Jennifer Crosthwait was raised in Texas and California and attended Oak Park High School in Southern California. She graduated from Denison University located in Granville, Ohio earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Communication. After graduating from Denison, Jennifer went on to gain her teacher certification at Dominican University in San Rafael, California. She moved back to Texas, in 2003, to work as a Social Studies teacher at St. Agnes Academy in Houston. As a teacher, students frequently asked her for guidance during their college search. It was during conversations with students about college that Jennifer rediscovered her interest in supporting higher education. Jennifer enjoys sharing her enthusiasm about college life and welcomes questions from students and their families.

Why SMU? SMU is a great place to attend college because of its commitment to a liberal arts education. At SMU, students gain a broad educational experience before dedicating time to a particular field of study. Having a background in the liberal arts helps students develop their critical thinking and complex problem solving skills, as well as prepare them for a dynamic/flexible adult life and career.

College Search Tip: Finding the perfect college takes time and effort. Staying organized will help reduce the stress of searching for a college. Make a list of everything you want in your ideal college. You may want to consider location, climate, student-to-teacher ratio, available majors, campus life, and student population. Once your list is complete, set aside a particular time each week to review the pamphlets and brochures you have received. When you feel like you have a list of colleges that most suit your needs, make every effort you can to visit those schools. Pictures and descriptions are helpful, but a campus visit can provide you with invaluable insight as to whether or not a particular school is for you.