🎓 Background on Katerina

School Context: Katerina attends Waukee Northwest High School in Iowa, which offers numerous AP classes and extracurriculars but is limited in resources compared to urban schools.

Early College Awareness: She learned about College Ready during her sophomore year, following her sister's experience.

📜 College Application Journey

Applications Submitted: Katerina applied to 14 colleges, including NYU Tisch, UCs, Georgetown, and others.

Acceptance into Dream School: She received acceptance from NYU Tisch, which she regarded as her dream school, alongside state schools Iowa and Iowa State.

🎭 Focus on the Arts

Passion for Acting: Katerina has always wanted to pursue acting and theater; she also plays musical instruments and participates in choir.

Dual Applications: She navigated both academic and performance applications, emphasizing the need for strong artistic and academic credentials.

🌟 Advice for Aspiring Arts Students

Get Involved: Katerina recommends being involved in various arts to gain experience and not spreading oneself too thin.

Summer Activities: Participating in projects like Empower Education helps build skills and community engagement.

🌍 Empower Education Initiative

Volunteer Work: Katerina is president of the Visual and Performing Arts Committee in this organization, helping children in Uganda and Oaxaca gain access to the arts.

Impact on Applications: She discussed her volunteer work during her auditions, showcasing her commitment to sharing art with underprivileged communities.

✅ Application Process Insights

Early Preparation: Katerina applied early decision to NYU, highlighting the importance of starting applications ahead of time to reduce stress.

Support from College Ready: Her consultant helped her stay organized, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted personal statement and various resources.

📊 Academic Performance

GPA and Test Scores: Katerina reported a 4.2 GPA and an ACT score of 32, noting that strong academics are crucial for NYU.

🎤 Audition Experience

Choosing Monologues: She selected contrasting monologues that she enjoyed, emphasizing the importance of confidence and authenticity during performances.

🗺️ Future Aspirations

Career Goals: Katerina aims to act in film and television, also interested in writing and production.

Emotional Connection: She prefers making audiences cry, believing it creates a deeper emotional impact.

🌈 Final Thoughts for Students

Encouragement: Katerina advises younger students to start early, pursue their passions, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the application process.

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com