When I first started my college-search process last year, feelings of overwhelm and anxiety often pervaded me: What size should my “dream school” be? Do they have a variety of clubs? Is their student population diverse? Do they have small-size classes? Nevertheless,  when I discovered liberal arts colleges, I realized that these types of schools hold everything I desire in my undergraduate education. I believe that everyone (especially Juniors that are just beginning their college application process) should consider liberal arts colleges as well.

Liberal arts colleges (LACs) are designed with a focus on a comprehensive education in the humanities and the sciences. Liberal arts students are encouraged to explore all curricular disciplines: for example, at Haverford College, more than half of the courses you will take during your four years will be outside of your major, allowing you to delve into all topics and truly find your passion. Also, the sheer variety and uniqueness of liberal arts classes are extremely intriguing. At a LAC, you can begin the day studying Chinese History, then delve into African-American theater, and finally, explore the Works of Anton Chekhov (all courses present at different LACs I researched). Students at LACs are also encouraged to pursue research in the humanities and the sciences. At other universities, undergraduate students are often neglected in student research opportunities since there is a wide availability of graduate students that professors often prefer to conduct research with. However, since most LACs are solely composed of undergraduates (meaning that there are no graduate students on campus), then research opportunities are widely available for undergraduates. Research during your undergraduate years appears especially attractive if you are interested in applying to graduate school (like medical school or law school). 

A liberal arts college also provides a completely personal educational experience. Since most LACs are composed of a small student body (typically less than 3000 students, with some LACs like Haverford and Amherst having enrollments sizes of less than 2000), then your educational experiences will be shaped by small, seminar classes instead of huge lecture classes. This will allow your professors to be interested in your academic success, and for you to truly absorb the material presented. A LAC also provides a true sense of community among students. Having a small enrollment size ensures that whenever you walk through campus, you will undoubtedly stumble upon friends and professors, making you feel as if you truly are a part of the school. 

However, there are some aspects of a liberal arts college that may not be as appealing to some students. If you decide to attend a liberal arts college, you will likely not receive the “typical-college experience” of sports, Greek life, and huge campuses. Most LACs have little school spirit regarding sports, and popular football and basketball teams are rare. Furthermore, if you are a student interested in technical subjects like Computer Science or Engineering, then a liberal arts education may not accommodate your educational desires; most LACs lack the right facilities and professors to properly teach these technology-heavy majors and instead are more interested in instilling in their students the humanities and the physical sciences. A LAC also strongly encourages you to explore academic areas, and some have strong Core Curriculums, which force you to study areas you may not be interested in. For example, even if you are an English major, you are likely going to have to take a multitude of classes in math and science. 

Nevertheless, if you are a student who is interested in learning for the sake of learning, for the sake of expanding your knowledge on a breadth of subjects, then a liberal arts college may be the right fit for you. I encourage you to research some LACs as you start your college application process.