<p>I actually attended a CTCL event (foundation, not book). Most of the colleges are indeed tiny (as in half had 800-1200 students, some less), all are liberal arts, and none (except Reed the day I went) were particularly selective. </p>
<p>These colleges were all too small for me so I didn’t really research any of them, but none of them (exception: Reed) are well known. It was my impression that they aren’t the top rung but not exactly the worst schools either. They probably have/did have something unique about them that warrants a spot on the list, but they felt like the kinds of schools that decide they aren’t going to ever be on top of the rankings so they are going to do one other thing and then only talk about that. </p>
<p>I would take my cue on the updating from the fact that they still include a school that briefly shut down.</p>
<p>My take on the old and new listed schools is that being EXCELLENT was not the yardstick, as much as being different (or special as some might like to say) and represent a DIFFERENT proposal from the ultra selective schools. In so many words, the CTCL is the antithesis of the very selective school that comes at a hefty price. </p>
<p>The above does not equate to thinking that the schools are all bad or all excellent. Some are good, some are truly bastions of excellence, and some are … well … just better avoided.</p>
<p>@Xiggi & other posters-- thanks so much. I will take this into consideration. DD14 is currently a junior and still working on her list of schools to apply to. This process can be a daunting one and felt that the CTCL list was a great place to look. I see now that it deserves a far more discerning eye.</p>
<p>You should use whatever criteria you and your child are using to evaluate the merits (or lack thereof) of any other school you are considering.</p>
<p>Whether a school is part of the CTCL organization or not wouldn’t really persuade me one way or another. Just recognize it for what it is.</p>
<p>Aside - Do I think the organization intentionally misleads people? Yes. It was only after I asked a specific question one-on-one with the director at one of their events did she explain its mission and purpose.</p>
<p>I think of the CTCL schools as schools that might share a few characteristics…not as selective, small classes, no TAs, etc. NewHaven, grab a copy from the library. It explains Pope’s philosophy and there is a chapter for each school. Think of it as another college guide book.</p>
<p>You have to be pretty desperate to go with Antioch College. </p>
<p>They have a $52M endowment which is good, but they have just committed to 4 classes tuition free which is going to eat into that quite a bit. They wont be getting a full tuition stream for 8 years. And their physical plant is quite old and may have had minimal maintenance the the past years. Coming out of their ‘free’ period I dont think they will have much pricing power so overall you might be investing your time in an institution that will be starved for funding and which may be shutting down for the 5th time in its history. And you are betting the value of your degree on the SAT scores that the college is going to be able to attract in the future. </p>
<p>You also have the issue that your degree may be tainted by small schools operating across the country under the Antioch name. I think they are mostly 2-year schools with loose admissions requirement and older students. And the general nuttiness of Antioch’s past (their sexual harassment policy got mocked on Saturday Night Live) may well return. The NYT reported that several alumni are encouraging the tenured faculty that weren’t rehired to sue, so at the very least there is the possibility of a continuing legal drain on the exchequer. </p>
<p>Everything about this says it too risky to me. Burning years of your time has an opportunity cost. Especially when the quality of the course work is unknown, the future of the college is unknown, the future reputation of the place is unknown. </p>
<p>You’d be better off paying for an known quantity.</p>
<p>Or not paying (much) but going to a relatively known quantity like Louisiana Tech or Prairie View A&M (automatic scholarship for tuition, fees, room, and board for the OP’s stats).</p>
<p>I’m a first year at Antioch and I could not be happier being a student there. I just wrote a review for it on cappex . com (another college research website) and I would encourage anyone and everyone to go check it out. I am a bit offended by the comment that someone made that “you have to be desperate to go the Antioch,” because I’m not desperate, and neither are my classmates, we are at Antioch College because we choose to be, not because we have to be. It is a wonderful school, and I am learning so much there. I would be happy to answer any questions anyone sends my way! Thanks and Happy Holidays!</p>
<p>I have applied to Antioch for next year and am still waiting to hear if I’m accepted. I have been accepted to Hampshire and Warren Wilson. As a student there are you feeling pretty confident that they will regain their accredidation? Are the people friendly - have you made friends? Do you like the instructors? Also, is there a lot of alcohol and drug use? I would appreciate any insights to help me make my final choice (if I’m accepted).</p>
<p>My daughter applied was accepted at some great LAC’s and universities last year, but we fall into the area where our EFC is around $22-25K PER YEAR. She wants to study English/creative writing/drama, and I’m sorry but we can’t allow her (or her parents - us!) to go $60-100k in debt for 4 years of liberal arts school when she wants to live an artist’s life. THAT is a potentially disastrous decision in my eyes. Should we have saved more for her college? Of course, but we were not able to and there are reasons for that and what’s done is done. </p>
<p>Therefore, she took a gap year (after many, many tears and long discussions about debt and life), spent 3 months in Germany with a family friend, worked and saved money. Then we hard about Antioch College. She has been accepted and will be in the Class of 2017. We all couldn’t be more excited. This is perfect for us. Are we desperate? No, she had other options. But being able to have a 4 year liberal arts college experience instead of attending the nearby university and living at home (for the same price) is incredible for us. And if the school closes, or does not get accredited… what is lost? To me, nothing. She still gets an incredible couple of years studying what she likes and meeting great people. </p>
<p>I have felt (reading very helpful posts here for over a year) that money was not much of a consideration for a lot of members on this board. Either they don’t have a problem borrowing, or they qualify for a lot of aid. We are in neither group, and I want my daughter starting out her adult life debt-free so she can have the freedom to do what she wants (instead of moving back home to pay off college loans after she graduates). It nearly broke my heart last year not to send her to college, but I think it has turned out to be the best thing in the long run.</p>
<p>Antioch College is a great institution. Thanks to loyal alumni and professors, the school is rebuilding itself and will very soon be an extremely well regarded liberal arts college once again. Buildings have been refurbished, some have been demolished, grounds have been cared for and landscaped, solar power has been fitted to one old building and the President, Mark Roosevelt (great grandson of President Teddy Roosevelt) has been steadfastly at the helm since 2011. This is THE college to watch.</p>
<p>I have thoroughly and at great length researched most of the schools in Loren Pope’s book. They are all wonderful colleges that nurture and challenge their students. If one is looking for a small, intimate, caring liberal arts college, any of these schools would be a great choice.</p>