<span>34 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 34 ACT Score</span>

34 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 34 ACT Score

The ACT is a comprehensive standardized test that many colleges and universities consult as part of their application process. Composed of four sections, Math, Science, Reading, and English, the ACT features 215 questions designed to be answered in 2 hours and 55 minutes. There’s also an optional Writing portion to the exam that is scored separately and differently. 

Of the roughly 2 million students who take the ACT every year, the average score hovers around 21. 

 

Is a 34 ACT Score (# Percentile) Good?

With a 34, you can apply to every college and university in the country and be competitive for admission to all of them, including selective schools. Because one of the purposes of the ACT is to generate a wide variety of colleges to choose from, a score of 34 can be judged a complete success.

To fully appreciate what that means, let’s talk percentiles. A 34 ACT score puts you at the 99% percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 99% of all test takers! That’s impressive! 

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 34?

An ACT score of 34 enables you to apply to every college and university throughout the country. We’ve assembled a representative list of those schools below. While no standardized test score automatically leads to admission, all of these schools have established a history of accepting students who earn a 34.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 34 Score?

There’s no need to retake the ACT with a score of 34. A 34 makes you eligible and competitive for all colleges and universities, which is the goal! 

For juniors, remember that most colleges weigh ACT scores and GPA about equally. So now is the time to focus on every class to ensure that your GPA is as impressive as your score of 34. As mentioned previously, a score of 34 leads to a huge number of college options and the sheer size of the list can feel intimidating. Pay a visit to your school’s college resource center and ask the college counselor for assistance. After getting to know you better, they’ll be able to recommend a list of schools for further research.

Even if you’re applying to the Ivy League institutions, there isn’t an incredible need to retake the ACT. An ACT score of 34 lands you solidly in their average acceptance area. For an above average score, a 35 would increase competitiveness, but it’s not an easy score to obtain. Analyze the breakdown of your current score and see if there’s a specific area for improvement.

If you’re a senior, the best place to focus your efforts on is making sure the rest of your application is up to the standard you’ve set with an ACT score of 34. Review your college list, which should include safety, reach, and match schools. Take the time to compose a thoughtful and persuasive personal essay and have your college counselor critique it. If any teachers had an impact on your high school years, contact them and ask for a letter of recommendation.

 

34 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 34 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1520 to 1550 on the SAT.  There are some differences to these two standardized tests, so what you earn on one test may not be what you earn on the other, but this is a good way to understand how your score compares. 

 

Scholarships for a 34 ACT Score

With a score of 34 on the ACT, you’re eligible for merit aid from both your future college or university and from third-party scholarship providers. On top of applying for merit aid, make sure you apply to scholarships for other things, too, including location, life circumstances, future major, passions, and more. Use our scholarships database to find the right scholarships for you! 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 34 a good ACT score?

A 34 ACT score makes you eligible for acceptance at every college and university, competitive at even selective institutions, and qualified for merit aid. All of that taken into consideration, a 34 ACT is a very good score. 

 

What colleges can I get into with a 34 ACT score?

You’re eligible to apply to every college, including very selective ones. Among your Target institutions, you can consider the University of Chicago, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Cornell University.   

 

What percentile is a 34 ACT score?

A 34 ACT puts you at the 99th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 99% of all test takers. 

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 34 ACT score?

A 34 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1520 to 1550 on the SAT

 

What scholarships can you get with a 34 ACT score?

A 34 ACT score makes you qualified for merit aid from your potential future institution and third-party scholarship providers. Apply for merit scholarships as well as ones for your extracurriculars, future major, life circumstances and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

Advanced Search

Bentley University is a private institution in the Boston area with a focus on combining business education with arts and sciences. Bentley confers undergraduate degrees in 25 academic fields of study and also enables students to customize a major...

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Bentley University is centered on educating prospective business majors with a good variety of courses that prepare students for the business world. They also offer a liberal arts major known as the LSM for students who either stray away from...

” – Christopher from Attleboro, MA

Originally founded in 1861 as a school for women, Vassar College is a 4-year coeducational liberal arts college in southern New York State. Vassar grants bachelor’s degrees in 51 academic majors and was one of the first schools in the United States...

