Sarah Hornung, a senior at Lake Highlands High School, is involved in all things academic. Hornung was recently admitted to and committed to Rice University, a prestigious and private school in Houston, Texas with a 9.5 percent acceptance rate. Sarah is in a family of other Rice graduates, so it has always been an obvious choice for her.

She is also involved in the Lake Highlands Wildcat Band where she plays the french horn. Hornung participates in Girl Scouts, Junior World Affairs Council, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Girls’ Service League.

1. What other schools did you apply and/or get into?
“I had heard back and been admitted to The University of Texas, Trinity, I also had applied to Reed, Colorado College, and Tulane. I was also working on my Georgetown and American University applications.”

2. How would you describe your relationship with Rice? Background, family history, etc.
“My mother went to Rice and I have visited [the campus] numerous times over the years. My godparents are from Rice, and I have many family friends that went [there].

3. What do you plan to major in and what are your plans after college?
“I plan on majoring in Political Science, and eventually entering into either a non-profit or maybe work for the government, specifically with diplomacy.”

4. What in your life has most contributed to your success in school and getting into Rice?
“Probably just a very curious nature. I love figuring things out and knowing how things work, and from an early age, I would ask tons of questions and form my own opinions on many topics.”

5. What advice would you give to other people with similar goals as yours?
“I’d say to try many things. Don’t get consumed by one aspect of your life. Instead, embrace any new opportunities.”