<p>Where's everyone??
I just wanted to ask what makes Conn different from other similar LAC's.
I bet there were other threads before, but I want to get to the meat of the subject-the arbo, location neat the river/coast, beautiful campus are all great reasons, but what really makes people want to go here?</p>
<p>Hi Morning Glory- I was wondering the exact same thing-where is everybody? To answer your question-My daughter felt like a fit for Conn. She had applied to 8 other schools. Got waitlisted at 4 elite but felt like she would pick Conn even if she would of gotten accepted into some of them. She graduated 4th out of a class of 200-did very well in high school. She wanted serious academics but not to the point of no life outside of books. She felt that some of the schools in her reach column would of been too intense academically even though she could of done the work-she just didnt want to work full time like she did sometimes in highschool. She liked the atmosphere-esp the honor code. She knew this was a good serious academic fit, right size, pretty campus, and it was liberal arts. Shes been there 3 weeks-so far so good....I can't say what makes others go there, I only know her reasons-</p>
<p>I looked at just about every smaller school in the northeast, and I can tell you a little about why I picked Conn.</p>
<p>Academics:
-I was looking for a small school where students actually got to know their professors and vice versa. Where it wouldn't be at all unusual to meet your professor for a cup of coffee and discuss things other than the syllabus. Where professors encouraged their students to do independent research and they would be very supportive and helpful. Many students get to present their work at professional and academic conferences, as well as publish in academic sources. If you want to do research, the opportunities are there.
-I wasn't really sure what I wanted to major in. At the time, I thought it would be a double major in spanish and french; i ended up with a psych major and spanish minor. While there are 7 general distribution requirements, they are pretty lax, giving you an opportunity to explore many different areas. This was important to me for a true liberal arts experience. There are also several very interesting and unique interdisciplinary certificate programs.
-While I didn't end up studying abroad for several reasons, Conn is well known for its variety of international programs, and at the time this was very important to me. Over 50% of students study abroad at some point.
-Excellent rates of sending grads to top grad programs</p>
<p>Social Life:
-I was extremely undecided about where to send applications. Nothing really 'clicked' when I stepped onto campuses. At my first Conn visit though, people tended to look like people I could be and wanted to be friends with. Down to earth, friendly, dressed 'normally-' girls werent walking around campus to class in stilettos and all made up. For such a small school, there is a wide variety of 'types' on the campus- jocks, preps, artists, dancers, hippies, musicians, etc etc..and everyone integrates quite well. People always leave their doors open, which really embodies the sense of community.
Community is a huge aspect of Conn. 98% of students live on campus, and there is a tremendous amount of dorm pride (especially during Camelympics, an annual dorm vs dorm olympic style competition)
-The honor code: this also adds to the openness and trust on campus. Students are given the responsibility to make their own decisions, and have a major voice in how the college is run.
-People actually care about stuff- tons of 'i wanna save the world' types. Lots of late night deep conversations permeating the dorms.</p>
<p>Location:
-The campus is lovely, and with fall foliage it is simply stunning.
-10 minutes from the beach! And you can see Long Island Sound from the campus green
-I wanted a college experience where students actually stayed on campus, and all activity was centered on campus. Thats what college is for. </p>
<p>Other:
-All students are provided with a funded internship the summer between their junior and senior year- You find an internship, paid or unpaid, and the college will give you $3000 for the summer.
-Free music lessons to all interested students
-If you're worried about the F:M ratio, the Coast Guard Academy is right across the street from the main entrance, providing an extra 600 males. You will see coasties often on campus taking classes (you can take classes at the academy too) or socializing.</p>
<p>If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer anything you throw out!</p>
<p>wow great responses! thanks!
by the way I actually go to Conn too-just wanted to put that out there-I was wondering what other people thought of the school in hopes of learning more about my school.
When I applied to Conn, I really didn't know about it and I had never visited until I came in late August.
I have to say that collegeconfidential really assured me that I will be fine here and I am more than fine here!!!
oh and by the way( a random note), camel van is new and improved this year-a grat way to get off campus =)</p>
<p>cool, glad to hear you are enjoying your experience!</p>
<p>Thank you, huskem55, for your detailed response. I'm curious what year you are; it sounds like you've been there a while. </p>
<p>Morning_glory, I hope you feel the same way once you've been there a while longer. I'm impressed that you "jumped in with both feet" without visiting the campus first! Tell us about Camelvan since it's "new and improved"! What makes it better?</p>
<p>My S and D (twin seniors) are planning on applying. I was impressed with the honor code, the international emphasis, and if I'm remembering correctly, the interdisciplinary approach. My S is smitten with the prospect of varsity sailing as he and my D have been sailing since they were three. Oh, and the free music lessons for anyone is wonderful. We're a musical family so when my S recently confided that he wanted to take voice lessons in college (wherever he went), I was thrilled!</p>
<p>carolyn- i'm a recent alum</p>
<p>camel van has a set schedule and a route this year. also, it's run by an outside company and are operated by professional drivers. Last year, I heard that it was run by students and was not as dependable. Now it goes to downtown,amtrak station,mall,target, and the movies and few other major places. It's a great way to get off campus.</p>
<p>btw I'm taking the music lessons here and I love it!</p>
<p>Could any students share info. about theatre/acting/drama at Connecticutt College? Thanks in advance.</p>