Trinity College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Lucy

I would tell myself to really think about the schools I was applying to. There's much more that matters than just colleges with prestige. You should choose the college that makes you proud to go there but also makes you feel like you are exactly where you belong. You also shouldn't be so quick to leave everything behind because you really are going to miss everyone and the life you had before college. Take every factor into consideration when applying to and choosing schools.

Thomas

Relax. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be extremely successful at almost any school you might have the choice to attend. If you want to go to graduate school, it matters even less where you go to undergrad, since employers will mainly care about where you went to finish your education, and graduate schools will mainly care about your GPA and relative standing in your school. Instead of prestige, focus on challenging yourself and going somewhere that will offer as many opportunities as possible. Move in as soon as possible and get started immediately, bite off more than you can chew. Do things that make you uncomfortable, things that you've always wanted to do, things that you've never done before. Study abroad! Take Tai Chi! Read! Write! Perform Experiments! Play sports! Compete! Join clubs! Start your own club! Make money! Make a difference! As Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Anthony

The advice I would give myself would start with a story. This is how it would go: Hey, Anthony. On your 21st birthday you will be in London with your best friend. You will walk into a tattoo shop in Deptford, near Laban. You will get the words " wash. " in cursive, lining the bottom of your left clavicle. It's placement will be because of the beauty of its contours in all human beings, and the perplexing nature of its fragility to any form of pressure over nine pounds. It will be your national anthem. Whenever you get close to a state of sadness, or rumination, or negativity you will wash yourself. You will breathe, decide on whether you want to write, read, run, dance, listen to music, or do anything else to wash. You will then be able to approach any trials with strength and optimism. Trinity will be a challenge, but you have an opportunity with this Posse Scholarship. You can survive academically and socially, especially if you gain confidence in your education thus far and sexuality. I love you.

Armon

If I could go back in time, I would have focused more in my advanced math classes. I didn't realize that my degree would reintroduce me to Precalculus or Statistics. I did well in those classes, but I could had done better. More focus in those classes would have gave me a better foundation. Arithmetic is used constantly in my field of study, so I would had made it easier upon. myself.

Christine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to buckle up because it's going to be a bumpy ride! When college was portrayed to me in high school, it seemed fun and carefree, but that isn't necessarily the case. When you watch movies and they are depicting the life of a college student they show these huge dorm rooms and students going to parties at night, but the truth is if you want to be successful in college you have to prioritize and know how to handle stress. Work first and play later. College is hard and everyone deserves a break from the stress and chaos, so it's okay to " let loose" every once in a while. Just make sure you get your business done first and then reward yourself later for all your hard work.

Chelse

I would tell myself that college is not as bad as you thought it was. There are classes that you can take that will help you transition into the college life and ways of studying and doing homework. There are tutors available unlike high school, so if you are stuck with anything, get a tutor or ask your professor to help you; they are more than willing to help you pass and succeed with your education. You do not have to worry about figuring out what you want to go to school for because there is no rush, there are advisors at the colleges that can help you figure out classes that you might be interested in that could also help you. One more major thing; don’t ever give up.

Allie

As a high school senior, my ideals and dreams led me on a much different path than one I would choose for myself today. As a current transfer sophomore, though my personal interests have not been revolutionized by any means, my ability to recognize and prioritize these interests has improved considerably. Although in the grand scheme of things two years is not an extraordinary amount of time, I feel as though the perception I have of myself and of the world around me has changed dramatically. If I knew in my last months of high school that choosing a college is important, but not the most important decision of my lifetime, the burden of the choice would not have hindered my ability to enjoy myself during my last year. In order to truly be happy at the institution of your choice, you need to first come to terms with who you are, not only as a student but as a person. Being confident is the only solution to your pre-college nerves. Without understanding that you can in fact live on your own and adjust to the college lifestyle, you never will. Enjoy your time now and always!

MARCOS

I would keep my way instead of starting to years laters i would have gone straight to it.