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Vassar's zero core curriculum approach to academics allows any student to explore their academic interests to the fullest degree. The professors are wonderful and the majority have the highest degree possible in their field. They are open to...

” – Erin from Boston, MA

Clark University is a private institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Clark offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors structured around Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum which includes a small...

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I have, quite honestly, learned more in my first semester at Clark than I ever have in my entire life. The academics here are very good but in some cases you have to step up your own learning, it isn't always handed to you. All my professors are...

” – Olivia from West Hartford, CT

Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant and...

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I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with...

” – Briana from Corpus Christi, TX

Founded in 1795 as the first college chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, Union College is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in upstate New York. The first liberal arts college to offer a degree program in engineering, Union...

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Overall students generally feel like they're learning quite a bit. The professors are great and help you to really understand things. Still, sometimes things are being taught that you MAY have already learned in high school (especially if you took...

” – Victoria from Athens, NY

The Rochester Institute of Technology is a 4-year private university of technology, arts, and design in northwest New York State. RIT is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, RIT offers a co-op program that...

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Part of being a Software Engineering major means spending a year with Computer Science students learning the basics of computer programming. When I first came to RIT, I knew nothing about writing code but the classes challenged and taught me well and...

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Created by the merger of Lewis Institute and Armour Institute, The Illinois Institute of Technology is a scientific and technical research institution in Chicago. IIT hosts eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 40 fields...

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Students that attend IIT go to study and become future leaders, not to fool around or party. I am currently learning so much from the architecture program. The professors are practicing architects and although I just ended my first semester, I feel...

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The University of the Pacific is the oldest, private university in California and has admissions that are more selective. The main campus is located in Stockton, and the university operates two satellite campuses in Sacramento and San Francisco...

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Most universities/colleges don't allow students to get started on their majors until Sophomore or Junior year of college. As a Freshman at UOP I've already gotten a feel for what I will be doing as a sports medicine or Athletic Training major. Four...

” – Hayley from San Jose, CA

Located near the Androscoggin River and Casco Bay, Bowdoin College is a 4-year liberal arts college in coastal Maine. With a focus on using education for the common good, Bowdoin offers undergraduate degrees in over 30 majors. Additionally, Bowdoin...

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Attended classes and all were excellent---Chinese 2nd yr, Biomath, Chem, Physics
Profs all accessible and nice, varied classroom environments

” – Scott from Kent, CT

The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...

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My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...

” – Sarah from Richardson, TX

Founded by the Presbyterian church, Davidson College is a 4-year private liberal arts college in southern North Carolina. Davidson confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 academic majors and 40 minors. Davidson also features an Honor Code forbidding...

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Davidson is known for its strenuous academic curriculum, and it lives up to that reputation. There aren't any joke classes, but every class that I have had has been great. The professors actually do the teaching while they don't at large...

” – Andrew from Charlotte, NC

Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican liberal arts institution located in the city of the same name in Rhode Island. PC offers 52 major fields of study and was the first college in the nation to offer a...

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The overall physical appearance of the school is lovely. The school body seems friendly, the guide on my visit seemed very knowledgable. The atmosphere seems to have an open, fun social setting and good school spirit.

” – Emily from Morris Plains, NJ

Lafayette College is based in Easton, PA, and is considered a “Hidden Ivy.” This private college leads all other liberal arts colleges in the US with the most Goldwater Scholarship recipients. Lafayette is ranked on several lists by The Princeton...

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The professors take a genuine interest in their students and are more than willing to offer their time and assistance.

Lafayette offers a broad variety of programs to help prepare you for the future. Personal meetings with counselors help you to...

” – Amanda from Moorestown, NJ

Founded in 1800 as a ministry training school, Middlebury College is a 4-year liberal arts college in Vermont’s Champlain Valley and the first institution of higher learning established in the state. Middlebury offers bachelor’s degrees in over 45...

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The price of tuition is one of the most expensive in the country. Furthermore, Middlebury does not offer merit-based scholarships.

” – Ryan

Built for a future that has yet to be defined, Jefferson is crossing disciplines to bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education. Through boundary-breaking collaboration, research and hands-on, experiential learning, we equip...

