Colorado College (CC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Located in Colorado Springs and established in 1874, Colorado College is a four-year liberal arts college that has been educating students since two years before Colorado even became a state. In 1871, General William Jackson Palmer laid out the land for Colorado Springs and contributed land and money to fund a college. Since its establishment, the school has been completely rebuilt and modernized. Though the physical appearance is completely different from when it opened, the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains and the liberal arts spirit remain the same.

The college offers an unusual learning model called block study. Students take one course at a time in three to four week blocks. The classes are small and intense and the courses of study range from standard to unique. The college offers such a wide range of programs from which students may earn bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees or certificates. There is also a study abroad program that allows students the opportunity to live in and study different cultures while earning a degree.

Located on the front range of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the opportunity for outdoor activities such as skiing, horseback riding, hiking and camping abound. The city of Colorado Springs offers wonderful restaurants, night clubs and cultural centers and the spirit of the West is alive and well throughout the city.

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Information Summary

Ranks 1st in Colorado and 29th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	98.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$71,642
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1430
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	10 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	95% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,144

Academics

The college operates a bit differently than standard colleges in that it utilizes a block plan of education. Under this model, students take only one class at a time for the period of a month. With the limited time and the fact that class sizes are limited to twenty-five students, this allows for intense, individualized study. The block program is extremely flexible and allows students time to pursue research projects or work on a thesis.

Colorado College offers all of the standard bachelor’s and associate’s programs including psychology, political science, English and history but what really sets the school apart are the multiple unique programs that it offers. Their are multiple interdisciplinary programs as well as specialized areas of study that simply are not found at many other schools. Some of these include Southwest Studies, East Asian Languages,Geology, Environmental Science and Anthropology.

The Environmental Studies program offers such courses as Meteorology, Sustainable Development and Introduction to Global Climate Change and prepares students to pursue careers in which an understanding of the connection to the environment and the scientific and human interrelationships effect the global ecosystem. Students also learn problem solving skills and are encouraged to use an interdisciplinary approach to doing so.

Students studying in the Southwest Studies program study the diverse blend of people, history and geography that make up the American Southwest. The unique environment allows for intensive study of the interaction of people who come from very different cultures living compatibly in a rugged landscape.

Many of these programs may be studied in an interdisciplinary manner and the college actually encourages this. The unique programs, environment and learning module utilized at Colorado College makes it a unique place to earn an education.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Colorado College views the application process as an opportunity to get to know the applicant and thus encourage students to tell as much about themselves as possible. Applicants should write the essays in conversational form as if they are speaking with the college staff. It is the information that the student gives in the essays and the way that they answer them that distinguishes the applicant from the other several thousand applications received.

Students are cautioned to complete the application correctly and thoroughly, including personal accomplishments, awards and academic or athletic achievements. The college firmly believes that it is better to submit too much information rather than too little and it is perfectly acceptable to include additional information on a resume or additional pages. For art students that wish to submit fine arts samples, the Common Applications Art Supplement form should be completed. Students should be aware that submissions will not be returned.

Students should begin the application process by completing the Common Application available online as well as the Supplement to the Common Application and the application fee or College Board waiver form. It is a good idea to complete the financial aid form at this time as well in order to be eligible for all forms of aid available. It is especially imperative that students who wish to apply for aid meet all deadlines.

As opposed to requiring the ACT or SAT, the college has a new flexible testing policy. There are a myriad of testing combinations that will be accepted and include separate parts of the ACT, SAT, College Board Tests and International Baccalaureate Examinations. Students should refer to the school’s website for more detailed information regarding what combination of tests are required.

Next, the student will need to submit the Secondary School report and counselor evaluation and recommendation. Official high school transcripts will be required as well as two teacher recommendations. The recommendation forms are available on the website. Finally, a campus visit is not required but the school suggests that students do so in order to see first hand all of the advantages that Colorado College has to offer. All applicants are invited to a group information session and are encouraged to schedule an interview with an admissions counselor and stay for an overnight visit in the residence halls.

The school has two admission periods: Early Decision and Regular Decision. As deadlines may change a bit from year to year, it is imperative that students refer to the website or contact the school in order to make sure that the application process is complete by the deadline for the application period that the student wishes to apply in.

Admissions for transfer, adult and international students are different and these applicants should refer to the website or school for more information.

Financial Aid

Colorado Colleges offers a variety of financial aid options including private, public and federal scholarships, grants, subsidized loans and work-study programs. Students should complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible in order to be considered for as many types of aid as possible. Financial information for both the applicant and parents will be required so students should have this information readily available when starting the application.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3911th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Colorado.

Athletics

The Colorado Tigers are an NCAA Division III conference, with the exception of the men’s hockey team that competes in the NCAA Division I Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and the women’s soccer team which competes in the NCAA Division I Conference U.S.A. There are several varsity teams available for students to participate in including men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, swimming and diving, cross country, lacrosse and basketball. Men have the additional option of hockey while women may also choose to participate in volleyball.

Intramural sports such as ice broom hockey, basketball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee and several others are available to students. The school also offers several club sports including alpine skiing, equestrian, cycling and water polo. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in recreational sports and encourages physical fitness endeavors.

With the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains right at the college’s doorstep, there is no limit to the things that students can do for entertainment while attending Colorado College.

Bibliography

Colorado College: A Unique Intellectual Adventure. Colorado College. 2011. Web. 20 May 2011.

“Colorado College.” The Princeton Review. The Princeton Review. 2011. Web. 20 May 2011.

City of Colorado Springs. The City of Colorado Springs. 2010. Web. 20 May 2011.

Colorado College