Before we know it, it will be the start of a new school year. Returning to Concord Academy is difficult enough as it is, but acclimating to a new environment is even more so. Whether you are a returning student or a new student, CA this year is not entirely the same as last year. In this changed environment, it is important to find some things that can bring us back to the place we know and love and make this community somewhere new students can feel comfortable in.
With that said, here are some recommendations for what to do and what to keep in mind during the first few weeks of school so that your experience can be the best possible. The resources available on campus are so important for new students who want to have a great start to their CA experience. They are there for a reason, so make good use of them.
Don’t be scared of drop/add. There are so many amazing courses at CA, and the course catalog can be intimidating. If you are not enrolled in a course you want to take, take advantage of the drop/add period that occurs in the first few weeks of school so you can have the fall semester you want to start your CA journey off right.
The transition to a new school, especially to high school, can be daunting. Although you should make sure you are on top of things academically, it is so important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You have probably heard people say to not stress so much in freshman year and enjoy your transition to CA. Trust them. It is super easy to stress about grades, but there is a reason the first semester is credit/no credit. Grades from the entire ninth-grade year are not calculated into your GPA. Freshman year is the year for exploring your interests, and academics are only going to get more difficult and take up more of your time as you progress through your four years. Enjoy the time you have freshman year for exploration and fun. There are many systems set in place to help you achieve this balance of academics and everything else.
Many people at CA are here to support you. Each new student has been paired with a faculty advisor and peer buddy; these are people who care about you and want you to succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out to them with any questions, concerns, or even if you just want someone to talk to. Your teachers are great resources as well. If you ever have any academic or personal concerns, they are great people to reach out to as well. For boarding students, your head of houses and house parents will also offer support!
Hanging out on campus is a great way to get to know people and become part of the community. If you are a boarding student, hang out in the common room, as it’s one of the best places to get to know new people and make friends as a new boarding student. For day students, stay on campus, even after the academic and athletic day has concluded. This is made easy by the activities that are held on campus in the first few weeks: the first two weekends here are Community Weekends, so go to them! Besides Community Weekends, there will always be weekend activities that include off-campus trips, most of which are open to both day and boarding students.
Starting at a new school can be intimidating, and I hope my tips help with having a smooth transition. Whether you decide to take my advice or not, I wish you a great first few weeks of school.