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This school is very well developed. You learn alot of information needed for your major. Many opportunities are offered. Have excellent internship programs to help you have an idea of what to expect after graduation. Many clubs and organizations...

” – Adji from Philadelphia, PA

Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts institution in Pennsylvania that was founded in 1864. The college was founded by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and its "most selective" admissions process is also need-blind. The 425-acre...

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Swarthmore is one of the toughest colleges in the country, but it pays off. Aside from major intro classes like Psch 1 and Bio 1&2, class sizes are very small. Professors are brilliant and AVAILABLE--unlike profs at huge research universities, they...

” – Some Swattie

Situated atop a hill overlooking the farms of mid-Ohio and featuring distinctive Gothic architecture, Kenyon College is a 4-year liberal arts college and the oldest private institution in the state. Kenyon offers undergraduate degrees in over 50...

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It has one of the top programs in English in the country. Kenyon is truly a prestigious liberal arts college.

” – Valerie from Eastlake, OH

Calling Des Moines, Iowa, its home, Drake University is a midsize, private institution of higher learning with more than 70 majors available to its undergraduate students. Cultivated over 130 years of educating, The Drake Curriculum features small...

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I feel like I didn't learn anything in high school, but I love college! At Drake I feel like the professors really teach you the material and most make it interesting!

” – Kristin from Lockport, IL

Wheaton College is an explicitly Christian, academically rigorous, liberal arts college and graduate school located just 25 miles west of Chicago. Established in 1860 by abolitionists, Wheaton is guided by its original mission to provide excellence...

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The profs are great- very good teachers, love what they're doing, and really want to help you succeed.

” – Andy from Wheaton, IL

Founded in 1870, Wellesley College is a 4-year liberal arts college for women in eastern Massachusetts as well as a member of the Seven Sisters Colleges and Three-College Alliance. Wellesley confers undergraduate degrees in over 50 departmental and...

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Wellesley is an excellent liberal arts school because, in a nutshell, they teach you how to figure the world out for yourself. They have excellence in everything: faculty, location, students, campus, dining, residential staff, dorms, comprehensive...

” – Christine from Salt Lake City, UT

For almost 200 years, Gettysburg College has provided a consequential education to generations of innovative, driven students and encouraged them to Do Great Work in their communities and across the world. Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a...

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Gettysburg is almost like a dream. I feel more at home here than I do anywhere else and being on campus makes me smile. I feel really lucky to get to attend this school and am really going to miss it when I graduate.

” – Kaytie from MA

Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a 4-year liberal arts college located in central Iowa. Grinell offers bachelor’s degrees in 27 academic majors and 13 concentrations. For environmentally-minded Grinellians, the college is home to the Conard...

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Though the courses cover a large amount of material in what seems to be a short time span, the professors are happy to help outside of class.

” – Marlu from Sun Valley, CA

Founded by the Society of Jesus, Fairfield University is a 4-year Jesuit institution in coastal Connecticut. Fairfield provides a liberal arts education and offers degrees in 44 academic majors as well as 16 interdisciplinary majors. As a Catholic...

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The teachers focus on broadening your view and the extensive core forces you to study fields you would have never considered, but could decide major in.

” – Kristin from Martinsville, NJ

Founded in response to neighboring Columbia University’s all-male admission policy, Barnard College is one of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States and a member of the Seven Sisters colleges. Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Barnard...

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Barnard college is one of the most unique college experiences that exist- partly because of it's location in NYC, partly because of the affiliation with Columbia, and partly because of its existence as a women's college. Being a part of Columbia is...

” – Cassie

Founded by a Presbyterian minister, the College of Wooster is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Ohio. Wooster grants bachelor’s degrees in 44 academic majors and every student’s academic career begins with a First-Year Seminar focusing on...

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I think the most notable aspect of the curriculum is its inter-disciplinary qualities. I can think of numerous occasions in which information from one class has connected to what I am learning in another class. Wooster is not merely about giving...

” – Katie

Lawrence University is a liberal arts college and a conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin. On a bluff that overlooks the Fox River, the main campus is only one of three locations Lawrence University maintains. The 441-acre Bjorklunden...

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My mom went to Lawrence and she and all of her classmates are amazing, intelligent people that have gone far. My mom has her PhD and has a friend in the Bankok Orchestra. Whenever I have gone to the campus, I've really loved that they have the...

