univarsity

Andrew Hammond at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Class of 2029

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:38:41 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"There are so many things I love about college. If I had to pick one, it would be independence. I have the freedom to pursue a major of my choice, pick classes that I'm interested in, and join any programs available. All of this on-top of living on my own."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am currently in Pre-Business, looking to transfer into Leed's next year and major in Business Administration with an emphasis on Real Estate. Outside of the classroom, I am in Sigma Alpha Epsilon."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"One thing that surprised me about college was the amount of free time you have during the day, since many people came from busy days with up to 6 classes and sports taking up whole afternoons. For reference, I usually only have two classes a day now . "

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"At CU Boulder, all of the weekend fun happens over on the Hill. A ton of restaurants, bars for when you are older, and all of the Greek and student housing."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"The place to eat here, in my opinion, is Fat Shack. It will be a quick discovery for anyone recently moving in."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity did an amazing job helping me decide on this school, from what my major would be to the location. The scenery around campus is amazing, campus life is outstanding, and I couldn't be more thankful for your guy's help throughout the whole process!"

Lyla Jordan at Texas Christian University, Class of 2029

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:30:53 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"I love having independence and that there is always something going on! I love staying busy and there is lots of opportunities here to do this."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am an Accounting and Finance major and have joined many different clubs. I am part of a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, which I love! I am also part of LEADNow, a freshman-year leadership and service program for women, and the pickleball club. Finally, I am in a mentorship program called Neeley Next Step, which is for business majors and helps give guidance about the different opportunities in the business school."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"One thing that has excited me is how nice and friendly everyone is! I have met so many people, and everyone is super welcoming, which I love. "

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"My weekend are very buys with lots of events from football games to sorority events to parties. I also enjoy going out to dinner with my friends."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"The best restaurant/place to get food around campus is called Eatzis They have a very wide variety and all the food is delicious and tastes very homey."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"I would not be where I am today without UniVarsity! I am very grateful for everything that they did to help me. They helped me select the schools that fit what I wanted, which was extremely helpful because I came into the application process having no idea. They also had very good knowledge of the different opportunities at schools, which helped me in deciding. Finally, they helped me to stay calm and organized throughout the whole process so it became way less stressful."

Hailey Hooper at the University if Utah, Class of 2029

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:56:33 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some things I like about the University of Utah are that the people and the environment are so nice and welcoming. Soroity life is great because there are so many things to do but not too overwhelming."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I went in with a kinesiology degree, and now I am double majoring in EMS with a focus on being a paramedic and maybe double majoring in Political science."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"What surprised me at college is how it is so easy to change majors and that it is ok to change your mind on what you want to do. "

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"On weekends, it is fun to adventure, and we go on hikes, honestly, anything outdoors is great. Trying new restaurants is so fun because there is so many in the city. Also, going to parties and tailgates is so much fun, and you meet so many people."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"Swig is amazing, and I love going to the local sushi places. I also love walking anywhere, it is really pretty all year round."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity really helped me see what school was the perfect match for me and how to get in."

Caden Kawamura at UCLA, Class of 2029

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:33:18 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some of the perks of going to one of the biggest schools is the wide variety of people you'll meet. Between UCLA's services, Westwood, and being surrounded by big cities, there's never a dull moment."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying Civil Engineering at UCLA. I am in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) where I plan on joining a project soon."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"UCLA dining being the best in the nation also isn't a bad bonus. "

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"I joined a fraternity, which is where I spend most of my time when I'm not doing schoolwork."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity was a great help in every step of the way. From helping me narrow down what kind of school fit me to helping with my essays. I am grateful for how UniVarsity kept me on track and how supportive they were the entire time. I have no regrets and am ecstatic to have picked UniVarsity and UCLA."

Gabe Benitez at California Lutheran University, Class of 2029

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:11:49 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"All my friends live 30 seconds away, and professors can just cancel class or end it early at their own will."

What are you studying/involved in?

