Identifying 'intense' colleges - what to look for?

A friend of mine mentioned some colleges being exceptionally intense. Granted, college isn't going to be a cake walk, I get it. But how do I find out just how demanding a university's academic environment could be? What factors should I consider when identifying the most intense colleges?

An excellent question! The level of academic intensity at different colleges can indeed vary. Here are a few factors you might want to consider when trying to gauge the academic environment of a university:

1. Student-to-teacher ratio

Schools with a higher student-to-teacher ratio may place students in larger classes where they are expected to learn more independently, which some students find more challenging.

2. Average class hours and workload

This information can usually be found on the college's website or through websites that collect student reviews. Look out for programs that require more credit hours, which likely means more time spent in class or studying.

3. Rigor of the curriculum

Some schools have a more challenging curriculum. Schools known for their rigorous STEM programs, for example, may be more academically intense than those known for humanities or social sciences. You can also check if the school has a core curriculum, as these tend to be academically intense.

4. Graduation rates and time-to-completion

This data, which can be found on the College Scorecard website, indicates how many students finish their degrees and how long it takes them. Higher graduation rates and shorter time-to-completion might suggest a more manageable workload, but it could also suggest that only academically gifted students are surviving the program.

5. The competitive nature of the students

This can be harder to quantify, but student reviews often mention whether their peers are collaborative or competitive. The latter can add to the intensity of the academic environment.

Remember, the best way to find out the character of a school is to talk to current students or alumni. If you can, reach out to a few and ask about their experiences with their workload, the school's culture, and other elements central to the academic intensity.