Each Week, College Corner interviews five LFHS seniors on where they’re planning to attend college next year, what influenced their decision, and what they’re most excited about.

Name: Austin Rice 

College: Bucknell University 

Major: Undecided

Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Mascot: Bucky the Bison

How did you first hear about Bucknell, and what made you apply?: 

“I first heard about Bucknell through online searches and working with my counselor. After doing research about the school I decided that I was very interested in Bucknell. I took a trip to visit, and ultimately decided that I wanted to further my education at Bucknell.”

Why Bucknell?: 

“I knew that I wanted to go to school out east and Bucknell was a great option because of its location. In my opinion Bucknell is a great size, it’s not too big, but it’s also not too small. Along with this, the Bucknell campus is beautiful.”

What are you most excited about?: 

“I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life. I especially look forward to meeting new people, and pursuing a future career. I am very excited to be doing all of this at Bucknell.”

Name: Savvy Smothers

College: Texas Christian University

Major: Health Sciences

Location: Fort Worth Texas

Mascot: Horned Frogs

How did you first hear about TCU, and what made you apply?:

“I first heard about TCU by seeing the seniors from previous years commit there, and I applied there because I visited the campus earlier and felt that it checked all the boxes of a school that I wanted. No other school had such a pretty campus, people who I can see myself being friends with with a great social life.”

Why TCU?:

“TCU was my top choice because the size of the school is perfect for my academic wishes, it’s not too overwhelmingly big.”

What are you most excited about?:

 “I’m so excited for the sporting events like baseball and football that I can go to for free. I can’t wait to rush and find my group of people as well.”

Name: Viola Swartout

College: Wake Forest University

Major: Accounting and Finance

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Mascot: Demon Deacons

How did you first hear about Wake Forest, and what made you apply?:

“I first heard about Wake Forest through the movie The 5th Quarter. Flash forward a decade and my brother is currently enrolled, and when I went to visit him I knew right away that it was the school for me.”

Why Wake?:

“I instantly fell in love with the campus, the emerald quad and the red brick buildings were my ideal settings. I also wanted all four seasons without being miserably cold in the winter. Wake Forest really had everything I wanted in a new home.”

What are you most excited about?:

“I am most excited about having a fresh start and getting to meet new people. I’m also excited for the independence that comes with living on your own.”

Name: Winston Thuente

College: College of Charleston

Major: Finance

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Mascot: Clyde the Cougar

How did you first hear about Charleston, and what made you apply?:

“My college counselor recommended it to me when I told her I was looking at schools in South Carolina, and it fit my want of a warm school that wasn’t over 10,000 students and had a good business program.”

Why Charleston?:

“When I visited in October, I was looking at schools all over South Carolina  and none of them really fit with what I was looking for but the moment I got to Charleston I felt like that was the place I should be.”

What are you most excited about?:

“I’m really excited to be living in a new area, meeting new friends, and rushing this fall.”  

Name: Piper Rother

College: Tulane University

Major: Political Science 

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana 

Mascot: Green Wave 

How did you first hear about Tulane, and what made you apply?:

“I first heard about Tulane from students that had already gone there and had loved it! I also met someone on a service trip in Peru who is now one of my really good friends… but she lives in New Orleans and her mom works at Tulane so I got to learn a lot more about the school from her.”

Why Tulane?:

“I know everyone says this but when I visited it just felt like that was where I was meant to be. It had everything I wanted in a school and a city. I have always loved NOLA and no other school I visited compared.”

What are you most excited about?:

“I am really excited to meet new people and explore the culture and city of NOLA!”