“Inclusion on Parade Magazine’s ”˜College A-List’ of the top seven small state schools in the country is more evidence of the College’s growing national reputation” says College of Charleston President P. George Benson. “This latest recognition is particularly significant because it is based on the recommendations of high school guidance counselors from across the nation, who are charged with providing students with unbiased advice about the quality, affordability, and accessibility of higher education institutions.”
According to Parade Magazine, “The campus itself is a piece of history located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, and students studying historic preservation and arts management (Charleston is home to the Spoleto Festival) have a living laboratory at their disposal. Marine biology is also very strong.”
My only problem with this list is that at least one college in Florida on it got dinged on yet another list.
Not sure how important Parade Magazine’s list of “A” colleges, but it seems that my daughter is getting a great education there.
Parade Magazine – now there’s an endorsement.
Found the list referenced in our comment #1:
http://www.whatwilltheylearn.com/
We find these type of lists frequently have a secondary purpose. Received a private message that pointed out that an excellent university received an F. Many others did, too. Don’t know what if there is a hidden agenda of this group is, but went back to find out more about the site we listed. It was created by
[blockquote]The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability at America’s colleges and universities. Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.[/blockquote]
We think that the point of this particular list is that while “core” requirements include a range of subjects, there is a concern that some of the basics needed to understand our society locally and globally and have the tools to effectively address problems as graduates aren’t required. My university offered some “fluff” courses to meet the requirements – such as “Plants for the Urban Environment” for a science class. While plants are science, this class was more a design class utilizing Florida plants. I got an A (both my parents are master gardeners and I’ve picked up a lot from them). Should I have had that class or a harder science class? Looking back – a harder science class.
Food for thought.