Colorado College

Date: Jan 18 2009
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
CC is a great place academically. It will challenge you to go beyond what is learned in the classroom and really help you acquire the knowledge you need. Students and professors demand the best out of each other and work together. You will work for every grade in every class. However, the emphasis here seems to be less on grades and more on learning.

The block plan can also be a great thing, but it took me some adjustment. I was not a procrastinator and always took my time on assignments. With the block plan, it is essential that you can whip out a paper or learn concepts fast. However, because you only take one class at a time, each "day" is like one week of a class, so if you think about it that way, a paper due in two days does not seem so bad.

Honestly, I think I am the one person who is "neutral" towards the block plan. I feel it evens out with the semester system. There are some good things about the semester system, such as the ability to do long, extended projects, more time for improvement, and more flexibility with time management. However, the block plan also allows for more field study, more depth of study, and 4-day block breaks. Unless you really feel that you cannot handle the block plan, I would not let it stop you from considering CC.

Socially, CC is not extremely diverse and is somewhat introverted. There's a "hippie culture" and while I honestly do not believe it is as large as it seems, I think most students who are not extreme-left, outdoorsy, environmentalists keep to themselves somewhat and thus, do not really find each other. There's also some drinking and drugs, although you CAN avoid it and I have never really found it overbearing. That being said, I have found the social life at CC pleasant enough. Just because there is the stereotypes and it is a small school does not mean that absolutely everyone is the same. I have found people of different ethnicities, religions, backgrounds and even political views. I have met several very good friends despite the fact that I am almost the opposite of the "CC student" stereotype.

At times, I wish the school had more "energy" in terms of lots of things going on 24/7. However, there's usually enough to do on the weekends (hockey games, parties in the student center, concerts and midnight breakfast) so I don't get bored. Sometimes, weekends are very exciting, others not so much.

There's also several clubs and lots of community service opportunities to take advantage of.

Overall, I have enjoyed CC so far. It really is a school that you have to come and visit. Yes, CC has a certain type of student, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you must fit the mold. For the most part, the campus is accepting of everyone. I would encourage anyone interested in the academic program to apply and not let other factors (such as the social scene, Colorado Springs, money or admission credentials) deter you.