When I talk with other college freshmen here at Elon, I am struck by how different our college application experiences were. I have realized during these conversations how lucky I was to have my support system at St. Margaret’s during my college application process.

I came to St. Margaret’s my junior year, and I really benefited from the change of environment. St. Margaret’s was very different from my large public high school and it worked for me. Because that change had been so successful, I figured I would attend a small college as well. I planned on only applying to schools with around 1,000-3,000 students, and most of the colleges I had in mind were in the Northeast.

• I signed up for Next Steps minimester, but I already had my college list ready and I was pretty set on it (I’m a planner!) Our first college visit was to a school around the size I had been picturing myself at, but it felt too small. It was not at all what I had imagined my college experience would be. I no longer knew exactly what I wanted, which was a little scary for me.

• I had heard a little bit about Elon before, but it never really registered because I was so set on going to school in the North. However, Elon actually had all the qualities I had been looking for in those small Northern schools, along with a traditional college atmosphere and beautiful weather, all in an area very populated with other schools.

• Mrs. Gross helped me so much with all my insecurities and she also told me little ways I could nudge the admissions people in the right direction, including demonstrating interest. I demonstrated interest by applying early decision, auditioning for the music education major, and calling the admissions department to tell them I had submitted my application (politely, concisely, and one time only!) My parents were also really grateful to have someone else helping me along with the application process…they didn’t have to nag me because I had to meet deadlines she set for the juniors and seniors!

• Having gone to a boarding school worked in my favor. Barry Bradbury, who is head of admissions, told me that they like kids who have gone to boarding school because they already have experience with living in a dorm. Since I’ve been at Elon I’ve met at least five other boarding school kids (including two Woodberry Forest boys!)

• I know St. Margaret’s and Mrs. Gross were instrumental in my acceptance here, and I am so grateful, because I am really enjoying it. I really fit in here, and it is the perfect place for me!

Email comments about site