Caroline Fencl is a senior at Arlington High School and has her sights set high to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville or Auburn University. She’s completed applications to both schools as well as the University of Memphis, in case she decides to stay closer to home. Caroline hopes to be a physical therapist in the future, and eventually open up her own practice. When asked why this is her dream career, she explains, “I’ve experienced a couple of injuries throughout my career as a competitive cheerleader, and I became fascinated with the way physical therapy would help me get back on my A-game after each injury.”
“I’m invested in Tennessee’s kinesiology major-track and then to continue at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for graduate school and obtain my doctorate in physical therapy. Auburn has a similar program, but does not have a medical school linked to it,” Fencl explains when describing why she chose these schools. While Caroline has been disappointed by some of the traditions seniors are missing out on this year, “I feel like everyone is making the most of it despite these changes and restrictions being made because of COVID-19.”
Caroline describes being nervous about the college application process this year at first because she feels the class of 2021 may not have been given the same attention and information about applications and scholarships as early on as other classes may have. “Now that I have actually completed my applications, my nerves are at ease.” Tennessee and Auburn both have adopted a test-optional application in order to ensure that students who didn’t get the chance to take the ACT have a fair chance of getting accepted into their dream school. Both schools have also offered many virtual information sessions and extended deadlines to ease the transition.
“The hardest part for me so far, has been not getting the full experience during college tours since most visitors aren’t allowed inside any buildings,” says Fencl, “however, I am thankful that my colleges of choice and senior counselors are adapting to this change as well as they can and I am excited for this next chapter of my life.”
