In 1996, higher ed circles around the country were all abuzz over a new book titled Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope—former education editor of The New York Times. Not one Ivy League institution appeared on the list. Instead, Pope profiled 40 liberal arts schools that he claimed, “would do as much, and perhaps even more than, any name-brand schools to fully educate students and give them rich, full lives.”
Since publication, the book has served as the only college guide many high school students look to for advice, and for good reason. It highlights lesser-known gems in undergraduate circles that “have long been proving they’re unparalleled in changing lives.”
Towards the beginning of the book, Pope lays out five myths to which college bound students typically subscribe. So save yourself the trouble and keep reading, you might have some unlearning to do.
1.) “Your college should be bigger than your high school.”
Small colleges are actually more conducive to self-exploration than their larger counterparts where students have a hard time finding their way through the system, let alone finding themselves. Small colleges with familial communities do more to establish diversity and expose their students to something new, something that encourages a little introspection. What’s more, these colleges go to great lengths to recruit sophisticated students and faculty who grow together in the pursuit of becoming better scholars. Though it may seem counterintuitive, bigger isn’t necessarily better in terms of what a college or university has to offer.
2.) “A name-brand college will give you a better education and assure your success.”
One of the primary things you’ll hear when visiting a small college is that the students receive individualized attention—“personal education,” if you will. This is important considering how difficult the course load inevitably becomes for these students. One of the mottos we have at Centre is that great challenge, coupled with great support, yields extraordinary success…and it’s proven true for decades.
Regarding success, at one point, the name on your degree may have ensured a lifetime of it, but this is not the case anymore. Success is detirmined more by what you do than what you did. If you’re prepared to outpace an Ivy League grad, then their diploma stands to offer as much protection for them as the paper on which it’s printed.
3.) “A university will offer you more than a good small college.”
This simply isn’t true. The education models employed by larger universities and small colleges are vastly different from one another. Sure, there are great professors working at larger institutions but they’re often rewarded for research rather than educating students. Also, a university with hundreds of majors may not necessarily offer more opportunities than a college with, say, 27 majors. A liberal arts education prepares you to think, to be creative, to critically assess obstacles and overcome them; a narrowly focused major could leave you with an equally narrow set of options post graduation.
4.) “You should go where your friends are going.”
No, no, no. You’ll make new friends. Getting out of your comfort zone is one of life’s most important lessons. Learn it.
5.) “You don’t need to examine yourself or the college.”
Colleges shouldn’t be in the business of making sales, they should be in the business of making matches. At Centre, we want you to choose the college that’s right for you more than we want you to blindly choose us; and that’s saying a lot. At this point in the college search, honesty is crucial. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions, both of yourself and your prospective college choices.
By this point, you’re probably wondering which colleges meet Loren Pope’s esteemed criteria? Well, while we’re proud to say that Centre is one of them, there are 39 others that you may find fit you as well. Explore all your options and choose the college the fits you best. You can start here: http://www.ctcl.org. Good luck.
