<p>Great Responses. My topic wasnt so poorly worded though perhaps a bit awkward. It is true that a college can be overlooked and not unknown. I have a list, that may or may not coincide at some points with Noteworthy Colleges. The problem I had with that list is that it was too long and had too many schools that were very well known, and often not overlooked...in fact were the usual elite schools that get flooded with applications. The point of this thread was to help people with names of schools that are relatively unknown to the majority of people (often because they are regional schools) but which are noteworthy in their own region and often overlooked. When I said "unknown" it doesnt mean absolutely unknown but only relative to the Top100 you typically see on threads from the USNWR rankings and top LAC's. (which I qualified in my initial post)</p>
<p>Already some schools have been mentioned that are prime examples: Western Washington University, Guilford College, Randolph Macon Women's College, Hollins College, University of Richmond, College of Charleston, Mary Washington, Saint Louis University. There are many more in other regions as well. Pomona may fit that list, though it is much better known. But how about Scripps College, literally across the square from Pomona? Willamette University in Oregon. Marquette University. Temple, Villanova and St. Josephs...all in the Philadelphia region. (though they are pretty well known). Creighton University in Omaha. Tulane University in New Orleans. Elon University in NC. UNCWilmington. Stetson University in Florida. Spring Hill College in Alabama. </p>
<p>But keep going. There are plenty of hidden gems out there.</p>
<p>College of Wooster
Muskingum
Mary Washington
New College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Wittenberg
Christopher Newport
William Jewell
John Carroll
St. Johns (Great Books)
Heidleberg
Otterbein College
St. Leo University
Stetson
Earlham
Hanover
Baldwin Wallace</p>
<p>It doesn't seem like anyone on CC is applying to Trinity, so I definitely think it's a largely overlooked school.</p>
<p>I also find myself saying, "Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut," whenever someone asks me where I go to school. I got tired of hearing the response, "Oh how nice! ...Wh-Where is that?"</p>
<p>Trinity is a great school w/ a vigorous curriculum that should not be overlooked by applicants looking beyond Ivies. Also, I don't see Knox College mentioned, very good LAC in western IL.</p>
<p>Rollins College, a LAC Winter Park, Fla.
S is a very happy, involved freshman there now after just learning about it in Feb. Lovely college town. Involved professors. Huge endowment. Beautiful campus. Lots of opportunities for travel abroad, internships, summer research, community service, etc. Due to the school's wealth, motivated students can truly run with their talents and interests.</p>
<p>Sounds crazy, but University of Central Florida is really up and coming. The Honors College is one of the great bargains in schools, IMO, and the Honors housing makes for a terrific college experience.</p>
<p>If you are 1300+ M/V check out the Burnett Honors College at UCF.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Ranked #1 among all public universities in Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholarships won since 1986, and ranked #6 among ALL universities, public and private, on the same criteria.</p></li>
<li><p>A Kiplinger Magazine "best value" college.</p></li>
<li><p>90% of classes have less than than 49 students, 70% of classes have less than 30 students -- not bad for a public university with 23,000 students.</p></li>
<li><p>NCAA Division I sports.</p></li>
<li><p>400 student clubs, including more than 20 intramural sports -- just about everything you could want and many things you might not expect, including a flying club, waterskiing club, skydiving club and rodeo team, among others.</p></li>
<li><p>250 majors and programs. Probably the top ranked Leadership Studies program in the U.S. In addition, more than 33undergraduate majors ranked by Rugg's. </p></li>
<li><p>Students from every state and more than 70 foreign countries.</p></li>
<li><p>Manhattan, KS: a great college town, fun, and safe.</p></li>
<li><p>My daughter goes there (ok, so I'm not objective on this one! :-)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>In Georgia, Georgia College & State University's star has risen faster, perhaps, than just about any school anywhere. Ten years ago it was named the State's Public Liberal Arts University. Since then, SAT averages are up about 250 points, the acceptance rate has fallen to about half, and the retention rate has gone from 55% to 85%. The most amazing stat may be the yield rate, which is now at 54% - more typical of the most selective private schools. Plus, the housing has all be completely re-constructed in the last four years.</p>