College Applications Through a Caldwell Lens

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institution’s logo. Photo Creds: CCC&TI Admissions 

Anna Norris, Editor in Chief of The Powderhorn

At Watauga High School, students are given the opportunity from sophomore year on to dual enroll as a Caldwell student. This gives students access to vast online and in-person college courses that expand fundamental classroom knowledge and allow students to explore subjects they are passionate about. Often, this opportunity creates excitement, since students may have one or more of their blocks off campus to complete their Caldwell coursework. However, many dual-enrolled seniors face additional challenges through their college application process, like finding a strong academic teacher recommendation. 

“I didn’t consider asking any of my Caldwell teachers because I don’t have a personal relationship with any of them,” said senior Luke Benson. “I relied on my Watauga teachers because they know what I’ve done and they know what I’m like.”

Benson explained that the most difficult obstacle he overcame during his college application process was finding an English teacher recommendation. Many academically rigorous colleges like Davidson College and Vanderbilt University require a teacher recommendation for a core academic subject. Benson, not having taken an English class at Watauga High School in over two years, struggled to find the right teacher to ask. Not all dual enrollment students found teacher recommendations a challenge, however. 

“So I started taking Caldwell classes last year. I’m not sure of the exact number, but I think I have taken maybe 10 or 11 classes,” said senior Sydney Townsend. “I think that even though I have taken a lot of Caldwell classes online, it has never hindered my recommendations from teachers at Watauga. During my time at the high school, each day I make an effort to maintain those connections and friendships with my teachers, past and present.”

Students still feel connected to Watauga faculty, and they believe that teachers do a good job of fostering a community even years after taking their class. Students feel comfortable asking for teacher recommendations from their freshman and sophomore classes, even if they’ve taken multiple Caldwell classes since then. Teachers at Watauga coach sports, advise clubs, and are always available for conversation, which helps create a positive connection outside of the classroom.

“Be intentional with the relationships you choose to create and maintain,” said Townsend. “Just because your learning path is a little different doesn’t mean that your relationships have to change.”

Although Townsend primarily completes her Caldwell coursework off campus during the school day, she exemplifies a dedicated and involved student to the Watauga family by serving as a Watauga Cross Country Captain, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, and an active member of the National Honor Society. Benson, DECA’s VP of Marketing, also has balanced being an active student body member while taking five Caldwell classes.

“I would recommend they don’t take too many [Caldwell Courses],” said Benson. “While they boost your GPA and can be more convenient than in-person school, they don’t offer the same connection to teachers that regular classes do.”

Dual enrollment has challenges, but for the right student, it makes them unique applicants as they continue their higher education. Watauga High School provides students with the opportunity to take Caldwell courses while focusing on peer and teacher connections on Watauga’s campus. 

“I think taking off-campus classes made me stand out academically, but it may have made it harder for some teachers to fully describe who I am because I haven’t been in their classroom for years or months,” said senior Lucas Hamilton. “I would tell students to make sure they still talk to and stay connected with their high school teachers, even if they’re taking a lot of off-campus classes, so those teachers still get to know them well enough to write solid recommendations.”