Alumni Return to Share Advice about College Life with Upper School Students

The Upper School Assembly on Wednesday, January 12, was a favorite for ICS faculty and students.  Six recent Indian Creek alumni returned to campus to share their personal experiences and advice about the college search, application, and admission process with students in grades 9-12.  The annual Alumni College Panel welcomes ICS graduates back to campus to help students learn about ways to navigate the college process and beyond.
 
This year's panel was comprised of six alums, who had different interests at ICS, and are now studying many different subjects in a wide variety of schools:
  • Albany Bloor ’18, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, PA
  • Daniel Garland ’19, National Security/Foreign Affairs and Russian, Virginia Tech, VA
  • Shaun Gerety ’20, Business Marketing, Chestnut Hill University, PA
  • Jordyne Hebron ’20, Directing Major with Double Minor in Political Science & Film & Screen Studies, Pace University, NY
  • Taylor McCuiston ’18 , Architecture, Morgan State University, MD
  • Andrew Weinberg ’19, Anthropology Major with Minors in Philosophy and Spanish, Skidmore College, NY
The alumni shared insight into their experiences on many aspects of the application process and college life, including how important SAT scores are vs. the essay, interview tips, class scheduling, and roommate compatibility. While the panel represented a diverse array of experiences, many common themes emerged.  The alumni advised students to maximize their opportunities at Indian Creek.  "Try new activities. Participate in a school play or chorus. Try a new sport or activity. Build your resume so you're more appealing to colleges." 

Other advice also related to taking advantage of all that ICS has to offer. "Work closely with your college counselor.  They provide great advice and can help you understand the process."  The graduates shared that ICS prepared them well to form relationships with their professors. "Practice self-advocacy now.  You'll need to advocate for yourself in college on a regular basis."

They also shared that when looking at a school, students should think about what they will do on the weekends.  "Look beyond the college itself and see what the town and surrounding neighborhood has to offer."
 
Much of the advice was reassuring to the current students. "Don't take it personally if you get rejected from a college.  When one door closes, another one opens.  You will land at the school that is best for you."
"It's ok if you change your major when you get to college.  You don't need to know exactly what you want to do right now."  

All of the panelists agreed that it's important to be open minded throughout the college search. "There are many colleges that can meet your needs.  Learn about schools you're not familiar with."

The Indian Creek community loves seeing our alumni thrive in college and beyond.
 
 
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Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.