” – Hilary from Soquel, CA

Situated on a hilltop across the river from New York City, the Stevens Institute of Technology is a technological and engineering university in northeast New Jersey. Stevens is home to four schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors...

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Stevens provides a challenge, yet most of the learning is practical or hands on. I feel exceptionally prepared for real world work in the future!

” – Angela from Sparta, NJ

Smith College is an all-female liberal arts institution in western Massachusetts and the largest all-women’s college in the country. The biggest school among the Seven Sisters Colleges, Smith offers degrees and certificates in over 50 areas of study...

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The academics at Smith are amazing. There are no core classes and the professors are excellent. If there's something Smith doesn't have, you can easily enroll in a class at one of the other colleges of the Five College Consortium.

” – Veronica from Plymouth, MA

Furman University is a 4-year, 100% residential institution in Greenville, South Carolina, and is the oldest private institution in the state. The curriculum has a liberal arts focus throughout its 60 degrees of studies and is based around The Furman...

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I am definately learning more than I thought I'd be learning in such short semesters at Furman. At times it may seem a bit overwhelming but professors are always willing to explain and help their students and Furman provides tutoring if needed during...

” – Demesheka from Conyers, GA

The Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado. Established in 1873, Mines has been focusing on the sciences and engineering for more than 130 years, expanding its focus to include understanding the Earth, harnessing energy, and...

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For the first year at the Colorado School of Mines, the majority of the required classes are classes that many honor students have already taken in high school. The classes include calculus 1, chemistry 1 and 2, and physics 1. Granted, these classes...

” – Krista from Colorado Springs, CO

Founded by Jesuits in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is Catholic liberal arts university in Baltimore. Loyola Maryland offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, all first year students participate in a peer...

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Classes are taught by proffesors that want their students to learn and to enjoy the subjects they teach. Also, teachers are available for students when a student needs their help understanding the subject.

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Gonzaga University is a Roman Catholic university in eastern Washington state and a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Gonzaga offers 15 undergraduate degrees featuring 52 majors. As a Catholic institution, Gonzaga...

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I transferred for University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho to go to a more demanding school like Gonzaga University. Gonzaga thrives off of the success of it's students. The teachers care and although this school requires a lot of work, the fulfillment...

” – Arlene from Vancouver, WA

St. Olaf College is a 4-year institution founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran Immigrants. Today, St. Olaf maintains its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on its 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, often called “The...

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Of course in the classroom I feel that I am learning from some of the brightest professors I will meet, but I am also learning a lot about myself through classes I take, interactions with others on campus, volunteer and abroad opportunities, and...

” – Kelsey from Portland, OR

Founded in 1888, the University of Puget Sound is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Seattle metro area. UPS awards bachelor’s degrees in over 50 traditional and interdisciplinary fields of study and a number of programs feature experiential...

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In my Freshman year I learned the hard way that High School study habits don't make the cut here and I am better for it. UPS makes you work hard for what you want to achieve, but the professors also know how to make it interesting. I was worried that...

” – Jessica from Graham, WA

Founded in 1813, Colby College is one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges, serving only undergraduates. Colby’s academic programs, including 45 majors and 35 minors, are anchored to the world’s most complex challenges. Colby’s campus...

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Colby College provides a safe and welcoming environment to prospective and new students as well as an experience that is unique, challenging, and gratifying. The largest classes at Colby are probably the introductory science courses, which take place...

” – Angela from Bronx, NY

Founded in 1841, Samford University is a 4-year Christian university in the greater Birmingham area affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. Samford is home to 10 colleges conferring numerous undergraduate degrees and all classes are focused...

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From the standards of the admissions as well as the partnerships that Samford holds, I really do believe that learning will be taking place, both inside the classrooms and out.

” – TYEA from Birmingham, AL

Founded in 1919, Babson College is a college of business in the greater Boston area. Babson offers an undergraduate curriculum in Business and Entrepreneurship and the college includes an accelerated degree program that enables students to graduate...

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Definitely will learn about setting up and running a business. Students work a lot in groups, so learning about people and cultures is a good thing.

