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.