The positive energy at COA is infectious. When everyone around you is incredibly passionate about what they're studying, it's hard to resist your own curiosity. The concept of going to class is completely redefined at the college by spirited professors, field work, independent studies, and hands-on applications. COA believes that college should not be a time out of life, but should be a time of learning that inspires your future. Professors become good friends. Your education is virtually completely up to you - if you have an idea, people at the college will be enthusiastic to help make it happen. An internship and senior project are required, and the products and experiences of each student are drastically individual and unique. At around 300 students, classes of about 8 people or so engage in in-depth conversations. You will not only be able to engage in your own passions, you will learn HOW to learn, which is an invaluable aspect of education.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Most people will tell you that as soon as they stepped on campus, they knew it was home. It could have been the view from the cozy, woodsy campus - from the patio of Kaelber hall, you can look out onto the breathtakingly beautiful Frenchman bay. Perhaps it was the people that felt like home. Friendly, energetic intellectuals who welcome just about anyone they see around campus. Maybe it took the classroom experience to pull them in. Sitting in on your first COA class is like being introduced to an entirely new world of possibilities. Challenging, fun, often mind-blowing.
So what do we do for fun on a tiny island off the coast of Maine?
Acadia National Park is more or less the back yard of College of the Atlantic. It is an amazing opportunity for recreation and education, beautiful year-round. At the college, students are rarely bored. From All College Meetings (or ACM), where students have a powerful voice in the college's decisions, to open mics, theater presentations, dances, and field trips.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The price tag of any college can add sticker-shock. Admittedly, College of the Atlantic isn't cheap. It is a private institution and is priced as such. However, students at College of the Atlantic come from all walks of life, all income levels, etc. An impressive number of international students flock here each year. COA is extremely generous with scholarship money, grants, etc. A very committed staff will personally take the time to make sure you can afford your tuition. You can also choose to be involved in work-study, which is an enriching part of the COA experience. One of the positions is well sought after - kitchen duty, where students learn to prepare organic and local foods with care.
Whatever the price tag, COA is invaluable. It will diversify you, allow you to travel (money is set aside for this), change your perspective on the world, and introduce you to people that can and will help you grow as a person.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Prospective students should definitely visit in person. Most students are from out of state, and travel may be difficult, but it is definitely worth it. College of the Atlantic can not be put into words, it is an experience in itself. I would advise students to apply for the Fall Fly-in before their senior year. For this program, students write a personal essay on a given topic and if they are selected, COA will provide an all-expenses paid trip to visit the college, stay in a dorm, and interview with a counselor.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students at COA are interested in a myriad of subjects and studies. Don't let the one major concept scare you. Human ecology is, in very brief and broad terms, the study of the nature of human interaction with their environment.
That being said, the typical COA student (if you can call them typical) is dedicated, curious, and self-driven. Whether you're into economics, plants, or art, you can find a place at College of the Atlantic.
The positive energy at COA is infectious. When everyone around you is incredibly passionate about what they're studying, it's hard to resist your own curiosity. The concept of going to class is completely redefined at the college by spirited professors, field work, independent studies, and hands-on applications. COA believes that college should not be a time out of life, but should be a time of learning that inspires your future. Professors become good friends. Your education is virtually completely up to you - if you have an idea, people at the college will be enthusiastic to help make it happen. An internship and senior project are required, and the products and experiences of each student are drastically individual and unique. At around 300 students, classes of about 8 people or so engage in in-depth conversations. You will not only be able to engage in your own passions, you will learn HOW to learn, which is an invaluable aspect of education.
Most people will tell you that as soon as they stepped on campus, they knew it was home. It could have been the view from the cozy, woodsy campus - from the patio of Kaelber hall, you can look out onto the breathtakingly beautiful Frenchman bay. Perhaps it was the people that felt like home. Friendly, energetic intellectuals who welcome just about anyone they see around campus. Maybe it took the classroom experience to pull them in. Sitting in on your first COA class is like being introduced to an entirely new world of possibilities. Challenging, fun, often mind-blowing. So what do we do for fun on a tiny island off the coast of Maine? Acadia National Park is more or less the back yard of College of the Atlantic. It is an amazing opportunity for recreation and education, beautiful year-round. At the college, students are rarely bored. From All College Meetings (or ACM), where students have a powerful voice in the college's decisions, to open mics, theater presentations, dances, and field trips.
The price tag of any college can add sticker-shock. Admittedly, College of the Atlantic isn't cheap. It is a private institution and is priced as such. However, students at College of the Atlantic come from all walks of life, all income levels, etc. An impressive number of international students flock here each year. COA is extremely generous with scholarship money, grants, etc. A very committed staff will personally take the time to make sure you can afford your tuition. You can also choose to be involved in work-study, which is an enriching part of the COA experience. One of the positions is well sought after - kitchen duty, where students learn to prepare organic and local foods with care. Whatever the price tag, COA is invaluable. It will diversify you, allow you to travel (money is set aside for this), change your perspective on the world, and introduce you to people that can and will help you grow as a person.
Prospective students should definitely visit in person. Most students are from out of state, and travel may be difficult, but it is definitely worth it. College of the Atlantic can not be put into words, it is an experience in itself. I would advise students to apply for the Fall Fly-in before their senior year. For this program, students write a personal essay on a given topic and if they are selected, COA will provide an all-expenses paid trip to visit the college, stay in a dorm, and interview with a counselor.
Students at COA are interested in a myriad of subjects and studies. Don't let the one major concept scare you. Human ecology is, in very brief and broad terms, the study of the nature of human interaction with their environment. That being said, the typical COA student (if you can call them typical) is dedicated, curious, and self-driven. Whether you're into economics, plants, or art, you can find a place at College of the Atlantic.