Most high school students receive college acceptance letters or acceptance emails, but not ERHS seniors Caitlin Conn and Andrea Hutson. These two ladies received a personal welcome from the admission staff of University of Maryland College Park (UMDCP,) along with the schools terrapin mascot.

“Get ready, your cousin is having a party later,” Conn’s mother said to her daughter on the morning Conn would find out about her UMD acceptance. “I was so confused as to why she was making me dress up and wear lipstick, and next thing UMD is knocking on my door,” Conn said. (Conn’s parents were aware about her acceptance two weeks prior and were told by the admissions staff not to tell Conn.)

Conn ambitiously applied to 13 schools, explaining that, “my parents said it’s better to pay for all the college apps now than pay thousands later.” Caitlin also received acceptances from George Mason University, Towson University, and a full ride to Morgan State University.

Conn said she plans to major in computer engineering at UMD, adding that “although UMD is my first choice, I need to see how much money they’re willing to give.”

Due to it’s relative affordability and proximity to home, University of Maryland is a popular choice for many ERHS students.

Senior Sarah Tayel, although not given a special welcome, said she was filled with joy when she found out she was accepted into the Scholars College at  UMDCP. “I’m so glad I’ll be attending a school that has a good program for my majors in addition to it being close by and extremely affordable. I love the huge campus and the diversity present throughout it” Tayel said, who plans on double majoring in Psychology and Public Health. Tayel also mentioned that she is happy for Conn.

Caitlin Conn is admired by many peers, including staff. School librarian Ms. Peterson described Conn as “someone who is focused and has a great personality with a soft touch. She’s great!”