Campus Bound

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In a conversation with Erika, a recent Simmons College graduate, she mentioned that she is often asked about the college process.  As we discussed her experience further, she had a variety of insights worth sharing.

Q. What was the hardest part about the college search?

A. For me, it was deciding what I really wanted to go to college for. I had an idea in my head about what I was interested in and what I possibly wanted to do after graduation, but I wasn’t exactly sure where those interests might take me. So I started thinking about my options and found out what types of majors were available that corresponded with my interests. As soon as I figured out what I wanted to major it, the search became easier and I was able to narrow down where I wanted to apply. Already knowing what college setting I was looking for (in the city, small, and private) helped the search even further.

Q. Do you think you got the right educational experience for what you paid?

A. Yes, I do. Even though it was expensive, I knew that I wanted to make my time worthwhile. You are only in college for four years, and it flies by! I was pretty busy my entire time at college, but I know that I got a great education from my dedicated professors, made some great friends, gained experience to add to my resume, and made memories I will always treasure. Even though I will probably be paying off my loans for years to come, I know that the money I spent was well worth it.

Q. If you had the chance to go back and do it all over again, is there anything you would change?

A. I wouldn’t have stressed out so much over the small things. My freshman year I was taking my first ever Spanish class and I thought I was the only one in the class who was struggling. I was convinced that I was going to fail and that everyone else would get an A. But as the semester went on, I met students in my class who were struggling just as much as me. We worked together and helped each other master as much as we could, and by the time finals came around, we were all confident that we would get passing grades. From then on, I knew not to be as stressed about classes and finals, especially knowing that there are other people in the same situation and if I needed help, I could find it.

Q. If you could tell a high school junior or senior one thing, what would it be?

A. Start thinking about the application process early. The summer before my senior year, my mom convinced me I needed to start visiting colleges, even though I thought she was crazy and it was far too early to be considering that. But, we went on several tours and by the time classes started in September I had a pretty good idea what colleges I would be applying to. Believe it or not, I had all my applications in by October 31st and I knew where I would be attending college by the middle of December. When winter break came around, I wasn’t stressed or even concerned about the application process anymore, yet all of my friends were still trying to visit schools and figure out where to apply. I got to sit back, relax and enjoy my winter break, while everyone else stressed and worried. Plus, I got to brag to my friends every time I got an acceptance letter when they haven’t even started applied to any schools yet!