1. Pei Wang
Attending: Rice University
Majoring in: Mathematical Economic Analysis
**Was it hard deciding what university to attend? Why?
At first it was a bit hard because there were certain criteria I was looking for in a university, but after visiting Rice for a couple of weeks over the summer, I pretty much knew Rice was the one.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
I honestly enjoyed them all regardless of the work load, because they intertwine to form a more wholesome picture. Each class and teacher provided unique perspectives to not only academic-related subjects but also my own opinions and life in general.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
This year, I am involved in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. Outside of school, I train in Taekwondo and tutor math.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 1 of your class?
No, I did not expect to be number 1.
**If you could give the underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
As for the advice, perseverance is the key. A little bit of stress is  good but don’t let a few bad things impact you – they are in the past. Learn from your mistakes and do better next time. Also try to maintain a genuine curiosity and studying becomes a lot easier.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I love eggs.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
28 years old.
**After graduation, what is the thing you are most excited about?
Summer vacation in China and Rice’s O-Week.

2. Katie Saxman
Attending: University of Texas at Austin.
Majoring in: Business Honors and Finance. May minor in Political Science
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class has been European History. There is only one Euro class offered this year, so everyone in it really loves it. Coach Patterson is hilarious and makes the material so interesting.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
In school I am an officer for NHS, a returning Varsity cheerleader, and a member of CATS, Spanish Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. Outside of school I am in National Charity League and coach my little siblings’ basketball and soccer teams.
**When you were a freshman, were you expecting to be number 2 of your class?
Freshman year it never crossed my mind that I would graduate as number two in the class. The first time we got our ranks junior year when I found out I was number two I remember telling my parents that I wished I could apply to college right away because I assumed my class rank would drop.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
My advice to younger students would be to set high standards for yourself. If you absolutely refuse to get a B, you won’t get one. If you are okay with making a few C’s now and again, you probably will. Take classes that are both applicable and interesting to you, try your best to reach your goals, and make sure you still have time for non-academic activities and fun.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I love milk and drink it almost exclusively.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
28 years old. I hope to be working in Consulting or as an Investment Banker. I would love to be married, have a new baby, and living in Texas.

3. Daniel Nguyen
Attending: University of Texas at Austin.
Majoring in: Biochemistry.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class throughout high school would be English because no matter how much effort or how much time you put into the class, you will get the same grade.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
Varsity Tennis, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Volunteering at Memorial Hermann Hospital, and Interning with a General Doctor.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 3 of your class?
No, I was just expecting to graduate.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
I would tell any underclassmen to enjoy the ride. You only get to live high school once so enjoy every moment of it. Sure, grades are important but make sure you have fun and enjoy life.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I like to bake and my favorite thing to make would be Crème Brule.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in 10 years finishing up medical school and becoming a doctor.

4. Carriee Smith
Attending: University of Southern California
Majoring in: Architecture with a minor in Environmental Studies.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class was Calculus. I am a nerd, but I really love math.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am president of Cougar Stars, and I was historian last year. Also involved in National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, DARE/POWER, CATS, Girl Scouts, Good Sportsmanship League, Junior Girls/Senior Women/Diamond Dolls.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 4 of your class?
Absolutely not, to be honest, I thought you had to be Asian to be top ten. I was shocked when I got my transcript junior year.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
Work hard and get involved from the first day of freshman year, because it will pay off -I got a full ride to USC. It gets really tedious at times, but trust me, you will feel much more prepared for your future.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I will be 28, out of college and working, probably in L.A. I hope to be married and be thinking about kids around that time.

5. Aimee Ford
Attending: University of Texas at Austin.
Majoring in: Plan II Honors and Biology
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
Although it isn’t considered an academic class, I have really amazing memories from first period cross-country during my sophomore year. I loved waking up early in the mornings and running with some of my closest friends. I will always remember the fun that we had.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am president of Mu Alpha Theta and I am also a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Outside of school, I work as a sales associate at Eddie Bauer.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 5 of your class?
When my sister graduated in 2007, I remember being so impressed by all of the kids in the top ten. I always thought it would be really cool if I could be a part of that, but I honestly did not really think about it much during my freshman year.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
I would tell them that they should never doubt their own abilities and no matter what, they should always maintain their integrity, because that stays with you so much longer than a number.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
This is actually sort of embarrassing, but I have a crazy obsession with anything and everything that has to do with Eminem. I don’t know when it all began, but I have definitely seen 8 Mile at least 10 times.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now, I really can’t say what my life will be like, because I am still trying to figure that one out. I just hope that I love whatever career and life I build for myself. And even more importantly, I hope I am making a positive impact on the world.

