Colleges

Over the next few months I will be posting little info packets on interesting colleges that seem to offer our students the community and support they've grown to expect at TAS. I will try to cast a wide net, but will largely eyeball schools that are small and supportive.

Ripon College: About three hours drive north of Chicago, with Milwaukee midway between them, this college has gotten praise from all the major reviewers: Forbes, U.S. News, the Chronicle of Higher Education, et al. Washington Monthly notes its It was started in the 1850's and ended its formal relationship with the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in the 1860's. It still has something of a religious character, but probably not more than other national universities such as Notre Dame or Boston College.

The National Forensic League was begun there- a lot of kids these days are into forensics.

It has about 1000 students.

Other tidbits (courtesy of wikipedia): small classes, intensive mentoring, high rates of success in the workforce, high rates of acceptance into grad and professional schools.

Heavy emphasis on volunteerism and community service. And a free mountain bike, helmet, and u-lock if you pledge not to bring a car to campus.

Bates College: A great school, one of the toughest to get into. Founded by abolitionists and more than a few of Bates' first students were former slaves. This is a place with a powerful history, and apparently a great place to learn as virtually all students who apply to programs in the health professions are accepted, and the school sends numerous students to the very best law and business schools as well. There are about 1700 students there.

Bates is about 30 miles from Portland, Maine- a great little city.