Conn receives record applications
Connecticut College received a record number of applications from students interested in joining the Class of 2022.
More than 6,400 high school students from around the world submitted applications to Conn this year, a significant increase over the 5,400 students applying for the Class of 2021. The rise comes one year into the implementation of Connections, the College's reinvention of the liberal arts, which has resonated with students interested in taking a fully integrative approach to their education.
"Connections has raised the profile of Connecticut College among students who understand the need to be adaptive in today's world," said Andrew Strickler, dean of admission and financial aid at Conn. "Specifically, they're drawn to our Integrative Pathways, which allow students to explore issues they are passionate about by intentionally combining their academic major with interdisciplinary study, a relevant internship, a world language—all organized around a central theme."
Each Pathway requires students to pursue purposeful engagement in a local or international context, such as study away, an internship or community-based learning.
"Pathways ensure our students are ready to enter a fulfilling career or a challenging graduate education program as soon as they graduate," said Strickler.
Another key element of Connections has also proven to be important to prospective students: team advising. Each student at Conn is supported all four years by a team that includes a faculty adviser, staff adviser, student adviser and career adviser.
"Even though these are strong, gifted students, they appreciate the team advising system because it offers additional perspective as they map out their education and post-college lives," Strickler said. "It goes beyond simple assistance with selecting courses and really helps them consider how their interests and aptitudes can lead to long-term success."
Connections was built on the strength of the College's nationally recognized centers for interdisciplinary scholarship, established more than two decades ago. The programs within those centers, which led to the Pathways, reflect a longstanding commitment to a student-centered and fully integrated liberal arts education.
"More students are choosing Conn because the College keeps evolving and growing in ways that current students want to see, and want to experience," said Strickler.
