Assistant Director of Admissions KA'rin thornburg
Hometown: Humble, Texas
College Major: Economics
Territory: Houston
Office: Houston Admissions Center
Phone: 713-500-3518
E-mail: karin.thornburg@mail.utexas.edu
Q: Why did you decide to attend The University of Texas at Austin?
A: I applied to two schools and The University of Texas at Austin was my first choice. When my family moved to Texas, we didn't know much about UT except the fact that, at the time, it was the largest school in the nation. I wanted to go to a top-ranked school and even though I had dual residency in Texas and California, I knew I didn't want to leave Texas. I visited UT Austin and Texas A&M and decided that Austin was the place for me. I liked not only the vibe of the city and diversity of the campus, 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!
Q: Where are you from?
A: My family moved from Moreno Valley, California, to Texas when I began high school. My sister was attending the University of Houston at the time, and we weren't too familiar with the state or where we wanted to call “home.” I attended several high schools in Texas, including Bellaire High School in Houston and John Marshall High School and William H. Taft High School in San Antonio before settling in the Humble area in northeast Houston. I spent my last year and a half of high school at Humble High School.
Q: What did you study in college? Why?
A: I enrolled as an undeclared student in the College of Natural Sciences. I actually changed my major twice before graduating with a degree in Economics and concentration in the Business Foundations Program. I enjoyed the classes and subject area and how it related to business. I definitely see another degree in my future.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: I can't name just one place. The campus has so many great places! When I was a student, I enjoyed the Multicultural Information Center in the Student Services Building. It's a great place to visit and converse with students, get involved in various groups and activities, and even catch a bit of TV in your spare time. I would also encourage students to take advantage of the Texas Exes Etter-Harbin Alumni Center. It has comfortable furniture, quiet rooms, a coffee shop and a wonderful place to study.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Austin is a beautiful city and the sight-seeing alone is something to put on your “to-do” list. Once the initial thrill of 6th Street wears off, you’ll find there are many exciting places to visit including some of the best restaurants in Texas, various forms of entertainment, outdoor sports and activities and of course, shopping! Barton Creek Square Mall, Lakeline Mall, Highland Mall, the Arboretum, a short drive to the San Marcos Outlets (you can get lost in all those stores). The list goes on and on!
Q: What parts of admissions counseling do you enjoy?
A: I enjoy conversing with students about their interests and advising them on ways to maximize their efforts for admission and, once admitted, helping them through the transition from high school to college. I like sharing some insight from my own experience. I hope my experiences will help students with what I consider to be the beginning of the rest of their lives.
Advice to Students
- My advice is simple: Start early. Do your research. Use your resources.
- I worked closely with my teachers and various organization advisors. They knew me well and in turn were able to write excellent recommendation letters. I developed a great relationship with my high school counselor. She advised me on course selections that she believed would “look good on college applications” and, because she knew my interests, was able to recommend that I apply for a Texas Exes scholarship (which I received) that I wasn’t even aware of.
- Take both the SAT and ACT your junior year and whichever you do better in or feel more comfortable taking, take that exam again during your senior year.
- If you’re thinking about graduating early, don’t do it without a plan for how you’re going to use your time. I considered graduating from high school a year early. Instead, I decided to take a few extra classes in areas I was interested in, became more involved in school activities and opted for a part-time job through my high school’s business co-op program.
Updated 17 March 2008
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