Evan

College life is one of leisure, relaxation, hard work, and complex thinking. Common things such as reading the newspaper, learning about the stock market, and even doing assigned reading can make all the difference in college. This is the advice I would give myself if I could look back on things. It is essential to gain an appreciation for the business world and global politics, even more vital that you are an active member of the community at an early age. Getting into the habit of thinking under pressure, understanding mature subjects, and valuing education is something that every student, especially a high school student, can improve upon. Many college hopefuls believe that grades, standardized tests, and teacher recommendations will result in a successful transition to the university, but this is simply not true. Extracurricular activities, community service, and internships can never be undervalued. The true difference makers are those who are committed to understanding the tough issues and genuinely looking to impact the world around them. Grades will not save the world, but rather the thinkers and scholars who help others, teach others, and conquer the real issues of the 21st century. This is what makes a true student!

Perin

I planned on transferring from Trinity before I even stepped on campus. I felt like a failure next to my classmates headed to Harvard and Williams, and I was embarrassed whenever schools came up in conversation. Trinity definitely has a reputation, and between Hartford and "Camp Trin Trin" I arrived my freshman year as a less-than-happy camper. But sitting at convocation and looking at the resplendent campus with my eager and intelligent classmates, I immediately felt at home, and that feeling increased every minute I spent on campus. Within a week I joined an acappella group, a choir, and snagged a part in the fall musical. Everyone I met was so welcoming, interesting, and fun. Trinity gave me the opportunity to try everything; the course book was a candy store. Able to take anything from Anthropology to Neuroscience, I took risks in my coursework and I fell in love with subjects I'd never encountered before. Trinity allowed me to take risks and push myself in a caring community-- a truly invaluable experience on all counts. And yes, maybe we do deserve the "party" reputation, but I just like to think of it as great at time management.

Carolina

I see alot of potential for networking and opportunities toc reate my own path because I am inspired by all of the people here that do that. The support of the professors and how engaged they are in the student lives and activities has been invaluable as well as my experience on the men's rowing team. As a coxswain, I have learned how to better manage mine and help others manage theirs. I am in constant communication with our outstanding coaching staff and talented rowers and they challenge me to push myself everyday.

Hannah

Do you.

Stephanie

Look at your college choices like ice cream flavors and brands. Find your favorite "flavor," whether that is a small school, or one with a lot of school spirit. Once you have those, go look at them. Then sort them by your favorite "brands," or what school you liked the best. The school that was your favorite "flavor" and "brand" should be your top choice. In other words, lets chocolate is your favorite flavor and Eddys is your favorite brand. You don't mind the other brand, but Eddys is by far the best. The schools that are after your top choice should line up like your next favorite "brands" of ice cream. Thats how you should choose a school. To get the most of your college experience, get involved. If you just sit around and wait for things to happen to you, your going to hate it. GO DO SOMETHING! That's the best adivice anyone can give.

lauren

After weeding through college choices on paper, the best way to know what school is best for you is to visit the schools in person to see the school itself and also the people that study and work there. By seeing students and faculty interacting in a variety of social settings, it becomes easy to decide if a school will be the right fit . You should pay attention to what the campus and the surrounding area has to offer in terms of student organizations, internships, and community engagement. These facets of the school are as integral to a college education as classroom learning. The academic and social compatability of a school are equally important because if the school fits you socially, you are more likely to get involved in a meaningful way in and outside of the classroom. You should remain focused on getting an equally good education in and outside of the classroom. Get involved in a student organization, volunteer program or internship. College is a time to be assertive and responsible for your own experience by reaching out and engaging in your school and community in a way tht is meaningful to you.

Kathleen

As a student athlete, I would ask incoming student athletes this question--would you be happy here if you got hurt and couldn't play? ...if the answer is yes, then you can feel confident that the school is right for you. From there, it is the risks you take to meet new people, the new organizations you decide to join, and the amount of viggor you put into your studies and all you do on campus that make the college yours. You only have four years so work hard, play hard! I wish you the best of luck and please let me know if you ever need a recommendation for Trinity College. It was the best four years of my life.

Lincoln

Attend classes before making choices. Such is probably most worthwhile thing I did. Gut feelings should be followed.

Mark

I would encourage overnight visits to schools to really get an idea of what attending the institution would be like.

