Natalie Clapp (2 Year/University)

Q: Where are you going to college?
A: I am going to TCC for my two-year degree and then UTA for my last two years.

Q: How did you know about that program?
A: It is a program where if you get 24 hours of dual credit at TCC and finish your two-year degree at TCC and then transfer to UTA, then UTA will pay for your junior and senior year plus your books. I believe it is only available for the MISD and AISD students.

Q: Why did you decide to do that?
A: I already wanted to go to UTA so it was just the obvious choice, and I can save money and stuff.

Q: Are you going to have to pay for TCC yourself?
A: I will have scholarship help but I will probably have to pay for the rest of it by myself.

Q: Do your parents support your decision to do this?
A: They definitely support my decision to do this.

Q: Did you ever think about applying to any other colleges?
A: I wanted to go to A&M but then this [program] just made me want to go to UTA even more.

Q: What would you say to someone that was thinking about doing the program?
A: I think it is going to be successful for me. I would also say that you should start earlier because I started my senior year trying to get all my dual credit classes so it would definitely be easier starting earlier. I think that I need like 15 more hours. I don’t know if you have to apply to go to this certain program, but talk to Mrs. Battles if you need info.

Q: What do you want to major in at UTA?
A: Nursing. I wanted to be a doctor but I would rather be a nurse. I want to work more with the patients and the families and explain to them and help them understand what is wrong.

Q: Do you feel like you are going to miss out on opportunities since you are not doing the normal college thing?
A: Maybe because I won’t be living in a dorm my first year like most kids, but I will be living in an apartment, so I will still be away from home.

Coach Rachel Ryan (Teacher)

Q: Where did you go to college and why did you decide to go there?
A: Concordia University in Austin. I went there for a school visit in middle school and loved it. I went back in high school for a visit and I still loved it. Also it was in Austin and that was where I wanted to be but I didn’t want to go to UT.

Q: Did you ever think about going out of state?
A: No. I am not really sure why though. I wanted to get away from my parents and that is why I wanted to go to Austin, but I didn’t really consider anywhere outside of Texas. I applied in Abilene and in Austin and that was it. I wanted to go far, I knew that, but not out of state.

Q: Were you the first in your family to go to that college?
A: No, my Dad actually went to that college.

Q: Was that part of the reason why you chose the college?
A: That was one of the reasons why I knew more about the college I think. Austin was the big draw. My brother went to UT so that was a big reason because it is literally two miles from UT. They have moved it away from UT so now it is out in Cedar Park.

Q: What was your major?
A: It was education and I specialized in English. I never changed it at all. My dad was a teacher. He is a principal now so I grew up in school and I loved it. I used to sit my dolls around and make my sisters be my students. I was kind of nerdy like that. I was just good at school. I always knew. When I was in high school I had a great English teacher and that made me want to teach high school and not elementary.

Q: What was the college application process like for you?
A: I think it was just online. I just applied to two schools so I only had to only fill out two. I took the ACT three times to get the score that I needed for my scholarship. I had a short essay, which was just explaining why I wanted to go there and what I wanted to do. Most of it was just simple writing and just understanding whom that person is. I feel like that is most college essays.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the application process for you?
A: Leaving home. You have that panic moment that you are leaving and it is like the day before that you are really on you own and I didn’t know anyone. My brother lived in Austin still but he was way older than me and I didn’t know anyone at the school so I was completely on my own. I think that was the only part that was difficult the rest of it was really simple. The applications are not very long and it does not take very long to get through them. The scholarship applications take forever and there are a lot of them and you don’t get a lot of feedback but you need to do as many as you can and you probably won’t get most of them but the one that you get is so worth it.

Q: Easiest part?
A: Actually filling out the applications and getting them in on time.

Q: Was there anything that you wish you had done differently?
A: Yes, apply to more schools and visit more. I wish that I would have applied more and opened up my scope to what I could have done. I was pretty narrowed minded. You know you have so much opportunity and you get days off of school to go visit you might as well use them. It is a good part of the high school experience to go and visit schools.

Q: What do you wish you would have known when you started the application process?
A: I wish I would have known that I would have wanted to go to more colleges or that there might have been other opportunities to go to other places.

Q: Are you happy with where you ended up?
A: Yeah. I loved it but I definitely think that I could have pushed myself to go somewhere more difficult. Overall I think I was where I was supposed to be.

