The Howl Podcast, Episode 9: Rectory’s Secondary School Advising Program

To listen to the podcast, click here, or watch a video of the episode below. If you are unable to watch the video on YouTube, click here. Also, we invite you to scroll down to read some of Mr. Richards' reflections on the secondary school admissions process.

Creating Your Picture: Show, Don’t Tell
By Max Richards, Director of Secondary School Advising

Storytelling is at the core of the secondary school admissions process. Being able to articulate your educational journey through the Rectory lens helps give credibility to your profile while demonstrating your values and ideals through action. Your current standing as a student, athlete, leader, and contributor is infinitely more meaningful when supported by the context of where your story began. The go-to phrase we often use is “Show, Don’t Tell.” Identifying the moments when you made a distinct choice to do something different, risky, untested, or new opens the door to “creating the picture” that Mr. Guertin references in the podcast. This act of self-reflection and introspection functions as the driving force behind the most compelling and well-structured applications.

Admissions officers are not merely looking for a list of accomplishments or accolades; they want to understand the journey that has shaped you. The most successful applicants weave together their experiences into a cohesive narrative that illustrates growth, resilience, and passion. When reflecting on your time at Rectory, consider how each challenge you faced and each decision you made contributed to your personal and academic development. Did you take on a leadership role or service position? Did you embrace a new subject that initially felt intimidating? These moments of transformation help create a dynamic and memorable application.

Sharing a compelling essay or interview response does more than recount achievements—it provides insight into character. Schools are eager to enroll students who exhibit curiosity, drive, and the ability to reflect on their own experiences. By sharing specific anecdotes and lessons learned, you provide a window into the kind of student and community member you will be at your next school. The ability to articulate these experiences effectively is a skill that will serve you well beyond the admissions process.

Self-reflection is a crucial step in crafting a strong application. Take the time to think deeply about what motivates you, what challenges you have overcome, and what aspirations you hold for the future. Seeking feedback from trusted teachers, advisors, and family members can also help you refine your narrative and identify themes that make your story unique. Your journey is distinct—embrace that individuality and use it to make a lasting impression.

Ultimately, the admissions process is an opportunity to present the most authentic and compelling version of yourself. By thoughtfully shaping your story, you are not only strengthening your application but also gaining a deeper understanding of your own growth and potential. Approach this process with confidence, introspection, and a willingness to share your journey, and you will craft an application that truly resonates. Show, don’t tell!