Class of ’18: College Bound series

"Liberty's beliefs are centered around Christ and I feel like it's a place where I can grow in my faith and be around other people with the same beliefs. I know not everyone there is a Christian though, so it will be a good place to share my faith, as well. Also, it's close to home. When I went to College for a Weekend (CFAW), I was kinda scared because I was going with no friends, but there was worship...

“I knew Cornell University had great educational and baseball opportunities for me, and it’s an ivy league school. I plan to major in economics so I can either become a financial manager or an investment banker once I graduate. Cornell is located in a small town in New York so it’s not huge. Even though it’s cliché, it honestly just kinda felt like home to me.” ...

"I've loved it [Virginia Tech] since I first went when I was seven. Hearing 'Enter Sandman' before games is definitely one of the best experiences ever. My parents are both alumni and two of my siblings are currently enrolled. We're just one big Hokie family. It really does feel like home."

"I went to an open house at the Institute and saw JMU's table and scheduled a tour there. The people and professors were very personable, and the campus was beautiful. I was basically waiting until April to hear back from another school, but I knew that I loved James Madison, and I didn't want to wait anymore, so I pulled a 'Joan Wynne' and I am really glad I did."

"I chose to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, my dream school, because when I went on a guided tour in 2016 with my dad, he told me about the college life there. Even though he went to Old Dominion University, he told me about the diversity and the Greek Life on campus. As I’ve been growing up, Greek Life has been present [my entire life] with my dad being an Alpha Kappa Psi and my stepmom...

"I plan to major in biology and minor in pre-medicine, in the hopes of becoming a geneticist. I chose James Madison University because of its location in downtown Harrisonburg and because it is only about 3 hours away from home. I want to join the colorguard as a member of the Marching Royal Dukes, as well. Also, their food is really good!" ...

"I have always known I wanted to be at a big southern school. Originally, I had no intention of applying to Alabama which is kind of crazy because University of South Carolina was where I wanted to go. But, it's good I applied because I didn't get into USC. (laughs) Once I got in, I was so happy I knew that was where I was meant to be. Plus, my uncle graduated from there so that makes this whole...

"I chose Ferrum because it is a small college in the mountains and I love to hike and I enjoy many other outdoor activities! I am majoring in Agriculture because I have always had a strong passion for animals and farming, and I want to make a difference in a field that is such an important aspect of people's lives. I also love the size of Ferrum because it will allow me to receive a lot of hands on...

"I went and visited with my mom and decided it [West Virginia University] was the place for me. Morgantown is everything a college town should be. I try to keep up with the sports, but it's not really my thing. I think we're pretty good though. (Laughs) Yeah, I'm pretty excited."

"I chose Averett because it’s close to home and a transition before I go off to vet school. I want to pursue a minor in equine science because not many colleges have that program, and it will really give me an advantage when it comes to applying to vet school. Basically, equine science is the study of a horse’s behavior, biology, and reproduction. Also, I chose to major in biology to acquire my...

"I chose Meredith because I toured five other colleges and Meredith felt like home to me. It's in Raleigh, NC, right beside NC State, so I’ll still have game day and stuff like that. It is an all girls school, which really doesn’t bother me. I just think I’ll get along with everyone there. I haven’t decided my major yet, but it’s either going to be fashion merchandising or nutrition." ...

"I knew Virginia Tech had a good [biology] program and I've always wanted to go there since I was a little girl. One year for Halloween, I was a Hokie cheerleader. And on game days, when my family would watch the game, I'd go take my brother's Tech shirts and jersey from his closet and wear them. I chose biology because I've always been interested in the body and all of the processes in it. It blows...