I am an incoming freshman at Carleton who’s really interested in geology. I heard that Carleton’s geology department is amazing, compared to other second-tier liberal arts colleges, that’s why I chose to go ED for Carl, considering my okay grades and my interest in geology. Could anyone confirm this information, especially a geology major in Carleton? And what’s it really like to be a geology major in such small liberal arts college with not so much research opportunity whatsoever. I know I am too late to ask such questions, but I am also worried if my geology degree from Carleton won’t help me to secure a place at good grad programs, so that I have to transfer in the next couple of years. Thanks!
You may have MORE research opportunities at Carleton than you would have at a larger research university. There are no grad students dominating the research that is occurring. Your professors want to do research, and they only have the undergrads to help them! So they generally have a strong interest in getting you up to speed in their area of study so you can help out. One of my kids goes to another LAC (not Carleton, although she was accepted there --Carleton was too close to home for her!), and she has had absolutely amazing research opportunities. Summer research after freshman & soph year on campus, and research opportunities during the year for credit in prof labs. She has been asked to work on a paper with a prof at her college this fall based on their summer research (which she will be juggling, as she is starting work in a different profs lab in the fall). Do not worry about this aspect, you will have opportunities if you want them! You have made an amazing choice, and Carleton has super grad school placement rates. You will have no need to transfer on this account, so put your energy into getting ready to start at a great college this fall! (And brush up on your broomball skills!)
From the web page of Carleton’s Geo dept.: “Between 1986 and 1995, more people earning PhD degrees in the earth sciences graduated from Carleton (50) than any other four-year college.”
You won’t have to transfer. There is a very strong culture of undergrad research at Carleton, and a fairly good network to get internships in the field as well. My DS willing be starting his soph. year as a prospective geo major. Likes his profs, his fellow students, and particularly enjoys the geo field trips (Lake Superior’s North Shore, old formations in MO) during term breaks.
“compared to other second-tier liberal arts colleges”
Second tier?