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)

What are some of the most obscure, underrated colleges in the U.S.?

Lookin' for some hidden gem type colleges – ones that are less known or obscure but still offer quality education. Any ideas?

9 months ago

That's a great question! Here are a few lesser-known yet high-quality colleges that are often considered "hidden gems":

1. Oberlin College: Known for its music conservatory, Oberlin also offers a robust liberal arts program with a focus on social justice and community service.

2. Harvey Mudd College: A member of Claremont Colleges, this school is renowned for its STEM programs. Despite being a small school, it produces a high number of STEM graduates who go on to earn doctorates in their fields.

3. Reed College: Reed is known for their strong programs in the humanities and sciences, and they emphasize a rigorous academic experience. Reed College was Steve Job's alma mater.

4. Bowdoin College: Based in Maine, this institution is known for having a strong emphasis on the liberal arts. They also offer a “no-loan” policy, ensuring that students graduate without debt.

5. Grinnell College: Located in rural Iowa, this college is known for its rigorous academic standards, active political climate, and strong programs in social studies and humanities.

6. Whitman College: Positioned in Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman is recognized for its programs in environmental studies, thanks to its proximity to the Blue Mountains and unique course offerings like Semester in the West.

7. Colby College: Based in Maine, Colby offers a wide range of strong programs, from environmental science (with their unique "Jan Plan" where students immerse themselves in non-traditional courses) to international studies.

Remember, when you're looking at colleges, it's important to consider not just reputation, but also factors that matter to you – whether that's specific academic programs, location, size, extracurricular opportunities, financial aid policies, or other factors. You want to find a school that's not just good on paper, but is also a good fit for you.

9 months 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.