"Double major in political science and Spanish, on the Kingsmen swim team, ASCLUG Senate, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and Model United Nations."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"I was surprised that I didn't miss home too much, and I was excited to meet new friends and make connections ."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"Go to the mall, line dancing, go into LA, go to the beach in Malibu, rest up."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"If you cross one of the bridges on campus while a red car drives underneath, it's good luck!"

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"Narrowing down my college list and picking schools that I'd like... I loved every school that I visited that was recommended by UniVarsity specifically for me."

Irit Paiement at the Washington University St Louis, Class of 2029

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:30:43 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"I love all the people here and how everyone is friends with each other. I also love all the help and different help sessions that the teachers and TAs provide for us."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I'm studying math on the pre-med track. I'm involved in math clubs, chemistry club, intermural sports, and looking to soon get involved in research and Greek life."

What is something that surprised you about college?

" I was surprised by how nice and willing everyone was to help each other. Most people want to share information with you instead of being too competitive."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"I hang out with my friends, go to club meetings, and study on weekends. We also explore the St. Louis area."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"They give out free popcorn in the DUC every Wednesday evening!"

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"They helped me find the perfect college for me, and guided me through the application process!"

Audrey Kovacs at the University of Miami, Class of 2029

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:33:00 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some of the things I enjoy about college are that each day is different, and you can make your own unique day every day. I love getting to meet new people, and especially at UM, it was super cool meeting all my professors and getting to know them personally."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am majoring in Community and Applied Psychological Studies and minoring in Business Entrepreneurship and Marketing. I am involved in Club Pickleball, Best Buddies, and a non-profit called Big Brothers Big Sisters."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"Something that surprised/excited me about college, especially at UM, was how many events go on every day on campus. UM does an amazing job of making the campus so fun with so many different things to do every day."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"My friends and I have gotten to go to the beach almost every weekend since we moved in, and we've made it almost a tradition to go every Sunday. The beach is super close to campus, and it is such a fun thing to do on the weekends."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"There is so much wildlife on campus! Everywhere you look, there is either a lizard, duck, parrot, iguana, cat, or your name."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity kept me calm and helped me to feel confident in the college application process. It was so amazing to have them review my progress and keep me on track. It is also so amazing the relationship that is made from UniVarsity, keeping in contact with them in college is super special."

Blake Vera at Michigan State University, Class of 2028

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:04:54 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some things I like about Michigan State are the good bus system, and how available the ways to get around campus are because of how big it is. I love the big state school football program they have because the games are insane. I like the size of the dorms."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I'm studying biomedical lab science and am a part of the rugby team."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"Something that surprised me was the amount of people here and how if you don’t find your people on your first day, there is plenty of opportunity to find people."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"Hanging out with people I meet and going to games."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"Fun fact is on 3rd down (football) they jingle their keys, also people tailgate just on the school like paths and grass."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"Y'all helped me a ton start my search and really narrow it down, like I didn’t know the first steps, and y'all really laid it down for me."

Melanie Kallah at Claremont McKenna College

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:53:29 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"CMC supports its students in ways I’ve never seen at another college: from orientation trips at the beginning of the year that give you a great group of friends, to countless free activities, to the teachers themselves. If you think about your favorite teacher in high school, that’s pretty much every teacher at CMC. They are extremely passionate about what they do and they’re committed to their students, as evident by the office hours and willingness to support any student no matter where they are in their journey. I had teachers in my first semester who were willing to get on the phone with me and walk through my essay even when it wasn’t their office hours. Beyond academics, you’ll find that the social life is welcoming here. The students are intelligent, but there is not a stressful level of competitiveness that you find at most other colleges. I was worried about making friends, but the process could not have been easier with a support system given to me by the college and the type of students that attend CMC. Beyond that, CMC looks out for the safety of their students and their progression as a human beyond college. "

What are you studying/involved in?

