Q: Why did you decide to enroll at FA?
A: Growing up in a large city in Nepal and outside of Boston, I never had the opportunity to live in a rural area. I wanted a chance to experience this type of environment and boarding life and learn how to ski and hike; FA’s location afforded me the opportunity to enjoy these activities, and the Academy was generous with financial aid as well.
Q: What are some memorable moments during your time as a student here?
A: Most of my memories at FA are derived from dorm olympics. It’s crazy, the amount of preparation it takes (usually 3-4 weeks) to prepare songs and skits for the challenge. The Friday night leading up to the dorm olympic weekend is when all the dorm students meet at the “SU” (Student Union Lounge) and play games. I remember, in particular, the year we had the limbo challenge. It was crazy intense and fun. That same year, we also competed in the tug-of-war against the other dorms. Because we were going to compete against a boys’ dorm, all the girls from Frye Hall decided to drop the rope and watch them tumble over. It was hilarious; however, some girls on our dorm team ended up going down with them--they forgot to let go of the rope!
I also have fond memories of my freshman year when all of the girls in Frye Hall use to hang out in the common room, chat for hours and watch T.V. Law and Order was our big show we’d always watch together.
Q: What do you plan to study in college? Do you have your heart set on any particular college after you graduate?
A: I’m considering concentrating in business or finance. However, I made the early decision to go to Holy Cross because it’s such a well-rounded, liberal arts school. My second choice was Babson College.
Q: How was the college counseling/advisory process at FA in helping you apply to your schools of choice?
A: Before my senior year, I took my SAT and practiced throughout the summer. And during the first semester of my senior year, I worked with Ms. Watson in college counseling, meeting with her two times per week to review my college essays and research colleges and deadlines for financial aid. She’s amazing and excellent at her job. Mr. Gurnis, my English teacher also helped me to edit my essays as well and they significantly improved!
I think starting in the summer is much better because once you begin the school year, you get really busy with the workload and schedules. Harder to find time to prepare.
Q: What advice would you give other students at FA?
A: I would advise international students to take their TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in advance as well as their SATs to attain the scores you want to reach. Preparing in the summer before your senior year is much better because once you start the school year, you get really busy with the workload and schedules; it gets harder to find time to prepare. And, it’s just one less thing to worry about.
Also, I’d use the summer as a time to figure out a basic list of colleges you think you may be interested in — a variety of schools big and small— and consider what kind of environment you like. By doing this, you can narrow your choices and schools to apply.