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What's your favorite restaurant near campus?

Hopdoddy! Excellent milkshakes, fries, and burgers — even for vegetarians! Plus being located on South Congress, there's a wide variety of other great options for food, live music, and shopping--all overlooking the beautiful Austin skyline.

What's your favorite part of an application to read?

The essay! A lot of time and effort goes into what students choose to write about and I appreciate learning more about their interests and backgrounds. I am inspired by the experiences that our prospective students have had, and I get excited for them to��bring their diverse perspectives to ���ϲʿ�’s.

Describe your idea of a perfect day in Austin.

My day would begin with a bike ride to the local farmers market. After grabbing a coffee and a pastry or breakfast taco, I'd buy fresh produce for the week. The afternoon would be spent flying kites at Zilker Park or swimming in Barton Springs. After sunset, I might have dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants before going dancing at the White Horse, where they have live music every night.

What’s your favorite thing about ���ϲʿ�’s?

Our student body is so diverse. On any given day you can walk across campus and hear our students speaking Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic and French! International students play a big role in shaping our campus culture and often inspire their American counterparts to want to study abroad at one of our partner universities around the world.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

Because I’m hopelessly addicted to caffeine, my favorite is Jo’s Coffeeshop in the Ragsdale Center. If I’m not at my desk, I can be found in line for a latte at Jo’s, chatting with faculty and students and catching up on what’s happening on campus.��

What is something that people don’t know about ���ϲʿ�’s?

I think some students don’t realize the extent to which ���ϲʿ�’s will force them to go beyond their comfort zone and challenge their preconceived notions about the world. There is something special about exchanging ideas with classmates from all over the world who have a completely different perspective than you. ���ϲʿ�’s allows students to think critically about their work and to better understand the world they live in.

What’s your favorite restaurant near campus?

I love good food, and there are literally dozens of places within a few minutes' walk or drive from campus that are among the best places to eat in the country. I think my absolute favorite, though, is the long-time Austin standby, Magnolia Café. It is open 24 hours a day and offers a diverse menu of dishes that are made with fresh ingredients and also satisfy food cravings or the need for comfort food. Magnolia Café is like most Austin restaurants that cater to vegetarians — there are many options and you aren’t relegated to just choose a veggie burger or salad.

What’s your favorite part of an application to read?��

I like to read the responses to the question “How did you become familiar with ���ϲʿ�’s University, and why are you applying?” I love to learn why a student is drawn to us and what their journey to get to this point of the application process has been like for them. The responses to that question also help me discern which students may be the best fit for the university.

What advice would you offer to potential applicants or to high school underclassmen?

If you are seriously considering applying to a particular college, visit in person to make sure that your prior knowledge and assumptions are valid and to get a sense of the university that is impossible to convey through websites or brochures. It is better to invest as much time as you can during the “front end” of your college search — narrowing down your college list to those campuses that you really can see yourself at and feel right to you — rather than applying to a dozen or more places and then having to hurriedly make an enrollment decision in the spring. I encourage everyone considering applying to ���ϲʿ�’s to come visit the hilltop in person, either for an event or an individual visit. We would love to meet you and help you understand if ���ϲʿ�’s is a good fit for you.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

I love sitting beneath Sorin Oak! It provides some nice shade in the Texas heat, and also has my favorite view of the Austin skyline. I like to eat lunch or take a��quick break out there whenever I can!

What's something people don't know about ���ϲʿ�'s?

I don't think people realize how much the faculty and staff care about our students and their success. Every single person on our campus is rooting for the students, from the admission process to graduation and beyond! One of the many perks of attending a small school is that people on campus know who you are, and vice��versa. During this time of transition, it's great to know you're supported and have people to turn to.��

What's your favorite part of a student's application to read?

I love hearing about students' passions, so my favorite part of the application to read is the essay, especially when a student's interests are highlighted. Tell me about your favorite hobbies, or what led you to be interested in the career path you're on! It tells me a lot about the student, and what kind of a fit they are for the University.��

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What's your favorite spot on campus?

I love the Munday Library! It has giant walls of windows that let in so much natural light, and the view from the second floor is incredible. There are also collaborative and communal spaces for students, so it’s a great place for group projects.

What is something that people don’t know about ���ϲʿ�’s?

I think some people don’t realize how wonderful the combination of attending a small school within a vibrant, progressive, bustling city can be. There are so many opportunities for work and for fun in Austin, and ���ϲʿ�’s is a perfect support system to encourage students to get out there into the real world while they’re in school, while still knowing they can come back to the comfort of the hilltop.

What advice do you have for people applying to college?

It’s all about fit! If you are in a school where you feel challenged and supported in equal measure, by your professors and by your friends.��You’ll be surprised by how much you grow. The best way to get to know a school is to visit: sit in on a class, stay overnight in a res hall, make connections with faculty members whose classes you might want to take. See how those experiences make you feel, and study at a school you’re excited about! Then, once you get there, explore as much as you can!

What advice do you have for people applying to college?

Don’t apply to certain schools simply because everyone else from your high school does. Take the time to explore all sorts of schools, all over the country until you get a sense of what you think will truly be the best fit for you. Consider what kind of classroom, campus, and city environment might suit you, and even consider if it's an area you’d like to live after graduation.

What's your perfect day in Austin?