"My two favorite things this past semester academically was my acceptance onto the Model United Nations team and my intro Arabic class! MUN is like a second family, and I’ve learned so much in just one semester. Though everyone competes as an individual in MUN, the team is incredibly supportive of every member, and as someone new to MUN I immediately felt welcome. With Arabic being such a hard language, I was nervous to take this class. Surprisingly, however, it immediately became my favorite course. Not only was the professor extremely kind and intelligent, she cared so much about her students but at the end of the semester she threw a mini party for us at a Middle Eastern restaurant. I was able to grow close to her this past semester and knew that she was as committed as I was to seeing me succeed. The benefit of a small college like CMC, is that every teacher is able to get to know their students and connect with them on a deeper level. Knowing that you are not a number truly alters your experience as a student as it did in this class."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"As I stated previously, I was nervous about making friends. However, because of the support system CMC has in place, the process of connecting with people was so easy. I will be honest, anyone’s freshman year, especially the first semester, will feel lonely. But, with countless clubs, outgoing students, and social events, it’s almost impossible to not meet someone you’ll become friends with. The thing that surprised me the most however, was how connected people are with the staff. I have friends that will jam out in the music room with the security guards when they’re off shift, and I’ve sat down for tea at the Athenaeum with almost all my teachers."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"CMC students always love to have something to do! I loved going to the village on the weekend to see the farmers market with my roommates, going to the music room, attending amazing talks at the Athenaeum, and going to parties. It’s true that CMC students work hard and play hard, but that being said I have never once felt unsafe in any party scene, which I am extremely grateful for. This is in part due to the orientation we receive and the constant reminders from the school about how to say safe, and also in part due to a group on campus called Advocates which is dedicated to ensuring the safety of students. They will “lifeguard” at parties, and I’ve received training in bystander intervention. All the students are volunteers and are not paid, which I think is yet another testament to the care CMC students have for each other."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"I will forever look forward to two things at the cafeteria that I never expected: the pizza and the churros. The pizza is probably the best I’ve had in my life. Secondly, my roommates and I have a tradition that any night they have churros, we grab a brunch and dip them in a mocha latte. It is incredibly delicious."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"The biggest thing I received help in was organization and accountability. The hardest thing about any of the essays or part of the application process with starting and committing fully to the process. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for the support I received and how it helped keep me on track. Furthermore, I received a lot of aid in organizing my ideas and making sure they got on the page in a clear, concise, and creative manner. I stressed for so long about my personal statement, and was so glad to have it done the summer before. It was the greatest bonus and gave me so much confidence.

Jacob Lebovitz at UC Berkeley, class of 2025

karen@univarsityllc.com (Karen Leonard) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:34:36 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"I love a lot of things about Berkeley. There is such a diverse mix of people who are all excited about learning. There is also unlimited experiences no matter your interest. The campus is also integrated into the city so you really get independent and experience living in a city environment. I have met a ton of great people and have had good professors. I have not surrounded myself with competitive people so I have not personally felt the competitive atmosphere even though I am taking difficult and challenging classes."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying Data Science with a concentration in computational biology. I am also planning to minor in math. I had a part time job off campus and was involved in the club Triathlon team."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"I was surprised by the extremely diverse mix of people at this school. You have people who are extremely focused on school and their academics, and people who focus more on their social life, yet both love Berkeley equally. I was also surprised that the campus feels small sometimes despite the size of the undergrad population."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"Weekends for me were filled with trips to San Francisco, local coffee shops, and sitting out on grassy areas of campus. I also had Triathlon races all over the state. There is a lot to do in Berkeley- nice restaurants, karaoke, etc. It is also nice to take nights to yourself or have a quiet night with friends."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"Fun fact is that you will never have to own a car in Berkeley if you don't really want to. Public transportation is pretty good."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity helped me the most with my essays and made sure that they captured my character. Also with the structure and formatting of different essays or activity lists."

Logan Sohn, Cal Poly SLO, Class of 2028

karen@univarsityllc.com (Karen Leonard) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:53:35 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

" So far my professors have been great at Cal Poly, many of which have made uninteresting subjects very lively."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"On the weekends, downtown is always fun and has a lot to offer food and shopping wise. Pretty close the city are some great hikes and sand dunes which are great places to watch the sunset."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am a graphic communication major and am taking part in the Design Village media team. My main role is generally motion graphics for the videos that we put out regarding the club."

