Thanks to Marty O'Connell and all of the representatives present this morning for the Colleges That Change Lives Counselor Breakfast. This group of schools is something I mention in almost every Junior Meeting and it was so wonderful to be able to speak with the representatives without feeling like you are taking them away from speaking with students and families. Today's breakfast and fair were a great way to connect with the schools and learn a little more about a few of the campuses.
The reason I'm such a staunch advocate for these schools is they help us redefine schools that are 'best.' It is exciting to find schools that produce intelligent and successful graduates without requiring every person to be in the 99th percentile. These are schools full of high quality research, interesting faculty, and classrooms full of learning (and I'm not talking about learning how to copy notes from a lecture). Contrary to popular belief, these schools are not 'easy' and the work students are expected to do is in some ways more challenging and in-depth than the work at some more selective institutions. The difference is the spirit of these schools focuses on the undergraduate. They focus on helping meet students where they are and raise them higher. I've only had the pleasure of seeing a few of these campuses first hand (places like Lawrence, Beloit, and Hope) but I'm eager to visit more. From what I've seen, Mr. Pope's assessment is correct. These are fantastic schools.
Tonight is the second installment of their College Fair for students and families (7:00 pm at the Hotel Pennsylvania). No reservations are required. I dare you to go and not find at least one school that can offer what you are looking for.
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