Although it’s now early April, Katie answered these questions almost a month ago. She got busy—as we all did—and didn’t have a chance to send them until earlier this week. Keep that in mind as you read these—they were written before most of us were in Social Distancing. By early March, Katie had, unfortunately, heard “no” from a number of schools. But she heard “yes” from one that has the program she’s most interested in, so there’s good news in here too! Read the full interview below.

Meet the Class gets updated each month from September to May. Each installment features an interview about both the facts and the feelings of where the student is in the process.

Interviews may be edited lightly for clarity and grammar. Names may be changed to protect privacy. 

Katie ATTENDS A Private Christian HIGH SCHOOL IN Ohio

Last month you told me about several denials. I'm sorry. From my point of view, you have at least nine acceptances and that's awesome and so much to be proud of, but I know that rejection still stings. How have you handled that? Does your acting training help you with setbacks like that, or does it not really translate?

I feel like I have been taking the rejection better than most people would. There are schools that hurt a lot more than others, but it generally hasn’t been too bad. I don't know if it is caused by my acting background but it is at least connected, as it is very hard to be in this career without extremely tough skin, which this year ha helped develop even further. 

Have you turned the tables and officially told any of the schools who accepted you "no" yet? Have you eliminated any options, or are you still juggling a lot?

I have not eliminated any school yet. I am going to North Dakota State University this upcoming weekend. If I like it, I will start eliminating schools because this is currently sitting at my top school, but I want to visit before I eliminate any of the options.

Speaking of options, how does it feel to have so many options left? I imagine that can be empowering and quite the confidence booster. Has that been your experience? Is there any anxiety over still having to make the decision? What are you feeling about all of this right now?

I don't really have that many options left. I have had a lot of anxiety over my decision and what would be the best for me and my future. It is really overwhelming right now, but I believe that it will all work out for the best in the end. 

Does high school feel like it's beginning to wind down yet? How engaged are you in 12th grade? Has the college search and the near future taken over a lot of your energy that would normally go to high school?

I don't feel that engaged in my high school. I am rarely there and have missed a lot of the usual senior activities, so I'm not that involved. March is really weird at my school, so it doesn't really feel like much. I am really looking forward to graduation though. The college search has definitely taken over my year, and while it has been rough at point, it was definitely worth it. I feel like I have barely done any homework for like weeks because I am constantly thinking about college.

How will you make your final decision? Who are the current frontrunners? Who do you go to for advice on making the final decision?

At this moment, there really isn't a choice for me. I am going to visit North Dakota State, and if I like it, it will be my top choice until I get all of my decisions. I am basing a lot of my decision on how it feels in campus and just like the general vibe. Finances do play a role, but hopefully those issues will fix themselves in the coming months.

Your list, as it stood last month:

Ball State University--accepted, offered scholarship

Central Washington University

Columbia College Chicago--accepted, offered honors college, offered scholarship

University of Hartford

Minnesota State Mankato--accepted, offered scholarship

Montclaire State

North Dakota State--accepted, offered scholarship

Rider University

University of Central Missouri--accepted, offered scholarship

University of Utah

University of Minnesota Duluth--accepted

University of Minnesota Twin Cities--accepted, offered scholarship

University of Oklahoma--accepted

University of South Dakota

University of the Arts

Western Michigan--accepted

What's changed since then?

Columbia College Chicago-- rejected

University of Hartford- rejected

Minnesota State Mankato-- rejected

Montclair State - withdrew application

North Dakota State-- fully accepted into Musical Theatre BFA!!!!

Rider University- rejected

University of Utah- rejected

University of the Arts- rejected

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