The Admission Tradition: An Inside Look on the Havergal Admission Process
Every year, many young people apply to become one of Havergal’s esteemed students for a time full of incredible opportunities and a top-notch education. Admissions is a large part of the Havergal experience because of how rewarding the feeling is when you are finally accepted. Havergal is open for applications until early December, so as you spend your day at school, hundreds of potential Gators write the exigent SSAT exam, and others sit down either in front of a computer screen or an actual admissions officer to be interviewed and considered for acceptance.
Havergal is a tightly-knit body of students that values community greatly, so students are joining more than just a school when they enter the ivy walls. How does a girl become part of the Havergal community? The makeup of each class of HC students is decided by the Admissions Department, as well as other administrators.
However, just as important as the student’s application is their understanding of what Havergal is and whether it is the right school for them. Current students play a big role in helping prospective students make that decision by making them feel welcome. In addition, tours and open houses are vital to show them that the possibilities at Havergal are endless. The families can also feel confident knowing that their daughter can thrive at Havergal.
The Admissions Prefects, Soleil Krcmar and India Tory, are responsible for representing Havergal at Admissions events; they lead the student ambassadors and work closely with the Admissions Department all year long to see how the Havergal family can grow and evolve with each new student. “I think that emphasizing how open and welcoming the community is is really important,” Soleil Krcmar says. “[Families] really want to see what their child is going to turn out to be at Havergal… That’s a really important part in showing them that we’re capable young women.”
A significant element of the admissions process involves looking for the qualities potential students have to offer, and determining what they can bring to the school. According to India Tory, “The Admissions Department has to make sure that they are accepting students who will add to our community, and who will be able to make the most of all of the opportunities at Havergal.”
Havergal is quite academically rigorous. In order to make sure that students are successful, they are required to submit recent report cards and complete the SSAT.
Ms. Simms-Brown, the Director of Admission, explains why the tests are useful to the Admissions Department: “I think because our girls are being challenged every day in our classroom, we want to make sure that we can support girls who are coming new to Havergal. What we want in Admissions is for students to be successful once they arrive.”
There are many more factors that contribute to a student’s acceptance. The interview is also an important step. It allows the Havergal staff to hear what a student is passionate about and about what they can contribute to the school.
“We’re not looking for any one type of student… I want to learn about that person. Someone who is keen to share, someone who is keen to be part of our community,” adds Ms. Simms-Brown. “Part of it is learning what you want to be involved in. How are you going to integrate into the community?”
Havergal looks for a student who is well-rounded and who will spend their years at this school taking advantage of all the opportunities Havergal has to offer. They already know about the school, but they can learn so much more about what they can accomplish here.
Ms. Simms-Brown says, “Community and opportunity are two big things… When they come here, they feel a warm energy and a connection to the spirit of the school.”
When a student comes to Havergal, they must appreciate the strong bond that exists within the school and contribute to the overall experience. Coming from different schools, students may not be used to what community means in the Havergal sense. Therefore, it is important for them to display how they will be able to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
It is important that a student loves their school and looks forward to what each day will bring. “It wouldn't be a very good school if it was full of students who created a negative atmosphere!” says India Tory.
Overall, Havergal is filled with diverse students that come together to create an impact inside and outside the ivy walls. “It’s all about just being yourself,” Soleil emphasizes. “They want kids who stand out...[who have] that kind of spark in them. If Havergal is the right fit for your kid, she’ll get accepted.”
With the Admissions season in full swing, more and more students are just beginning to learn what Havergal has to offer. As current graduates leave with accolades and accomplishments, it is exciting to wonder what the new students of Havergal will bring to this school.