Seth Mckenna

What is your name? What grade are you currently in academically, if applicable? What year is this for you at this school or what year did you graduate? My name is Seth McKenna, and I’m in my senior year of college.

Which preparatory school did you attend, and what key factors influenced your decision to enroll at that institution? I attended Tilton School. When I visited the campus, I immediately felt at home—the environment was welcoming, and the teachers genuinely cared about their students’ success. The school’s focus on personal growth, academic support, and high-level hockey made it the perfect fit for me.

Please describe a typical day during the competitive season, including your schedule and the balance between training, academics, and other commitments. During the season, my days were very structured. I’d have classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by practice at 5:00 p.m. and a lift or workout at 7:00. After practice, I’d return to my dorm for study hours around 10:00 p.m., where I’d finish homework or review for upcoming exams.

How does your daily routine differ during the off-season? Outline your typical activities, including any training, rest, or personal development efforts. In the off-season, I still kept a structured schedule but had more balance. I’d start with morning skates from 7:00 to 8:00, go to class from 8:30 to 3:00, and then have strength training from 5:00 to 6:30 in the evening. After that, I had time to relax, recover, or get ahead on assignments.

How did you manage to balance your athletic responsibilities with your academic coursework? Feel free to share specific strategies or resources that were particularly helpful. Balancing both taught me focus and discipline. I used my study hours effectively, stayed organized, and avoided distractions. What helped most was the support system around me—my friends, teachers, and teammates. Many of us were student-athletes, so we helped each other stay motivated and accountable. That teamwork made balancing everything much easier.

What are your professional objectives over the next five years, and in what ways has attending a preparatory school contributed to or shaped these goals? My goal is to work as a computer engineer and eventually move into a management or leadership role. I’m currently interning at Philips and hope to receive a full-time offer after graduation. Tilton played a big role in shaping how I approach these goals. The academic rigor and structure gave me discipline and time-management skills that made college feel like a natural transition. I even told my parents that “college just feels like a bigger prep school.”

If you could offer one piece of advice to prospective students considering a similar preparatory program, what would it be and why?

 Enjoy every moment—it goes by faster than you think. Get involved in sports, clubs, and community activities because they’ll help you grow as both a student and a person. And when it comes to hockey, remember it’s not “Division I or bust.” There are many great programs with strong academics and competitive hockey. Keep an open mind—your path to success may look different, and that’s okay.