Name: Ashlynn Robinson

School: College Of Charleston

Major: Marine Biology

Location: Charleston, SC

Mascot: Cougar

How did you first hear about College of Charleston, and what made you apply? “I first heard about the school when my sister decided she wanted to go. At first, I was a little skeptical because I had never heard of this place and I was like ‘why would she choose that,’ but then I visited her for the first time and I was like ‘okay I get it.’ I was definitely biased in the decision process as my sister was there so obviously I wanted to go there, but I also just felt like I belonged there every single time I went to visit.”

Why Charleston? “Like I said my sister was there so I wanted to be closer to her, but every time I went it just gave me more reasons to like the place. It has a very nice vibe and everyone is friendly there, there’s so much to do, and so many opportunities. Seeing what type of life my sister got from it made it that more enticing. I also really liked how the school was in the city and everything was within walking distance—and definitely the weather!”

What are you most excited about? “I’m most excited to just get there and see what type of life I’m going to live outside of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.”

Name: Will Goodsir 

School: University of Iowa 

Major: Business 

Location: Iowa City, Iowa 

Mascot: Hawkeye 

How did you first hear about Iowa, and what made you apply? “I first heard about Iowa earlier this year as a good friend of mine is a freshman at Iowa. I applied to Iowa because it is everything that I was looking for when it comes to a college and is a well known Big Ten school. It also has a great school for the major I plan to study. Shortly after applying, I visited in October of last year and had a great time and liked everything the school had to offer.”

Why Iowa? “I chose to attend The University of Iowa because I love the people and the campus. It is also the perfect distance away from home. I also really like how Iowa has a great business school and great academics but still values it’s athletics. Overall, Iowa is everything I was looking for in a college and i’m excited to be a Hawkeye.”

What are you most excited about? “I am most excited to meet new people, gamedays, and for all the new experiences that come with going to college.”

Name: Reagan Collins 

School: Purdue University

Major: Business Management

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

Mascot: Purdue Pete

How did you first hear about Purdue, and what made you apply? “I first heard about Purdue when my parents both graduated from there. My brother also currently attends. Something about studying where my parents went appealed to me.”

Why Purdue? “I chose Purdue for their business management program. My whole life I was a salesman and loved the idea of running a business. Learning about entrepreneurship and then continuing it with skills is something I want to know more about.”

What are you most excited about? “I’m most excited about living and learning in the honors housing at Purdue. I was thankful enough to make it to this academic level and studying and learning at such a high level where most of my family went keeps my expectations high for my future career.”

Name: Alana Tennett

School: Indiana University 

Major: Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation 

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Mascot: Hoosiers

How did you first hear about Indiana, and what made you apply? “I first heard about IU when my older brother who is now a sophomore at Purdue University was applying to colleges. Also, one of my long time dance friends that went to Libertyville now goes to IU. I wanted to apply to IU because of the campus, school spirit and the business school.” 

Why Indiana? “I chose IU because it was the prettiest campus that I visited and it seemed like a perfect distance from home. I wanted to be close to my brother, but not at the same school. Now our house is divided, Purdue vs Indiana.”

What are you most excited about?  “I am most excited to be uncomfortable in order to get comfortable at IU. I’m excited to branch out and make new friends and connections and I can’t wait for football season. IU is so pretty in the fall and I can’t wait for what my first year holds.”

Name: Erin O’Connor

School: University of Denver

Major: Psychology

Location: Denver, Colorado

Mascot: Pioneers 

How did you first hear about Denver, and what made you apply? “I first heard about DU from my cousin who’s currently a freshman there! She told me about it when she visited last year and ever since then I was interested. I applied because I’ve always loved Colorado and I loved it when I visited over the summer.” 

Why Denver? “I chose DU because of the size and the location of the school. I felt like it wasn’t too big or too small, but right in between. I also loved the general vibe of the campus and it offers a lot of things I’m interested in. I also loved that it was part of the city, but also not far from the mountains.”

What are you most excited about? “I’m most excited about the study abroad program and the Alpine Club, which is the school’s skiing club. DU is known for its great abroad program, so I’m super excited about that! I’m also excited to explore Colorado and meet new people.”

Name: Gavin Roby

School: Bradley University 

Major: Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Location: Peoria, Illinois

Mascot: Kaboom! (The gargoyle)

How did you first hear about Bradley, and what made you apply? “I heard about it from my friend who was looking at the school. then we went to visit and saw the campus which has a really nice engineering center”

Why Bradley? “I liked that Bradley was close to home and easy to get to. It also has a lot of clubs that I am interested in and the engineering program is great.”

What are you most excited about? “I am excited about getting to college and being able to study what I enjoy.”