I visited my friend at Bowdoin, and I absolutely loved the tight-knit community and the college's focus on undergraduate teaching. For a junior just getting into the admission process, what other schools provide a similar personal and community-focused college experience?
It's wonderful to hear that the community feel at Bowdoin spoke to you! As you search for colleges with a similar vibe, consider liberal arts colleges like Middlebury, Carleton, Swarthmore, Haverford, and Williams. They all prioritize undergraduate teaching and boast close-knit communities.
Additionally, look into smaller universities like Dartmouth and Princeton—despite being Ivy League schools, they maintain a strong focus on undergraduates and are known for having supportive, passionate communities. Dartmouth in particular is known for having some of the most loyal alums in the country, so you'll be joining a community that goes far beyond just your class!
It's also smart to explore the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) organization. The schools listed there, such as Reed College and Whitman College, are renowned for their tight-knit environments and dedicated faculty. When you're searching, remember that campus visits can give you invaluable insight into the atmosphere of each school, so try to visit if possible, or to reach out to current students online if visiting yourself isn't feasible.
Good luck with your college search!
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