” – CK from Southern California

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a selective, private, four-year liberal arts college located in the beautiful Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania. With over 1900 students, 39 majors, 36 minors and an 9:1 student to faculty ratio, students experience...

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The professors truly care about your progress and the liberal arts philosophy really allows you to challenge yourself in a variety of academic areas.

” – Samantha from Voorhees, NJ

Chartered in 1783, Dickinson College is a liberal arts college in southeast Pennsylvania and the first college founded after the American Revolution. Dickinson grants bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic fields of study and all majors include the...

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Dickinson is a top-quality liberal arts institution that works to provide each student with as many opportunities as they possibly can. Academically, Dickinson is top of the line, and despite its size, it boasts huge number of wonderful opportunities...

” – Morgan from Schuylkill Haven, PA

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded in 1859 in the East Village of Manhattan by Peter Cooper, is a top-ranked, all-honors college committed to making education fair and accessible to all. Every admitted undergraduate...

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I think the small class sizes will ensure maximum teacher/student interactions

” – Suhaibu from St.thomas, VI

With campuses three miles apart, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship campus with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 150 academic majors and minors. In addition, the U of M is...

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If you are willing to spend the time, the professors are more than willing to help you out. Some of the classes are hard and require after class work, but in the end it's all worth it. They don't restrict you on what you can / can't take. It's up to...

” – Donald from Norwood, MN

Founded in 1869, Trinity University is a private liberal arts and sciences institution situated in San Antonio, TX. Trinity is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and offers undergrad degrees in 47 academic majors. All freshmen must take a First...

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The professors at Trinity University are all very knowledgeable in their fields and outside and are passionate about what they do, which makes the classes interesting and challenging. However, the professors truly care about their students and will...

” – Kayleigh from Waco, TX

Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Lipscomb University is a Christian liberal arts institution in Nashville. Lipscomb confers undergraduate degrees in 176 academic areas of study. As a Christian university, Lipscomb holds chapel services twice...

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I am learning about so many things I didn't know existed. I am learning about the Babylonian number system, Mayan number system, and the eight-fold path from the Buddhist religion.

” – Erica from LA Vergne, TN

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Pitzer College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southern California and a member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors including the first Secular Studies program in the nation. To provide a...

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Pitzer College as well as the entire Claremont Colleges offers many opportunities and resources including the Claremont Consortium, the Keck Joint Science Center, Student Health Services and others. Students also have the opportunity to create their...

” – Diamond from Los Angeles, CA

Established in 1854, Wofford College is a 4-year, liberal arts institution located in Spartanburg, SC. Wofford offers 67 majors, minors, and programs on its 170-acre campus, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and, in...

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Wofford is a tough school. In order to be a successful student there, you have got to mean business. There's no fooling around or second chances. By attending Wofford, I am challenging myself more than I ever have before and it is definitely...

” – Lisa from Baltimore, MD

Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts institution based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo offers students an immersive first-year experience that includes an 18-day wilderness adventure and a Summer Common Reading conversation. All students are...

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The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their...

” – Hannah from Portage, MI

Bard College
Annandale On Hudson, NY

Bard College is a liberal arts institution with a main location surrounded by the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. The 1,000-acre Annandale campus provides 48 undergraduate programs and concentrations in five divisions, as well as a number of 3+2...

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Bard College is not only a beautiful college, but is also on a beautiful mission to help college student learn and cultivate their ambitions and talents. Bard College has just the right balance of peace on campus to study and adventure in the city...

” – Briana from Alpharetta, GA

Berry College is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Mount Berry, Georgia. Berry became a 4-year, coeducational college in 1926 and has since grown to offer 42 majors and 38 minors for its undergraduate degree population through four schools...

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I am applying what I learn in my animal sciences classes directly into the Dairy where I work. Everything from their nutrition, calving, vaccinations, and surgeries are done first hand by the students. We learn the way things are done in the room...

” – Colleen from Linwood, KS

Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...

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The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.

” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NY

Founded in 1855 by a group of abolitionists, Bates College is a liberal arts college in southern Maine with a focus on social justice and egalitarianism. Bates confers bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors and students have the option to pursue...

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What captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning...

” – Kiera from Lewiston, ME