Zoe Rojas, San Diego State University, Class of 2028

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:12:10 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some things I love about SDSU is how social it is, so there's never a boring moment. There are always chances to meet new people and do things around campus, day to night. I also love the weather in San Diego so you can always find me tanning at the pool in between classes. Another pro about SDSU is that the meal plan is restaurant based, and I really love all the food options, and the fact that the campus is super pretty so I always enjoy my walks to class."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"During the weekends there are always fun things to do on and off campus. I especially love going to Pacific Beach for a shopping day, and cute restaurant spots, or La Jolla for a relaxing day at the beach!"

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"A fun fact about SDSU is that there is a study spot in the middle of campus known as the “turtle pond” where you can always find so many turtles crawling and swimming around."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am currently on a general business pathway, and plan to major in marketing this following year. I also hope to get involved in Greek life my sophomore year now that I’m fully adjusted to my college lifestyle!"

 What is something that surprised you about college?

"One thing that surprised me about college is how much independence you gain. Obviously you have to adjust to a brand new lifestyle, but I feel like it pushes you to grow in every aspect of your life! "

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity immensely helped me when it came to the whole college application process since it can be such an overwhelming time. They helped keep me on track every step of the application way, along with keeping everything organized. UniVarsity also helped me brainstorm and discover topics I wanted to write about for specific college essays, and overall what school would be a great fit for me!"

Anthony Mentas University of San Diego, Class of 2027

Fri, 30 May 2025 20:47:50 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some of the things I like about USD are that the views are incredible, the food is good, and the class schedules are nice and spaced out."

What are you studying/involved in?

"Right now, my classes are Introduction to Media Studies, First Semester Italian, Survey of Calculus, and Principles of Microeconomics. I am also very involved in my church in San Diego. I sing in the choir, and I am a part of their young adult group, which is an organization that is affiliated with my school called Orthodox Christian Fellows. I am also trying to become a member of Italian club."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"What surprised me about college is that all of the professors list all due dates for homework, dates for quizzes, and dates for tests on their syllabus at the beginning of class."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"On the weekends, I am mostly doing activities involved with my church and going to sports games."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"At USD, the best caffe on campus is Aroma’s. They have the best food and drinks, and they have a great big patio that is right next to the Immaculata (the Cathedral)The best food to get in the cafeteria is the Mediterranean food at lunch. Also, the best times to wash clothes, bedding, and towels is on Friday night or Saturday morning."

Peyton Beyma The University of Idaho, Class of 2026

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:31:06 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"I love how welcoming everyone is on campus, how counselors are super helpful and have a lot of insight on things, and how there are so many resources available."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying Interior Architecture and Design and I joined a sorority called Delta Gamma."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"I am excited to do more projects within my major because you never know what to expect."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"On the weekends, I hang out with all of the girls in my sorority and we always have fun times together."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college or surrounding area?

"One place in Moscow that I love to go on the weekends is this restaurant called Gambino's; it has the best pizza."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"I would not be at the college I am without UniVarsity. They made this process ten times easier than it is and because of them I'm at an amazing college with amazing friends!!"

Lauren Johnson St. Mary's College, Class of 2028

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:26:07 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"At SMC, I think there are a lot of things I like. They have different events to engage the community, such as the clubs, First Year Olympics, and activities outside campus like horse back riding or Giants baseball games. Everyone here is very welcoming as well; I really got to know the girls on my floor, whom I hangout with."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"When I'm not studying or engaging in the clubs/sports, I go out with my friends off campus. San Fransisco and Walnut Creek are within an hour driving radius, so my friends and I will go shop, eat, go to museums, and other activities. The school also gives away free baseball tickets, holds events like white water rafting for everyone to have fun on weekends as well."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"A fun fact about St. Mary's is that we have deer, wild turkeys, and other animals that just wander on campus. Although SMC is located so close to major cities, it's tucked away in the hills where there are tons of trails and forest."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying chemistry and maybe minoring in archaeology. I am involved in club water polo, Gael sisterhood, and St. Luke's pre health club"

 What is something that surprised you about college?

