Carleton College Admissions

I'm still no social butterfly, but I think I'm much more at ease talking with people now than before. Being surrounded by like-minded nerds for two years is quite therapeutic that way. I've also grown up a lot.

Try new things. It's simple but true. I considered myself adventurous and curious before I came to Carleton, but here I have discovered better how that mantra relates to the world. Yes, try weird food, but also approach the world with humor and openness so it can change you and do bring up difficult questions that you haven't tackled. I'm still learning.

Three years at Carleton has made me more confident intellectually, socially, academically, and athletically. In high school I felt out-of-step with my teachers and the general mood of the student body, and it was hard to relax and let myself grow while I was at school. As a result I tended to shut down and be a little cynical to my classmates. I like to think my time at Carleton has helped me open up.

The meaning of teamwork. I know it sounds cliche, but swimming at Carleton has been one of the most bonding experiences of my life, and I love to see my teammates excel.

They would be surprised at how much I've grown up since coming here. I've had to buckle down and hone my study skills, and I've also interacted so closely with my professors that I've had to mature in my speech and in my actions.