Read more details about Interlochen Arts Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The mandatory community service was very unique of Interlochen. On top of being great students they want us to be great citizens too. Community service varies but includes working in the on campus library, music library, being a TA, working in dining services, etc.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I was able to perform with From the Top and received a few scholarships. The college prep was the best part though, I got in to my dream school and had a blast. The financial aid is also great at the school. I come from a poor family and Interlochen was able to help make my dream come true of attending the school.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I think I just would have reached out to more people while I was there/not be as afraid to go do things by myself. My advice would to set up check-in times or days to call with your parents and at home friends so you can maintain those relationships. It helped with homesickness.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The community. Everyone is so supportive of others and I fell like I knew everyone. I struggled with making friends before I came here and also was painfully shy. After attending the academy, it brought me out of my shell and I also became a better, more refined artist.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
No question is too big or too small. Ask as many or a little questions as you want, it is good to be curious. Definitely check out the Melody Freeze though, I would recommend the pretzel and the icecream.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The academics are rigorous but manageable. There is a partnership with Indiana University so students can earn college credit while attending the academy. We also have a few AP courses as well as most of our classes being advanced level. The workload varies by how many classes you take. I usually had about 2 hours of homework a night, but, I took a heavier academic load.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
We have multiple sports teams at Interlochen. Participation is option as it is a extra-curricular activity. We have volleyball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and rock climbing and we compete against other schools. They are varsity level sports and are a great time. There's also a recreation center open to students that has a workout facility and other non-competitive sports.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a music student and each major has its own arts block M-F. I had orchestra, chamber music, private lessons, music theory, as well as some music electives. It varies per instrument and major your specific classes but given that we are an arts boarding school, it is an intensive load.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a member of feminist club and autism awareness club while I was a student. Interlochen encourages you to participate in clubs or start your own. If there's not one available that you want, you can start one. We also have a variety of sports, I participated in soccer as a student.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life here was quite nice. I had a roommate and a set of suit-mates. Compared to my college dorm, it was way nicer. The students have a curfew at night to be back in their dorms. There are these people called IRL'S which are RA'S for the students. They help students navigate dorm life and living away from home, homework help, etc.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The food at the academy was amazing. They serve hot breakfast, lunch, dinner, and also have a full salad bar, soup bar, panini press, wok station, toasters, etc. There are ton of food options. They also have a variety of options for students with both dietary preferences and allergies. They have a rotating menu and also have lots of snacks that students can grab with them to have for between classes.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
There was a lot of off campus stuff to do. We are close to a grocery store that the school busses students to once a week. We also have a bus that goes to downtown traverse city and the mall as well.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was able meet a lot of people from a lot of different places and majors. I was able to be as social or as introverted as I wanted to be. There's a social culture in the dorms where I was able to get to know people in my dorm hall as well as become good friends with all of my roommates and suitemates. I also just met so many people in my academic classes that I became super good friends with.
Read more details about Interlochen Arts Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.
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