Nicole Calamari: How did you find out about the Catholic University of America? What led you to choose this university over others?

Megan Maley: My older cousin went to Catholic and suggested I look there.  Once I went on my first tour, I knew I wanted to go there. There were no other schools for me to choose between.

NC: What is unique about the Catholic University of America? How is the campus, environment, student life, and campus food? What opportunities does it offer to students that makes it stand out from other colleges?

MM: I love how Catholic is located in a major city yet is still a campus. We get to experience campus life while only being ten minutes away from the White House.  The campus is very connected and there are always plenty of activities sponsored by different clubs.  The food is not the best I’ve ever had, but it’s also not the worst, so I guess that’s something.

NC: Were you nervous to transition from Long Island to Washington, D.C?  How has the transition been in terms of being away from home, family, and high school friends?

MM: I wasn’t nervous about the transition to DC as much as I was worried about making new friends and finding people I could really talk to.  The transition was very tough.  It’s hard to start over so far away from home, but it doesn’t take long before campus starts feeling like home.  I do miss having my sisters around all the time no matter how much they annoy me.

NC: What do you major in and how did you choose it?  Do you have any advice for high school students that are unsure about what they are interested in studying?

MM: Unless you are 100% sure of what you want to do, I would suggest going undeclared.

NC: How has your workload been so far?  How have you been able to manage work and social activities?

MM: The work is definitely harder but you also have much more free time than you would expect.  I tend to go to the lounge when doing homework so I can talk with my friends and get my work done at the same time.

NC: I know that you played badminton at Schreiber.  Are there any activities (sports/societies) that you participate in at your university?

MM: Right now, I’m still trying to adjust to school.  I haven’t signed up for anything yet, but I’m trying to convince my friends to do club badminton with me!

NC: Have you been enjoying college more than high school so far?  How are they different and similar?

MM: Comparing high school to college is hard because they are so different.  You have so much more freedom in college and so much more responsibility.  Teachers won’t remind you about homework the way they do in high school.  It is up to you to take the initiative to get extra help. Also, it is much easier to ask for an extension in college because the due dates are more fluid. Right now I still miss my high school friends and seeing familiar faces around the halls, but I definitely enjoy being at college more.

NC: Do you have any advice for current juniors and seniors about what to do in preparation for college testing, college applications, and choosing a college?

MM: Try not to get overwhelmed!  Testing is important, but I wouldn’t be to worried about it. Many schools are shying away from standardized testing.  Get your college applications done as soon as possible!  Having more time to make sure everything is the way you want it can only help.

Make sure you put a lot of thought into your essay; it is the only way the school can get a feel for who you really are.  For me, it was easy to pick what school I wanted to go to, but it’s not easy for everyone just pick a school where you can see yourself for the next four years.  If you don’t like it, you can always transfer.  Tons of people do, it’s not a big deal.