Name: Hannah Diorio-Toth
School & Year: The College of Wooster, Class of 2011
Why did you want to become a College Prowler author?/How did you become a College Prowler author?
I am a recent College of Wooster graduate interested in the editorial side of publishing. Looking to gain experience in the field, I was asked to help update Wooster’s guidebook. It was a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a guide is created!
What did you enjoy most and least about being an author?
My favorite part of being an author was bragging about the great parts of my school. Who doesn’t enjoy bragging about their alma mater? What I enjoyed least about being an author was writing about the aspects of my school that need a lot of improvement. It is disappointing to read responses from students who aren’t happy with their college choice or students that feel that their concerns are not being addressed by the administration.
What advice would you recommend for future authors?
Use social media to get the word out about the survey. Students are constantly connected to Facebook and Twitter through their phone, laptops, and tablets. Also, take advantage of your school’s online message boards. Think of the ways that you get information and use those avenues.
How and Why did you choose the college you are attending?
I knew that I wanted a small liberal arts college because small class size was important to me. I also knew that I wanted to be an English major and that I thrived when I could actively discuss with my classmates and get to know my professors. The College of Wooster held these ideas as strong values. But, unlike some other schools that I had looked at, students at the College of Wooster seemed to have the perfect balance between academics and college life. I knew that I wanted to be involved on campus, and Wooster students made juggling different activities and clubs seem almost effortless. Although I had a great feeling about Wooster, I was sure to do my research. After two campus visits, an interview with an alum, reading a ton of articles, and countless hours making a pro-con list, I decided on the College of Wooster.
What aided your college search?
I read every college ranking book I could get my hands on (including College Prowler!). But what really helped me to decide how I felt about a college was visiting the school. Overnight visits gave me a taste of what it would actually be like to go to that school.
Does the experience remain true to what you expected?
My experience at Wooster was very close to what I expected. Obviously, when I was looking at the college senior year of high school, I could never have predicted what my life would have been like senior year of college. But all the things that really stood out to me when I was looking at Wooster ended up being huge parts of my experience at the school. I wanted small class sizes, and now even after graduating, I have great relationships with my professors. I was also very interested in Wooster’s Independent Study Program. Although my Independent Study Thesis was difficult, it is something I am so proud of.
What is something we’d be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life! So, I’ve never eaten a hamburger, a hot dog, or pepperoni pizza before. Many people find this hard to believe.
