5 minute read
Here Come the Bruisers
ALICE SMITH HARRIS ’03
Director of Admission
and Enrollment Management
From open houses to Q&A sessions, tailgates, theater performances, and more, families are invited to engage with GPS in a variety of ways throughout the year.
STUDENT VISIT DAYS
Student Visit Days allow girls to come to campus to get a feel for the typical GPS day. She attends classes, goes to lunch, meets with clubs, and even attends Chapel at the end of the day.
WON'T YOU JOIN US?
Prospective students connect with a current student and shadows her throughout the day, all while meeting the teachers who would teach her the following year and other girls who might be her classmates.
A LOOK AT THE GPS ADMISSION PROCESS
By Alice Smith Harris ’03, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management
WHEN I ASK MY CHILD what his favorite day of the year is, he might say one of two days: his birthday or Christmas. My five-year-old sees the number 25 and immediately says, “That's Christmas!” regardless if it’s October, January, or July. When someone asks me my favorite day, I quickly say, “Decision Day!”
Why, you ask? The fruits of our labor in the Admission Office have finally been realized when we get to hit LIVE on the email, informing girls and their families of our offer for them to join the GPS sisterhood.
While the 2021-22 admission season is behind us, I can say with full confidence the GPS community—teachers, students, parents, and alumnae—have showcased what GPS is and can be for future Bruisers. Leading a dedicated team who embodies day after day the lifelong benefits and value of a single-sex education is an easy job. When you firmly believe in what happens inside the walls of our classrooms, the lessons learned on and off the court/field/ water, the safe risks that take place in the STEM classes, it’s easy to share how GPS impacts the future and growth of so many young women.
Of course, we recognize the admission process is top of mind for those of us who experience it every day in the office and for those exploring GPS. But for many, you may be a bit more distanced from admission these days. So, we wanted to share a look into our process throughout the year beyond the application.
SHOWCASING OUR CAMPUS
We believe the best way to get a feel for the true GPS experience is by stepping on campus and seeing it for yourself! The magic of this school is best seen to be believed. Toward the beginning of the admission process (and any other time they would like to return!), we encourage families to visit campus for a campus tour, led by an admission counselor and a current student. This is a great way to get a glimpse into our classrooms and to experience the everyday joy that connects our days. Depending on a girl’s interests, tours can be customized so that she and her family can really get a feel for where her place at GPS might be.
INFORMING THROUGH EVENTS
We know that making a decision on where their daughter will spend the next several years receiving an education is a big deal. That’s why we make it a priority to answer any and all questions families may have about the process, the all-girls environment, the homework, the teachers, the coordinate opportunities—you name it—so families can make the most informed decisions.
CONNECTING PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT FAMILIES
This year, we wanted to provide yet another way for those exploring GPS for their daughters to get a feel for the community and experience as a whole. Designed to connect prospective families with current families, alumnae, and past families, PeerPal, a custom communication platform, allows interested parties to learn more about GPS by reaching out directly to current parents. After reading parent bios on our website, those who wish to connect with someone can reach out directly to ask any questions. Whatever the connection, an authentic conversation can help our prospective families feel like part of the community from the beginning.
CELEBRATING OUR NEW STUDENTS
The Admission team sent out celebration boxes to each of our newly admitted students on March 5. Our creative Marketing and Communications team designed a personalized “celebration in a box” for each girl. As they cued the confetti, popped the top on a personalized Jones soda, unwrapped a GPS dress cookie, and more, we cheered along with them!
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT STEP
In May, we welcomed all of our newly enrolled families back to campus for an annual favorite—New Bruiser Celebration. This picnic-themed event introduces new students to some of the faculty and staff they will interact with regularly, to help girls meet their new classmates, and to encourage parents to get to know each other. As a surprise, all new students received a limited edition sweatshirt to rock from day one and a yard sign to share their exciting news with neighbors!
After countless curated events for our youngest applicants, thoughtful parent conversations and family tours, outreach from our dedicated families, and personalized notes our amazing student ambassadors have written about their GPS experience—each future Bruiser has experienced the best our school has to offer.
As a result, we look forward to welcoming our newest Bruisers—the entire new Class of 2029 and additional students in grades seven through 11. Among them are dancers and athletes, girls who love cheering and riding horses, artists and scientists. They come from more than 20 zip codes in Tennessee and Georgia. And some are relocating with their families from states outside the Southeast. We can't wait to welcome them to campus soon because one thing is for certain: They are right where they belong!
ADMISSION EVENTS
Join the fun and learn what makes GPS the best place for girls! See upcoming events at GPS.edu/Visit.
CONNECT WITH
CURRENT FAMILIES
Visit GPS.edu/
Admission to begin a conversation.
