Liberal Arts Colleges Explained and Thoughts on College Fit

Liberal Arts Colleges Explained and Thoughts on College Fit

Image of Colorado College, a liberal arts college

Are you conducting your college search to find the right fit? Recently, US News and World Report ran an article by a reporter named Josh Moody with helpful insights on liberal arts colleges. Read the article here. Below, I offer my perspective on the article, liberal arts colleges and types of colleges in general when it comes to your college search and finding the right fit for you.

Moody’s article is honestly one of the best I’ve read regarding liberal arts colleges and what they are, because it doesn’t pit liberal arts colleges (LACs) against big, public research universities in an either/or format. People should think of different types of higher education institutions in terms of a spectrum of choices that offer varying advantages and trade-offs.

I love the quote in the article from Jill Tiefenthaler, president of Colorado College (a liberal arts college), “I strongly believe that a student can get a great education anywhere if they are focused and mature and willing to really put in the effort. In the end, what you get out of your education probably depends more on you than the school that you go to.” In other words, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Let’s never forget the individual responsibility of the student in ultimately determining the quality of their education and what they do with the knowledge they’ve earned once they graduate.

The liberal arts education versus vocational education debate has been hot for the last few years as college costs have gone up, because consumers want to know “Will I get a job? What’s the ROI?” Those are fair questions. Liberal arts colleges point to places like Epic Systems that hire smart kids no matter what the degree, and there’s a lot to be said for that. But if you want to be an engineer or nurse, you can’t do those jobs with a broad understanding of many different subjects. You need technical proficiency. So one type of college versus another isn’t categorically right or wrong. It’s just a better or worse fit based on what you want your college experience to do for you.

Where I believe LACs overplay their hand is by claiming that “we teach you how to THINK CRITICALLY instead of just getting a job.” Implication? You can’t gain those skills elsewhere. Come on. My brother-in-law is a mechanical engineer. Do you honestly think that his mechanical engineering courses at Iowa State University didn’t teach him to think critically?

Why all the defensiveness among institutions of higher education? “This vs. that” debates ignore the uniqueness of one student’s college decisions based on the single, most important college planning factor: To what ends is college a means FOR YOU? As I tell students during my College Search work with them, “Get your #1 thing firmly in your mind, your college non-negotiable, and hold all possibilities up to that lens to find your best fit.” In other words, ask yourself, “If I get nothing else from my college investment of time and money, what’s the one thing I must get out of this?” Answering this question will improve your college search and help you find the right fit more easily.

We have designed a University of You discovery process dedicated to helping students identify their number-one college search criteria, as well as gain clarity about what type of student they are, where their passions lie, what their goals are and where they’ll best thrive. Ultimately, we use our process to assist students and families with their college search and help them find the right fit. To learn more, schedule a free consult anytime to talk about College Search. In fact, we wrote a blog post recently on the topic of what college search help is and how to tell if you need it.

There’s a quote from the article that I love, “This is a process that really starts with self-reflection and self-discovery.” I wholeheartedly agree.

If you’re a high school sophomore or junior embarking on your college planning process, I’d love to talk with you about your college search and how we might be able to help you find your best fit. I invite you to schedule a free consultation to learn more about our College Search services.

If Dogs Went To College

If Dogs Went To College

Ever wonder who you’d meet on campus if dogs went to college? What would their college majors be? Their hobbies? Their quirks? Well, we thought this question deserved an answer. So we looked into it and met some interesting characters.

Usually we write blog posts about meaty topics that are critical to your college planning success. Not today. This one’s just for fun. Another ACT Test cycle is winding down, and we’re feeling a little punchy today. You’re welcome.

Dani
Major: Environmental Studies

Vegan to reduce her carbon footprint. Straws?? She. Can’t. Even. Studying abroad next semester in Denmark where they have a clue.

Devon
Major: English Literature

Plans to get his Masters out East where the real writers live. Writes poetry, ‘cuz girls dig it. Thinks about smoking a pipe.

Emily
Major: Horticulture

Works summers at her uncle’s organic farm in Vermont. Prefers plants to people. Disappointed succulents went mainstream.

Dylan
Major: Photography

Only shoots film. Had a Leica, but had to sell it to make rent. Have you seen his new website? Gave up the school newspaper gig. No true artistry to it.

Zoe
Major: Fashion Design

Considered FIT and Pratt, but Drexel’s closer to home. Sews her own clothes. Thinking of legally changing her name to Z, ‘cuz she insists you call her that anyway.

Toby
Major: Archaeology

Despises the food here. Requested a single dorm room, because he’s NOT a morning person. Wanted an internship in Israel, but Mom and Dad made him choose Arizona instead. Still bitter.

Thomas
Major: Journalism & Social Media Marketing

Doesn’t really need those glasses. Is fond of playing Devil’s Advocate in Media Theory class. Has 2500+ Twitter followers, but insists on reading the New York Times in print, as God intended it.

Theo
Major: Philosophy

40-something trapped in a 20-year-old body. Pet peeve is people who talk at Starbucks. Senior thesis is on Netflix and the decline of the young mind.

Kat
Major: Kinesiology

Chose CU Boulder. Cuz skiing. Wears scarves. Always. Thinking of changing majors. Who knew Kinesiology would require so much science?

Steve
Major: Microbiology

Close talker. Vice President of the “BC” (Bio Club) and they totally dominated regionals. Rarely showers. Still somehow found his ideal match on Tinder.

Steph
Major: Interior Design

ADORES Mad Men. Wishes she’d been born in 1960. Wears vintage anyway. Dating an advertising major who smokes Camels.

Scott
Major: Music Business

What’s with all these Gen Eds? Just wants to make beats. Starting to wonder if he could have just learned it all on YouTube. Kanye and Jay-Z did alright.

Phoebe
Major: Film & Video

Don’t even get her started on the new Star Wars. No longer in the Honors Program, because her Work comes first. Twitter @FilmNotFluff.

Frankie
Major: International Studies

Has a French accent, but he’s from Kansas. Lives in the International Student dorm again this year. Drinks espresso, never coffee. (His real name’s Dan.)

Mari
Major: Real Estate Development

Mari. With an I, thank you. Social Chair for her sorority. Knows everybody. Everybody. Doesn’t love college football, but never misses a tailgate.

Jason
Major: Poli Sci

Plays Ultimate like a boss. Eats mostly Pancheros. Him and Justin are totally movin’ to DC after graduation. His uncle is like in charge there and will totally set him up.

Trevor
Major: Undecided

He’s just working on himself right now. Senior year he’s gonna really turn it around. Life’s too short, man.

Nora
Major: Art History

Wishes people “got her”. Studying in Italy next semester. Sooo tired of you asking what she’s going to do with that major.

But seriously, folks…

If you actually have serious questions about your next step in your college planning journey, schedule your free consult today, and get those questions answered. We’re always happy to talk college.