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Why Makena Biltoft '28 applied early

Makena Biltoft

When Makena Biltoft '28 from Denver, Colo., realized Augustana was at the top of her college list, applying Early Decision was a no-brainer.

"I chose to apply Early Decision because Augie was the best choice for me financially," she said. "I also got to play volleyball, which was something huge for me."

For Biltoft, Augustana offered the perfect blend of academic support, community, affordability and the opportunity to play volleyball — but it was the people who made her certain that Augustana was the best fit.

During a visit to campus for a summer volleyball camp, Biltoft was immediately drawn to the warmth of the volleyball team.

Makena Biloft and volleyball team

"I chose to apply Early Decision because Augie was the best choice for me financially," said Biloft (left). "I also got to play volleyball, which was something huge for me."

"Everyone here is super nice and just so welcoming overall, and that made my decision so much easier because I felt much more at home here than at other places." Feeling at home was particularly important to Biltoft, especially since her hometown is 13 hours away.

"I could tell that this was a place people wanted to be, and they came here for a reason."

When Biltoft returned to campus for an Academic Scholarship Day, her experience with the tight-knit campus community solidified her decision to choose Augustana.

“I could tell that this was a place people wanted to be, and they came here for a reason.”

Makena Biltoft '28

When Biltoft returned to campus for an Academic Scholarship Day, her experience with the tight-knit campus community solidified her decision to choose Augustana.

"As soon as I knew I found my place with my people, I immediately decided that this was the first choice over all and I would submit my application here Early Decision."

Biltoft says that, like many students, she was nervous about whether she had made the right choice until she stepped back on campus to start classes, but she was confident that she would be supported by the people around her.

"This place makes it feel like even if I have good days and bad days, there are way more good days than bad ones."

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