Q: What advice would you give to seniors?
A: Apply to many colleges. Visit them because you are not going to get the feel until you are actually there. Be okay with going away. I think too many seniors get stuck with going to TCC or in town going to TCU. A big part of the experience is going and living in the dorms and being a part of college and I think that they try and skip that step too often and do the apartment thing too soon. So I would say as you are going through it be open to the idea of leaving and going away from here.

Austin Weger (Texas A&M)

Q: What school did you apply to or are applying to?
A: I have applied to A&M, TCU, UC Berkley and I am applying to Baylor.

Q: What made you apply to all of those different schools?
A: I actually thought of applying to A&M and I went and visited the campus and I actually loved it and I think the personality and people there is great. TCU’s campus is awesome and I feel in love with the campus and I really liked it. Berkley has a really good neuroscience program and that is what I want to do, so it is kind of my dream school. Baylor just gave me a free application and I didn’t have to write any essays.

Q: What do you want to major in?
Neuroscience. It is anything that deals with the nervous system or the brain. I have always wanted to do that. My family has had a lot of different problems with the brain. Whether it is strokes or different nervous system problems. It has always interested me.

Q: When did you start applying?
I started working on my essays around middle of July, but I started to apply to A&M the day the application came out which was August 1st. My mom was crazy about that. She is always crazy on top of me about everything so I don’t think that I applied August 1 because I had to get Mrs. Bonneau to check my essays so my application was sent in like August 5th.

Q: Did someone help you with your applications?
A: My mom and my parents helped me quite a bit. Parts I needed information-wise they helped me with, but they obviously made me do them myself. Essay wise they helped me a little and gave me a push in the right direction.

Q: What is the hardest part of the application process?
Definitely the essays because you run into the problem of trying not to sound full of yourself while still trying to sound smart. You want to make yourself sound good but you also don’t want to make yourself sound cocky. It was interesting. The common app had three essays.

Q: What do you think the easiest part of the application was?
A: The easiest part was getting my parents to pay for it. Filling it out was easy like the basic information. I liked putting in all of the community service and the extra-curricular stuff that I did because I didn’t think that I had that much but once I put it all in it looked really good, so it made me feel pretty good.

Q: What is a tip you would give people starting their applications?
A: Don’t be afraid to make yourself look good. If you have stuff that you think won’t apply it probably will. Colleges look at everything and you as a whole so put everything down. Even if it you think it is not important.

Q: Where do you think you will end up?
A: I would say 85-90 percent A&M right now. It is cheaper and I want to be far away from home where my parents can’t come every day and be like ‘hey what are you doing,’ but I want to be close enough where I can go home if an emergency happens. Berkley is so far and is a long way away. TCU is too expensive and money is a big factor. A&M is cheaper and it is still a really good education.

Q: When you got your A&M acceptance how did you feel?
A: I was hanging out with my friends and it was a Friday after school. So I get a text from my mom. Hey you got your A&M letter we are really happy about it, so I was like ‘oh, okay.’ I was spending the night at my friend’s house and my mom was like ‘okay, I can’t wait I am going to open it.’ I was like ‘okay whatever,’ because I was top 10 percent so I knew that I was going to get in, but she just wanted to open it so she could have that honor.

Q: Do you think you will be missing out on anything by deciding to stay in state?
A: Oh no, definitely not. Texas is really great with their educations. UT is amazing and A&M is amazing and all the big ones and the smalls ones are great. I would love to go to California because it is California, but I think if I stay in Texas it will be just as good of an education as anywhere else.

Ashton Willnow (Graduating Early)

Q: Why did you decide to graduate early?
A: So I could go to Florida for a couple of months to I ride my horses. I can’t miss that much school.

Q: What do you plan on doing once you graduate early?
A: Ride my horses and try to qualify for a competition that is in Kentucky during the summer time. The place in Florida has more horse shows then we do here.

Q: Do you feel like you are going to miss out on opportunities because you are graduating early?
A: I want to go to prom with my class, but I know I probably won’t because I won’t have a date since I won’t be here, but I don’t really care because I went last year and that is actually why I went last year. Other than that, no.

Q:What schools have you applied to?
A: TCU, SMU, and UT.

