Advice to Seniors

May 22, 2024

This essay is another installment in a series of stories by ninth grader Isabel Magnus about topics of interest to the SJA community.

 

Transitioning from high school to college can be both exciting and terrifying. Nobody feels completely prepared when starting a new chapter of life, and all incoming college freshmen have unanswered questions when they arrive at their new school. So I interviewed Hannah MacDonaldfrom last year’s graduating classto find out about her experience transitioning from the academy to college. Hannah is wrapping up her freshman year at UVMand she has some interesting things to share.

 

What has the transition from the academy to college been like for you? What surprised you the most? 

Transitioning from the Academy to UVM was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I was lucky enough to end up with a good roommate, and I’ve grown even closer to my friends from the academy who came here. I was a bit surprised at the rigor of my courses, but I think this made them all the more intellectually fulfilling. 

 

What have been the most difficult aspects of being in college? What have been the most rewarding aspects of being in college?

Managing my free time has been both the most difficult and rewarding aspect of college life. If I am able to get my homework done in good time, I am able to pursue my extracurricular interests such as reading, playing the piano, and spending time with friends.

 

What is your major, and do you think it was the right choice for you? Was it an obvious choice for you, or were you uncertain about it?

I began the year as an environmental sciences major but will end it as a biological science major. The core curriculum for environmental sciences turned out to be far more social science based than I had anticipated, and I wanted hard sciences to be at the center of my academics.

 

What are the things (if anything) you wish you’d known when you started your freshman year?

I wish I had looked at the course descriptions before declaring my major. 

 

What do you do for fun at school and in Burlington? What campus activities/events have you most enjoyed? 

My friends and I often walk down from campus to shop on Church Street or to watch the sunset on the waterfront. In the winter, the ski and snowboard club runs buses to ski mountains, so I skied at Jay Peak nearly every weekend. 

 

Lastly, what can high school juniors and seniors do to prepare themselves for college while still in high school?

I would suggest that high school juniors and seniors take classes and participate in extracurricular activities that allow them to explore a variety of their interests. This will help them identify which subjects they have a particular affinity towards and would be interested in studying in college. I also suggest high school juniors and seniors start their college search early and keep their minds open to which schools they’ll consider. I urge students to look beyond college rankings and preconceived notions and to talk with current students, spend time on campuses, and look into the unique programs each school has to offer. Most of all, I urge students not to stress over the college admissions process, as there are wonderful opportunities at every university, and at most schools, a student is allowed to change their area of study if they dislike the one they initially declare.

 

Thank you so much, Hannah, for sharing your experience!

 

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