Meet the 2025-2026 Admissions Blog Bloggers!

As the 2025-2026 academic year at Carleton begins, we’re excited to welcome and introduce our newest bloggers to the team! From sharing tips on navigating the jungles of Burton Dining Hall to giving personal stories from their Off-Campus Studies, these bloggers will bring their fresh perspectives on life at Carleton. Stay tuned for their amazing blogs!

Leo Wang

Leo Wang (he/him) is a sophomore and a prospective double major in Political Science (International Relations) and Geology from Newton, Massachusetts! Leo can typically be found in the Recreation Center Climbing Gym, where he works as a staff member, setter, and Climbing Class Teaching Assistant. When he’s not climbing, he  typically plays one of his instruments: Guitar, Violin, Viola, or Erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument). Speaking of the Erhu, Leo is deeply involved with Carleton’s Chinese Ensemble. On the ensemble, he is a musician and also works in a staff role, transcribing scores.

Another hobby of his is the outdoors. He loves running through the Arboretum and disconnecting from technology by going on long walks. Lastly, Leo loves being social: He can often be found waving to others from across the Bald Spot, talking to strangers at various events, and trash-bagging with his friends down Bell Field Hill. Leo’s always open to chatting and feel free to contact him for any questions about anything!

Ronnie Ross

Ronnie (they/she/he) is a senior Biology major from Oak Park, Illinois! Outside of blogging, she is also an Admissions Tour Guide and a Student Ambassador for Alumni Relations. Ronnie can usually be found in the Cowling Gymnasium with the Ballroom Dance Team, practicing for their next competition or chatting with teammates.

Ronnie also has very strong opinions about food on campus (especially the Language and Dining Center eggs and Burton Dining Hall fried tofu). Ronnie is also the commodore of Carleton’s Sailing Club and a DJ for KRLX—Carleton’s student-run radio station.

Jess Knachel

Jess (he/him) is a junior English major with a Creative Writing minor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! He works for Admissions and Off-Campus Studies, blogging up a storm.

On campus, he can be found on the Bald Spot with a book, next to the CD player in the Record Library, or along the trails of the Arboretum on a late-night run. Jess is a big fan of the Spring term and dining hall vegetarian sausages. As far as Northfield coffee shops go, he remains loyal to Goodbye Blue Monday.

Kate Eng

Kate (she/her) is a junior History major from the Bay Area, California! She loves Carleton’s artsy community, and is involved in both the Theater and Dance Department and Vocal Studies Program. Kate’s favorite places on campus are the practice rooms, either in Myers or the Weitz, where she can sing or play the ukulele. She loves the campus during all the seasons, but thinks nothing could compare to the beautiful colors of Northfield in the fall. When not in class, Kate can be found either petting the nearest cat or forcing her friends to watch bad movies in a study room.

Nick Chou

Nick (he/him) is a sophomore from Seattle, Washington, and serves as the Admission Blog’s editor! He plans to double major in English and Economics with minors in Creative Writing and Chinese. A member of Carleton’s Varsity Soccer team, he also enjoys other ways of staying active, either by lifting at the Recreation Center or running through the fields of the Arboretum. When done with his workouts, he can often be found reading, writing, or playing guitar by the Lyman Lakes (if the mosquitoes choose to leave him alone that day).

On campus, Nick works as a Writing Consultant in the Academic Support Center, where he enjoys helping classmates with their papers and mentoring Carleton’s Accountability Groups. Over the summer, Nick participated in Carleton’s Off-Campus Economics program in Cambridge, England, where he served as the program’s photographer and social media manager. He loves to volunteer, and is an intern, Program Director, and mentor at Project Friendship. Additionally, he’s part of The Manuscript Editorial Board and volunteers (naps) at the Record Library.