Is Colorado College a good fit?

I'm considering applying to Colorado College and wonder if it would be a good fit for me. How is the block plan, and does it really make a difference in how students learn?

If you're considering Colorado College, it's important to have a clear understanding of the unique block plan that this college utilizes. Instead of taking multiple courses throughout a standard semester, this system allows students to focus intensely on one course at a time, typically for three and a half weeks, followed by a four-and-a-half day "block break". Students then move on to the next course in their schedule.

The benefit of this approach, according to many students at the school, is that it allows for more concentrated and immersive learning. For example, if you're studying geology, you can spend entire days of a block out in the field, accumulating practical experience along with academic knowledge. The same applies to a literature class where you might spend a day entirely absorbed in a single novel. Many students at Colorado College report that this method allows them to dig deeper into subjects than they might in a traditional academic schedule, and it also helps them to become quite adept at time management.

However, the intensity of the block plan setup also means you need to be comfortable with being fully immersed in one subject for several weeks at a time, and be able to handle a faster pace of coursework. There are no "easier" days where you can rest on the laurels of a less demanding class - each day in a block requires your full attention on the topic at hand.

As for the other aspects of Colorado College, it's known for its commitment to sustainability, its supportive community, and its location in Colorado Springs offers outdoor recreational opportunities.

All in all, whether Colorado College and its unique block plan could be a good fit really depends on your individual learning style, academic goals, and personal interests. It's certainly a distinctive approach to education, and it can be very effective for some students. Before applying, it would be a good idea to reflect on how you best learn and thrive in an academic environment to ensure you would be comfortable with this style of curriculum.