Name: Nkechinyere (but, I just go by Nikky!)

Home State: Georgia

How many schools did you apply to? Eight!

Which ones? Hmm...wow, let's see if I can remember them all: University of Georgia, Tulane, Loyola of New Orleans, Randolph-Macon College, John Carroll University, CASE Western Reserve University, Emory University, and Vanderbilt University...

Were you surprised by any of your admissions decisions? Yes! I was surprised to get into University of Georgia early (because it's so competitive, especially if you're a student in Georgia) and I was also surprised that I was accepted by Vanderbilt University (my reach school)...

Did you apply early decision/early action to any schools? Are you happy with your decision? I applied Early Action to University of Georgia and Tulane mainly because of the simplicity of the application (no essays) and also to get the ball rolling on the application process. I decided NOT to do Early Decision anywhere because it all seemed too binding, and I wasn't set on a specific school at the time...

Where did you get in? Every school I applied to! (I'm not going to lie...it was a pretty weird feeling not getting any rejection letters, but then again, it was relieving too!) Did you get waitlisted anywhere? If so, did you decide to stay on the waitlist? No, I did not get waitlisted...

Where will you be next fall? How excited are you? I finally decided on Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and I'm really excited to be a Vandy Commodore this fall! At first, it was pretty scary finally deciding on ONE school for the next four years, but then I realized how amazing my time will be there!

Why did you choose the school you did? Vanderbilt University truly has all the aspects I am looking for in a higher institution of learning! It's amazing reputation in academics, excellence, myriad of available extracurricular activities, diversity of student body, and not to mention amazingly beautiful campus will provide me with the best resources I could wish for in my future education as an undergraduate and expectant medical school student!

What advice do you have for surviving the admissions process? So this is where I get to give my advice to other up-and-coming students—and here is my collection of five "college commandments":

Do NOT Procrastinate! As tempting as it sounds, you do NOT want to be the kid struggling to finish their application essay at 2am the day before it's due! It's not fun, and your essay won't be polished enough to send in! Also, don't be late when it comes to asking for recommendations, because chances are that the teacher won't be so nice on paper if you ask too late...

Be sure that you are looking at colleges that will provide the best resources for YOU...and not your best friend. As nice as it may sound to attend college with a group of your best buds, be sure to branch out and look at colleges that will truly suit you—even if you would be the only one attending in the fall. I was and still am scared to be the only one going to Vanderbilt this fall from my high school, but also so excited for what is to come! (Think: New people!)

Visit...Visit...Visit! This is one of the prime reasons that led me into picking Vanderbilt as my future university. I was able to attend a "Prospective Student" weekend and truly experienced the school's environment, attended classes, and learned about the community around the school...

If financial aid is an issue...don't let it scare you away! Call the Financial Aid Office and speak to your advisor. More than likely, they will be able to work with you and your family, which will definitely help your final decision!

And finally...AIM HIGH! Don't let the admittance history of a college or university get you down... It's always important to have a few safety schools (mine was University of Georgia), but don't be afraid to also apply to a few reach schools. At first, I was really worried about applying to Vanderbilt, but I took the risk, wrote nice essays, and hoped for the best. I was soon accepted, which shows that the possibilities are endless, and you may just be surprised!

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? Nothing really...I was really proud of how much I was able to accomplish—especially with the help of my parents, school faculty, and Princeton Review! However, one thing I wish I did was apply to maybe a few more "reach schools" (like Cornell and UNC at Chapel Hill)—just to see what would have happened.

Anything else? I truly wish the best to everyone who finally finished the college application/admissions process and will begin their new schools this fall-especially my fellow Eye on Apply'ers...Congrats! I also wish the best to those who will begin the process this fall and hope that looking through my experiences will help! Look out for me in the future...I hope to see my name in lights! (If it will fit...)

Adios, Au Revoir, and See Ya!

Nkechinyere (aka Nikky)
Vanderbilt Commodore of 2011