A great day in Austin is packed with fun activities and fantastic food. I'd start with one of the many free workouts available around town, followed by a smoothie bowl at Blenders & Bowls. Then, I'd spend the afternoon wakesurfing on Lake Austin, followed by dinner downtown and going to ACL Live at the Moody Theater for some live music.

What's your favorite restaurant near campus?

Torchy’s is an Austin staple and a go-to! While there are many around town, the one on South Congress is convenient to campus. Tip: If there’s a long line but spots at the counter — grab a seat there. Aside from the tacos, be sure to try the fried cookie dough!

What advice would you offer to potential applicants or to high school underclassmen?

Two words: Get involved! Joining a club is one of the best ways to make friends, and to stay engaged with your community. As we read applications, we want to know more than just your grades. We want to understand who you are as an individual. Are you a leader? An athlete? An artist? All of the above? Tell us! It’s important for young adults to expand their comfort zone and find their passions early on.��

What is your ideal day in Austin?

My perfect day in Austin consists of food, shopping, and music. I'll get lunch at one of my favorite food trucks (like The Heel of the Boot, Spicy Boys, or Song La). Once I’m finished eating, I’ll walk it off by shopping at the Domain, and end my night at one of the many concert venues in the city. The coolest one I’ve been to would have to be the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park!

What’s something people don’t know about ���ϲʿ�’s?

For a small school, we have tons of success stories. Our alumni consist of famous authors, fashion designers, and even actors! One of the perks of going to ���ϲʿ�’s is that students really get a more personalized experience for themselves. Staff and faculty are always willing to help you achieve their goals, no matter how big. We want you to make the most out of your time here, and will do whatever it takes to get you where you want to be.

What's your favorite part of a student's application to read?

I love getting to know our unique students' views and experiences, so my favorite part of the application is the written portion. It’s amazing how many students can bring me to laughter or tears, but most importantly, getting to know their stories and hearing what they are going to bring to our community just feels really special.

What's your favorite restaurant near campus?

I’m a big fan of food trucks because there are so many unique things to try, and we have so many close by. My favorite spot right by campus is Pueblo Viejo for breakfast tacos. A migas taco with some of their spicy salsa is definitely my favorite way to start the day! A little further down the hill toward Barton Springs is The Mighty Cone. What started as a fine dining restaurant’s version of festival food has grown into a real Austin tradition. There are probably a zillion others I could mention within a five-mile radius of campus, but it’s so hard to choose. There is just so much flavor in Austin!

What advice do you have for people applying to college?

You don’t have to apply to a school simply because everyone else from your high school does. Take the time to figure out what you want out of your individual college experience and what elements of a school are going to be the most important factors to your overall happiness and success. Also, make sure you visit your top choices because sometimes it takes a campus tour to really know if the school is the right fit for you.

What's your favorite thing about ���ϲʿ�s?

My favorite thing about St. Ed's is the campus itself! When I was looking at universities for undergrad, I didn't know where I wanted to go until I visited St. Ed's. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew this was the place I needed to be. You can find a lot of beauty in the nature of the campus. Some of my favorite memories include simply sitting out on the lawn in between classes with friends.��

Describe your perfect day in Austin.��

The perfect day would start off with a nice, long walk through one of the many trails in Austin! There's nothing better than starting the day with a little movement. Then I'd head over to whatever grocery store I'm feeling at that moment (either my HEB or Trader Joe's) to get some weekly groceries. I'd probably cook some lunch with my friends and then end the night at the Alamo Drafthouse to catch a movie. Their season pass is the best thing to ever happen to me. Twenty dollars a month for unlimited movies? Sign me up!

What advice do you have for people applying to college?

To bring it back to my first answer, I'd say visit the campus if you can! You can for sure get the vibes of a university by just walking around. I'd recommend even visiting the schools that aren't on the top of your list originally, because you never know!

What's your favorite thing about students at ���ϲʿ�’s?��

They are genuinely happy to be here. From the time they are admitted until graduation, I love hearing about their ���ϲʿ�’s adventures and where their career paths lead them.

What advice do you have for people applying to college?

Start narrowing your college choices early. Visit schools and ask yourself what’s important in a prospective school (location, size, etc.) and check on whether it offers your major. And get in touch with an admission counselor early on to be sure you’re taking the right curriculum and maintaining the appropriate scores.

What's your favorite hilltop event/tradition?

Hillfest. We kick off the school year with an outdoor celebration. Live music, food and rides take over the hilltop. It's one of the most exciting times on campus because the students are excited to be back, see old friends and make new ones.��

What��advice do you have for people considering graduate school?��

Look for a program that will allow you to integrate your graduate work in your career as you are pursuing your studies. Programs that allow you to apply what you learn in real-time have significant value.��

What's your favorite part of an application to read? ��

I most enjoy reading the statement of purpose (graduate essay).�� I am excited to learn about the applicant’s life experiences, professional goals, and future aspirations. Our graduate programs create a personalized learning environment where professors are truly invested in student success. When I read an applicant essay, I think of how each prospective student can meet their goals at ���ϲʿ�’s.����

Describe your idea of a perfect day in Austin.��

My favorite Austin activities are riding bikes at the hike and bike trail with my kids, eating at Whip Inn, watching movies at Violet Crown, hiking the greenbelt, and listening to live music.