College of the Atlantic (COA)

Located in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine, College of the Atlantic is a "really small school" that offers students a strong "interdisciplinary approach to learning." The institution strives to shape its students into "more creative...and critical thinkers" and really allows every undergrad to "construct [their] own unique path." One way they accomplish this is through the school's "inclusive governance system" which lets undergrads "have a say in things going on at the school," including things like approving new classes or reviewing internships. COA undergrads applaud the many different academic opportunities that allow for "hands-on, in the field experience through coursework, work-study, internships, [and the] senior project." Additionally, a number of individuals get to participate in "student research through local lab partners or the islands program" as well. Another advantage of a COA education? The fact that "if you have an interest that there aren't classes in, the school will help you design in-depth independent studies and pair you with knowledgeable mentors." With seemingly endless learning opportunities, it's no wonder many believe they "receive an incredible education beyond [their] expectations."

The professors at COA are "incredibly kind and educated." As this undergrad explains, "All of them are nice and will do their best to help if you ask." Students "get to know [their] professors personally," so it comes as no surprise that many agree "every meeting [and] conversation leaves [them] feeling energized and excited" about what they are studying.

The student body at College of the Atlantic is generally composed of a "unique combination of activists, oddballs, nature lovers and otherwise passionate and unusual people." And they certainly come together to form a community that is "welcoming [and] kind" and rooted in "compassion...for people, plants, animals and the planet." COA undergrads also make a point of highlighting how diverse their peers are, "in terms of having [both] international students [and] lots of queer students." One individual highlights that the school is "a very transgender-friendly place" as well. And a classmate quickly adds, "I've never felt more able to freely explore...and find out who I want to be and how I want to express myself. As a queer person coming from a very conservative background, COA was like a breath of fresh air." Beyond background and sexual orientation, many students here are "eager to [learn] more and share their knowledge [with] others." This is underscored by a student who says, "I have met people who are passionate about a million things I'd never even thought to care about, whether than be phylogeny, herring gulls, sewing, or subjectivity." But when it comes down to it, what COA undergrads appreciate most about their peers is the fact that they "pay attention to others and their needs."

Prepare to be busy if you end up attending College of the Atlantic. After all, "there's always a hundred activities and meetings happening every day." And a good number of undergrads here "spend time serving on committees" as well as "take on jobs on campus." In terms of events and extracurriculars, students "love going to open mics and hearing what [their] peers have created" or checking out the work of the "many artists on campus." Then again, there's no denying that COA students are an incredibly outdoorsy lot and can often be found in places like Acadia National Park, which is "right next to campus." Indeed, the outing club is quite active and students frequently "get to hike, cross country ski, boulder, ice skate, canoe, sea kayak, backpack, camp, and build saunas." And there's a Hiking and Backpacking Outdoor Leadership Program too. One participant reveals that it has "allowed me to lead a week-long freshmen orientation trip on the Appalachian Trail for two years in a row." And if that weren't enough, there's still plenty of ways to bond with your peers in more casual settings. Undergrads here maintain a "strong culture of cooking and eating together" with many "[spending] most of their time in the dining halls" and "generally hang[ing] out with friends."

You're also bound to stumble upon students simply "mak[ing] music [or] watch[ing] movies."

COA has “strong connections to the surrounding community, [which is] extremely beneficial to our student body.” Faculty advisors start helping students shape their curriculum from the start and offer professional advice and connections. Career Services provides further guidance, development activities, labor market information, and access to the alumni mentorship program. The mandatory internship guarantees that students have experience under their belts by graduation (with typical completion during the summer, though opportunities are also available throughout the year), and the senior capstone project is also a nice addition to any portfolio or résumé. Within one year of graduation, 97 percent of students have gone on to graduate school or have secured a job, with more than half studying at the master’s or doctorate level.