College life

Three Jackson High School graduates share information on the college application process and talk about what life has been like since they moved away from the area.

Kyle Sutherlin, a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, is a pre-med major.

Q: How much work was involved to get into Washington University?

A: It took a lot of work to get into college. They look at grades throughout high school, so I always had to stay on top of that. The application essay took a lot of effort as well. I took the ACT once in seventh grade and received a 26. I took the ACT again my junior year and received a 35. I really didn't study that much for it, besides the ACT prep exercises I did in some of my sophomore and junior year of high school.

Q: Did you receive any scholarships?

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A: I did get a Bright Flight and another renewable state-sponsored scholarship as well as the French Club scholarship from my high school.

Q: How has it been moving away from home?

A: The adjustment hasn't been as difficult as I had thought it would be. Everyone here is open to meeting new people, so I have several new friends already. My floor is all freshmen, so we are a support group for one another.

Q: What advice would you give to high school students?

A: I would advise seniors not to slack off just because it's their last year of high school -- especially if they want to go to a school like Washington University. Colleges look at the final transcript after graduation, so they'll know if your grades begin to slip.

Roxy Hudak

Sam Sander, a freshman at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., plans to major in biology or chemistry and attend medical school after receiving his undergraduate degree.

Q: How many college campuses did you visit before you decided on Vanderbilt?

A: I had an idea about where I wanted to go to college even before I visited the schools. Of the seven schools I applied for, I visited five of them.

Q: What was the admissions process like?

A: The admissions process involved a lot of time and effort. During the fall semester of my senior year of high school, I spent a lot of time working to get into college. The time I spent applying for scholarships paid off. I received a substantial amount of scholarship money from Vanderbilt.

Sam Sander

Q: What was it like moving away from Jackson?

A: I was born and raised in Jackson, so going away to school made me nervous because I was leaving my family and friends behind. However, once I got to school and met a few people, I was fine. Living away from home doesn't bother me at all now.

Q: What advice would you give high school students?

A: Begin filling out applications for school early. The applications will pile up, so waiting until the last minute is not the best idea.

Roxy Hudak, a freshman at the United States Naval Academy, plans to major in oceans engineering.

Q: Why did you chose to attend the Naval Academy?

A: My sister is a first class at the Coast Guard Academy. I went to visit her several times, and I saw the pride and honor of attending a service academy. I also wanted to do something different with my life. I really want to travel and be in a role where I can make a difference in the world.

Q: What was the admissions process like?

A: There was a lot of application work. I had to write several essays about why I wanted to attend the academy. I had to get a nomination from a senator or congressman. I had to interview with a Blue and Gold officer, which is a local Navy officer. I got my acceptance letter in October of my senior year. I received a $250,000 scholarship to attend the academy, which seems like a lot of money but that's how much my education costs.

Q: What are you learning at the Naval Academy?

A: Last summer taught me a lot about bravery and taking chances. I have learned a lot about discipline. The Naval Academy teaches each midshipman about having accountability and responsibility for each other, but you can't do that unless you take care of yourself.