Not so cooked after all

On Wednesday, October 8, the Class of 2026 experienced “PJs and Pancakes” —a Mercersburg tradition in which seniors spend half a day in their pajamas eating pancakes in the dining hall while working on college applications instead of attending academic classes. In the heat of the college application season, the event re-serves time for seniors to break free from the school routine to focus and meet with college counselors.

This year, Mercersburg Academy’s two new counselors, Erin McHugh and David Stephenson, experienced PJs and Pancakes for the first time along with the class of 2026. McHugh said, “I was excited about it because I did something similar at my previous school. I really loved Mercersburg’s twist on it by making it a fun event.” Stephenson described the day as “a nonstop process of providing feedback to students.” He added, “This process is a very different environment than typically sitting here in my office.”

Across the board, the event was productive for students. “I can see the difference between the day before PJs and Pancakes and the day after because they just get so much work done that day,” said McHugh. “Finishing a section or getting a solid draft of an essay done helps them feel like they’re getting closer to the end.” Stephenson agreed, “It was great, because for students who are over scheduled and don’t have a lot of time, it carved out space in the day where they can have sustained focus and meet with their counselors...The gift of time is always the best thing we can give students during the college application season.”

Many students were grateful to have the time designated for college applications. “It was nice having a little break in the middle of the week from classes and to really sit down and lock in all day,” said Anouk Wandeler ’26. “A lot of the time, having homework that’s due for the next day can interrupt your thought process when it comes to college apps, so having that set time was very helpful,” said Joe Segal ’26.

The casual environment had a marked effect on both students and counselors. “I think the casual setting made it easier for students to come talk with me,” said McHugh. Class president Cole Piraino ’26 agreed, “It removed the stressful aspect of college apps. Dr. McHugh was really helpful.” “Being able to go in your pajamas was really nice. It just made it a lot more relaxed,” Marli Elshazly ’26 added. Wandeler said, “It was definitely more relaxed than being in a one-on-one meeting with your college counselor. It was a setting where you could just sit with your friends and have a whole breakfast table going on.” Students benefited from being surrounded by their peers as they worked. “It felt a lot more human, seeing other people work on their college apps. I liked reading what other people wrote,” said Sean Flaherty ‘26. McHugh stated, “I’ve heard from one student that reading another student’s essay really gave him some really good ideas and helped him realize the direction he wanted to go in.” Segal said, “I liked being able to speak to the people around me. It helped me get my own ideas flowing and bounce off what other people are doing.” Stephenson added, “I think for those students that haven’t really been as much on the ball with regard to their college applications, their peers have hopefully inspired them to devote more care.”

As deadlines approach, this time of the year marks a pivotal period for the graduating class to build and polish their applications. Leaving PJs and Pancakes feeling satisfied and rewarded, the seniors will continue working closely with counselors as they navigate the next chapters of the college process.