As I'm going through my college search, I've noticed that some places seem to have a quirky, unconventional vibe. Can anyone give me some info on the most offbeat or 'quirkiest' colleges out there? I think that kind of environment might really suit me.
Sure, there are many colleges known for their unconventional or quirky atmospheres and student body. Some popular ones include:
1. Reed College - Located in Portland, Oregon, Reed is a liberal arts college known for its academically rigorous but very creative student body. Historically, it hasn't given grades (although they do keep them for transcript reasons), which emphasizes its focus on learning rather than achieving.
2. Oberlin College - In rural Ohio, Oberlin has a strong focus on progressive activism and social justice. The college has a unique 'Experimental College' where students, faculty, and community members teach their own classes on various unusual subjects.
3. Sarah Lawrence College - Located in Bronxville, NY, Sarah Lawrence encourages students to design their own curriculum, often leading to unique and eclectic combinations. The college is also known for its strong arts scene.
4. The University of Chicago - While it may not seem like an obvious choice due to its reputation for academic intensity, UChicago is also known for its unique traditions like the annual Scavenger Hunt, which is considered one of the biggest and most intricate in the world. The culture there is often collectively described as "the nerdiest and the quirkiest."
5. Grinnell College - Grinnell, located in Iowa, also emphasizes self-governance and self-directed study similar to Sarah Lawrence. Moreover, Grinnellians are known for being conscientious and often possess strong ideals about justice, making it a special kind of quirky.
6. College of the Atlantic - This is a unique college located in Bar Harbor, Maine. They only offer one major - Human Ecology. The students are known for their love for the environment and commitment to sustainability.
7. St. John’s College - With campuses in Santa Fe and Annapolis, St. John’s curriculum is based entirely on what they call the "Great Books", classic texts from Western literature. Students participate in lots of intellectually stimulating discussions and philosophizing.
These are just a few examples, and while quirky is fairly subjective and can depend on what specifically you're looking for, these colleges frequently come up in conversations about non-traditional or unconventional schools. Remember, it's always a good idea to visit, if possible, or reach out to current students or alumni to get a better sense of what life is really like.
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