Although the university system prides itself on being able to send students into today's bustling career world, a liberal arts education is still highly prized. Its curriculum is modeled after that of earlier universities, which stressed inquiry and debate. In adopting the notion that one must "learn learn," an education in at liberal arts college will place most anyone in good stead throughout the course of his life.
Differences
The main difference between a liberal arts college and any other institution of higher education is its focus. Rather than training students for a career or specialization, liberal arts colleges seek to produce well-rounded, educated and knowledgeable individuals. In addition, it is centered on undergraduate study rather than graduate education or research.
Courses of Study
Liberal arts comprises humanities, social studies, natural sciences and mathematics, and students must take courses in all of these. Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered, with majors including art, history, philosophy, literature, languages and anthropology. Many colleges also offer a Bachelor of Music degree, as is the case with Oberlin College, which has a world-renowned conservatory.
Benefits
Liberal arts colleges are known for their smaller class sizes. Large, anonymous lectures are avoided if at all possible. A more intimate and personalized classroom setting promotes dialogue between students and faculty and provides an opportunity for all students to voice their thoughts and opinions, as well as improve their skills. This style of education highly discourages passive forms of learning.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are particularly stringent. Prospective students must have completed three to four years of English, science, mathematics, history and a foreign language. Standardized test scores, such as the ACT with writing or the SAT I, also are required. One of the main things admission officials look for is writing skills. A personal statement must demonstrate good grammar and style. Liberal arts colleges also want to know from a prospective student's high-school teachers the student's ability to analyze and reason.
Best Suited
Those best suited for a liberal arts college are students with a strong interest in humanities or anyone desiring a more traditional form of education. While liberal arts colleges do have courses in mathematics and other technological fields, those seeking to specialize in them would find a larger research university a better fit.
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