Student Feature: Ted Carter

DJ DeLong
Creative writing and history major
College of Arts and Sciences, Marketing and Communications student employee

Western Michigan University has been rated one of the top 100 schools in the nation for the second year in a row according to Washington Monthly. The educational programs and faculty stand out among other universities. A large part of what makes WMU so special are the outstanding students enrolled here. One particular student, Theodore Carter, has stood out to the faculty and staff of the College of Arts and Sciences. Carter will graduate with two bachelor's degrees after just three years.

In December, Carter will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and physics, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. His outstanding academic career started before he even became a student at WMU. Carter arrived at WMU with nearly 50 credits transferred from scoring high enough on his Advanced Placement tests while he was in high school. These transferred credits went toward Carter's General Education courses and introductory major courses, allowing him to dive right into the more advanced and upper level courses.

Carter averaged 20-24 credits a semester. In order to handle such an intense workload Carter explained the need to be organized. With the amount of credits he takes, he understands more than most the importance of organization simply at the scheduling process. He states, “Know what you need to do and get it done.” Carter does ensure that he gives himself a break. “I take Fridays off no matter what,” Carter explains. After spending approximately 100 hours a week on schoolwork alone, he needs at least one day off. He says that during his free time he likes to swim and go sailing.

When asked why he pushed himself so much in his academic career, Carter said that he is trying to see the breaking point for himself. This is influenced by his decision to join the Navy SEAL Program after graduating from WMU. It has been a dream since he was young and that drive to see how far he can go is present in both his academic and career focuses. After his time being a Navy SEAL and returning to civilian life, he says he would like to return to college and get his master’s and Ph.D. in both physics and applied mathematics. His advice to current and prospective students is, “If you have the means, just try adding one more class. People can do more if they are willing to aspire to it.”