<p>How is Hampshire College? Is it respected? How's life there?
What are some other colleges with self-initiated curriculums?</p>
<p>I'm unfamilliar with the term "self-initiated curriculum." Does that mean the same thing as no core?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Brown and Amherst also have virtually no specific requirements outside of whatever major you choose. Hampshire may have even less requirements, but I really don't know that much about it.</p>
<p>Yeah, it basically means no core. Pick and choose your courses.</p>
<p>gracias:):) (this ten character thing is really annoying lol)</p>
<p>My D and I visited Hampshire. It is <em>very</em> loose. Besides no core curriculum, it also has lots of independent study programs. You design your own classes on topics you choose, etc. A couple of students we spoke to revealed how they were in year 5 or 6 at Hampshire, because of being so wholly responsible for their own studies and messing up by procrastinating. </p>
<p>I would say you need to be EXTREMELY self-motivated and directed to thrive at Hampshire.</p>
<p>I went to Brown; also an open curriculum, but the structure there is much more regular. Still self-motivation is important, to make sure you have rigor and purpose to your curriculum. </p>
<p>Be sure you can handle the freedom. If you can, you will love it. </p>
<p>Hampshire is very artsy and mellow and small. The campus setting is gorgeous though the buildings are a bit pedestrian. It <em>requires</em> a visit as it is an unusual place that would not be a fit for everyone. I would say Bennington felt the most similar, from among the other schools we saw. Hampshire has turned out some very successful graduates and I it is reasonably well regarded academically, particularly in arts/creative arenas. You also get to be a part of the 5 college consortium with all the opportunities at UMass, Amherst, Smith & Holyoke.</p>
<p>My D had a "run screaming" response to both Bennington and Hampshire. Too loose & funky for her taste.</p>
<p>I think an open curriculum can be marvelous for the right kind of student.</p>
<p>It's my understanding that Hampshire gives no grades. You receive only a written evaluation from the professor. My son felt he had the self-motivation to pick his own course and do well. However, we felt the lack of grades would be a definite drawback for anyone trying to get into med or grad school. Plus, the school's strength lies in the humanities.</p>
<p>Marlboro is another that would likely fall within your definition - extremely small school Vt </p>
<p><a href="http://www.marlboro.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.marlboro.edu/</a></p>