Seniors Celebrate Major Milestone

While focusing on their coursework during Trimester One, Whitfield seniors have also been preparing their college applications for the first major deadline—November 1st.

This year, most Whitfield seniors opted to apply under an early application plan: early action or priority, early decision, or restricted early action. Applying early is strongly encouraged at Whitfield to ensure students have choices and ample time throughout for the remainder of their senior year to focus on completing scholarship applications and the decision-making process.

“We are so proud of the Class of 2021, especially for their resiliency and optimism!” said Director of College Counseling Barbara Sams. “They are clearly looking forward and are not paralyzed by the challenges resulting from the pandemic.”

Trimester One Application Overview

• 75 of our 77 seniors submitted at least one application by November 1st. The two who did not are applying exclusively to art programs that have different timelines.

• 535 applications were submitted through an early application program.

  • 60% are to private colleges and universities

  •  40% to public colleges and universities

  •  5 applications to 4 different international schools

  • 52 applications to 21 different Mid-Atlantic schools

  • 134 applications to 48 different Midwestern schools

  • 72 applications to 14 different Missouri schools

  • 109 applications to 45 different Southern schools

  • 12 applications 7 different New England schools

  • 58 applications to 18 different Southwest schools

  • 95 applications to 28 West schools

  • approximately 53% of our seniors will submit scores to at least 1 school; 47% will apply completely test optional

• 12 students are applying through the binding Early Decision 1 application plans. The schools to which they were submitted are: 

  • New York University (1) 

  • Northeastern University (1) 

  • Northwestern University (1)

  • University of Pennsylvania (1)

  • Rhodes College (1)

  • Tufts University (1)

  • Vanderbilt University (2)

  • Vassar College (1)

  • Washington University in St. Louis (3)

The top two VIA Character Strengths for the Class of 2021 are kindness and humor. Both strengths have helped the class and the college counselors navigate the college application process well.

If you’d like to wish our seniors a congratulations, follow our College Counseling office on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, where you’ll find photos of many of our seniors as they hit submit!