Although it is not technically on her property, I have always felt like my nana’s pond belonged to me. But not in a territorial or possessive way. I do not remember going there as a baby, but simply knowing that I have been going there my whole life makes me feel a sense of trust towards it. Settled in rural southern Vermont, my family sometimes visits it over summer vacations. I walk from the house down the gravel road...

I received generous merit- and need-based scholarships from my school. I have loans as well, and I...

I interviewed for Smith College with an alum who lives in my area, and at Marlboro College...

During my junior and senior years I participated in a dual-enrollment program offered by my school district, which allowed me to enroll in community college classes and earn high school and college credit simultaneously. This showed admissions staff that I...

Personally, I worked. Save as much money as you can for college as early as possible. It was hard for...

I applied to large state universities as cost-effective safety schools. After doing a bit more research, I learned that the classes and teachers...

I chose Beloit College for its small class sizes, close-knit community, and strong support...

I relied heavily on the Colleges that Change Lives book. I wanted to attend a school whose educational philosophy places emphasis on critical thinking. I had not yet (and still haven't) decided on what to study, so I did not choose schools based on specific programs or majors offered. Most of the schools that met my criteria (out of state, small, intellectual...