June 26, 2017
In what grade did you come to MPA? Kindergarten
How did you come to choose the college that you did?
My decision was certainly not an easy one. I did not send my deposit in until 11:30 PM on April 30. I applied to many schools, but it was relatively easy for me to narrow it down to the top three and then the top two. From there, there was a period of time where I was quite conflicted. Both options have great academics and opportunities, and I went back and forth for a month. I think I tried just about every method of decision making including pro and con lists, flipping a coin, and reading philosophy papers about decisions, just to name a few. After none of this was successful, I chose to really think about where I could best see myself. I thought a lot about the students I had met and the feelings I had while on campus. Ultimately, it came down to the “vibe” and trusting my gut feelings.
What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am most excited to have the opportunity to choose classes and really focus on the topics I am passionate about. We have had some opportunity to do this through senior English and History courses at MPA, but I am looking forward to even more freedom to choose. In addition to this, I am interested in research and internship opportunities.
What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
The fall of my senior year was when I truly came to appreciate the college counseling process at MPA. The level of care that Ms. Pederson has for all of us is incredible. There were many weeks where I met with her multiple times while finalizing my college list, writing essays, and ultimately deciding where to go. Over winter break, I was scrambling to get all of my applications in by January 1, and she met with me at a coffee shop to review all of my essays. Later that week, we had an hour-long phone conversation about the revisions I had made. When it came to the decision-making, Ms. Pederson was always open to listening to my thoughts as I attempted to process it all, as well as providing feedback. All in all, Ms. Pederson’s commitment is truly what I appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA.
What about your MPA experience has best prepared you for college?
It is hard to choose just one MPA experience that has prepared me for the future because the entire environment has. The way that both teachers and peers push us to think critically about so many issues is going to be valuable skill in the future. It is easy to think only about the side you support, but being able to think through all perspectives, and even to think more deeply about your own perspective is something special about MPA students.
What is your advice for the Class of 2029 (kindergartners)?
Reflecting on the college process, my advice would be to keep your options open. I changed my college list almost entirely during the fall of my senior year, and added Macalester shortly before the deadline. Try not to get stuck in a mindset of your dream school because it will most likely change. Also, just keep thinking about what you want, not what anyone else wants for you.
Insights from Ms. Pederson, Director of College Counseling:
Maija’s passion to work for justice in the world initially drove her search. She applied to colleges and universities coast-to-coast that would fulfill her desire to join an academically rigorous community where those values would be reflected. This spring, she found herself in the exciting position of having been accepted to several schools, including three highly selective institutions that had, at various points, been her “top choice.” Surprisingly, this can be one of the toughest positions to be in—when your decision isn’t partially made for you by colleges denying your application. At that point, making a decision comes down to understanding yourself, and prioritizing among the wonderful opportunities each college option offers. I admire how Maija valiantly grappled with her final decision, through final campus visits, research, conversations, and lots of soul searching and self-reflection. Maija ultimately chose Macalester College over an option in Boston (and before that, possibilities in Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.) where she “found her people” among its nationally and internationally diverse student population, and she looks forward to close relationships with the highly engaged faculty she met on campus. Maija also plans to continue her work with the World Without Genocide Summer Institute at Mitchell Hamline Law School.
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! >
