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Published: July 16th 2008
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Dear All,
A gps will take you only so far before one needs to turn on one’s brain and navigate a little further. Such was the case as I drove within a few blocks of Michell College's campus and my gps system said I was there. I was not, but I eventually did get there on time. The lesson has been learned—never rely solely on technology.
All three schools visited today are located in the town of New London.
MITCHELL COLLEGE
Mitchell College is a four year college which has both a post graduate high school program (Thames Academy), and a two year program (associate degree). The school has had a strong reputation for helping students with diagnosed learning issues. In my meeting with admissions folk, I was told that only one third of its students have a documented disability. Other schools in the area which serve a similar student body population are Curry and Landmark colleges.
I was offered a solo tour with a student named Cameron. Cameron is a rising junior with an interest in marketing and hospitality management. She admits that it took her a semester before she got her feet on the ground, and says the key to enjoying college is getting involved. She is a member of the Campus Activity Board and is a leader on campus as the Yearbook Editor and as an Orientation Leader. Somehow between these activities and school work, she also manages to work in an ice cream shop.
Random Information Discovered From Tour and Meeting With Admissions Personnel
There is a new academic support center which classifies and works with students in one of three different groups as it relates to the amount of assistance a student may need.
Classes are relatively small and faculty go as slowly as they must in order to make sure all students understand material.
Professors often incorporate technology into their courses. Powerpoint is most often used. For every four students, there is one computer on campus.
Professors are flexible in their teaching. One business professor noticed that most of his students were marketing majors and changed his syllabus so that his class focused on helping a local business create a marketing plan.
Classes are very interactive.
Wednesdays are relatively free of classes.
Some majors require a capstone project.
Internships and volunteerism are popular with students and are encouraged.
Social scene is good. There are numerous campus wide parties, dances and concerts that occur throughout the year.
The school has its own beach, pond and wooded area.
Athletics: Division III. Sailing team is in the re-building stages.
CONNECTICUT COLLEGE
Student Body Population--1800
Classroom Performance 60% in top tenth of high school class
Mid 50% Test Scores (if required) 1240-1410
% Out of State 85%
% Male 39%
Connecticut College allowed me to stay in their guest cottage and I am most grateful to them for that. I toured the campus with five other families and was pleased with what I observed in terms of facilities and grounds. My tour guide, Blake, is an architectural studies major who is also exploring possible minor work in museum studies. Both of these academic concentrations are relatively rare, but Connecticut has both.
Random Facts Collected from Tour
60:40 female: male ratio
50% study abroad
9:1 student: faculty ratio Classes are generally 10-15 students
60 majors, 1000 classes offered
40% of students double major according to our tour guide. Students can also create their own major.
65% of students study abroad sometime during their four years
60 plus clubs and organizations, no Greek life
99% of students live on campus; housing is guaranteed
Div. III athletics, including sailing
750 acre campus is part of an arboretum
The Honor Code plays a large role in the school. Students can take the midterm and finals when they choose without a proctor.
Test Flexible: Our admissions officer said the school accepts the ACT and any two SAT II subject tests. They will consider the SAT I, but this test is not required for admissions.
Interviews are encouraged.
US COAST GUARD ACADEMY (USCGA)
Student Body Population--960
Classroom Performance 94% in top 25 % of class
Mid 50% Test Scores (if required) 1170-1340
% Out of State 93%
% Male 70%
Across the street from Connecticut College is the US Coast Guard Academy. While no tours were available on the day I visited, I did meet with Lt. Parker, a graduate of the school who works in Admissions as part of his mission rotation.
The Coast Guard Academy is one of the smallest of the military academies. Similar to the other academies, they are looking for students who are active in and away from school and who show an interest in the military and in leadership opportunities.
I asked Lt. Parker if the USCGA was more or less strict, in his opinion, than the other academies. He said they were probably stricter because they are small. You cannot hide. Each day is highly structured. A typical day begins at 6:00 am and continues with academic courses, training and sports, all before dinner. Each day ends at 10:00 pm with lights out. Lt. Parker says the sacrifice is huge and the mental challenges difficult, but not impossible to overcome if one keeps his/her professional goals in mind.
Following commencement ceremonies, graduates are required to serve for five years. Lt Parker says 80% of the student population elect to continue their service. He emphasized that Coast Guard alumni serve in a variety of humanitarian roles, assisting with such things as search and rescues, environmental protection and maritime law.
Tomorrow will require more road time as I visit Wesleyan, Trinity College (Craig and Melissa Tredenick are alumni) and the US Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Best,
Kirk
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