"At first, I was a little bit nervous about balancing my time and studying properly. As I talked to my professors and upperclassmen mentors, they guided me on how I was doing the correct steps to become successful. SMC really does value your success, they want to celebrate the good times and uplift you during the difficult ones."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"For college, SMC wasn't even on my radar until UniVarsity mentioned them to my family and I. The schools they suggested fit my criteria and everything I was looking for in a college experience. This really helped me chose my current school based on their values on academics and community involvement!"

Quinn Van Wagner at the University of Maryland!

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:17:36 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some of the things I like about UMD: the sports atmosphere, I have had a great time going to the football games with my friends, the honors program, I have gotten great professors through the honors versions of my classes with small class sizes and a tight-knit cohort, and the opportunities, I have found great academic and non academic clubs that helped me find people who have become my friends."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying Aerospace engineering, and I am involved in the AIAA Design build fly competition team as well as researching aerodynamics of bodies at mach 4 and mach 6 in the wind tunnel we have on campus."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"Some fun things I have been doing on the weekends are going to the football games, going bowling in the student union and taking the metro into DC."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college or surrounding area?

"Fun fact is that 251 north dining hall has a gourmet ice cream sundae bar with ice cream made from milk from the cows in the agriculture school."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"Univarsity helped me the most with finding a school like UMD where I can do all manner of things that I am interested in, from research in my major during my first semester as a freshman to the community and atmosphere of division one sports teams and a large school."

Madi Ingrassia The University of Southern California, Class of 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:12:08 GMT

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"I’ve found a home church in LA called Reality LA, and it’s amazing! I try to go every Sunday, usually with a group from Christian Challenge, but if I can’t make it in person they have an online Livestream. I recently was invited to lead worship for them as well. Besides that, LA is always full of life. There are always concerts in the area, athletic games to go to, West Hollywood is very close by, the movie theater at LA Live is great, Koreatown is just up the street, along with the Century City and Culver City malls (Century City is my favorite). I also like to go home sometimes on the weekend since it’s close.."

What (did UniVarsity help you with most?

"I initially would say working on the essays helped the most, because I never would have rewritten so many times had I not had someone to help me understand what colleges were actually looking for. However, the activities list/resume has actually proved to be so useful! I still use it today to format my resume to send to employers, and it’s gotten me an internship and a summer job already :)."

What are some of the things you like about college?

"Some of the things I like: - the independence that comes with living at school - being in complete control of your education and what you study - the endless opportunities USC gives to expand your education; minors, progressive degree programs, pre-law advising, 3+3 law degree program, etc etc"

What are you studying/involved in?

"What I’m studying/involved in: - In pre-law advising track, majoring in Music Industry (B.S.), minor in Entertainment Industry, Progressive Degree Program (PDP) in Marketing (M.M.) - a member of USC Christian Challenge, Snow Club, USC Concerts Committee, and planning on rushing next spring! 3. What is something that surprised/excited me about USC? - USC has a farmers market on campus every Wednesday! - I’ll be able to get my bachelor's, a minor, and my masters all in 4 years (and 2 summers)."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"The Progressive Degree Program is amazing! There are several master's programs that offer the PDP option, and they usually take an extra year but I was able to squeeze everything into my schedule. I’ll still need to apply to the program and be accepted in my junior year, but my advisor worked with me on creating the best schedule so I could graduate on time. - Specific to the Thornton School of Music, most if not all of the professors have professional jobs in the music industry. My Intro to the Music Industry professor just won the grammy for Album of the Year! It’s a testament to why they’re teaching; they don’t need to be there, they want to be there to teach and help their students succeed in the industry."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"Fun fact about USC - Burger Crush inside Tutor Campus Center has $1 soft serve cones! Also, pro tip, for about $9 a month you can get a free cookie from Insomnia EVERY DAY! Also also, there’s a cupcake ATM outside the bookstore :)."

