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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I absolutely love being on campus. Part of the great atmosphere on Colorado College campus is perpetuated by a student body that is very accepting and open to people from different walks of life. This is definitely something they consider when looking at applications, and I think it is for the better in creating a climate where everyone can feel welcome and accepted for who they really are. When combined with minority student life on campus, this creates an awesome experience. In addition, there are so many events being put on by any number of groups at a given time that life on campus never gets boring, it seems that there is always a lecture or a dance or cultural festival that you just HAVE to go to. Shortly put: it's awesome.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
While CC has a relatively high tuition (right now in the ~$40,000 per year including room in board), you definitely get a bang for your buck, especially considering that the college doles out considerable amounts of financial aid for current and incoming students. I think the greatest part in the bang for your buck category as compared to other colleges is the sheer amount of one-on-one time you get with your professor. With the average class size at about 14 students, you can always get a hold of your professor and get the feeling they actually care about your future, as opposed to just seeing you as another face in a huge lecture hall of hundreds of students. In addition, resources on campus for your success are more than abundant. Between the Writing Center, Quantitative Reasoning Center, Reference Desk, and tutors, your bases are covered regardless of what you are studying. You never have to worry about not being able to do well in class because if you take advantage of the available resources, you are almost guaranteed to succeed.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I would tell prospective students to be prepared to work, but also that it is a truly rewarding experience. On your application, don't give the answers you think they want you to give, because they'll see right through it. Be yourself and use the application to express yourself as much as possible, because CC truly is a place for people of all different walks of life. Enjoy writing the prompts and be original, because it will definitely help your personality to shine and let the admissions office know what you are all about.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Good for students that like procrastinating, believe it or not. (I like to think of CC as being a in a perpetual state of procrastination).
Great for students that have a hard time focusing on multiple subjects at once.
Also great for students that are more self-guided on their path to learning, as professors will expect you to take initiative to understand the things you don't understand through resources on campus and make sure that you are giving it your all.
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.
I absolutely love being on campus. Part of the great atmosphere on Colorado College campus is perpetuated by a student body that is very accepting and open to people from different walks of life. This is definitely something they consider when looking at applications, and I think it is for the better in creating a climate where everyone can feel welcome and accepted for who they really are. When combined with minority student life on campus, this creates an awesome experience. In addition, there are so many events being put on by any number of groups at a given time that life on campus never gets boring, it seems that there is always a lecture or a dance or cultural festival that you just HAVE to go to. Shortly put: it's awesome.
While CC has a relatively high tuition (right now in the ~$40,000 per year including room in board), you definitely get a bang for your buck, especially considering that the college doles out considerable amounts of financial aid for current and incoming students. I think the greatest part in the bang for your buck category as compared to other colleges is the sheer amount of one-on-one time you get with your professor. With the average class size at about 14 students, you can always get a hold of your professor and get the feeling they actually care about your future, as opposed to just seeing you as another face in a huge lecture hall of hundreds of students. In addition, resources on campus for your success are more than abundant. Between the Writing Center, Quantitative Reasoning Center, Reference Desk, and tutors, your bases are covered regardless of what you are studying. You never have to worry about not being able to do well in class because if you take advantage of the available resources, you are almost guaranteed to succeed.
I would tell prospective students to be prepared to work, but also that it is a truly rewarding experience. On your application, don't give the answers you think they want you to give, because they'll see right through it. Be yourself and use the application to express yourself as much as possible, because CC truly is a place for people of all different walks of life. Enjoy writing the prompts and be original, because it will definitely help your personality to shine and let the admissions office know what you are all about.
Good for students that like procrastinating, believe it or not. (I like to think of CC as being a in a perpetual state of procrastination). Great for students that have a hard time focusing on multiple subjects at once. Also great for students that are more self-guided on their path to learning, as professors will expect you to take initiative to understand the things you don't understand through resources on campus and make sure that you are giving it your all.