Campus Culture
A college with fewer than 2,500 students. You will often see familiar faces on campus and run into friends while studying or eating.
What is a small college?
Study groups are common, and students help each other out.
What is a collaborative environment?
Sports and school spirit are important to the college's identity. You want to be spotted cheering on the team on ESPN.
What are big-time/ D1 athletics?
You want to be able to drive or take a short flight back home over the weekend.
What is being close to home?
Formal support is available, including tutoring and peer mentoring.
What is academic support and tutoring?
There are lots of students on campus and a lot of activity. Great if you enjoy constantly meeting new people.
What is a large college?
You want to be surrounded by peers who will work hard and compete for the best grade.
What is a competitive environment?
There are opportunities to attend theater and arts events on campus and to learn about other cultures (or teach about your culture) through festivals and events.
What are cultural events?
The college has bike lanes, storage, and maybe even a repair shop. You won't be the only one riding around campus.
What is a bike friendly campus?
Great if you require financial assistance to help cover the cost of college through grants and loans. Go to the college website and test out the "net price calculator" to see what you would pay; don't just focus on the sticker price.
What is financial aid?
Fellow students enjoy exploring the outdoors, and the school supports this through clubs and trips.
What is an "outdoorsy" campus culture?
The majority of classes are under twenty students. You want your professor to know your name!
What are small class sizes?
Lots of opportunities to travel to other countries to live, study, and learn about other cultures.
What is study abroad?
Located in a town or city full of college students and a youthful energy. There will almost certainly be a Chipotle and a Jimmy John's.
What is a college town?
School awards scholarships to students based on their achievements. Scholarship awards may be based on GPA, test scores, or extracurricular activities.
What are merit aid scholarships?
Students come from different parts of the world and represent many races, ethnicities, and family backgrounds.
What is a diverse or international campus culture?
You have unique academic passions and want to create your own major in college.
What is designing your own major?
Students are actively trying to improve the world around them through volunteering.
What is community service?
Located in the middle of a city. You are comfortable in a city environment and do not need a grassy, treelined quad.
What is an urban campus?
Jobs or research opportunities are popular on campus or with local companies.
What are internships?
Debates about political issues are common, and students pay attention to current events.
What is a politically aware campus?
It is important that people recognize the name of the college you attend. You want them to be impressed!
What is a college with national reputation?
Informal sports teams are popular on campus. Club teams may have practices and travel to play neighboring colleges.
What are intramural sports?
You can't wait to live in the dorms! Living in dorms for at least 1-2 years is common, and social activities are centered on campus.
What is a residential campus?
A great match if you want to participate in the discovery of new knowledge, whether it's in a science lab or on the ground in a faraway land.