What a hidden, if not a slightly remote, gem! Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin (a two hour drive north of Milwaukee), is everything a small liberal arts university should be. First year students are introduced to college level reading, writing and analysis through a unique Freshmen Studies program where freshmen study the same material, participate in lectures by experts in the field, discuss topics in small groups and then adjorn to lunch where the conversation continues. Over 60% of the classes are honors tutorials or indivualized learning where a student identifies a topic of interest and finds a faculty member to teach it. 70% of Lawrence students take such a class and they rave about the opportunity to study a topic in depth. Seniors are required to complete a capstone project in their major. Lawrence has a Conservatory of Music, and 25% of the students are majors there but classes, lessons and ensembles are open to the entire university.
One imagines that Wisconsin residents would comprise the majority of students but that is not the case - 70% are from outside Wisconsin and 10% are international students. All students live on campus which creates a significant feeling of community that comes across when touring the campus. Set along the banks of the Fox River, Lawrence is located at one end of downtown Appleton (called "The Little Apple" for good reason I was told).
Lawrence is test optional in admissions. It attracts bright, self motivated students who want to take responsibility for their education and Lawrence helps them do just that. Don't be fooled by Lawrence's statistics in college guidebooks - it is the type of place that does not appeal to everyone and is somewhat self-selecting.
Are you ready to be challenged? Do you want to be able to direct your education and not be told what to take all the time? Do you want to continue music or vocal lessons or perhaps perform with other enthusiastic students? Do you want to experience another part of the country for four year and can you handle the cold, long winters? Yes? Check out Lawrence in College that Change Lives by Loren Pope or talk to me for more information. This is a spectacular place!
