Which colleges to consider in the Atlanta area?

Thinking about applying to some colleges in Atlanta next year. Beyond just the big names, are there maybe some hidden gems in the area that I should consider? I'm interested in the liberal arts, if that helps!

Of course, in the Atlanta area, Emory University and Georgia Tech are well known but you're asking about some lesser-known entities. Let's turn our attention there. Emory's Oxford College on the other hand is their smaller, liberal arts focused two-year college in a quaint part of the city that feeds into Emory's main campus for the final two years.

Another institution, Oglethorpe University, might catch your interest. It’s a small, private university with a dedicated liberal arts curriculum. Oglethorpe’s low student-to-faculty ratio means students garner close and meaningful relationships with their professors. They offer a variety of liberal arts majors and even facilitate a unique core program that requires students to immerse themselves in a variety of disciplines – this could be beneficial if you're not entirely sure what you want to major in yet.

It's also worth looking into Morehouse College and Spelman College, which are both prestigious, historically black colleges that are known for their strong liberal arts programs. Morehouse is men's college and Spelman is a women's college, and they both offer a tight-knit, supportive community and a strong sense of tradition. Morehouse and Spelman are part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, which also includes Clark Atlanta University and offers a cross-registration program where you can take courses at any of the participating institutions.

Agnes Scott College is another name that doesn't get mentioned as much as it should. This is a women's college that has a robust liberal arts program and prides itself on promoting leadership skills in its students. Their SUMMIT program integrates global learning, leadership development, and career preparation into the traditional liberal arts model.

Remember, identifying the right fit depends on your personal interests and academic goals apart from just the size, specialty, and location. So it's important to do deep research and possibly virtual or in-person campus tours to determine which environment is best for you.