Q: How was the application process for you?
A: It was actually pretty easy. I finished all of my applications in like one night. My UT one I wrote the essays for like two weeks to finish that one and for TCU and SMU I just used the same essays. It just did not take me that long. I still wrote really good essays. I am a perfectionist and so when I start doing something I have to finish it, that is why I had to do it all at once so I did it like over a day.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the process?
A: Just knowing everything I had done over the past four years for my resume. It took me forever. My mom had always told me to log my community service hours but I didn’t listen. It was hard to figure out what to write about for all of my essays.

Q: What application did you use for each school?
A: I used Apply Texas for UT and then I didn’t know that I could use Apply Texas for TCU and SMU because they are private so I just used their applications. It would have been a lot easier if I had known that. I was so mad when I found out.

Q: How does graduation work?
A: I finish my classes at semester and then I have the second semester off. Even though I graduate in January, I don’t graduate with my cap and gown until June. I am still a part of the class of 2013. I am just graduating a semester early.

Q: What has been the hardest part about graduating early?
A: Finishing my second semester of Pre-Cal because the books they have for you are terrible so I have had to teach myself and work on it by myself and it is stressful because I have to finish it before Christmas break.

Q: Would you recommend graduating early?
I have recommended it to a ton a people. I recommend it to the people that are just done with high school and they want to be done. But I also say don’t do it unless you have a plan to do something. Like I have a plan. If you are just not going to do anything then I don’t think that is smart. I think if they have a plan then that is smart.

Q: How do you friends and family feel about you graduating early?
A: They are really proud of me. My parents both support me. My mom graduated high school in three years so she knows how I feel about getting out. Everyone is pretty much jealous that I am going to be done with school.

Megan Henry (Graduate)

Q: Which colleges did you apply to and why did you apply to those colleges?
A: I applied to two Texas, and two Kansas schools: UNT and Hardin Simmons in Texas and Baker University and Kansas State in Kansas. K-State was my top choice, because my parents were alumni. I was interested in Hardin Simmons because I went to a tennis camp there one time and I liked how faith based the campus was when I went on a tour. I applied to UNT because my parents made me apply to another Texas school. Baker because it ended up being the perfect school for me.

Q: How did you make your decision?
A: Baker was the best option for my family financially, so that played a huge role. Also, I chose Baker because I was able to play tennis at a level that kept me active, but relaxed enough that my life did not revolve around it, and I could focus on other activities as well.

Q: How was the application process for you?
A: I procrastinated a little too much when I was applying. Other than that I didn’t have any problems.

Q: How early did you start applying for colleges?
A: If I remember correctly, I applied to K-State as soon as it was open. Then I applied to HSU around Christmas time, and UNT was second semester senior year.

Q: Did anyone help you with the application process?
A: My parents were the ones who kept nagging me to apply. I, being a know-it-all teenager, didn’t listen to them at first. In the end my parents, especially my mom, was a big help throughout the whole process.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the application process?
A: Actually applying. Probably recognizing the fact that if I didn’t apply I wouldn’t get scholarships, and then I wouldn’t be able to afford college. Once I realized that I couldn’t put it off anymore I applied to the schools and then felt a sigh of relief.

Q: What was the easiest part of the application process?
A: It was a bit tedious, but just filling out my name, address, and all that good stuff. It didn’t require me to think much, so I could fill it out and not worry about having to impress the college admission’s team.

Q: What do you wish you would have known while applying for colleges?
A: I wish I would’ve known how long of a process it is. I didn’t realize that it would be so time consuming and stressful. Don’t procrastinate. Get stuff done and then relax and enjoy senior year.

Q: Why did you decide to go out of state?
A: When I started thinking about college I really had no desire to stay in Texas. Keep in mind, I have family in Kansas, so I’m not completely stranded from my direct family. I always said to myself “I want to be somewhere I can experience the four seasons”, and now that I’m here, I wish I had Texas’ warmth!

Q: Are you happy with your decision to attend Baker?
A: Oh my goodness yes. At first I was wary because of the size. Baker has less than 1000 students total but now that I’m here I am so thankful I go to a small school. I see people on campus that I know all the time, and everyone here is so friendly. At the end of the day I find my jaws hurting because I had been smiling so much that day. It’s so great here. I can’t imagine myself at any other school.

Q: Once you decided to go out of state how did your family and friends feel about it?
A: My parents were supportive because of the relatives I have close to Baker. My friends took it a little bit harder. I think the hardest part was having to live without seeing my family and friends everyday.

