Hey there! I'm doing a bit of college searching and I'm really interested in finding schools that are different from the norm in any way - programs, architecture, student life, you name it. Can anyone suggest a few unique colleges in the US?
Absolutely! There are quite a few unique colleges around the US offering eclectic programs, unconventional learning structures, distinct campus settings, and more.
1. St. John's College: Both the Santa Fe and Annapolis locations follow a "Great Books" curriculum, where students read and discuss the original works of people who've shaped our intellectual history, from classic Greek philosophers to modern authors. There are no traditional lectures; instead, all classes are seminar-based.
2. New College of Florida: This liberal arts honors college operates on a contract system where students negotiate a contract each term with their academic advisors detailing their courses of study. It eschews traditional grading for narrative evaluations.
3. College of the Atlantic: Unique for its commitment to interdisciplinary study with an environmental focus; every student graduates with a degree in Human Ecology. Its location in Bar Harbor, Maine, makes for an unprecedented marine biology program.
4. Deep Springs College: Especially unique, it is a two-year all-male liberal arts college located on a cattle-ranch and alfalfa farm in California. Free tuition is offered in exchange for labor on the ranch. An interview, weekend visit, essay and a submission of creative work are all part of the very selective application process.
5. Bard College: Known for its "Language and Thinking" program, a mandatory three-week seminar for incoming students to prepare them for the philosophical debates that occur at Bard.
6. Olin College of Engineering: All accepted students receive a half-tuition scholarship. Using project-based learning, students use their engineering skills in real-world scenarios from the first day of class.
7. The United States Military, Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine academies: These service academies provide a full four-year scholarship in return for service in the respective branch upon graduation.
Each of these schools provides a unique take on the college experience, whether it be through academic programs, teaching styles, or campus culture. These are just a few examples, and there are many other distinctive colleges out there! It's essential to research and visit to get a real feel for the college's atmosphere. Happy hunting!
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