Olivia

The best advice I can give about finding the right college has nothing to do with statistics about the school, or knowing what you want to do, or where you want live. It has to do with your gut. I used to finish college tours, and hang around afterwards stand in the middle of the quad, close my eyes and ask myself the question: "could I see myself here?". After all, this place was not only going to be my place of education, but where I lived and essentially made the transformation from girl to woman. If I didn't feel right at that moment , I wasn't going to feel right three years from then. It didn't matter about my SAT scores or my GPA, or anything. What mattered was where I felt at home. That is my best advice, apply where you feel most at home. The college experience will start off much easier for you.

Tydera

Take your time to find a school that fits your needs. Definitely visit the school to get a feel for the professors, students and the campus life.

Sean

Class size and weather.

sarah

go visit the colleges you are interested in.

Ardath

remain open to many options, but only apply to schools that you can see yourself going to. Be open to starting new things when you get to college--- I started varsity rowing with no past experience, became a bio major (didn't think i would, at all), etc. Exciting things you can't think of or plan may come along.

Sandra

It doesn't really matter where you go, with minimal exceptions (i.e., if you are a gay Wiccan, don't go to a conservative Christian school). Everywhere you go, what matters is being able to look inside yourself and pursue the things that you really care about. If the academics at your school don't have a great reputation, challenge yourself to go deeper into the coursework, and seek out your professors for all the knowledge that they aren't sharing. Take advantage of any events that appeal to you, and don't be afraid to do things alone. If something interests you, odds are that there will already be a club that relates to it, but if not, create one (but don't take it personally if it doesn't get off the ground).

Laura

Though many high school seniors have no idea what they want to major in at college, it's important to start narrowing it down in order to pick the right school for you. Though I had a great time socially at my school, it was very small and didn't have the type of research opportunities I needed for graduate school. I think perhaps that a larger, possibly public university would have been better for me academically because of numerous opportunities for research funding. Also, it is important to pick a school that has extracurricular opportunities you are interested in. Studying is the number one priority in college, but it is also crucial to involve yourself in clubs and teams to meet new friends. I am a strong believer that a student needs to engage in activities along with studying in order to learn more. In conclusion, in choosing a college and maximizing your experience it is important to make a list of what you know you what to study and participate in and make sure the schools have these majors and clubs.

russell

the differences between colleges are not gargantuan. if you really try you can be happy just about anywhere

Kara

There are a variety of important factors involved in choosing the right school (i.e., geographic location, cost, quality of academic programs, etc.). Yet the best advice I ever received regarding my college decision was this: "Your college is not just the place where you learn, it is the place where you live." It can seem appealing to attend a top-notch academic program or a school that is particularly inexpensive, but the decision should ultimately be based on more subtle, personal factors. So when you tour the campus, keep in mind that in addition to gathering facts about the school, you should also stop and ask yourself, "Can I really see myself living here for the next four years?" While this question may seem obvious, it is too often overshadowed by more concrete, logistical concerns. Receiving the above advice from my brother caused me to change my choice of schools on the day before the acceptance deadline - it was the best decision I could have made. Remember, a college degree is a college degree, no matter where you are. So trust your intuition and find the place where you truly belong.

Jennifer

Visit. Spend a night. The student body is what will make or break your years at a specific school.

Michelle

First of all, the student should be the one primarily finding the right college because he/she is the one that will be attending the school. Secondly, the student should devise a list of criteria that will help narrow down the wide possibilities of universities/colleges. Lastly, the student should visit as many schools on his/her narrowed down list. While visiting each school, it is important to eat a meal in the cafeteria, talk to students who attend the school, and observe the social aspect of the students (how they interact with eachother). It is also important to get pay attention to the surrounding area of the school and make sure that it is an environment that the prospective student would be comfortable in. All in all, I do not feel that each person has that "one special school" that is destined for him/her. There are many schools that may reach the qualification of the prospective student, but it is important to attend a school that satisfies the majority of your own personal qualifications.

Brad

I would say the strongest influence is the gut feeling you get when you step on campus. Each campus had a personality, and energy to it that really is a good representation of how you feel you would fit as a part of the campus; so I would definitely be cognizant of that.

