Before an applicant is admitted to the Upper School (US), their file is read multiple times, scored on a shared rubric and discussed by a committee. Among the voices weighing in are not only faculty members but students.

 This year, 18 seniors served as admissions file readers, evaluating applications before participating in conversations that determined the next incoming class. Drawing on their experience as students, file readers play a unique role in the process, Chloe Rankel ’26 said.

 Student readers typically spend between 30 and 45 minutes looking through an application, taking notes and writing an overall review of the student. They then attend a review meeting with three to four faculty members and two other students who read the same 30 files.

 “Everyone was very open during the meetings and truly listened to what others had to say,” Chloe said. “We were all a part of the conversation, but at the end of the day, the admissions team got the final say on all applicants.”

 Student file readers offer a different perspective than faculty members.

 “As a current high schooler, I could understand the applicants’ feelings,” Chloe said. “Our perspective put less distance between adults and applicants. Being a student, I get to see student interactions up close with different classes, sports and peers. I have an immediate experience within student life, so I can understand what students have to do to balance their classes and sports.”

 She valued getting a behind-the-scenes look into an admissions process.

 “My role has helped me better understand the college process,” Chloe said. “I learned how an application has many parts, and none is the sole determinant of a prospective student’s admission. All of the grades, recommendations, test scores and interviews work to showcase multiple aspects of a prospective student.”

 Matthias Paulson ’26 agreed.

 “It was interesting to see both sides of the admissions process because I was applying to colleges while scoring applicants to BB&N,” he said. “When you’re reading actual files, you start to think about how your application will be perceived and what is most important.”

 File readers evaluate whether applicants will be able to handle the US academic demands.

 “Because of the college process, I understand that everyone wants their application to be read, so I feel it’s only fair to spend time on theirs,” Matthias said. “I rated them on education, academics and their essays, which is like their personality and their impact. The most important part was the academics because BB&N is a pretty difficult school, so as student file readers, we needed to think about whether they would be able to take the classes here and succeed.”

 Middle School and US Admissions Counselor Kate Piacenza ’17 said collaborating with the student file readers is a highlight of her job.

 “They were so passionate about giving in-depth reads and making sure they were doing the process correctly, and that showed diligence and commitment,” she said. “During the meetings, it was great to hear their perspectives on student life at BB&N and what it takes to be successful here. Having that perspective of people who are living through this experience every day has been so valuable.”

 During the admissions process, student opinions are valued as much as those of faculty, Ms. Piacenza said.

 “They were just other members of the committee. It always impresses me how seriously they take shaping the community of BB&N.”

 Being an admissions file reader leaves students with larger skills.

 “At many points throughout your life, you’ll be reading resumes or interviewing people, so it’s important to know how to do that,” she said. “Being a student admissions file reader is such a unique opportunity that prepares students for later on in their life.”

 Yoyo Zou ’27 was admitted to the US for her freshman year.

 “I think everyone who gets into the school is smart or athletic,” she said. “I know a lot of people apply, so the ones chosen are very qualified, and they succeed. I wasn’t aware of the student admissions file readers, but it’s helpful to have a variety of opinions, both kids and adults, in the admissions process.”