College Counseling Hosts Keynote Speaker

April 1, 2025

On March 18, Canterbury School welcomed Jason McGrath, Vice President of Enrollment at the College of Wooster, as the featured speaker for the 2025 College Admissions Keynote program.

A 25-year veteran in the field of college admissions, Mr. McGrath brings extensive experience from a range of institutions. Before joining Wooster, he served as Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and previously spent 16 years at Vanderbilt University, rising to the role of Deputy Director of Admission.

During his visit to Canterbury, Mr. McGrath engaged with various members of the school community through a series of forums. He met with Upper School faculty, Canterbury coaches and athlete parents, families from Young Scholars Academy, and addressed the entire Upper School student body during Chapel. These interactions provided students, educators, and families with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of college admissions.

In his keynote address and chapel talk, Mr. McGrath emphasized the importance of starting early, being open-minded about different types of institutions—from national liberal arts colleges to flagship public universities and selective research institutions—and focusing on the qualities that truly matter to each student. Drawing from his personal journey across vastly different higher education environments, he highlighted the significance of understanding the mission and undergraduate experience offered by each type of institution.

For students aspiring to the most competitive colleges, Mr. McGrath offered thoughtful advice: recognize that applying to such schools is a choice, and with that choice comes the responsibility to stay grounded, avoid letting outcomes define self-worth, and embrace the unpredictable path ahead. He also reminded students that college success is a team effort, encouraging them to lean on teachers, counselors, parents, and peers as they develop thoughtful application strategies and navigate this major life transition.

“Jason McGrath’s visit was a highlight of the academic year,” said Brian Estrada, Director of College Counseling at Canterbury. “He was affable, candid, and informative in every forum and helped spark conversations that will continue well beyond this spring. His guidance aligns perfectly with Canterbury’s philosophy of thoughtful, student-centered college exploration, and we are proud of the robust support our students receive as they prepare for life after Canterbury.”

The College Admissions Keynote is part of a larger suite of programming offered by Canterbury’s College Counseling Office, including the College Bound program, annual Grade 11 College Trip, and a biennial College Fair. These efforts ensure that Canterbury students and families are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate the college search and application process with clarity and purpose.