Haley

Students must take in mind not only the academic excellence of the college, but also the social environment. Of course, academics should take precedence, but especially if you will be living on campus in a new town, the people you will be spending four years with will be very important. I wish that I would have taken this into greater consideration when I was applying to schools. One tip I have to make the most of the college experience is to not be afraid to ask questions and to get help from professors. If they are good at their job, they will be more than happy to help you, even if you are not doing well in their class. It is in their best interest for you to pass their class. Don't waste your money (or your parents' money) by skipping classes or not putting your all into assignments. You might as well get as much out of your classes as you can. One piece of advice to incoming freshman: join as many extra-curricular clubs and activities as you can! You can always drop them later, but this will help you find friends in those crucial first weeks.

James

Seriously considered thinking about what you truely want to do rather than listening to your parents talk about their future that they never had. Enjoy your college, it will be the most rewarding four years of your life.

Heejin

Look at the Course Catalogue, but more than that, ask yourself what kind of experience do you look forward to in college - ie, going to a huge football game with friends, or getting to record a cd with an acapella group, or doing research in top-level facilities, or having access to a huge research database. Whatever you love to do, look into it; see if the colleges you are looking at offer you opportunities to do what you're really passionate about.

Dan

Start off by making a geographic decision -- how far away from home am I willing to go? Then decide on what you want to pursue as a major -- if you are undecided, consider liberal arts schools! Your next decision is to choose between a large or small school (size DOES matter -- if you hated / enjoyed high school based on its size, consider those feelings when choosing a college). Apply to as many schools that interest you, BUT if there is one school that is your number one choice, you should absolutely apply early action / decision. There is usually a higher percentage accepted for this applicant pool, so it is will only help you increase your chances of getting in. VISIT the schools you are most interested in and always do an interview if you can. Be sure to follow up visits with thank you cards -- the more interaction you have with a school's admissions team, the better (it shows the school how enthusiastic you are about applying)! Be yourself, do not lie, choose your letters of reccomendation wisely, and spell check everything you submit. Get started as early as you can and try not to let things overwhelm you!

christina

go with your gut and be positive

Michael

A great deal of my college selection came down to comparing the intangible qualities of the various colleges I visited. Unless one school has a far better academic reputation than another, or there is a huge difference in the cost, the best way to pick a college is by simply assessing how you feel when you're on the campus. Once you're accepted you'll be swamped with view books, facts, and figures but there's nothing like simply exploring the campus and meeting students. Walk around each campus for a day, talk with students, ask them if they're happy and try to imagine yourself there. Choosing a college is a hard decision, but if the goal is just to find a place that makes you happy (for whatever reason), it makes the whole process much more straightforward.

Kenneth

For finding the right school: Visit the schools and talk to students there. Take your time making the decision and trust your instincts. For enjoying your college experience: Get involved with groups around campus, be they clubs, sports teams or fraternities/sororities. It's a quick and easy way to meet people and make friends with common interests.

Vivian

Don't let other people tell you what's best for you. You know yourself best - make a list of what you want in a school, and go from there. If it turns out you don't like the schools that come up, then reevaluate what you think you want. It's not about the name or prestige of a school - it's about what's right for you.

Alex

I think that any student looking for a positive experience needs to take time to seriously look at his or her goals in life. For example, if you're looking to go into Agriculture, don't go to a small liberal arts school. I know it sounds corny, but don't select a school based exclusively on its reputation as you may later find out that you don't feel as if you belong there. Go to a school where you feel like you can make a bond with the students you've met on your campus tours, where you feel comfortable with the faculty, and where you can imagine yourself living for all four years. Remember that whatever college you decide to go to, you will become a resident of that city and state and if you don't like the region for some reason (perhaps its political leanings for example), you'll have problems going to school there. Ultimately, you should choose a school based on your comfort level at that institution. When you finally stumble upon a school that fits your personality like a glove, you'll know you've found your new home.

