College applications and acceptances: Part two

May 1. Ring a bell?

It’s National College Decision Day, also known as the deadline of utmost importance for a high school senior pursuing a post-secondary education. The first day of the month serves as a milestone for rising college freshmen, determining where they will spend the next few years of their lives. This undergraduate experience, however, also sets the tone for future career plans and has the power to influence one’s interests, connections, motivation, and much more. While the rest of the nation celebrates May Day, Cinco de Mayo, and a bounty of other festivities, seniors at the Mill are in the midst of a race to the finish before graduation hits, not only worrying about the present but planning for the future. Three seniors: Jordan Bobbitt, Chris Hollingsworth and Ethan Roland follow up on their college application and acceptance journey, providing insight and final words pertaining to their current situations and what’s to come.

Q: What school did you decide to attend?

A: “I chose to attend University of California: Davis.” -Bobbitt

A: “Emory University.” -Hollingsworth

A: “I decided to go to Georgia Tech.” -Roland

Q: What all went into your final decision? (Affordability, location, education, campus, major, overall appeal, distance from home, etc.)

A: “Absolutely everything mentioned above went into my decision. I had a very hard time trying to figure out what university I would attend; however, at the end of the day, due to the affordability, I chose UC Davis. I was stuck between New York University and UC Davis up until May 1. Unfortunately, NYU Tisch costs around $80,000 per year where UC Davis is closer to $30,000 per year.” -Bobbitt

A: “I liked the quirkiness of the campus when I visited. Although I was trying to go farther away, I’m happy with my decision as I’ll be near the center of Atlanta and the whole experience will be very affordable.” -Hollingsworth

A: “Affordability and location mainly. It was between Tech and Carnegie Mellon. Tech avoided student debt and it is closer to friends I had in Atlanta.” -Roland

Q: Who, if anyone, helped you make your decision?

A: “My friends and family had a huge influence over my final decision. My parents, while very supportive of my pursuit to continue acting, kept me very accountable for the finances that NYU would entail from my family and I upfront as well as on the backend. While at UC Davis, I would be close to my hometown and I wouldn’t have any debt to pay off after four years.” -Bobbitt

A: “My parents were supportive through the process but intentionally did not try to influence me. I read a lot of College Confidential before making my final decision. I guess I have a bunch of random internet posters to thank.” -Hollingsworth

A: “Just myself. My parents tried to influence my decision, but I did my best to ignore them.” -Roland

Q: Was this school one of your original top choices?

A: “Oh, most definitely! Honestly, I never would’ve consider this school if I didn’t just add it to my UC Davis application ‘just because.’ Prior to visiting the campus and doing further research, it wasn’t in my top three. However, after seeing the campus and learning more about my intended major, it immediately moved on up to my top choices.” -Bobbitt

A: “Emory was definitely a top choice after my visit last year, but I didn’t think I’d be able to afford the school until everything came back and I saw all my options.” -Hollingsworth

A: “Yes, it was. I have considered transferring after a few years, though.” -Roland

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, which one and why?

A: “I will be pursuing a major in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior within the college of biological sciences. I plan on going into neonatal research out of college for a few years and this seemed like the most extensive and informative major for this job. I would also like to keep the option of med school open and this was the perfect major to cover all of the prerequisites. I am really looking forward to what the future holds.” -Bobbitt

A: “I intend on going into chemistry because I’ve always been more science and math oriented. I took AP Chemistry this year as well and I liked the feel of the course. A degree in this major will also allow me to go onto dental school in the future.” -Hollingsworth

A: “Computer science and for lots of reasons. It’s something I’m personally very interested in, and I think it’d make a fun career from a technical perspective. The other reason is finances: the job security for computer science majors is high, as is the pay. Specifically, I want to go into automation – like self driving cars or robots in factories.” -Roland

Q: What extra-curriculars are you considering being a part of? Are they similar or different than those you were involved with during high school?

A: “They are somewhat similar and somewhat different. I would love to be a part of their study abroad programs. Hopefully several, as I would like to learn about global health as well. I will also be participating in their drama club on campus. I hope to start a club of my own that offers performances to a local children’s hospital to try and brighten  a day during their time at the hospital.” -Bobbitt

A: “I haven’t looked much into extracurriculars on campus, but I did speak with some of the members of the outdoor/adventure club as Emory on my admitted students day and I plan on joining them. Intramurals are pretty high up on my list as well.” -Hollingsworth

A: “A couple different things. Hopefully something athletic, which I never did at Starr’s Mill. Beyond that, maybe a programming club / competitions, political action with Young Americans for Liberty (a group I volunteer with sometimes), a job / internship, and a club related to economics / finance. I may also look into participating in debate like I did in high school, but I’m not sure about that yet.” -Roland

Q: What do you look forward to most about attending college?

A: “I am really excited to learn more about myself and become a little adult! I am interested in seeing how I grow as a person and to see how I develop all the skills that Starr’s Mill has provided me with during my time in high school. While I will miss all my friends at Starr’s Mill, I can’t wait to meet some new people.” -Bobbitt

A: “The freedom and the new environment. The shift from our little suburban haven to the city should be an interesting one.” -Hollingsworth

A: “Moving on, I’m ready to start a new chapter and start being actually independent. It’s definitely senioritis kicking in, but Starr’s Mill is feeling pretty stale, and I’m looking forward to something exciting and new.” -Roland

Q: Any additional comments about your choice?

A: “While NYU was my top choice, I am very honored to be going to UC Davis. Sometimes things work out in mysterious ways. Davis will provide me with a great undergraduate foundation that will support my future goals better than any other school. It really is a fantastic school for neuroscience and such a beautiful campus.” -Bobbitt