College Admissions: 4 Fall New England Roadtrips
Monday, September 10, 2012
Fall is the perfect time to check out the campuses of coastal Maine, and Colby College is just one of that region's gems. Photo: Colby College/John Hafenecker
Roadtrip #1: Amherst, MA
The Amherst area of Massachusetts has scenic views, artistic flare, and a rare consortium of 5 colleges that share resources. There is a bus that runs between UMASS, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire and Smith Colleges. So, students can take advantage of a course, library or extra-curricular activity nearby. From the enormous size of UMASS to the small, innovative Hampshire campus, the Amherst area offers a variety of higher education options—including two all women’s colleges (Smith and Mt. Holyoke). For highly competitive students, especially those who love sports, don’t miss out on visiting Amherst College, known as a haven for “smart jocks”.
Roadtrip #2: Coastal Maine
For highly competitive students interested in small liberal arts colleges, Bates, Bowdoin and Colby are great choices. You’ll need mostly A’s with a rigorous curriculum to be a player at these schools, but they are all SAT/ACT optional. So, you don’t have to be a whiz at standardized testing to be a contender. If you aren’t an A student, try the University of New England on the scenic coast in Biddeford or U. Maine in Orono. U. Maine has some excellent programs, and the acceptance rates are very favorable. For out of state students who reside in another New England state, you may also be able to take advantage of the New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break Program at U. Maine.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRoadtrip #3: Boston/Cambridge, MA
The Charles River in Boston is home to the famous “Head of the Charles” Regatta, and if going to school in the big city is your cup of tea, Beantown is a fabulous choice. You can combine your trip with a Boston College football game, dinner amongst the bustling Boston University campus, or cross the river to Cambridge and take in the ambience of Harvard and MIT. If you are a Theatre enthusiast, Emerson may be for you, and those in search of an elite all women’s college can venture out to Wellesley. For hands-learners who want to combine work and school, don’t miss Northeastern’s co-op program.
Roadtrip #4: Vermont's Green Mountains
It’s hard to beat the colors of Vermont in the fall, and nowhere are they more vibrant than on Lake Champlain in the picture book city of Burlington. Burlington is home to The University of Vermont, an intimate state university with about 10,000 students, mostly from out of state. UVM boasts an amazing honors program, top notch environmental science and a highly competitive hockey team. A stone’s throw away is St. Michael’s, a Catholic gem with a strong sense of community and engaged student body. Heading 45 minutes south is Middlebury College, small and beautiful, Middlebury is among the most academically elite of the NESCAC colleges.
Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC which provides strategic, college counseling and athletic recruiting services for students. www.collegeadvisorsonline.com.
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