Freshman Admissions Center Tisha Cooper

Hometowns: Plano and Austin

College Major: Advertising (with a Business Foundations Certificate)

Territory: Out of State

Office: Freshman Admissions Center

Phone: 512-232-3710

E-mail: letitia.cooper@austin.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?
A: All over! I was born in Portsmouth, England, and moved to Austin when I was very young. My family then moved back to England and then back to the United States (Fremont, California) when I was five years old. When I was 10, we moved back to Texas. I went to school in Plano and graduated from Plano Senior High, but I spent every other weekend and the summers in Austin with my dad.

Q: Where did you go to college? What did you study?
A: When I began looking at colleges, I was desperate to go to an out-of-state school, but as I got closer to graduating, my parents suggested UT Austin more and more frequently because of its academics and affordability. I visited campus on an informal tour during the weekend of 40 Acres Fest, and I fell in love with the campus and felt so comfortable joining in on all the festivities and activities with UT Austin students.  I know it sounds cliché, but I really could just see myself here!

I was admitted to UT as an undeclared Liberal Arts Honors student and did not have a clue as to what major I would choose. I talked to my advisor about my interests and took some introductory communication classes. I really enjoyed and performed well in my advertising class, and thought a major in advertising would be a good mix of business and creativity, so I applied and transferred to the College of Communication. I also chose to do the Business Foundations Program to get a more thorough understanding of business fundamentals and strengthen my résumé.

Q: How long have you been working with students?
A: While I was a student, I worked as an Orientation Advisor and a Resident Assistant for two years. I learned about many of the resources that UT has to offer – from homework help to mental health services to fitness programs – and loved being someone that students could go to when they needed something but weren’t sure where to begin.

I’m looking forward to working with prospective students because they are such a diverse group! Everyone is coming from a different place or situation, and everyone has different ideas about where they want to go and how to get there. For some, applying to college is just plain exciting, and for others, it can be somewhat scary or completely overwhelming. Whether a student has one question or fifty questions, it is really rewarding to be the person providing answers and easing their concerns.

Q: What are your favorite places on campus?
A: I have to say Jester West because I had so many good times there as a student.

Clark Field, behind San Jacinto Residence Hall, is another favorite. I dare you to find a bouncier running/walking track.

I also love finding quiet spots on campus where I can read or listen to music, like The Texas Union and the South Mall lawn (in front of the Tower). There is one place in particular that I love to visit, but no one else seems to know about it, so I’ll never tell.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: EAT!! If you like food, (and I do,) Austin is the place for you. Some of my favorites: Amy’s Ice Cream (the one on 6^th Street is the best), Zen, Louie’s 106 (if you’re feeling fancy), Z-Tejas, Shady Grove,…I could go on.

I’m also a huge fan of Alamo Drafthouse. They serve dinner during a movie, plus they have student discounts! They also have unique shows and events that are, in a word, “Austin.”

If you like to laugh, (who doesn’t?) Esther’s Follies is hilarious! There are also student comedy organizations that put on hysterical shows, and plenty of other comedy clubs that I have yet to check out.

Obviously you can watch Texas football just about anywhere, but there’s nothing like watching it while you’re surrounded by other Longhorn fans. Whether you’re at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, or gathering around a big screen in the residence halls, a tiny college apartment or an Austin restaurant, it never gets old!

Advice to Students

• Even if you KNOW where you want to go, visit the campus and check out a few other schools, too. You might be surprised by where you fit in.
• Plan your visit ahead of time.  (Don’t just show up!) Go online and see what information sessions are offered so you can take advantage of all the sessions that matter to you.  You can still leave time to wander around the campus.
• Start your application and résumé early. Four years is a lot to cover on a résumé, so give yourself plenty of time to work on your résumé and essays.
• If in doubt, ask! Rumors fly around high schools about what colleges are looking for and “preferred formats.”  Check the website of the university you are applying to, or ask an admissions counselor. (You’re not bugging us; it’s our job!)
• When you get here, get to know at least a few professors. You don’t have to be struggling in a class to go to office hours. In fact, it might even lead to a killer recommendation letter or future reference.