Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Which colleges have the least focus on core requirements?

Hey, I'm a high school junior, and I've been exploring colleges and their academic structures. I prefer a more liberal approach where I have the freedom to pick and choose my courses rather than being loaded up with core requirement courses. Which colleges offer the least amount of core requirements?

a year ago

There are several colleges that offer a high degree of academic freedom with minimal or flexible core requirements. These often fall under the category of "Open Curriculum" schools. To name a few:

Brown University is known for its flexible curriculum. There are no general education requirements, and students have the freedom to explore courses across a wide variety of fields based on their individual interests.

Amherst College follows an open curriculum model without distribution requirements. You can delve deep into your chosen field of study from the get-go and take a diverse array of classes in areas that interest you.

At Hamilton College, there are no required courses. However, you must fulfill a “concentration,” similar to a major, which you may choose to complement with a minor or double major.

Grinnell College offers an individually advised curriculum, meaning students design their own course of study. There are no required courses, but students must complete a major.

Smith College follows an open curriculum as well, allowing students to choose their own path of study. Although there are no traditional distribution requirements, students must complete a major.

At these schools, the primary restriction on your courses will be the requirements for your major, but otherwise, you largely have freedom to explore courses that align with your interests. Do keep in mind that while the open curriculum offers incredible freedom, it also requires you to be proactive and intentional in your academic choices to ensure you gain a well-rounded education.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.