Connecticut College Top Questions

For me, it was absolutely essential to plan a visit to each college I was considering. You can tell a lot about a college just by going onto campus and taking the time to explore and observe. Many students say that one of the main reasons they chose the college they did was due to a "feeling" they had while on the campus. It is difficult to pinpoint what causes this "feeling," especially when on paper so many colleges and universities can seem so similar. Yet, do not underestimate the power of a gut feeling. Four years of your life will be spent at the institution that you choose, and in addition to facts and figures, you also must consider how at home you feel on the campus. The best way to do this is to make room in your schedule and plan a visit. You won't regret it.

Students are often told that once they visit the right college for them, they will immediately know it. That never happened for me. I remember touring about 10 colleges on the east coast and seeing propective students on those tours taking notes and video taping the campus. I think each college in the country has its own pros and cons, and it's a definite possibility that more than one school may be right for you. When visiting campus and reading college assessment books, pick the schools that you could see yourself at. Then give it a try. College is not the end-all-be-all of your childhood, but it can better your life academically, stretch you to your limits, and teach you a lot about youself. Remember, college is what you make of it. If you want to have an amazing college experience, you will. It's as simple as that.

For me, finding the right college was all about visiting every type of school possible--big, small, all girls, coed, NESCAC, Southern, ones with Greek life or big sports...EVERYTHING. By seeing all types you begin to understand yourself better and know what may fit you best. Listen to your heart and not what your parents, teachers or friends say. Don't try and aim for the most selective, aim for what works best for you. Find a place that you can call home and where you can thrive. Take the time to get to know what you want in a school and do research on it. If you think you have a "right" school, apply early and try not to second guess yourself.

conn is a great small liberal atrs college but i reccommend going with an interest in an extra-cirricular activity. The student body is very small, as is the campus, so only focusing on school work is very hard.

Do not worry about the school name, I never cared and I think that's why I ended up finding the perfect fit.

Finding the right college is all about finding a place where you feel comfortable as you are, and comfortable to grow. If a school doesn't fit your personalities and needs then it is not the right school for YOU no matter how good of a school it is. Make sure you get involved in everything on campus that you are interested, and a few things that you are not interested in. Sign up for everything and try everything even if you need to stop doing it at some point. If you are outgoing and get involved you will have a great experience!

College tours are deceptive. No college is going to advertise its flaws. You really can't get a good idea about the academic programs or the social life unless you talk to a real student. If you go to a school, it is essential that you stop a student and ask them how they fell about their school. Ask them about what they love most, and what they would like to change. Find a student who is studying the subjects that interest you so you can find out what the professors and courses are like. No college is going to be perfect. No matter where you go, you will find things that you do and don't like. College is what you make of it.

abandon all hope

Be yourself. Choosing a college is not choosing who you want to be, it is choosing who you already are so that you can get to know yourself. Do not visit schools that you think will help shape you into a different person, but instead pick a school where you felt comfortable and familiar. The right school should be able to lead you to all your answers if you seek out its resources, and by settling in at the school you are also settling into your own shoes. Making the most of your college experience should not feel pressured, but instead encouraged, and the more comfortable you are on campus, with your academics, and among your peers, the easier your curiousity can lead to your success.

Prepare early