Emma Spurlock The University of Iowa, Class of 2024

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:27:08 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

"I love how welcome everyone is on campus, counselors are super helpful and have a lot of insight on things, and how there are so many resources available."

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying math education and am involved in dance marathon which is to help raise money for the children in the hospital."

What is something that surprised you about college?

"I was very scared going in about how I was going to meet people but since people here are so welcoming it made me feel a lot more comfortable in my dorm as well as my classes."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"I love hanging out with the people in my dorm on the weekends and going downtown."

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college?

"Fun fact was that almost every building on campus has some amazing history to it which I found very interesting."

What (did UniVarsity help you with most?

"They helped me so much with the college process and I felt very organized and prepared when coming here."

Emma Hastie at the Grinnell College

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:17:47 GMT

What are some of the things you like about Grinnell College?

"I am a Philosophy and Studio Art double major at Grinnell College. One thing I like about Grinnell is the general academic environment. The class sizes are about a maximum of 20 people, and all my professors have been great. I have also been able to successfully balance my academic workload with my social life. Furthermore, a large part of our student body is international students, so there are many events that showcase the various cultural traditions and holidays celebrated by many members of our student body. Some of these events include Diwali, a Festival of Lights, and Holi, a festival of colors. The photo you see is of my friends and I after we threw powdered color at each other for Holi. This was definitely one of the highlights of my college experience thus far. "

What are you involved in?

As for things I am involved in, a recent endeavor of mine is creating a new publication at my university. This publication is a fashion magazine inspired by the student body at my university with the mission to showcase the diversity and various identities represented in our community. The school funds the entire publication process as well. I am also planning to host a weekly radio show with one of my good friends this coming semester. Additionally, I plan to study abroad in Denmark during the fall semester of my fourth-year, which I am quite excited for. There are many opportunities to study abroad during the academic year and also during the summer. As for fun things to do, I would definitely invest in a bike.

What is something that surprised or excited you about college?

During my first-year, every weekend there were also themed events in the Harris Center on campus, which were a lot of fun. We also had a lot of bands and music artists come perform on campus as well.

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"Without the help of UniVarsity, I would have never even known about Grinnell College, and UniVarsity’s suggestions for colleges to apply to made the entire process a little less daunting. I will forever be thankful for the help!"

Fun fact you have learned about Grinnell?

"The Grin City Bakery in town also has the best donuts you will ever find. During the winter, my friends and I always go sledding by the football field on campus. The winters can get quite cold though, so prepare yourself for that and invest in a nice parka. Overall, it’s quite manageable to balance your academic and social life. Some advice I would give is to get involved and take advantage of the many funded opportunities the school has to offer to create the college experience you want for yourself. You have to put effort into it."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"On the weekends, my friends and I like to go for bike rides and we usually end up surrounded entirely by cornfields, which is quite a surreal yet peaceful experience. The town of Grinnell is quite small and is essentially surrounded by cornfields, so at times it may feel like you are living in a bubble. When my friends and I start feeling this way we usually take a day trip to either Des Moines or Iowa City to get a change of scenery. In Grinnell, adventuring to the Second Mile Thrift Shop is also a must. The Hazelwood Cemetery is also a beautiful place to bike to. Grinnell’s varsity soccer, basketball, and volleyball games are also quite fun to watch."

Jacob Lebovitz UC Berkeley, Class of 2025

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:07:36 GMT

What are some of the things you like about college?

What are you studying/involved in?

"I am studying Data Science with a concentration in computational biology. I am also planning to minor in math. I had a part time job off campus and was involved in the club Triathlon team."

What is something that surprised you about college?

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college or surrounding area?

"Fun fact is that you will never have to own a car in Berkeley if you don't really want to. Public transportation is pretty good."

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

"UniVarsity helped me the most with my essays and made sure that they captured my character. Also with the structure and formatting of different essays or activity lists."

