From Applicants to Knights: Why We Chose Arcadia
All of my friends, classmates, and the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on this campus have ventured to Arcadia for a slightly different reason. Whether it be academically-driven, a commitment to athletics, an emotional connection, or the University’s unique opportunities calling to them, each member of our community has found their fit here in a special and personal way.
As a second-year Media and Communication major, I am definitely glad I ended up here. My journey to Arcadia was not so profound, but mostly related to how generous a scholarship they awarded me, a pretty close proximity to home, and the opportunity to study abroad for 15 weeks in London through the First-Year Study Abroad Experience. My time here has been extremely rewarding, even more so than I thought it would be. I have been able to take advantage of the tight-knit community, maximizing my opportunities to earn leadership positions on campus and form close relationships with professors and my peers. Learning about other students’ individual paths to Arcadia inspires me, and I’d like to highlight three of those stories for anyone who may be on their own journey to choosing a college!
Kieran McNulty, a second-year Chemistry major, initially began to consider Arcadia because her cousin is an alumnus. Arcadia was close to home for her, and a lot of her family lives around the area. McNulty shared, “At first, I wasn’t really interested all that much– until I toured in the fall. The campus was just so beautiful, and the people were very welcoming.” Throughout her tour, McNulty wasn’t overwhelmed compared to at other schools. “I was able to imagine myself here,” she said.
The real decision became most clear as soon as McNulty’s career goals entered the picture. “It wasn’t until I figured out that my passion in life is to continue studying forensics that I knew I wanted to commit here,” she said. Shortly after receiving her letter of acceptance, another letter arrived, congratulating McNulty on her acceptance into Arcadia’s 3+2 Pre-Forensic Science Program. This is an accelerated degree track and a highly selective program, in which students prioritize undergraduate courses for three years and are then able to earn their master’s degree in Forensic Science in only two additional years.
“This was such an amazing, unmatched opportunity to complete my master’s within five years at Arcadia,” McNulty explained. “With the addition of my family being close and feeling emotionally attached to the campus, I had convincing reasons to choose Arcadia.”
Finally, McNulty shared a heartfelt anecdote: “When I was around seven years old, I attended my cousin’s homecoming weekend here at Arcadia. My family has a photo of my grandparents and me standing together right in front of the University. Who knew that it would become a full circle moment with me coming back years later!”
Kaylee Kramer, a second-year Creative Writing major with a theater minor, was drawn to Arcadia first by its beautiful campus. “It’s so nice and whimsical but also comfortable,” she said. “The community is great, and Arcadia is close to the city while still having college town vibes.” Additionally, Kramer became excited by all of the fun activities Arcadia has to offer for students, like movie nights on the Green and Drag Bingo.
Another important aspect for Kramer was that any student, regardless of their major, could participate in the Theater program. She declared a Theater minor after already spending a semester at Arcadia because she loved the program so much. Before that, though, knowing she could be cast in productions even as a non-theater major was a significant pro for her. She has been able to dive headfirst into playing some amazing roles in Arcadia’s theater department!
The size of Arcadia’s student body was exactly what Kramer was looking for. “For me, a close-knit community and small school were the main things I was looking for. I wanted to be able to foster a personal, strong relationship with my peers and professors,” she said. Arcadia is the perfect place to do just that.
Finally, Arcadia is within Kramer’s home state, but not too close to home. “I am such a homebody,” she said. “I do have travel anxiety and am prone to homesickness. So, I knew I wanted to be far enough away to have ‘the college experience’ and be independent, but if the need arises or for special occasions, I could still get home easily.” Family is extremely important to Kramer, and location-wise, Arcadia is the best of both worlds for her!
Gauri Chopra, a third-year Law and Public Policy major, noticed Arcadia’s global travel opportunities first. “I chose Arcadia because of the amazing chances to study abroad while still being able to work towards my goal of becoming a lawyer,” she said. Chopra also liked that the campus had a lot of ways for students to get involved in the community and with civic engagement, saying, “The fact that Arcadia is a politically engaged school mattered a lot to me.”
While Arcadia has so many strengths, one or two in particular are usually integral to most people’s journey in becoming a Knight. This community is so welcoming, and truly everyone can find a niche for themselves here– including you!
