Seniors Benefit from Early College Acceptance
Almost 10 percent of the senior class received their college acceptance as early as September of this year. As of December, more than a quarter of the senior class has received their college acceptance as well.
Ty Dunlap, recently named a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, is going to Texas A&M to be on their golf team and in their business honors program.
Dunlap said, “I started getting recruited by A&M around the middle of my sophomore year. I chose A&M because their practice facilities and home course, and their business honors program is one of the top programs in the country. Also, they won the NCAA in golf in 2009!
“I am very confident that my degree from the honors program at Texas A&M will allow me to get a good start in the business world if my golf doesn’t pay off. If golf doesn’t work out, I would love to pursue a career in business with ambitions to become a chairman for a private equity company.
“I think Liberty has really helped me mature in my academic performance. I also think our golf coach Larry Frank was huge in helping my attitude on the course.”
Skylar Ashlock, whose interests are in journalism and music, was accepted to the University of Arkansas early in the school year.
She said, “To take advantage of early admission, my parents made me complete all of my applications before August 1st.
“I love the campus at the University of Arkansas; it is absolutely gorgeous. I love the atmosphere; it is definitely somewhere I can see myself living.”
Ashlock said that Liberty prepared her for college in so many ways and that she is relieved to know the college where she will attend next year.
“Now I know I can relax and enjoy this last year of high school,” she said.
Madison Oliver signed with West Point.
“I verbally committed in June to play soccer for West Point. The process of acceptance included a lengthy online application during the summer, a complete physical examination, a thorough fitness test, several teacher recommendations, and a congressional nomination by Congressman Burgess.
“The West Point soccer coaches first contacted me. Before that, I had never imagined attending a United States military academy. From what I’ve heard of West Point, it will be extremely challenging mentally, emotionally, and physically. However, every person I’ve spoken with admits that the experience of not only learning, but actually graduating from West Point is both a great honor and achievement.
“Every West Point graduate earns an engineering degree and the title of Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. I’m not sure exactly which branch of the military I will go into, but right now I am leaning toward the medical field, specifically psychology.
“Liberty has been an enormous blessing in my life, and no one in my family ever estimated the immense benefit the school, its faculty, and its students would bring me. The academics are challenging, and I am certain that the extra tutorials from teachers who truly care about their students pushed me to achieve my very best.
“Athletically, Liberty provided me with great training schedules and the best girls’ soccer team I could have ever asked for. Liberty truly understands the meaning of doing all for the glory of God. I know He used the Christlike teachers and overall atmosphere of a God-centered school to start and grow a true relationship in me with our Creator.”
Caden Compton has been accepted to four colleges.
“I knew that I really wanted to play football in college, but since that was a dream I couldn’t count on, I decided to pick four schools that would be my back up in case I did not get that opportunity,” he said.
“I visited Iowa State as a sophomore and love the tradition, the weather, and the people. I have a sister who went to OU, and I really enjoy the football tradition there. The University of Kansas is gorgeous, and I really felt at home when I went to visit. The University of Arkansas was a home run from the beginning. It had the football, the beauty, the tradition, and I loved the location.
“My plan is to major in veterinary medicine. I really feel I can make a difference in animal science. I look forward to what the future brings and cannot wait to see what God has for my life.
“Liberty prepared me both academically and athletically for the future. If God has plans for me to play at the next level, I am there! If not, I am going to glorify Him by being the best student I can be. I hope I will get the opportunity to do both. We will see what His plan is for me. I would love to be able to serve Him in a way that allows me to get a great education and still play the sport I love.”
Trevor Simms was accepted to Rice University in baseball, football, and academics, and he plans on majoring in engineering, with a minor in architecture.
Simms said, “Schools today are looking for smart athletes. Initially, Rice chose me. They felt that I would be a perfect fit for the school. I also chose them. I was offered scholarships from several schools and had many options. I did a lot of research on the different schools and answered questions about myself, like did I want to go to a big school or small school, did I want to stay close to home or go out of state, would I be able to play both football and baseball, and where did each school rank in the top 100 universities? I went on a campus visit and decided on Rice because I liked the campus, it was ranked 17th nationally, and it was small and close to home. I would also have the opportunity to play baseball and football, while getting a great education.
“Liberty offered challenging classes that helped me prepare for college and provided great facilities for me to get my school and athletic work done. It has also helped me keep my head on right and taught me to keep my eyes on the prize.”
Congratulations to these students and others who already have their college acceptance. They have the peace of mind knowing where they will be next year, and thanks to the Liberty, they will be ready.