Rick Diaz was born in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in psychology. He also has a Master’s Degree in educational administration from St. Mary's College, Moraga. Rick joined the SMU admission staff in 1991, after 13 years in admission at CMC and USC.
Rick works with students from Southern California and Hawaii.
Rick's Tips for High School Seniors:
DON'T
- Take easy courses just to get good grades in high school. Admission committees know that challenging courses benefit you more in the long run.
- Rely on crash courses to prepare for SAT exams. There are no shortcuts.
- Specialize in an extracurricular activity or sport unless you truly enjoy it.
- Go for quantity over quality in extracurriculars. It's better to do well in a few you enjoy than have a lengthy list that suggests only shallow involvement.
DO
- Take time out from your busy schedule to think about what's important to you.
- Make the most of your opportunities. College applicants are judged on what they've done with what they had, not on what they had.
- Meet all deadlines and read all instructions on application forms.
- Spend as much time as possible with your family – while you have the chance.