Colleges That Change Lives : 40 Schools That Will Change The Way You Think About College by Loren Pope
View book: Colleges That Change Lives : 40 Schools That Will Change The Way You Think About College
The groundbreaking guide to the 40 best colleges you’ve never heard of—colleges that will change your life
Choosing the right college has never been more important—or more difficult. For the latest edition of this classic college guide, Hilary Masell Oswald conducted her own tours of top schools and in-depth interviews, building on Loren Pope’s original to create a totally updated, more expansive work.
Organized by geographic region, every profile includes a wealth of vital information, including admissions standards, distinguishing facts about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and what faculty say about their jobs. Masell Oswald also offers a new chapter on how students with learning disabilities can find schools that fit their needs.
For every prospective college student searching for more than football and frat parties, Colleges That Change Lives will prove indispensable. Fully revised and updated by education journalist Hilary Oswald, Colleges That Change Lives remains the definitive guide for high school students (and their parents) who are looking for more in their college education than football, frat parties, and giant lectures.
Building on the foundation of landmark author Loren Pope, Oswald spent more than a year visiting 40 colleges, speaking with students, faculty, and alumni to create these vivid and concise portraits. Featuring a new introduction, a new Required Reading section, and a new chapter on learning disabilities, the book is organized into five geographic regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest) to make for easy browsing, and urban, suburban, and rural campuses are all featured. There’s also an alphabetical index of colleges.
Each profile includes admissions standards as well as relevant statistics to make your decision easier, including where the school ranks in post-graduate grants and fellowships, what percentage of students go on to graduate school or further education, distinguishing facts about the curriculum, percentage of professors who have terminal degrees in their field, even what activities are available to students and what they’re likely to do on weekends.
Exploring Small Liberal Arts Colleges: Changing Lives & Opportunities
Thank you for joining us this evening for our virtual college exploration event for Illinois students. Before we begin, here are a few housekeeping notes. You can use the Q&A button to ask questions throughout the event. Your camera and microphone are turned off, so the presenters cannot see or hear you. If you’d like to sign up for more sessions, visit iacac.org. And remember, a recording of this session will be available on the website within a week. Now, let’s begin!
How a Small Liberal Arts College Can Transform Your Life
Welcome everyone! We have a fantastic lineup of panelists from various small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. Tonight, we will explore how these colleges can truly change your life. Each panelist will provide insights into their respective institutions, and we will also have time for Q&A. So, let’s dive in!
Colleges That Change Lives
The “Colleges That Change Lives” initiative was inspired by a book of the same name written by a former education editor of the New York Times. It highlights the unique qualities of lesser-known colleges that are often overlooked in favor of more prestigious institutions. These colleges focus on putting students at the center of the college search and providing a collaborative and supportive environment. The goal is to demystify and de-stress the college application process and help students find a college that fosters a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for a successful and fulfilling future.
The Colleges That Change Lives non-profit organization consists of 44 member colleges. In a normal year, we travel across the country to give presentations, but this year we have partnered with StriveScan to provide virtual sessions and resources. Visit ctcl.org for more information and to access previous recordings. If you are interested in learning more about these colleges, I highly recommend reading the book “Colleges That Change Lives” by Lauren Pope.
Conducting a Student-Centered College Search
When embarking on your college search, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of different colleges, their processes, and deadlines. At small liberal arts colleges, you have the advantage of personalized guidance from admission counselors who are dedicated to helping you navigate the process. They not only provide insights into academic programs and student life but also offer guidance on everything from the application process to financial aid.
Applying to a smaller college means you are more than just a number within a large applicant pool. These colleges take a holistic approach to application review, looking beyond GPA and test scores. Other factors such as extracurricular involvement, essays, and personal experiences are considered. Additionally, many small liberal arts colleges are test-optional, allowing you to choose whether or not to submit test scores with your application.
A major advantage of small colleges is their commitment to making college affordable. Through scholarships, financial aid, and merit-based awards, these institutions ensure that the cost of attendance is manageable. Many small colleges have also been listed as “Best Buy” colleges by U.S. News & World Report, providing students with excellent value for their education.
The Benefits of Small Classes and Personalized Attention
One of the key advantages of attending a small liberal arts college is the small class sizes. With an average class size of under 20 students, professors can focus on creating a more collaborative and interactive learning environment. This approach allows students to engage in hands-on, discussion-based classes rather than passively listening to lectures. Small class sizes also foster closer relationships between students and professors, enabling personalized attention and mentorship.
Additionally, the close-knit campus community found at small colleges provides students with many opportunities for involvement. Whether it is participating in extracurricular activities, research projects, or internships, students can explore their interests and develop a well-rounded skill set. This well-rounded education prepares students not only for their desired careers but also for a lifetime of learning and personal growth.
Undergraduate Focus and Strong Alumni Networks
Small liberal arts colleges prioritize undergraduate education, ensuring that students receive an exceptional education from professors who are experts in their fields. This focus on undergraduate teaching is reflected in high-quality instruction, one-on-one research opportunities, and personalized mentorship. Students also benefit from close relationships with professors, which can lead to strong recommendations for graduate school or job opportunities.
Another advantage of attending a small college is the strong alumni network. Alumni often play a significant role in providing financial support, scholarships, and internships, allowing students to gain real-world experience and connections. Small liberal arts colleges have high job placement rates, thanks in part to the support and networking opportunities provided by alumni.
Overview of Each College
Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, offers a unique academic calendar where students take one course at a time for 18 days. This immersive learning experience allows for in-depth exploration and hands-on learning. Cornell College is known for its strong programs in fields such as musical theater and actuarial sciences.
Kalamazoo College, situated in Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore a wide range of subjects. The college places a strong emphasis on experiential education, including study abroad programs and internships. Kalamazoo College has been highly ranked for its commitment to social justice and civic engagement.
Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a nationally-ranked college of liberal arts and sciences and a conservatory of music. The college offers personalized attention, small class sizes, and opportunities for music performance and study. Lawrence University’s unique Freshman Studies program provides a broad introduction to liberal learning.
Ohio Wesleyan University, situated in Delaware, Ohio, offers a comprehensive liberal arts education just outside Columbus. The university emphasizes the OH-WU Connection, which combines academics, extracurricular activities, internships, and research to create a holistic learning experience. Ohio Wesleyan has a strong alumni network and provides excellent career placement.
Wabash College, located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, is a small private liberal arts college for men. Wabash College offers strong programs in pre-med, pre-law, and business, as well as a Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship. The college has a nationally-ranked alumni network, with high placement rates in medical school, law school, and business.
In summary, attending a small liberal arts college can be a transformative experience that provides a personalized education, extensive resources, and strong alumni networks to help students succeed academically and professionally. The unique advantages of small class sizes, individualized attention, and a well-rounded curriculum make these colleges an excellent choice for students seeking a holistic and enriching education. If you’re interested in learning more about these colleges, I encourage you to visit their websites, read their books, and connect with admissions counselors for further guidance. Your college journey starts here!
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