At any college, you're only going to get out of your education what you put into it, but at McDaniel, the possibilities are endless. First-Year Seminar courses like Music and Words as a Quest for Meaning and Horror Fiction help freshmen adapt to college life. The Honors Program allows you to take special courses in topics such as Great Works of the Western World, A Hero's Journey, and Nanotechnology. Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies courses feature topics like September 11 and its Aftermath and South Park and Contemporary Issues. Most professors have the highest degree in their field, and I have never had a professor that was not willing to talk to you in person for extra help or even just friendly conversation. Even outside the classroom, students have so many opportunities that promote skill-building and learning, such as internships, campus employment, and a huge variety of extra-curricular activities.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I know that McDaniel is where I was meant to be. The campus is small (you can walk across it in under 10 minutes), but that's what makes it so great. Students are not mere numbers, and there is a strong feeling of community. In addition, I like to keep busy, and it's so easy to get involved that I'm involved in 5 different campus organizations and hold offices in 3 of them. At a larger school, that would be impossible to do as a sophomore.
McDaniel is located in Westminster, MD, which is a quiet little town a couple hours away from Baltimore and Washington, DC. The College, sponsors movies on Friday nights, campus organizations hold clubrooms (dances) usually at least once a week, tailgating is HUGE, and there is usually something fun going on. When there's not, it's easy enough to find something to do. The game room is now free, you can go swimming in Harlow Pool, or play intramural sports. McDaniel is becoming increasingly diverse, and I think it's awesome that I've gotten to meet so many different people. Everyone is so friendly, too! I'm having so much fun and learning quite a bit.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I'm not going to lie- Tuition is expensive. However, a huge percentage of students receive financial aid and scholarships, and the education you receive is worth the cost. I can honestly say that if you put time and effort into your studies and get involved on campus, you will receive an education worth as much as or more than the money you paid to attend this college. Furthermore, there are so many opportunities to connect with faculty and staff that will help you not only in your coursework, but also in your job search and future endeavors.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you have a chance to visit camps, DO IT! This is true for ANY college you are considering applying to. I knew after visiting McDaniel that this was the place for me. Even if you don't come to the same conclusion that I did, you'll at least have eliminated an option.
Check out the undergraduate admissions website (http://admissions.mcdaniel.edu/). Especially read the student blogs. E-Ambassadors (like myself) update their blogs weekly to give prospective students an idea of what they're in for. Additionally, McDaniel Admissions has Flickr and YouTube accounts that are worth taking a look at.
If you're worried about getting accepted, relax. It is competitive, but SAT scores and grades are not the primary focus of your application. Put most of your time into your essay, because that is the element of your application that will make you stand out. If you're still worried, talk to your admissions counselor. They're friendly and more than willing to talk to you and answer questions.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Listed in Colleges that Change Lives and A+ Colleges for B Students, McDaniel is the place for anybody that is looking for an amazing liberal arts education and a welcoming community.
Slackers beware- This college is not for you. Sure, there are people that skate on by, but you will get the most out of a McDaniel College education if you want to learn.
At any college, you're only going to get out of your education what you put into it, but at McDaniel, the possibilities are endless. First-Year Seminar courses like Music and Words as a Quest for Meaning and Horror Fiction help freshmen adapt to college life. The Honors Program allows you to take special courses in topics such as Great Works of the Western World, A Hero's Journey, and Nanotechnology. Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies courses feature topics like September 11 and its Aftermath and South Park and Contemporary Issues. Most professors have the highest degree in their field, and I have never had a professor that was not willing to talk to you in person for extra help or even just friendly conversation. Even outside the classroom, students have so many opportunities that promote skill-building and learning, such as internships, campus employment, and a huge variety of extra-curricular activities.
I know that McDaniel is where I was meant to be. The campus is small (you can walk across it in under 10 minutes), but that's what makes it so great. Students are not mere numbers, and there is a strong feeling of community. In addition, I like to keep busy, and it's so easy to get involved that I'm involved in 5 different campus organizations and hold offices in 3 of them. At a larger school, that would be impossible to do as a sophomore. McDaniel is located in Westminster, MD, which is a quiet little town a couple hours away from Baltimore and Washington, DC. The College, sponsors movies on Friday nights, campus organizations hold clubrooms (dances) usually at least once a week, tailgating is HUGE, and there is usually something fun going on. When there's not, it's easy enough to find something to do. The game room is now free, you can go swimming in Harlow Pool, or play intramural sports. McDaniel is becoming increasingly diverse, and I think it's awesome that I've gotten to meet so many different people. Everyone is so friendly, too! I'm having so much fun and learning quite a bit.
I'm not going to lie- Tuition is expensive. However, a huge percentage of students receive financial aid and scholarships, and the education you receive is worth the cost. I can honestly say that if you put time and effort into your studies and get involved on campus, you will receive an education worth as much as or more than the money you paid to attend this college. Furthermore, there are so many opportunities to connect with faculty and staff that will help you not only in your coursework, but also in your job search and future endeavors.
If you have a chance to visit camps, DO IT! This is true for ANY college you are considering applying to. I knew after visiting McDaniel that this was the place for me. Even if you don't come to the same conclusion that I did, you'll at least have eliminated an option. Check out the undergraduate admissions website (http://admissions.mcdaniel.edu/). Especially read the student blogs. E-Ambassadors (like myself) update their blogs weekly to give prospective students an idea of what they're in for. Additionally, McDaniel Admissions has Flickr and YouTube accounts that are worth taking a look at. If you're worried about getting accepted, relax. It is competitive, but SAT scores and grades are not the primary focus of your application. Put most of your time into your essay, because that is the element of your application that will make you stand out. If you're still worried, talk to your admissions counselor. They're friendly and more than willing to talk to you and answer questions.
Listed in Colleges that Change Lives and A+ Colleges for B Students, McDaniel is the place for anybody that is looking for an amazing liberal arts education and a welcoming community. Slackers beware- This college is not for you. Sure, there are people that skate on by, but you will get the most out of a McDaniel College education if you want to learn.