This morning I attended a counselor breakfast hosted by University of Rochester, Reed College, Lafayette College and the University of Toronto.
We got to hear from the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at Rochester. Not surprisingly, there are many opportunities for students to pursue research at Rochester. His remarks highlighted the interdisciplinary connections that research brings and how the experience with research can help students determine their own academic and career path.
Reed's portion of the morning was exciting for me because I've never had the opportunity to visit Portland and I'm always hungry to learn more about schools on the West Coast. The anecdotes that the representative shared really helped to crystallize in my mind the types of students that would love Reed. For example, she shared how a big debate on campus had to do with the change of one of the core course texts from the Iliad to the Odyssey. There was then a followup debate about which translation was selected. Reed students are nerds (her words, not mine) that love learning for learning's sake. Other key components to note: there are no league sports at Reed, so if you were hoping to join an NCAA team, look elsewhere. They are also a school with an 'honor principle' so students are expected to be trusted with take home tests and classwork. I hope I can visit campus one day!
Lafayette, on the other hand, is on my short list of campuses to see in the near future. At only 60 miles away from New York City, it is a great small liberal arts college that, unlike Reed, has Division I sports! It is also unique in that it is a Liberal Arts college that has always had Engineering (similar to places like Swarthmore). Though the Engineering department is best suited for engineers that want to 'cross train their brain' -- in other words: practical engineering, not theoretical engineering. Described as a college setting with university resources, Lafayette makes a lot of sense for many ElRo students. They are seeking active hands-on learners that are looking to build relationships with professors. Be prepared to write. All students, including Engineers, are pushed to think critically and express those thoughts on paper.
Sadly, I had to head back to school before I could hear the University of Toronto's presentation, but be sure to check out their website if you are thinking about college in Canada.
Thanks again to these schools for hosting the event!
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