I loved the atmosphere of the campus — beautiful and relaxed, yet motivating. The students seemed genuinely happy, and that’s what I wanted,” Grace said. “I really liked Rice, so I chose to apply early decision because I wanted to give myself the best chance I could to get in.”

Grace is just one of 120 success stories in the college admissions process for the Class of 2020, which left an indelible mark in St. Margaret’s school history for their work in the classroom, on campus, and in the college-admissions process.

Of the 120 seniors, 100 percent were accepted to a four-year college or university. That included offers from every Ivy League school, with 10 seniors choosing to matriculate to five of those schools: Brown University (2), Cornell University (3), Harvard College, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania (3).

In total, the class received 723 acceptance offers from colleges and universities across the United States and around the world. They chose to matriculate to 65 colleges and universities in 21 states and Washington D.C., as well as one university in France. Forty-eight seniors will attend a college or university in California, while 60 percent of the class is venturing to out-of-state institutions.

“On behalf of the entire St. Margaret’s professional community, we are exceedingly proud of and impressed by the unique skills and talents, depth of character, love of learning and determined scholarship of the Class of 2020,” Upper School Principal Jeneen Graham said. “It’s clear with these achievements that their authentic selves shined through to colleges and universities across the country, and it is no surprise to us that so many schools want these wonderful Tartans to join their communities.

“Kudos are also due to our parents who have lovingly supported their children and partnered with our outstanding team of three college counselors, led by Roland Allen, who work one-on-one with our students and their parents through the college review and admission process to ensure they explore myriad options and identify and present themselves to schools that are a right fit for them and their interests.”

Alex D’Amaro took a trip to Philadelphia the summer before his senior year and visited Villanova University. He loved it. “Everything I was looking for in a college,” he said. He specifically cited the smaller undergraduate size, beautiful campus and vibrant student life.

He decided to apply early to Villanova and stayed on top of the process with assistance from the College Counseling office.

“They helped keep me informed of everything from due dates to helping with my college essays,” said Alex, who was accepted and will attend Villanova this fall.   

Grace, Alex and their classmates are supported in the college admission process throughout their Upper School experience by St. Margaret’s expert College Counseling team of Director of College Counseling Mr. Allen, Associate Director of College Counseling Ms. Warren, and Associate Director of College Counseling Jeff Jablonski.

Roland Allen

 “Each year, close to 200 college admission officers visit our campus one-by-one to meet with our students. They often comment that our campus culture feels unique and special, and how friendly, approachable and kind our students are in addition to their outstanding academic achievement,” Mr. Allen said. “Colleges also are looking for students who have voice. In other words, students who have something to say and can say it well. Students in this year’s senior class, in particular, have voice. They are bright, curious and accomplished. Clearly, these traits came through as admissions committees reviewed our students this year, and we are very glad they see what we already know about this remarkable group of young women and men.”

The exceptional success for St. Margaret’s 2020 graduates comes amid a landscape of possible changes for college admission due to the coronavirus, and St. Margaret’s College Counselors are keeping their fingers on the pulse through their wide network of college admission deans and officers, with whom they have built trusted and longstanding relationships.

“I am always proud of our graduates, but especially so this year because so many have well-formed voices and talents that will enrich their chosen college and university communities when they arrive on campus,” Mr. Allen said. “I know we will hear stories of the impact of their lives long into the future.”

Please click here to see the complete list of colleges and universities have chosen to attend.