Wesleyan University

If you're looking for a college that will challenge you academically and socially, you should consider Wesleyan University.  Located in Middletown, Connecticut, this college of around 2,800 students, is a strong liberal arts school and also has an excellent fine arts program (especially film studies). You might like that there is no core curriculum nor are there any distribution requirements, and it is possible to create your own major.  And as you can see from the pictures below, the architecture is as diverse as the student body!

   

The students at Wesleyan appreciate and embrace their diverse student body, tend to be social and political activitists, and tend to be on the liberal side.  All students live on campus, including seniors who lives in campus owned houses (so you'll have take your own trash out), and the food I tasted was really good! They also play Division III sports.

 

I think a good description of the typical Wesleyan student is that she (or he) is an individual, is curious and demonstrates a real love for learning, and wants to be part of a diverse student body.  Admission, however, is very competitive, so keep that in mind.

The Role of Diversity in College Admission

In light of the Supreme Court's decision to hear the Texas case about using affirmative action in the college admission process, this is a good post to read. Basically "there is so much debate in our country about affirmative action that many who disagree with such policies tend to narrow the argument down simply to race," and there is much more to it than that.

This is also a good post for juniors to read because it emphasizes what we've been talking about in college class for the last two weeks: using your application to "articulate information about themselves so that colleges can better understand where they are coming from."

Are Our Children Helpless?

Though the question has been asked before, today's Huffington Post asks the question, "Are We Raising Helpless Kids?"  I think it's a question worth considering.

Should tuition rates be based on your major?

Charging different tuition rates (differential tuition) depending on your major is an interesting and controversial idea, but it is one that some colleges are already practicing.  But should you have to pay extra if you want to major in business, engineering, or nursing? Should a junior or senior in college have to pay more than a freshman?  You be the judge.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/02/21/study-finds-increasing-numbers-public-colleges-differential-tuition

College: What exactly are you paying for?

Is there a quick and easy way to learn quickly and easily how a college stacks up against its competitors nationally on important metrics like graduation rates, what a degree actually costs and how much debt a student can expect to incur by graduation day? Here's one opinion on why it should be mandatory for colleges and universities to disclose this information.

So You Want to Be a Doctor?

The MCAT (the Medical College Admission Test) may be a long way off, but it doesn't hurt to know that  some changes are being made to the exam.  The Association of Amercian Medical Colleges is also embarking on efforts to encourage med schools to consider a more holistic approach to admissions.  In addition, they want graduates to undestand that one of the best ways they can prepare for med school is by "reading broadly," and being "knowledgeable about the world at large."  We think that's good advice no matter what field you choose.

Read the full story here.

Saving Money on College Textbooks

As colleges look for ways to rein in costs, they are looking for less expensive textbook options.  Of course, on-line libraries or textbooks may be part of that solution.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/story/2012-02-12/college-costs-free-textbooks/53123522/1