<p>Current Conn students: What is it about Conn that you love (or dislike)? Why would you recommend Conn?</p>
<p>Potential students: What is it about Conn that caused you to apply?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>my viewpoint as a relatively recent alum:</p>
<p>I looked at just about every top school within 3 hours of connecticut, and had a hard time finding schools that 'felt' right. Conn was one of the last schools I toured, after the suggestion of a guidance counselor, and I was pleasantly surprised. I remember thinking that people "looked like me," not as much physical appearance, but meaning that I felt like I would fit in.</p>
<p>The campus, a 750 acre aboreteum, is beautiful, a quintessential collegiate enviroment. It is absolutely amazing in the fall and spring when everyone is outside.The student body is very friendly, and welcoming- just about everyone leaves their door open, and different groups of people mix together easily. There are substantial populations of jocks, dancers, artists, musicians, hippies, preps, gamers, etc so there really is a niche for everyone. I think because it is such a small school, people really make an effort to maintain a positive community. Students tend to be very active outside the classroom, participating in a wide range of clubs and community service. The honor code means that the administration treats the students with respect, and students have a say in just about everything. </p>
<p>Classes were engaging and interesting, the professors as a whole were awesome- very encouraging, many make an effort to know you as a person which is EXTREMELY helpful for getting recommendations for grad schools/jobs. Every student has the opportunity to receive $3000 for a summer internship. The career center is extremely helpful with this, and in general. Students do very well in grad school placement. There are so many options for independent research, and professors are more than happy to help you out. I know a ton of people who have been able to present their work at professional conferences, and even some who have been able to author academic publications. Study abroad is huge, you can basically go anywhere you want. There are also really good interdisciplinary programs that the college prides itself on. basically, if you want to do something, you will get the green light.</p>
<p>One of my favorite things about Conn actually has occured post graduation- there are tons of alumni events (I work with someone who went to a very well known large research university and she is always amazed how active our small alumni base is!) and people get SO excited to meet other camels- it is an amazing bonding experience. In fact, some of my closest friends now are people who I wasn't that close to in college.</p>
<p>those are just some things off the top of my head, please feel free to ask any specifics!</p>
<p>Thanks for the thoughtful response. My niece was accepted to Conn and to state school which has a rapidly rising reputation and is (at leat dollarwise) a top "best-buy" according to a number of surveys. Dollarwise, Conn is shall we say not such a best buy. That's why your input is so helpful. Anything else you or anyone else can add would be helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>My son is completing his first year at Conn, and he is thriving there. I think that there are some fundamental differences in college experience that have to be considered, beyond cost (if the family can afford it) -- quality of undergraduate residential life, for example, and ease of participation in campus activities for another. These things are hard to put a price tag on. Your niece needs to visit both schools and decide where she feels inherently most at home, in terms of the atmosphere and environment. It's also a good idea to carefully inspect the course catalog and ask questions about ease of getting into courses in her areas of academic interest--compare the schools that way. Where will she be able to most easily develop quality relationships with her professors? Where will she have the most opportunity for internships and other tangential experiences that will prepare her for whatever she may want to do after graduation? I think it's worth paying for whichever environment she will enjoy the most and be most likely to gain the most from, personally and academically, over those four years. You only go to college once. </p>
<p>But she's the only one who can make that call, unless her parents feel strongly that their finances require her to make the state university choice. Then it's their call!!</p>