Assistant Director of Admissions Regional Director – East Texas and Houston Gulf Coast Regions Ka'rin Thornburg

Hometown: Humble, Texas

College Major: Economics (undergraduate); Administration and Supervision in Higher Education (graduate)

Territories: East Texas and Houston Gulf Coast

Office: Houston Admissions Center

Phone: 713-871-2382

E-mail: karin.thornburg@mail.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?  
A: I am originally from Southern California. My family moved to Texas when I began high school. I attended several high schools in San Antonio and the Houston area before settling in at Humble High School in a suburb of Northeast Houston. Texas is now my home!

Q: Why did you decide to attend The University of Texas at Austin?
A: After narrowing down my list of colleges, I applied to two schools. The University of Texas at Austin was my first choice. Being fairly new to Texas, I didn't know much about UT Austin except that, at the time, it was the largest school in the nation. I knew I wanted to attend a top-ranked institution close to home and after visiting campus I decided that UT Austin was the place for me. I liked not only the vibe of the city, diversity of the campus and the academic prestige, but also the fact that UT Austin is so large. It simply means you have more options. Whatever your niche is, you can find it here and feel right at home!

Q: What did you study in college? Why?
A: I graduated from UT Austin with a degree in Economics and concentration in the Business Foundations Program, however, I had the opportunity to take a variety of classes in Education, Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Communications, and Business. I was also a student in the first FIG (First-Year Interest Group) class in 1998 and took a Signature Course taught by former UT Austin President Dr. Norman Hackerman. It was a very enriching experience. The desire to learn more about my profession, including the opportunity and challenges of higher education, and to have a greater impact on students led to my master’s degree in administration and supervision in higher education.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: The campus has so many great places! The wonderful thing about UT Austin is that we are constantly expanding our footprint in the most responsible way possible. We build new facilities, erect campus treasures, and improve upon the physical history of this institution that reflects the interests, needs, and desires of our students and the entire UT community. But I must say if I were a student now, my favorite spot would be the Student Activity Center that opened in 2011. It has quickly become the “heart” of campus. 

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Austin is a beautiful city and experiencing its spirit is something every lifelong or visiting Austinite succumbs to.  You’ll find there are many exciting places including some of the best restaurants in Texas, various forms of art and entertainment, outdoor sports and activities that become a natural part of your daily life.  When in Austin, I enjoy hiking, running, dining and even canoeing! Austin also hosts one of the largest outdoor music festivals each fall: the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park. You don’t want to miss it!

Q: What parts of admissions counseling do you enjoy?
A: I get to know some families very well through the college admissions process. Conversing with students about their interests and getting to know more about their goals and aspirations is what I enjoy the most. I take great pride and a sense of responsibility in sharing whatever I can from my own experience in hopes that the insight and guidance I provide is instrumental in assisting families with the critical transition from high school to life on the 40 Acres.

Advice to Students

My advice is simple: Start early. Do your research. Use your resources.

• Don’t procrastinate! It may be easier said than done, but a large part of the college admissions review process involves things you can begin very early on in high school.  Put forth the effort to achieve (and maintain) a strong academic record, get involved in community service and leadership opportunities, and work towards building skills and character that can lead to important life lessons, as well as favorable letters of recommendation and an outstanding personal resume.
• SAT or ACT?  Why not take both! UT Austin has no preference and both tests are different. Some students find they perform better on one than the other. Try them both and whichever exam you perform better on or feel more comfortable with, buckle down with preparation techniques and test again to get your best score.
• Visit campus.  Taking the time to visit a college campus can be one of the most important factors in helping you determine whether the college or university of your choice is the right fit for you.  And if you’re not quite sure yet where you want to go to college, visit different types of campuses—small private, large public, or urban and rural schools that are near you—to help you narrow your search.  Campus visits are an opportunity to explore what life would be like as a student and if you have a chance to speak to current students during your visit take advantage of it and don’t be shy!