So I heard that the 'Princeton Review most studious colleges' list is out and I really value my academics. Could someone breakdown this list for me? I'd also love to know what makes these colleges particularly studious. Thanks!
Sure, I’d be happy to break down the 'Princeton Review's most studious colleges' list for you. However, keep in mind that this list is based on student surveys and the specific criteria by which 'studious' is measured can differ. Typically 'studiousness' seems to be measured by the hours students report studying each day, and by the perceived importance of academics within the college culture. The precise methodology behind the list isn't very clear though, so take these ranks with a grain of salt.
Here's their top 5 for the most recent year:
1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): As a premier STEM institute, students here spend a substantial amount of time studying due to rigorous academic coursework. Furthermore, Caltech's Honor Code encourages an environment of hard work and integrity.
2. Reed College: Known for its intense academic program and heavy workload, Reed College has a unique academic calendar and grading system that encourages intellectual curiosity.
3. Swarthmore College: Swarthmore's rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum keep its students engaged. Its Honors Program is particularly known for independent learning and deep study.
4. University of Chicago (UChicago): UChicago's core curriculum ensures that all students receive a comprehensive liberal arts education. Its challenging coursework requires substantial study time outside of lectures.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): At MIT, the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculums are renowned for their rigor and pace, demanding a significant amount of study time from students.
It's worth noting that while these colleges likely entail significant studying, that doesn't necessarily mean they are the best fit for all studious students. The culture, location, class size, and other factors come into play when selecting a college. It's great that you value academics, but also consider what other factors are important to you when looking at colleges.
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.