Get to know our test prep team! We sat down to interview David Pauls, our Curriculum Development Specialist. 

What is one thing you wish more students knew before applying to college?

Although this seems obvious in retrospect, tuition costs rarely stay the same, as they almost always increase year over year! Make sure to account for this when making decisions involving financial support from a college. Additionally, if given the opportunity to finish college a semester early, weigh the option carefully, as there are advantages on both sides.

What was your favorite part of college?

My favorite part of college was almost certainly all the nice people I met and the relationships I formed. On top of many new friends, I also met my wife while in college! To an even greater extent than high school, college can allow you to start a new social life and allow you to redefine who you are as a person, which can be both exciting and scary.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to a freshman at your school?

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things! Specifically, college offers the opportunity to take part in many interesting clubs and events that you will have never seen before. Especially in freshman year, make sure to survey everything out there before committing to specific organizations or groups.

What’s on your desk right now?

The most interesting thing on my desk currently is my Audio-Technica wireless headphones,  ATH-M50x. Even while battery-powered, they provide excellent bass and a clear sound all while combined with the ability to be worn around the house—very helpful for working from home!

What could you talk about endlessly? 

Vocal music! I am a huge lover of choirs, acapella groups, barbershop, and really any type of ensemble with a strong focus on vocal harmony. Beyond just listening to and singing this music myself, I am also fascinated with why raw vocal music is still so engaging even in this time of electronic music, auto-tune, and other conventions of the modern music industry. Much of this has to do with the nature of how sound and harmonics actually work, which involves topics such as temperament, overtones, and a surprising amount of math.