Academics
Students are drawn to Colorado College for its unique “Block Plan,” in which students take one intensive class at a time. The academic year is structured as eight blocks of three to five weeks each, punctuated by five-day “block breaks.” Students find the Block Plan empowers them to participate in “a strongly immersive approach to education,” reporting that “the classes are very challenging, but after cramming in a semester’s worth of calculus in four weeks, you basically feel like you can conquer anything.” “Colorado College abhors mediocrity; either you succeed more than you ever thought possible, or fail in spectacular ways.” Academically, students “love the class sizes and classes. I feel fully invested in each class I take here.” The “intense and exhausting” pace of block classes bonds students and professors: “My professors have given me more opportunities for growth and cared more than I ever imagined they would. I have yet to have a professor whose home I haven’t been to and family I haven’t met.” “In my last block the professor was spending the whole morning afternoon—and evening—with us!” “My professors appear to be geniuses in their respective fields...I have been amazed at the extent to which the block plan allows each student to delve into their course material.” The “small classes” “do away with student anonymity” and “foster excellent discussion and intellectual growth.” Students also appreciate the “internship opportunities” and “preparation for post-graduation” offered by the school, often in concert with the “ability to study off campus or abroad.” Colorado College undergrads see their objective as “pursuing excellence through diverse and rich viewpoints” and “immersion in a dynamic array of intellectual endeavors.” “My school emphasizes an attitude of working diligently, so that free time can be appreciated to its fullest.” “They genuinely value the college’s “great support system and connections,” which make “opportunities to learn off campus” “accessible.” “The shared values of intellectual engagement, physical and mental health, passion, and a sense of adventure define Colorado College’s spirit.”
