Truths Regarding a Liberal Arts Education
Imagine walking onto a campus where the biology major is on his way to theater practice or the mathematics major is on her way to a ceramics class or a computer science major is on his way to piano rehearsal. Where would you find such students? Why would a student do this? At liberal arts colleges and universities across the United States, this is a common scene. Liberal arts colleges have traditionally focused on providing a quality education based in a foundation of important skills – writing, oral communication, interpersonal relationships, collaborative learning. Unfortunately, liberal arts colleges are often misunderstood -- What are these schools? Who attends them? What are their students’ outcomes?
What exactly is a liberal arts school? The curriculum encompasses a range of humanities, sciences and arts to help cultivate multi-dimensional thinkers across the disciplines. The goal of these institutions is to guide students to become dynamic thinkers. While it may seem, at first glance, a waste of time for a math major to take a ceramics class, consider that as she sculpts her bowl on the potter’s wheel she begins to understand the formula of the curve she was struggling with in calculus, and as that curve changes, she is able to apply those math concepts in a completely new and hands-on way. We don’t often realize that academic interests intersect in unexpected ways; this ability to extrapolate the material from a textbook may make the difference in being able to understand and explain to others. Liberal arts students complete their education with the ability to critically analyze and synthesize information, communicate clearly and confidently, and to write well – all skills that any employer, medical school or graduate school would welcome. So why don’t more students consider liberal arts colleges for undergraduate work?
Myth 1: Liberal arts is only about humanities and art.
Liberal arts colleges offer a full range of majors and minors across the arts, humanities, and sciences. In fact, many liberal arts colleges have the strongest science programs in the United States. The ability to infuse other areas of study into your major gives you a broader education that will bring added support to arguments and research. Liberal arts colleges are not career-training institutions; they will help you develop a skill set that is applicable across different fields of study. A liberal arts education will allow you to bring a multi-dimensional and dynamic approach to potential employers and colleagues.
Myth 2: Liberal arts schools do not have research opportunities; only graduate students have the opportunity to research with faculty.
Most liberal arts colleges have a total enrollment of fewer than 4,000 undergraduates. This means increased interaction between faculty and students, including very close professional mentoring by experts in the field. Students can begin research in their selected field as early as their first year and will work with faculty through the entire educational experience. This gives increased opportunities for students to participate in (or conduct) research and also potential publishing experience and/or the opportunity to co-present research at national or international conferences. The relationships you build with your professors will serve you well when you apply to graduate school, medical school or for employment. Professors with whom you have worked closely over four years will be able to write highly personalized letters of recommendation and often have helpful connections within the field.
Myth 3: Graduate schools and/or employers do not care if you have taken history or writing.
Many graduate and medical schools (as well as employers) are anxious to attract and recruit candidates who display a wide variety of skills. Articles surface yearly that indicate that the top qualities potential employers are looking for are strong writing skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal skills. Being the top biochemistry major may not land you that great job if you’re not able to work in team settings, explain your results or write clear reports. The skills you are learning in a liberal arts college are more important than you think.
Myth 4. There are no internships at liberal arts schools.
Liberal arts institutions often have personnel trained and resourced to help students find internship opportunities apposite to their fields of study. The personal attention a student receives in the classroom at a liberal arts school often translates to a very personal experience in obtaining internships. As you look at liberal arts colleges, pay attention to what students are doing while they are enrolled in an institution and what they do after graduation. This will help you consider what you may be able to accomplish as a student at that institution.
Myth 5. They’re not for the “best” students anyway.
The “best” students will find success at the school that fits their learning style and goals. Just because you can get in to a school doesn’t mean it is the right school for you. Research the educational style of a school even if it’s a school with a “big” name. Each student has different goals and learning styles that dictate where the right place may be. Take the time to think about who you are and what you need.
As you begin to think about lesser-known colleges, here are some things to consider:
Just because you have not heard of the school before does not mean it is not a great educational institution. There are over 2,700 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Do your research and find out what schools fit best with your academic interests and learning style.
Remember, college or university is about you and what you want to get out of it. Don’t be afraid to consider someplace no one has heard of.
Don’t feel like you have to give up something you love like art, theater or music to pursue your educational goals in other areas. You can do both. A liberal arts college may be the best place for you and could be the best decision you ever make.
Editorial provided by April Crabtree '04, Assistant Director of Admission and Coordinator of International Admission, Eckerd College.
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