6. Rick Liao
Attending: University of Texas at Austin.
Majoring in: Chemical Engineering.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class was Pre-AP Chemistry sophomore year because Mrs. Driver and the entire class were crazy and awesome.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I was in wrestling, Mu Alpha Theta, and Spanish Honor Society.
**When you were a freshman, were you expecting to be number 6 of your class?
I was hoping I would be somewhere up there, but I knew nothing was a given.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
Just don’t get lazy and give up, focus on the long run.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
Can’t think of much… but my last name is not pronounced how people think it is.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully married and successful.

7. XinYing Chuong
Attending: University of Texas at Austin
Majoring in: Chemical Engineering and Pre- Medicine
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
Probably AP Chemistry. Well, definitely not the work part of the class, but we did do a lot of fun stuff like make tie-dye shirts, explode gummy bears and create green gunky toothpaste.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
National Honor Society, MAO, Spanish Honor Society and basketball!
**When you were a freshman, were you expecting to be number 7 of your class?
No way; I didn’t even think about GPA’s and ranks until junior year.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
Get sleep and eat yummy food
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I am a very happy person; I “LoL” all the time.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally, I’d be done with medical school, so I’ll be saving people’s lives and I’d probably have a family and all that good stuff.

8. Sophie Jones
Attending: University of Nottingham, at England.
Majoring in: Chemistry, Physics and Math.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class was probably AP Chemistry. Mrs. Gray made it fun, and besides being interesting we got to set things on fire.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I’m part of Academic Decathlon, though I didn’t make the team. They kept a few of us as alternates, kind of mini-coaches.
**When you were a freshman, were you expecting to be number 8 of your class?
As a fish I wasn’t expecting much of anything. Just trying to get through high school I guess, still a bit home sick for England.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
Priorities are essential, like sleep over homework.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I used to play the organ when I was younger.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in a lab, either researching or teaching. I always tell people I want to be a mad scientist when I’m older.

9. Matt Tomberlin
Attending: Texas A&M University.
Majoring in: Petroleum Engineering.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite class was definitely AP Chemistry because Mrs. Gray is such an awesome teacher and I found the class so interesting.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I train with Power for Life Swimming and I’m a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Cougars Achieving through Service.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 9 of your class?
No, not at all. I couldn’t even grasp the concept of being a senior at that point, much less being in the top ten.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
The worst things you can leave high school with are regrets. If there’s something that you want, go for it. Don’t let anything stop you from being happy.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
I am actually a big fan of rap, hip-hop and dub step.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working in a management position for an oil company, staying in shape, and enjoying life.

10. Haley Hammond
Attending: Baylor University.
Majoring in: Business Fellows and Pre-Medicine.
**What was your favorite class throughout high school and why?
My favorite classes were probably BC calculus because it was challenging and I was scared to take it but it ended up being super fun, and then PACE at miller because I was able to be in the Operating Room twice a week observing surgeries, and it was the best experience of my life.
**What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am Cheerleading Captain, and I also ran track freshman and sophomore year. I am in National Honor Society and Spanish Honor society. I was in National Charity League for six years and I am actively involved at my church.
**When you were a freshman, where you expecting to be number 10 of your class?
Not at all, I was just hoping to be in the top ten.
**If you could give any underclassmen any advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to always persevere forward because you can do anything you set your mind to. Some of the classes I was the most nervous about taking ended up being my very favorite, so never shy away from taking a harder class until you have tried it.
**Tell me one thing not many people know about you.
Most people do not know that I cannot ride a bike.
**How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years, I will have graduated from med-school and be doing my residency and maybe even have gotten married along the way.