Q: What is the hardest part about going out of state?
A: Not being able to go home on the weekends. It’s hard when I see pictures of my former classmates going home and visiting old friends and teachers when I’m stuck in Baldwin City.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about college so far?
A: Probably all of the fantastic people I’ve met. I’ve only been here a couple months and I already have a great group of friends, a fantastic house full of sisters and cute guys I can stare at. I also really appreciate how genuinely nice everybody is here. Being at a smaller campus I feel like that teachers actually care about you and take the time to know you on a personal basis. Also I like the Baker squirrels. They’re the cutest things ever. Someone even made a twitter account for them because they’re so popular here.

Q: What was one thing that surprised you about college?
A: I thought that if I were going to go out on the weekends I would be pressured to drink. It’s completely different here though. If someone offers me a drink and I don’t want it then all I have to do is say no. They don’t try to make me drink anything.

Q: How is dorm life?
A: I got lucky and I get along with my roommate and suitemates. The hardest part is having to keep up with the grocery shopping. I feel like I run out of pop tarts almost as fast as I buy them.

Q: What are you majoring in?
A: Public Relations. I like it so far. At first I wanted to be a high school journalism teacher, but then my aunt who teaches PR at Georgia convinced me to major in PR. Now that I’m taking mass media classes I really like the program and hope it’s the right career choice for me.

Q: What advice would you give to the seniors that are applying to college?
A: Just because you have one school in mind, apply other places. You never know. Sometimes the university you think is perfect for you might be completely opposite. Take college visits, and most importantly, listen to your parents. This is something that they actually know what they’re talking about.

Q: Do you have any tips and tricks for incoming freshman?
Don’t be intimidated to talk to your professors. Make new friends. College is a turning point in your life when you can become a completely different person. It’s what you make it. Be prepared. It’s hard, but it’s totally worth it.

Q: What is one thing you have learned from college?
A: It’s important to stay true to yourself in college. I met more people here who were completely themselves from the get-go that I never would have met in high school. I feel like in high school everyone is just trying to impress one another, but in college you have to let go and be yourself. These are the people you have long lasting friendships with. They’re your future bridesmaids or groomsmen. They’re your sisters or brothers. They’re the people you’ll spend some of the best moments of your life with.

Mrs. Rena Long (Teacher)
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Kansas State University

Q: Why did you choose to go to that college?
A: Mostly because my dad went to school there and growing up we were always K-State fans.

Q: How did you decide on your major?
A: Oh gosh, we’ll I always knew I was going to be a teacher. I tried a few things first before I came up with the idea.

Q: How was the college application process for you?
A: It was easy. I did it myself with a little questions for my parents.

Q: What was the most difficult part about the college application process?
A: I like to write so there weren’t any difficult parts for me.

Q: What was the easiest part of the college application process for you?
A: Receiving the application in the mail.

Q: What do you wish you had done differently?
A: I wish I would have stayed in college after receiving my undergraduate to get my masters degree. I guess I was just anxious to start making money.

Q: What advice would you give to your senior self?
There’s so much. Grades are more important than I thought. I wish I would have known they were that important.

Q: What advice would you give to seniors that are applying to college this year?
A: If they don’t have somebody at home to help them, seek out help from teachers or counselors for questions and help.

Sarah-Ann Tennes (Tarleton)

Q: What colleges did you apply to?
A: I only applied to Tarleton.

Q: Did you always want to go to Tarleton?
A: I actually hated Tarleton my freshman and sophomore year. Then I
looked into it more and made a visit and I fell in love. Ever since
junior year it was the only college I wanted to go to.

Q: What made you want to go to Tarleton?

A: I want to go to Tarleton because of its good psychology program,
strong traditions and school spirit, and how small the school is.

Q: What type of application did you use?
I used the school application.

Q: How was the application process for you?
A:The process was stressful because it is a big choice for me.

Q: What was the easiest part of application?
A: The easiest part of the application was submitting my letters of
recommendation.

Q: Did someone help you with the application process?
A: My mom helped me some.

Q: How did you feel when you got your acceptance letter?
A: I was beyond excited when I got my letter. I cried.

Q: What do you plan on majoring in?
A: I am getting my masters in science of counseling psychology to become
an adolescence therapist.

Q: What are you most excited about for college?
A: I am exited about meeting new people, freedom, and working towards what I love