Which schools are best for studying anthropology?

I'm a junior in high school trying to figure out what I might want to major in when I head to college. Anthropology has piqued my interest because I love learning about different cultures and human history. Does anyone know which colleges have strong anthropology programs? I'm looking for a mix of options, maybe some well-known schools and also some hidden gems. Any personal experiences or insights would be super helpful!

Looking for an ideal program is an excellent step towards pursuing your interest in anthropology! Based on their history and reputation, some of the best schools for anthropology are Harvard University, Standford University, and the University of Michigan. These institutions have strong faculty and offer deep insights into various cultural contexts, making them stand out in this field.

Harvard is known for its unparalleled resources and opportunities for field training. Stanford offers a great blend of theoretical study and practical research. The University of Michigan, on the other hand, has a key emphasis on cultural anthropology and provides many research opportunities.

On the other hand, for strong yet less commonly recognized programs, look at Macalester College and Beloit College. Macalester is a liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota that has a highly regarded anthropology department, with faculty members who specialize in areas like urban anthropology and medical anthropology. Beloit College in Wisconsin, on the other hand, is known for its emphasis on hands-on learning — they even have an anthropology museum right on their campus!

While looking at schools, consider the areas of anthropology that interest you the most. Each school has its strengths in different areas. Some might be known for their cultural anthropology studies while others might excel in archaeological anthropology. Ultimately, your ideal anthropology program should align with your interests in the field.