College Boot Camp

Seniors hit the ground running on the first day of school with College Boot Camp. They met with college advisors, heard from a series of college admissions pros, and attended small-group sessions on different topics related to college.

This annual event featured 16 admissions officials from 11 of the most desirable institutions of higher education in Georgia and beyond who gave special breakout sessions throughout the day for small groups of students.

All of this was done virtually. 

The students remained with their college advisory groups throughout the day and met with admissions officials by way of Google Meet. Darlington students who are learning virtually joined in with their advisory group and participated from their remote locations. 

Breakout sessions for College Boot Camp included Making the Most of Campus Visits, How to Showcase your Interests, Activities, and Accomplishments to Stand Out in a Holistic Review, Essay Writing, Standardized Testing/Test Optional Admission, and Financial Aid and Scholarships.   

Seniors submitted drafts of their admissions essays to their advisors when they checked into the Boot Camp, along with their resumes, a list of colleges they plan on applying to, copies of any college confirmations and a letter explaining any disciplinary violations on their school record. The day concluded with virtual college visits and information specific to recruited athletes. 

Guest Speakers: 

• Lee Ann Backlund – Vice President & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Sewanee: The University of the South
• Taylor Baird – Senior Assistant Director of Admission, Sewanee: The University of the South
• Danny Barrow - Director of Admission, Louisiana State University
• Jason Black – Dean of Admission, Samford University 
• Ramon Blakley – Director of Recruitment, University of Texas at Austin
• Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Melinda DeMaria – Senior Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia
• Kyle Dembart – Admission Counselor, Davidson College
• Rick Funk – Director of Admissions, University of Alabama
• Chris Gruber – Vice President & Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, Davidson College
• Ali Hamilton – Associate Director of Admission, Rhodes College
• Ingrid Hayes - Vice President of Enrollment Management, Spelman College
• Ellery Kirkconnell – Senior Admission Counselor, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Zaire McCoy – Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admission, Rollins College
• Blanca Rahman, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Georgia
• Carey Thompson – Vice President of Enrollment and Communication and Dean of Admissions, Rhodes College