Sunday, May 04, 2008

California Lutheran University

Well it’s come to that infamous day May 1; the national deadline for submitting the SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) for your chosen university. I figure that this is an ideal day to make this post. As some of you know, I have been offered the Presidential Scholarship at California Lutheran University. I’ll take this opportunity to officially announce that I have submitted my SIR and deposit with Cal Lutheran and, assuming nothing drastic changes, will be attending there next year. To respond to questions and explain myself further, I’ve decided to include a list of my reasons for choosing Cal Lu:

  • Academics. As many of you know, my ultimate goal is a career in medicine. Cal Lutheran’s medical school acceptance rate is well above the national average. I have come to the conclusion that the benefits of CLU outweigh those of a larger “name school.” Instead of competing with 600 rabid premeds at UCSD, there are 30 at Cal Lu. Additionally, Ventura County offers a great deal in terms of clinical experience and internships with priority given to CLU students.
  • Size. I am looking forward to attending a school, not a city. The small size offers one on one with professors. This is vital in getting much needed recommendations.
  • Music. I want to study both biology and music, and from the start, Cal Lutheran made it known this is possible and they would help. While other universities frowned on this I discovered Cal Lutheran’s clarinet teacher and orchestra director is not only a great guy I can work easily with, but has a son who is a practicing MD and CLU graduate. This means that I will be part of a music department that understands my goals and will make the accommodations to help me accomplish them.
  • Atmosphere. I’ll admit it, I’m a homebody…I like my family. When I was on campus for the Presidential Scholarship interviews I was very impressed by the overall family feel of the university and the relationships between students. I could see myself there, and this is not something I can say about other schools I’ve toured.
  • The price is right. A Presidential Scholarship means I’m attending tuition free. While I understand my family would make the accommodations so I could go elsewhere, part of growing up is making good decisions. I have a lot of education ahead of me and I feel that accepting this scholarship would be the most economically sound decision at this point. I look at it as another perk to an already long list of CLU’s positive points.

Even with these many reasons, this wasn’t an easy decision. Thank you to all who have offered input, I have taken essentially everything into consideration. This has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make, but I’m confident it’s the right one.

9 comments:

Peg said...

Very happy for you Clark and support you 100%. Aunt Peg

Tiffany said...

So I guess that 95% moved up to 100% eh?
:)

I think you made a good choice.

Stutelberg Family said...

Fellow Kingsmen...Congrats!! We are proud of you. If you figure out what a "Regal" is let me know...I'm still trying to figure that one out!

Anonymous said...

Yea for you CC!!! Now I really feel left out-the only one in the family to have gone to another university. Jon, Luke and I can't wait to come and bug you on the weekends! We are so happy for you! Now the fun begins!!
Love, Weezie

Dan Geeting said...

CLU's President Chris Kimball forwarded your blog comments to me. Every time I read or hear comments such as yours, it just makes me humble. That a student of your caliber would choose us, given the many options you had, is truly gratifying. We'll do everything in our power to make this one of your best decisions. Thanks so much, Clark. We're looking forward to seeing you in the fall.
Now, about finding a good clarinet reed....!
Dan Geeting, Professor
CLU Music Department

Andra said...

Congratulations, Clark! CLU is lucky to have you. I know you'll make great friends, enjoy your learning and campus life, and in for years be an avid alumni supporter!
3 Cheers for you!
Andra

Anonymous said...

We are excited for you, Clark. You will fit in well at CLU. It is the perfect choice. Have fun this summer. See you soon. Jeanette and Brad

EBS said...

Well said, Clark. I think you will really be happy that you chose a small school. Congrats on the scholarship and enjoy your last few days of high school!

Jenni Williams said...

Congrats Clark. I hope CLU treats you kindly. :)