Why I applied Early Decision: Harry Mooney

Hometown: Hightstown, NJ

High school: The Peddie School

Major/minor: History/Philosophy double major

Activities: Marketing assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing ; Outing Club leader

Why did you apply ED?
I applied ED to Skidmore because I participated in a variety of activities and clubs in high school and pursued all of my academics to pretty much equal depths. I wanted to go to college at a place where I could continue to explore the diverse subjects and extra-curriculars that were important to me in high school. For this reason, my college counselor recommended that I look at Skidmore. I took a trip up to Saratoga the summer before my senior year, and the other schools on my list fell behind. The slogan “Creative Thought Matters” really meant something to me. To see it as the face of a college was enough to know that Skidmore would be the perfect place for me to develop my talents and interests.

Best parts of your college experience?
The best parts of my college experience have been academics and the Outing Club. I am deeply engaged in all of my classes. My professors are so intelligent, and although difficult, my courses are incredibly rewarding. It is amazing to see what a better writer, listener, and conversationalist I have become in the past couple of years. It’s also been helpful for me to know that when things get a bit too intense, I can get off campus and go hiking and climbing with members of the Outing Club. I have made so many good friends and had so many unforgettable experiences going to the mountains.

Most surprising moments?
The biggest surprise about college has been how I structure my time. In college, you are mostly free to decide what to do with your time. You enroll in the classes you want to take, sometimes even when you want to take them. You sign up for the activities that interest you. The freedom of college is hard to get used to, but once you figure out a schedule that works for you and get into the groove, it is so much fun.

Advice on applying ED?
I recommend applying early decision to the school that you want to attend the most. Rather than applying early to a school that you may or may not want attend because you think ED is your only chance of getting in, apply to the school you most want to go to. 

Something most people don’t know about you?
I am young for my class. I don’t think I look very young, but I was only 17 when I arrived at Skidmore. Growing up, most of my friends were at least a year older than me and it wasn’t always fun when they hit their growth spurts and I was still a little pipsqueak. But it doesn’t make a difference now and most people are surprised to hear it.

Post-Skidmore plans or dreams?
I would like to hike the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail the year after I graduate. Afterward? I have thought about getting into teaching. I grew up at a boarding school, so I was raised by teachers, and I imagine it will be difficult to shake my roots.