Colorado College

Colorado College is one of four colleges within the U.S. that teaches on the block plan. This innovative schedule means that students take one class at a time for three and a half weeks, in which time frame they gain four credit hours. The beauty of the block plan is that students get to put all of their focus and energy into one subject rather than juggling five or six as on the semester schedule. The block schedule allows for a very personal relationship between not only fellow students but also with professors. Within my first week at CC my profs. knew me by name and had talked to me personally about future plans for obtaining my major. While the block plan leaves little room for falling behind due to the immense amount of homework, the campus’s student learning facilities make it almost impossible to fail. For me, the Writing Center played a large part in my freshman year and provided constructive feedback and helpful tips during my first few essays. Also, because professors are only teaching one class at a time their door is always open when one of their students is struggling. While the block plan is very academically challenging it leaves space for even more academic and personal success.

Colorado College is somewhat unique in its approach to learning. Rather than being on the semester plan, where you take multiple classes simultaneously, we are on something called the Block Plan, means we only take one class at a time. The result: a super-focused, intense 3 and 1/2 week long class (4 per semester/ 8 per year) where we cover everything a traditional school does in a semester. Sounds tough, right? It is, but I absolutely love block. While it definitely isn't for everyone, the Block Plan is a great way to focus in on one subject at a time and become immersed in whatever you choose to study. I especially love language courses, where you are more or less immersed in the language, and you definitely learn a ton in a short period of time. For people like me that have a hard time juggling multiple classes at once, Block is definitely great.

CC is a great place to grow intellectually. The block plan, where you take one class for three and a half weeks and then get a four-day weekend before starting another class can be very intense, but it is great for learning material, especially in the social sciences. Furthermore, you get to know the professors on a personal level and interact with your classmates on a regular basis outside of class. I have had many great conversations with my peers in the hallways, dorms and cafeterias. Additionally, the block plan allows for month-long study abroad opportunities. The downside, however, is that because we only take four classes (blocks) each semester, you really must pick and choose your classes carefully--there is not a way to take an overload here. Additionally, it can be hard for students to adjust to the intensity of the block plan and high academic expectations.

Ever felt that you are being in too many directions at once? Does taking only one class at a time sound interesting? Want a five day break every month? Then Colorado College is totally your school.
We take one class at a time,through an intensive style called the block plan. Every 'block', which a month, you take one course which is equal to a semester of credit. Then you get a block break from noon on Wednesday through Sunday! Some would argue that is the best part of the block plan, but coupled with only having to concentrate on one that at time, this method of learning is perfect for those who feel stressed by taking many classes at once.
As a science major, I an also attest to the challenges of the of learning fast on the block plan. Lab courses can end up being a large time commitment but then again you are also done in only a month! But I have never faced a class that was not possible to do well in with the appropriate amount of work.
I have hands done learned more in my two and a half years at CC than all of high school put together.

Energetic
Quirky
Outlier

CC's unique block plan creates an environment for superb in-depth study. At the end of each block I emerged with a solid understanding of the coursework and frequently found myself relating ideas from one block to another. Within the first couple of blocks, my writing, discussion and critical thinking skills dramatically improved!

The school facilities, professors, and academic quality are all extremely nice. It is a very focused learning environment. The student-life is kind of limited and there's not that much diversity within the students.

Colorado College is an amazing college. People are nice, you'll always run into someone you know, and there's always something to do.

Colorado College is an intensive, environmentally responsible college with only the most capable, involved students. It runs on a block program where students take one class at a time, totaling 8 blocks a year. The many opportunities include research opportunities, over 80 majors and minors, and a supportive learning environment.

Colorado College has an amazing academic atmosphere. The people are friendly,and there are lots of fun things to do. People here like to work hard but also have fun.