Rebecca

In today's fast-paced world, college admissions is an extremely competitive process and even great students sometimes get left in the cold. I was a straight-A high school student with tons of extra-curriculars and awards. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go to school, so I applied to fourteen top schools in America. Unfortunately, only one accepted me. Trinity College gave me a full-tuition scholarship, which lessened the blow, but it still severely impacted the course of my education and future career. I knew nothing about Trinity and applied at the suggestion of my college counselor; when I arrived, I found the social atmosphere intolerable, but because of the scholarship, transferring wasn't an option. So, my advice to future students is to start early, research colleges extensively, choose a few that appeal to you personally - not just because they're big names - and keep your options open. Don't forget a saftey school, and don't be discouraged if your top choice doesn't accept you. At college, try to have fun even if you wish you were somewhere else. Above all, stay in school.

Benjamin

Talk to guidance counselors and visit all the schools you can. Do not limit based on wanting to be close to home. Get involved with everything that interests you.

Jackie

Visit schools, sit in on classes, and stay in a dorm. By seeing a campus you know if you'll be happy there. Sitting in on classes gives you a feel for the class size, interactions between faculty and students, and the quality of the education. In dorms, see if people are friendly with neighbors and if dorms are kept in good condition. See if the weekend night life it is compatible with your own interests. Join activities, be friendly, and utilize resources. Clubs and activities help you meet people with similar interests, and allows you to make a variety of groups of friends. There is no ?popular? group so being friends with a diverse group of people is easy and beneficial. It?ll broaden your experiences by meeting people from all walks of life. Freshmen year tough on everyone, no one has any best friends yet so never be afraid to introduce yourself. Meet with professors, they?re one of your greatest resources. They offer advice and help you with school work. It?s good to have a close relationship with a professor so you have someone to write letters of recommendation for jobs or graduate school.

Samantha

Those applying to college should decide what kind of school they want to be at in order to easily eliminate those options that do not fit them. There is a big difference between a large city school, and a small school in a suburban area. Also take note of what fields you are interested in, and if the college you are looking at has a strong department in that area. Once you get to school, try everything you think you might be interested in before you decide which activities you will continue with. This way you don't rule out anything right off the bat.

Mary

There is rarely a "perfect" college fit for you, each college has a diversity of students even if there is a stereotype. I have found myself frustrated at somet of the qualities of my college yet I have been able to find my place with friends and activities on campus and even gotten to love the area surrounding my college. Of course each person will have their own size preferences and such but once you get down to a few schools that are all very similair like big university, small liberal arts, etc. you will probably do well once you get plugged into campus. Don't waste your college years- if you need to take off a year and binge drink do that, don't waste your time and money to do it 24/7 at college. Lastly educational institutions offer so many opportunities whether it be for jobs, research, grants, study abroad, etc. so make sure to take advantage of all your school has to offer.

hana

Visit while school is in session! Sit in on some classes, see where students hang out and see if you can envision spending 4 years there. I think the best thing is to know that there isn't just ONE good college for everyone so don't convince yourself that one school is the end all. If you like the campus and students, and the learning style and class sizes fits your needs, you will be able to create your own niche. Once you're at college, what you do once you get there is the most important part; get involved! Make friends and have fun while learning and socializing, that is what makes the biggest impact. If you enjoy your time once you have found a school, THAT is what makes alums look back and think that the school they went to was the only one for them. Its the experience I had that makes me look back on college and think I couldn't have gone anywhere else, and I would love to do it all over again.

Isabel

If you know your academic interests, try to meet with some faculty members to get a better look at the departments. Visit the school while there are students around; try to stay overnight, visit some classes, etc. It's important that students get to check out the school a little without their parents so they feel uninhibited to ask current students questions they might not ask around their parents.

Lesley

I would advise that students make use of resources such as overnight visits and stays in order to actually experience the social life firsthand. It's easy to gain a feel for the academic life through the guided tours, admissions vists, etc. but it's more difficult to gauge what your experience outside of classes will be like just from a day-long tour (especially if it's during the summer). To parents I would advise to not push any one-type of school, even if you think that's the best option for your child, because in the end he/she will know best and need to choose for themselves. In terms of making the most out of the experience, get involved as best you can, and always keep an open mind about your college experience. If it seems like the wrong choice, remember that you can always make the most out of any situation you're in, and there are plenty of activities to involve yourself in on almost any college campus, or in the surronding community.