Applicant 2: Cynthia Nunez

Biographical Sketch:  Cynthia Nunez, a Mexican-American student, has already been awarded a full basketball scholarship to Texas State. However, her academic credentials fall so far below both university and NCAA standards that she must gain admission through the Special Admissions program, or she will not be allowed to attend. Her athletic ability is unquestioned: she has been on state and national all-star teams, led her high school team to two successive state championships, and participated in the U.S. Junior Olympic Festival. She was heavily recruited by several colleges but chose Texas State because it is nearest her family. Cynthia argues that economic and family difficulties are partly responsible for her poor academic record: she was responsible for caring for several younger siblings and worked full time to help with family expenses throughout high school while also playing basketball and trying to keep up with a full class schedule. Given a decent study environment and financial help, she believes, her grades and test scores will rise.

Name: Cynthia Lanae Nunez Social Security Number: 000-35-0294 Address/Phone:  205 Prince Ave. Del Vista, TX 70421 (no phone) Ethnicity: Mexican-American

High School:  East Del Vista High School Del Vista, TX 70421 High School GPA: 2.0 Class Rank: 510 in a class of 572 ACT Composite: 12 SAT Scores: 310 (verbal) 380 (quantitative)

I. Personal Essay: Please explain in 250-500 words why you wish to attend Texas State University and how you think you could contribute to the university community here.
 

No one in my family has ever been to college. I see my mother work so hard to keep food on the table when the only jobs she can get are physical labor, and I want to do better. Now that I have gotten a full scholarship from the basket ball program at TSU I have a chance to better myself through a college education and help my family. I know my grades have not always been to the best of my ability in high school, but I have been working full time at a market and as well playing on the varsity basketball team. In college I will not have to work and I will better be able to find time for my studies.  I have always worked hard to excell at every activity I have participated in. I have started on the varsity basket ball squad since I was a freshman, was named as an alternate to the US All Star team listing by Parade magazine, and played in the U.S. Junior Olympic Festival. Two other universities have offered me a full scholarship to play basket ball, Oklahoma College and Sweeney State University in Memphis, but these schools are too far from home. I would not be able to afford to come home on holidays and weekends, and my family is depending on me. In conclusion, please admit me to Texas State University so that I can pursue my dream of a college education and a professional basket ball career. Thank you.

Manuel Garza Principal Del Vista East High School Main and Eufaula Aves. Del Vista, TX 70421 Dear Admissions Committee: I am writing to urge you to reconsider Cynthia Lanae Nunez's admission to Texas State University. Cynthia is one of the most deserving students our school has ever produced. In addition, she has a real chance at a professional basketball career if she has the opportunity to go to college, where she will have the benefit of excellent coaching and top-notch training facilities.  Cynthia is probably the most talented athlete our school has ever produced, perhaps one of the best in the country. During her four years, our team, the Lady Tigers, has been in the 3A state finals every year, and for the last two years we have been state champions even though most of the other teams we played came from better funded districts. This year she averaged almost 30 points per game and was scouted by numerous colleges. This is an amazing accomplishment considering that she was also working full time during the school year at a local supermarket to help support her mother and five siblings. Of course, Cynthia's academic record has suffered due to her difficult family circumstances; however, her teachers assure me that she is motivated and bright, and I have no doubt that given proper support she can succeed in college. At any rate, her superior athletic talent will make a real contribution to Texas State's basketball program. Please contact me if I can provide any further information about Cynthia and her accomplishments. Thank you, Manuel Garza

Marla Evans, M.S.W. Director, Project Success Jefferson County Social Services 46 Jenkins, Ste. 46-A Del Vista, TX 70421   Dear Admissions Staff: This fall you have the opportunity to assist a remarkable student in achieving her dreams. Cynthia Nunez, a low-income Mexican American student who is the first in her family to ever attempt to go to college, has applied to Texas State University for the fall. She has already been awarded a full scholarship by your athletic program; unfortunately, she does not fit the general admission requirements and must appeal through the Special Admissions channels in order to gain a place in the freshman class. I direct a state program designed to keep together families at risk due to poverty, neglect, or abuse. Cynthia's family has been part of my caseload for four years and she is one of our success stories. Her mother, a single parent, works at two full-time minimum-wage jobs which barely support the family. When we began working with the family, Cynthia, a junior high student, had the responsibility of caring for five younger siblings before and after school and was in danger of dropping out. Our program was able to find subsidized child care for the younger siblings. Cynthia was then able to continue school, get an evening job to help with family expenses, and excel in athletics. I understand she is one of the best athletes in Del Vista High School's history. Many young people in Cynthia's circumstances would have dropped out, run away, turned to drugs, or worse. We are proud of the achievements she has made during her time in our program, and we wish we had funding to help her further her educational goals. Unfortunately, we do not. However, by admitting her, you can reward her hard work and allow her to accept the scholarship she has earned. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely Yours, Marla Evans, M.S.W., L.S.W.

 

DEL VISTA HIGH SCHOOL Main and Eufaula Streets Del Vista, Texas 70421 "Home of the Fighting Tigers"   OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT FOR NUNEZ, CYNTHIA L. 1. Freshman Year Basic Math: C English I: D P.E.: B Basketball: A U.S. History: D Study Hall: C 2. Sophomore Year  Pre-Algebra: D English II: C P.E.: B Basketball: A Texas History: D Biology I: F 3. Junior Year  Algebra I: D English III: C P.E.: B Basketball: A Biology I: D Physical Science: F 4. Senior Year English IV: C P.E.: A Basketball: A Physical Science: C Study Hall: B Extracurricular Activities/Awards: Basketball Team (1,2,3,4); State Championship Basketball Team (3,4); State All-Star Team (3,4); U.S. Junior Olympic Festival Team (2); Alternate, Parade Magazine's U.S. All-Star Girls' High School Basketball Team (4); Del Vista Outstanding Athlete Award (3,4); Project Success Student of the Month (2,4).