June 20, 2017
In what grade did you come to MPA? 9th
How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose Grinnell because of its academic reputation. I loved how much the departments and programs work to develop a broad range of skills. I also love the location. Not many people can says yes to spending four years in a cornfield, but it seems that the students of Grinnell love that part.
What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
Meeting new people, and interacting with professors. I am also excited to join musical ensembles, as well as become a more independent person.
What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
How closely tailored it is for each individual person. Even though my brother and I are similar in school, the process was much different for him than it was for me.
What about your MPA experience has best prepared you for college?
Developing great relationships with teachers will serve me well in the future. Also, I believe our writing skills have been taught extremely well.
What is your advice for the Class of 2029 (kindergartners)?
Work hard. Education is an important tool in today’s society as well as the in future.
Insights from Ms. Pederson, Director of College Counseling:
Andrew brought a really open attitude to his college search—he considered strong academic programs at small private colleges, to members of the Big 10, along with a few medium-sized universities. His college options spanned urban, suburban, college town, and rural locations. Such openness can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can make it more difficult to narrow down the possibilities. Still, like a number of students with whom I’ve worked over the years, Andrew believed he could be successful and happy in many different types of schools and settings (and I agreed!)—it boiled down to choosing the right community, with the right mix of academic and extracurricular offerings. While he may take some ribbing about the cornfields of Iowa, at Grinnell Andrew will have the excellent company of motivated, accomplished students and faculty from all over the country and the world, and the benefit of a merit scholarship to boot. He actually seemed cool as a cucumber as he made his final choice, considering data and impressions from campus visits before deciding. I am confident that at Grinnell, he will thrive just as he has done as an MPA student, musician, and athlete. Perhaps Andrew’s biggest adjustment will come as he and his twin brother go their separate ways—Ben has enrolled at Carleton College, another top liberal-arts college.
The 54 members of the Class of 2017 were offered admission to 113 different colleges/universities in 31 states, Washington D.C., and Canada. They will attend 33 different colleges/universities in 14 states. Learn more about MPA’s College Counseling program here! >
