Connecticut College Top Questions

I know you are pretty freaked out right now about going to college on your own (especially since you've never been away from your identical twin sister for more than 4 consecutive days in your whole life) but take a deep breath, I promise it is going to be the best choice you have ever made. Leaving your sister will give you the chance to be you on your own , as opposed to you as a part of a duo, enjoy this new journey. Choose vulnerability, always tell people how you feel and don't be afraid to tell the truth because telling the truth sets you free, no matter the response. Transitions are hard for everyone and when you reach out to others they'll reach right back. Take the classes that interest you. Don't worry that you don't know exactly what you want to do upon graduation (you still won't by your senior year, so save the worrying until then). Remember the professor who once said, "when you look forward you never can see where your going, but when you look back you can see a clear narrative of your life."

I would tell myself to get involved in what the school has to offer. The community service program there is extensive for all students to participate in and there are many things you can do. Join clubs that you have an interest in. Talk to more teachers about getting experience in your chosen field on or off campus.

If I had the opportunity to travel back in time to my senior year, I would tell myself to take the application process one step at a time, and to never discredit my own capacity to learn and to engage in academia. I, like many high school seniors, was overwhelmed by the college application process. I did well academically, was a leader of extra-curricular activities, and was the captain of a varsity sport. Beyond that, I had entire plan set out for myself; a plan of aspirations but not one that I would eventually follow. I would tell myself to trust in the application process and the individuals I sought out throughout this endeavor. While everyone has their own unique opinion about what is best for you, it is important to establish your own autonomy without neglecting the powerful resources provided by the wisdom of your peers and those superior to you. Do not be afraid to reach for those "reach schools." Lastly, I would tell myself that it is perfectly acceptable to follow a gut feeling, to picture yourself at each school to see if you belong there. You can do anything, and therefore you deserve everything.

Dear Senior Year Marina College is not what you expected. It is fast paced, confusing, and takes a lot of trial and error to fully understand, but once you find your place, you will breeze by. My advice? Don't be shy. On the first day, don't just wait for people to walk up to you and start talking, go out there make some friends, who knows what will happen, you might meet your best friend (as I did). Sit at a random table in the dining hall, the worst thing that could happen is you find out you don't like the people. In class, if you are confused, go talk to the professor, ask a friend to study, don't be shy and scared, just get out there. The trick with getting good grades is knowing exactly what the teacher expects of you, you're not going to find that out until you go up to them and ask for some help. Don't be afraid to ask. College is about having new experieces and meeting new people, that is not going to happen if you spend all your time in your room, so get out there.

First of all I would say Congratulations for getting into Connecticut College. Even Though you went to a boarding school it is still pretty different from college. First of all it may seem like you have the same amount of free time but truly it will be taken up by work you have to do. Also start interacting with your teachers now. I know you are going into the medical field so you may need them for research or recommendations. In whatever class you have try to make a frind. Its nice having someone in the class that you can ask questions about the homework or get notes from if you couldn't make it to class one day. You will get roommates so make sure you make guidelines off the bat so that the year will go through smoothly. Try to get involved in as many groups that your schedule allows but leave some space for fun! or least some me-time. It may seem like you can handle everything at once but you never want to burn out during your freshman year. Put aside time to relax yourself. Overall good luck with your studies you will do well.

The Honor Code is a huge part of life here and many seniors take it for granted as a part of the system that we have grown used to. Due to the fact that seniors are so familiar with school policies and the general format of the Honor Code, we often forget to emphasize this fact to the freshmen class. It is an integral part to achieving the most holistic education and is definitely worth looking into before arriving at Conn.

If I could go back into time and have a conversation with myself about my up and coming life I would tell myself about all the problems I going to run into starting college, the problems that I am going to encounter and tell myself about the handsome children I am going to have but I would tell myself about the school that I am going to be attending and how awesome the teachers are going to be. Then I have told myself that I was really stupid for not taking any forgien language classes knowing that it would have been a good idea. I would really tell myself that I am going to be coming into some trouble after the first baby is born and tell myself the steps to take to get through it and have a different outcome then what I had. In the long run I would tell myself that you have a great life good family and doing good with what life threw at me and taking it day to day is what you have to do to make your life the way you want it to be. Change nothing.

Good evening high school self. How is the college search going? Do not worry whatever college you get into (it is one that you like) you will make the most of it. I know that right now life seems a little topsy-turvy, but it is time to make a change. College will be the time for you to explore your interests and to not have anyone judge you for them. Despite what people in high school say, Chinese language and literature is a great topic to study. Do not let anyone change your mind! Going to college will allow you to research, explore, and most importantly CHANGE. You will still be “you” but a brand new more open “you”. Attending college will not be easier or harder, just different. Get ready for change, but change for the better. Learn to open your mind to others’ opinions and ideas while cultivating your own as well. Do not let others dictate your college experience. If you do not like a situation change it! College is your time to grow up, do it well.

Making the leap to college takes effort, but it does not require that you lose your high school friends. Instead, it allows you to make new friends, though it might be difficult to really find your niche. Join lots of extracurricular activities and be confident in them. Be social, be active. Don't be afraid - there are a lot of new things you will be exposed to. Don't give in to peer pressure, and just be yourself. You will find people who will appreciate you for being you. Have fun and take advantage of the great opportunities available.

If i could go back in time, i would tell myself to actually get good grades to help myself in the future. Take things more serious about my life.