Marlboro College

Date: May 16 2012
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
When looking at schools in high school, I wanted to make sure I attended a college that challenged me academically. I think one thing that distinguishes Marlboro from all other colleges and universities is Plan. Instead of normal majors and minors, Marlboro students undertake a

Plan of Concentration

in a specific field of study, or in interdisciplinary fields of study. Basically, the last two years of school Marlboro students engage in a graduate-level education. That really impressed me as a senior in high school, and that still impresses me now that I've completed my first year at Marlboro.

Some people look at our size as a limiting factor, but I see the freedom that comes with it. Because we're so small students actually get to know their professors - no one's a number here. I've even taken classes where professors have had students over for dinner at the end of the semester as a "celebration." It's personal things like that which set Marlboro apart.

One of my favorite aspects of Marlboro is 'Dedicated Hour.' Every student at Marlboro is assigned a faculty adviser, and every week during Dedicated Hour students have the opportunity to sit down with their adviser and ask them any questions they have, or for advice on academic things. And reflecting that is Marlboro's first-name basis policy. Everyone here calls each other by their first-name, even the President. Marlboro uses a tutorial system, meaning that students and professors often act as collaborators in courses. Marlboro tries to reflect that egalitarian nature in how we approach community.

Marlboro is a rural community, and that is something to keep in mind. Being from Ohio, the mountains of Vermont were a nice change of pace. We do have a really active Outdoor Program, so if you like doing outdoorsy things, Marlboro is a pretty cool place for that. Students who don't enjoy the outdoors also find fun things to do, but it's just a tad bit harder than it would be in a big city. But don't let that deter you - there are lots of fun things to do here, and there's a crowd for everyone.

If anything above appealed to you, definitely think about checking Marlboro out! The classes are great, the community is friendly, and you'll engage in a totally unique academic experience.