Newest Alumnae Return to Share College Advice

Every year the first week of January, Marian’s most recent graduating class returns to share their wit and wisdom with the current juniors and seniors. Guided by College Counselor Ben Ascher, a panel discussion unpacks the transition to college life. Topics include choosing a college, academic preparation, roommates and campus life.

Here is some sage advice that the Class of 2024 shared with current juniors and seniors:

• Get ahead by taking AP classes in high school.
• Narrow your college selection by making a list of the pros and cons of each school.
• Now’s the time to try new things. Take a risk by going away to school; you can always come back home.
• Look at the area, the surrounding community, and the opportunities the location presents for you.
• Ask yourself: What’s important to you and what do you want to be surrounded by? What parts of your current lifestyle do you want to preserve?
• Go through sorority rush to meet people and make connections even if you don’t want to pledge.
• The first week of school, keep busy and keep your door open. Introduce yourself to everyone.
• Don’t skip class - you never know what you might miss.
• Treat your studies like a 9-5 job.
• Make connections with your professors by participating in class - it helps you stand out and they’ll know you want to be a good student.
• Get off campus to get out of the college bubble and gain perspective.
• Marian prepared you well; you have to apply the skills you learned here.

The 134 members of the Class of 2024 represent a variety of campus experiences. They attend 45 schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Top majors include business, nursing, communications, engineering and pre-medicine.

Perhaps one of the best tips of the day: your Marian community will always be there for you.