A: For Intro to Sociology, we had to do a qualitative study of Northfield, where we where asked to go someplace to observe for a couple of hours, and then describe our observations in the context of social theory. I chose to go to Northfield Hospital, and sit in the waiting room for a couple of hours. It was definitely a new experience, as there are so many minute things about a hospital that you would never know without intentionally looking for. Usually, other things take priority over careful observation whenever I've gone to a hospital.

A: I learned to understand and appreciate what it means to be a person of color in American society, which is something I never really consciously thought of before.

A: I would definitely suggest that prospective students venture into town, if only for an hour, to see what Northfield is really like. It's difficult to leave town often, so I think it is important for prospective students to see whether Northfield is a place they can actually see themselves for 4 years.

A: University of Minnesota, Brown University

A: Academic life is definitely time consuming. I've learned that while you don't have to do work all the time at Carleton, there is always SOMETHING you could be doing. Despite the workload, academics at Carleton seems to be a communal thing, where people are often working together to discuss readings, work on problems sets and write lab reports. The faculty here is also very supportive, and helpful in meeting with students outside of class to go over material.

A: While I came from a very diverse high school in St. Paul, I was surprised by the fact that I met so many people with beliefs outside of what I was accustomed to. Before coming to Carleton, I had never explicitly met a vegetarian or a vegan, had never heard of hummus, and knew next to nothing about environmental issues and being "green". Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise, as I knew there were still a lot of things that I could still learn about the world outside of class.

A: Financial aid definitely influenced my college decision. Not being from the most economically advantaged background, I was concerned with how I would be able to afford a college as expensive as Carleton. If the financial aid had not been up to par, I would be at the U of M instead.

A: Yes, I visited twice. I remember attending a Harry Williams class, and being in awe (and slightly frightened) of such a thought provoking person who was readily challenging his students, something I hadn't experienced at that magnitude in a long time. Also, the evening activities were a blast during my visits. I managed to go rock climbing, watch a great play (The Exonerated), a hilarious horror movie at SUMO (Dawn of the Dead), attend a Stimson House Party, and talk with other prospies late into the night at Sayles. If my life at Carleton could be half as fun as that night, I figured that the school would be a good fit for me.

A: I felt that at Carleton, I could explore a number of disciplines I knew nothing about (political science, economics, etc.), and that if I ever needed help, there would be faculty members who would know me and be willing to help me understand the material. Also, being close (but not too close) to home was a benefit, as escaping campus every once in a while is much easier if you have a place to go. Finally, the financial aid helped A LOT!

A: Think very carefully about what you want the next four years of your life to be like. Even if academically a college seems perfect for you, it is also important to remember that only part of your time is spent in the classroom. Campus atmosphere, small-town vs. urban dynamics, and the support of staff/faculty are all relevant issues that are often overlooked, which can be a critical difference between an overall wonderful college experience and being miserable.

A: Carleton is a fairly relaxed, light-hearted campus. Carleton students tend not to take themselves too seriously, and as a result are generally more fun to be around.

A: I have done a little volunteering around campus, helping with teaching science to elementary students as well as Girl Scouts. This year, I am also planning on volunteering at Northfield Hospital.

A: I worked in the dining hall for two years, both as a student worker and as a manager. I remember once a student tried to ride down the conveyor belt that leads from dining area to the dish room, and actually made it most of the way before getting stuck at the end. Last year I worked as an IPA (Intercultural Program Assistant) for the Office of Intercultural Life. Also, for the past two years, I have worked in the Chemistry department as a tutor, grader and lab T.A. During the breaks, I have worked for custodial, both doing cleaning and in their office doing data entry. The custodians are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Finally, I did research with Deborah Gross last summer, which was incredible.

A: I have lived in the following halls/houses: 2nd Myers, Parish House, Stimson House, Huntington House. I was fortunate enough to live on a floor freshman year where most everyone got along, and still hangs out to this day. We did a lot of goofy things that year, including a study break snack progressive and a water balloon fight that somehow ended up in the girls bathroom.

A: Carleton is filled with all sorts of different people from around the world. A lot of students are actively involved with issues, specifically environment and political. Also, the campus seems to be big into helping others via volunteering. I know plenty of students who have worked with Habitat for Humanity, volunteer at Northfield hospital or tutor at the high school. Although many Carleton students can be ignorant on many issues, especially regarding race, ethnicity and class, the student body as a whole seems to be willing to try to educate themselves in this regard.

A: Watching movies, playing video games, playing card games (just about any kind), working out at the rec center, professional wrestling (my little quirk), dance (nothing formal), reading novels.