I would love to see D2 go to a school with a January term, or otherwise have an an opportunity to have a “block” schedule for at least part of her college career. I know there are only a few (Colorado College and Cornell in Iowa) that do blocks all year long, but how do you find a list of those with calendars that include this feature? Can’t figure out how to search for them! She is currently looking at New England colleges for art and science, but is just starting the process. Thanks!
I Googled “colleges with January terms” and got this listing of schools with 4-1-4 calendars, as they are known. The University of San Francisco also offers a intersession in January, I don’t see it on this list.
My D went to Lafayette College (PA) and they have a semester system with a January intersession. Many students use the January session to do short study abroad programs.
University of Delaware
great list! Thank you!!!
MIT has an independent activities period between the fall and spring semesters.
http://web.mit.edu/iap/
MIT does have media arts and sciences, music, and theater arts majors.
http://web.mit.edu/education/
New College of FL has a January Independent Study program. First-year students have to conduct their projects on-campus, but they are free to go anywhere in the world after that.
Amherst has one though it isn’t on that list. It’s totally optional though.
@shoot4moon, I believe Williams is already on your list, but I would mention that Williams’ Winter Study was, for my son, one of the best aspects of his four years there. Though a lot of kids take advantage of the Winter Study travel opportunities, my son spent all four Januarys on campus, took some great short courses and enjoyed winter sports and down time with his friends.
Bates has a May term – second semester finishes in April and then there is an optional – I believe — May term.
The Bates short-term has a two unit requirement. The third is optional. You can only take three. Some majors require a short-term unit. Many of the classes are field study.
Not an intercession, but I believe Dartmouth requires one summer session. Oberlin (not quite east coast) requires 2 or 3 January terms out of a possible 4.
Johns Hopkins has a January intersession program (and it’s not on the list):
http://pages.jh.edu/intersession/
Oberlin has a January winter term (is on the list, but not on a coast, was already mentioned, but here’s the link):
Another reason to investigate John Hopkins!! I went to a school with an intersession, and it was one of my favorite parts as well. I am having a hard time searching for this feature as schools call it different things, so keep those suggestions coming!