Hi everyone, it's just me, a stressed junior, worrying about college already. I do know that I want to go somewhere where the student body is really involved and engaged. So, does anyone know what colleges are known for that? Thanks in advance!
Certainly, there are various ways to judge student engagement. They could be in terms of student involvement in clubs, community service, student government, academics, or even sports and spirit events.
Some of the Ivy League schools, like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, are known for high levels of student engagement. Students actively participate in clubs, research projects, community service, and on-campus events. These schools also have a high volume of student-run organizations which is an indication of active student involvement.
Non-Ivies with reputations for engaged student bodies include Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Stanford is known for its active student body, especially in the performing arts and athletics. MIT students are notoriously hard working academically, but they also have a surprisingly strong streak of playful creativity, often enacted through school-wide activities and traditions.
Liberal arts colleges such as Swarthmore College and Bowdoin College are also known for their active student bodies. With smaller campus communities, students often have more opportunities to get involved in a variety of ways.
The University of Michigan is well-known for its active and engaged student body, with a strong athletic culture, a vibrant Greek life, and an abundance of clubs and organizations. On the other hand, Rice University stands out for its unique residential college system which fosters a tight-knit community and high levels of student involvement.
Each of these schools has its own unique attributes that encourage high levels of student engagement. However, it's important to remember that what matters isn't just the level of engagement at a given school but the type of engagement that aligns most with your interests and goals. The college that will be the best fit for you is one that offers opportunities for engagement that match your passion, whether that's in athletics, academics, leadership, community service, or other areas.
I hope this helps in your search! It might also be beneficial to visit a few of these colleges or chat with current students to get a better idea of what life is like on campus and how students engage with each other and the community.
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