Name: Kathryn McCarthy
Undergraduate College / University: Bucknell University
Graduation Date: May 2010
Degree, Major, Minor: Bachelor of Arts, Major in History and Political Science
Other Schools to which you were accepted: University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, Penn State University, Miami of Ohio.
What factors influenced your final choice of college? Size - coming from a small town / high school with a strong community feel, I was looking to replicate that feeling at college. Gut feel - an intuitive reaction to how I felt at each school. Campus visits were vital.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Multi-cultural Student Services, Students for Barack Obama, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, New Student Orientation
Awards, honors, or fellowships (Undergrad): Cum Laude, Dean's list 7/8 semesters, Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society
Internships:
U.S. Fund for UNICEF - Compiled one page summary reports and donor handbooks to educate potential donors about current UNICEF initiatives.
Camp Shalom - As an intern for a local political campaign, I supported the two candidates by participating in voter contact and outreach, conducting issues and opposition research, attending campaign events, and managing a constituency database.
Musicians on Call - Trained guide to lead musicians for bedside performances at NYC hospitals.
Starlight Foundation - Assisted in organizing activities and large scale events for terminally ill children and their families.
Graduate College / University: University of Pennsylvania - Fels Institute of Government
Graduation Date: May 2015
Degree: Master of Public Administration
Other Schools to which you were accepted: University of Chicago, Duke University, Cornell University, John Hopkins University, University of Virginia, UNC Chapel Hill, Columbia University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan
Awards, honors, or fellowships (Graduate): Summa Cum Laude, Audrey Miller Poritzky Leadership Award, Robert A. Fox Research and Service Fellow, Richard Bryer Award for Service to Fels Institute of Government
Post Graduate Positions: Deloite Consulting (Strategy and Operations Consultant), Leadership for a Networked World - Harvard University (Lead Researcher and Author), Wharton Executive Education (High Performing Team Consultant), Fels Institute of Government (Associate Consultant), Foundation Center (Communications Assistant / Associate)
Top Tier Test Prep Student in: 2012
What was the single most valuable part (tip, strategy, or even psychological / behavioral benefit) of your test preparation with TTTP?
Reading: Motivation and positivity - Top Tier Test Prep provided both in high doses. THis can't be understated - college prep is stressful and staying positive, encouraged, and focused is essential!
English / Writing: Probably the most valuable part of test prep - a structured process that forced me to practice and stay on track.
Essay Prep: How to effectively / efficiently outline my essay before writing; brainstorming examples (from books, current events, history) that I could reference in my responses.
If you knew then what you know now, what advice would you give a high school student who is about to begin the college admissions process?
Start the process early! Applying to college can be a stressful process - studying for SATs, writing college essays, completing applications and meeting deadlines. Reduce stress by giving yourself plenty of time to apply. Staying organized (i.e. simple spreadsheet of school applications requirements / essays and deadlines) will help you prioritize appropriately. And obviously go to TTTP! Took the stress / nerves out of the SAT studying part of the application process.
What advice would you give to a student who is about to begin the post graduate admissions process?
Aim high! I had a much different experience applying to graduate school. I was a stronger candidate than I thought and wish i would have applied to more reach schools.