Are there any colleges known for collaboration for undergrads? Our S19 is bright (obviously young, so I won’t get into current grades, scores, etc, but he will take many APs and have strong GPA and test scores) but is already saying that he would prefer a school that feels less “cut-throat” than his high school. He would enjoy a place where kids are intellectual, but without the “nerdy” feel. He loves science but is also a good writer and an artist so we are certainly not ready to profess that he has chosen any particular academic path yet.
I would love to have a list without any other constraints (cost, location, size). And, it would be great to hear from people who have direct experience with the school, either as a parent or a student.
I’m thinking there may be some honors programs at state schools that may apply? Or schools with an open curriculum, perhaps that makes a difference? Or maybe some LACs have more of a feeling of collaboration with less competition between students?
Selective open curriculum colleges include Grinnell, Hamilton, Amherst and Brown. The varying intensities of the sports programs at these particular schools (e.g., higher at Hamilton and Amherst, relatively lower at Grinnell) might influence the atmospheres – towards or away – the balance you are seeking.
Earlham might appeal to him! The students there love school and have a close relationship with professors. Good grad school placement rates if he decides he’s interested in that. It’s a Quaker school and really embraces the philosophy of working together. If he does well in high school he will get very good merit aid and they have good financial aid if that’s a concern.
I’ve attended both Oxford College of Emory and the University of Oklahoma. At both schools, it is common for students to study together, help each other with projects, answer questions, etc.I suspect this is the case at the vast majority of schools with a largely residential student body.
The Honors at the College of Charleston. My DS16 was invited to interview for the William Aiken Fellows weekend where he was competing for approx 25 spots in the most " elite" section of the Honors college against about 70 other students who were already accepted into the Honors College. I was amazed at how supportive, friendly and invested these students were even though the stakes were high. Many students stayed in touch while waiting for the outcomes. That collaborative aspect helped solidify his decision to attend. Good luck in your search.
Haverford College has a strong culture of community and collaboration; Grinnell College as well. A step down in selectivity would include Earlham, Kalamazoo, Knox, Lawrence.
James Madison University in VA is a school with a lot of positive energy between the students, and the students and faculty. There are some graduate programs, but it is predominantly am undergraduate focused university, with an Honors College, and lots of opportunities for students to be involved in research and activities.
@ClarinetDad16 , He’s at a large public high school that is super competitive. Very difficult to make any of the sports teams. If you haven’t been prioritizing a particular sport during middle school and aren’t a star, you don’t make the teams. The school won eight state championships last year (soccer, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls golf, swimming…)
Academic teams are the same - Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, etc - state champions and tons of competition to get on the teams. The school also has many, many high achieving students and the GPA competition is fierce. Kids take zero period gym just so they can fit another AP class in during the day to boost their GPA. Our son is one of these high achievers but my husband and I have pulled in the reigns on the number of honors/AP classes and insist he gets some balance and definitely enough sleep!
He really can’t escape how competitive the kids are on a daily basis, comparing test grades, etc. He’s not anxious and doing fine. Has a good head on his shoulders and understands that some of these kids are making themselves crazy. He would just be happier if everyone worked together or, at least, were not constantly trying to one up each other.