Any Connecticut College Students/Alums?

Hi all,

I got into Connecticut College for this fall and it’s in my top 2 choices at the moment. I have a couple of questions that I think can only be answered truthfully by someone who went there.

  1. Does it feel small? I know the population is small, but did you feel like you were stuck with the same people in all your classes? I don't want to attend a college were I feel limited in terms of making friends and meeting new people.
  2. Was it incredibly rich and preppy? That seems to be a common perception of it online, but when I did a tour I couldn't really tell. I've heard that there's bad diversity there and that most of the students are private school types.
  3. Is it really a party school? Another common conception of Conn online. I know it's in a pretty isolated location, and all schools have partyers, but is there a decent social scene outside of that? How embedded in the culture is it? I'm not the partying type and I want a place where I can make like-minded friends and have fun in other ways.
  4. What's your personal opinion on the academics? Is it worth your money?
  5. Do you feel like you came out of Conn with good opportunities? Another concern is that maybe it's not very well known outside of the New England area, but I could be wrong about that.

Thanks for your help! I’m really considering going to Conn and just want a bit more of honest info to help me make a final decision (Hopefully someone answers this, all the threads for this college seem dead…)

I’d love someone to answer as my daughter is torn between Conn College and Union in NY.

As a parent of a Conn College student, I can try to answer your questions, as he had some of the same concerns.

(1) He went to a small, private high school so Conn was larger and size has not been a complaint. One aspect of the campus life is that the dorms are all mixed ages which seems to promote friendships across the grades and offset the small size of the school. He immediately found it to be inclusive and made lots of friends. New students were welcomed into the clubs and activities, so right away he spent time with upperclassmen and learned from their experience.

(2) There are a lot of wealthy students from prep schools, but mixed in with students from all kinds of schools and backgrounds, and some international students who bring a different perspective to the mix. He finds them to be laid back, friendly, and understated, but with genuine depth in their accomplishments and interests. Most students have a number of talents and interests, making it hard to generalize.

(3) The students there definitely party, especially on the weekends that host big events. One of my son’s criteria was to find a college where there was more happening on campus than just drinking and Conn checked that box. They go to a lot of on-campus events such as film screenings, music and theater performances, and sporting events but they also go out. There is a policy of self-governance so students are expected to act responsibly and most do. The lack of fraternities creates less of a party school atmosphere.

(4) It is too soon to tell about the value of the education in the long-term, but he respects his professors and enjoys the classes. The faculty is accessible outside of class, and personal relationships with faculty are ingrained in the school culture. The student services are great (from a parent perspective compared to other schools.) We had to deal with the administration because of a short-term absence due to illness, and the dean and all teachers were fantastic. I see that responsiveness and care as an added value of Conn College.

(5) The Career Center offers a paid internship which is a unique opportunity. They work with students through all four years and discuss putting the “liberal arts into action.” That practicality appeals to me as a parent, and the internships I read about are impressive. The students are constantly advised to consider the purpose of their education and personal goals which can only help them in the long run. Being on the Amtrak line, it is very easy to access Boston, Providence, New Haven and NY to interview. Try to attend the Camel Day and see how it feels. Good luck with your decision!

Hello! I would be happy to answer your questions-- I am a current student at Connecticut College. Good luck with your decision.

During my time here at Conn, the population size is something I’ve enjoyed the most. You will find certain people in your major taking classes with you, but meeting new people is not limited to the time spent in class. I have noticed that Conn students spend their time outside the classroom, getting involved in sports, clubs, or leadership positions, which really extends their network of friends. Personally, I find that I meet new people all the time, because I take the initiative and get involved. Each semester, I see new faces in my classes. The size contributes greatly to the inclusive and warm campus community.

I don’t believe there is one characterization of Conn, and that’s why I love the college so much. You will find all sorts of different types of students, different personalities, different stories. As with any private institution, you will come across a percentage of students who come from a private school background, but I don’t think coming from a private school background should solely characterize a person. At Conn, the students are open and curious. Diversity is of concern at many private institutions. What differentiates a school from another is how the school supports the diverse population. At Conn, there are supportive resources available to students, such as orientation programs, clubs, and counseling services. On the campus, there are particular centers that focus on specific identities and communities, like the multi-cultural center, the women’s center, and the LGBTQIA center. These centers create a welcoming environment and offer students supportive and educational resources.

I wouldn’t consider Conn a party school. If you’re looking for a party, you can find one. The party scene does not at all define the social scene at Conn. There is so much to do on the weekends at Conn, ranging from performances, to events on campus, to trips off campus. Our Students Activities Committee (SAC) is super active on campus. This past semester, we had had multiple concerts on campus, and SAC organized a formal off campus, providing transportation and food for the students.

I have found that Conn is academically challenging. Before attending Conn, I had been challenged with heavy workloads and difficult course material. You will find classes like that at Conn. The most rewarding classroom experiences I have had are when my way of thinking is challenged by the professor and/or the course material. The professors at Conn engage with their students in a way that I had not yet experienced. They make their students think more critically about what they’re studying. I can see how the skills I’ve obtained from my liberal arts education can be utilized after graduation.

I feel like I am leaving Con with opportunities that many undergraduates don’t have access to. There are many resources available at Conn for students to take advantage of, such as conducting research with a professor, studying abroad, and participating in the career counseling program. Personally, I have been able to conduct an interdisciplinary research project, study abroad, and do an internship abroad, which was funded by the college. Throughout my years, I have been supported by my professors and my fellow students. I have created a network of people that will be an invaluable resource after Conn.

@ConnCollStudent I know Conn is not a very diverse school and thats one of the reasons I’m hesitating to attend. As an international student, Imm really nervous about fitting in and having a decent social life (besides the basics like academics and stuffs). Do you think Conn has enough support for int students and how do Americans and intl students interact? Are they mostly seperated or integrated?

@ambitious07 I do think Conn has quite a bit of support for international students. Current international students help lead your orientation, so from the very beginning of your time at Conn you are able to meet international students. In particular, each incoming international student receives an international advisor, who is there to help the new student transition to life in America and acclimate to Conn. The international community at Conn forms a tight, supportive network. As a domestic student, I can say that some of my closest friends are international students. I will say that the level of communication between international and domestic students depends upon the student’s initiative. The ways in which a student involves themselves on campus expands their network. I would say there is not a separation from international student and Americans at Conn.

@ambitious07 Hi I’m also an international student, but I’m waitlisted. I hope we meet each other on campus if I am given a spot.

@moroccan99 well good luck to you!!!