Alex Van Nieuwenhuysen at Willamette, Class of 2025

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:42:00 GMT

What do you like about Willamette?

" Campus is small but beautiful and it is easy to get around downtown. Oregon has lovely seasons where in the fall it cools down and the leaves change, and in winter it gets very cold. Professors are supportive of students and they care about the things they teach. Class sizes are small, the biggest class I have had was lecture-based and had around 25 students. This allows me to get to know my professors."

What are you majoring in?

"While I have not declared a major yet, I am most interested in psychology and possibly will double-major in Psychology and Art History. There are a lot of clubs on campus and I am part of the Millstream Sailors: a club where we sing and perform sea shanties! It's a lot of fun. I am also on the debate team as part of my scholarship."

What are you doing on the weekends?

"During the weekends I usually hang out with friends on campus. However, it is super easy to get to Portland as there is the train station right next to campus. I went to Portland to see a concert and visit my brother!"

What is something that surprised you about Willamette?

"While I knew WU was supportive, I was surprised by how supportive and nice everyone was. Professors and students are very friendly and it is super easy to make friends."

What did UniVarsity Help You With?

"Univarsity really helped me with staying on track when it came to applications. Applying for college is a very overwhelming process and it can be hard to find where to start. I was very productive with Univarsity and barely overwhelmed as they provided a step-by-step process to get my applications done on time. I procrastinate a lot and if I didn't have the help from UniVarsity, I think I would have been a lot more stressed."

Isabella Reina at UCLA!

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:38:34 GMT

What are some things I like about college?

"I love being able to build my own schedule and take classes that aren’t necessarily in my major like coding and programming!"

What are you studying and involved in?

"I am a Public Affairs and Psychology double major hoping to minor in Social Data Science. This January, I will be starting as the social media coordinator for the Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families and hope to become a sports team manager next year!"

Something that surprised or excited you about college?

"The adjustment is tough! But making new friends and being in a new environment is so exciting."

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

"During the Fall Quarter, sports games and going out with friends is a must!"

What is a fun fact you have learned about your college or surrounding area?

"UCLA dining is incredible! My favorite place to eat is Epicuria for dinner."

What did Univarsity help you with most?

University helped me narrow down my options during the application process and also helped me tremendously with my essays. I now know so much about the college application process and could not have earned my acceptances without their consistent support and help!

Alexandra Biddle at the Boston College

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:42:00 GMT

What are some of the things you like about Boston College?

I am currently majoring in Communications and minoring in Sociology and Marketing at Boston College. I am involved in a tap dance group on campus and a mentorship program with underprivileged children in the greater Boston area. I love Boston College because it’s a school that truly encourages you to not only thrive academically but also enjoy your time as a college student. Through the school’s core curriculum, you can take classes that introduce you to many different disciplines, which helped me expand my academic interests.

What are you involved in?

Events like the Boston Marathon and football games really bring the Boston College community together to support the city of Boston and our school. Lastly, Boston College’s alumni network is incredibly welcoming and many students utilize various career programs like Endeavor and Eagle Exchange to give them a head start in discovering what they want to do in the future and how to make those connections that will get you there.

Doing anything fun on the weekends?

On the weekends I will often go into Boston to go to various museums, concerts, and restaurants. Going on adventures and changing my surroundings is something I have found very useful in college so I do not get consumed by my school work.

What is something that surprised or excited you about college?

During my first-year, every weekend there were also themed events in the Harris Center on campus, which were a lot of fun. We also had a lot of bands and music artists come perform on campus as well.

Fun fact you have learned about Boston College?

TA fun fact about BC is that the lobby in Fulton Hall is said to have a "Wizard of Oz" theme seen in the silver lighting fixtures resembling the tin man's hat and other features. Although this theme was not the intention, the myth has definitely become a part of campus culture as it is perpetuated on almost every campus tour.

What did UniVarsity help you with most?

Something UniVarsity helped me with was helping me identify my skills. By knowing how to do so, I feel that I have become an advocate for myself not only in a school setting but also when looking for internships and jobs.