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.
Connect with Shellee Howard:
Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com
