Hey, I just stumbled upon a list of the 'most unusual colleges' and was wondering if anyone knows what exactly makes these colleges so 'unusual'? Is it their curriculum, their campus life, or something else entirely? Also, how does the admissions process work at these places? Thanks!
Interesting question! If a college is labeled as 'unusual', it could be due to a variety of factors, ranging from a unique curriculum or an unconventional teaching style to an atypical campus culture.
For instance, some colleges may follow a Great Books curriculum, where students bypass traditional textbooks and focus on original works of literature, science, philosophy, etc., as a way of learning. St. John's College is an excellent example of this.
In terms of campus life, examples of 'unusual' colleges include Deep Springs College, a small liberal arts college on a cattle ranch where students attend free of tuition in exchange for labor on the ranch; or College of the Atlantic, where the sole major offered is Human Ecology.
As for admissions, expect to see some variation from the typical process. For example, a requirement might be a demonstrated interest in the specific model of that college, or perhaps a unique essay prompt. In some colleges such as Berea College or Alice Lloyd College, both of which cover full or nearly full tuition in exchange for student labor, admissions might also factor in the student's financial need. However, grades, test scores (where applicable), and holistic attributes such as leadership, creativity, etc., will predominantly influence admissions, just like any other college.
Please remember to consider if the college aligns with your educational and career goals before applying.
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