Three more great places to look when you research schools

I wanted to share some of my favorite areas to use on a college website to learn more about both campus academics and culture. I've highlighted some of the schools my students are considering but google is your friend here, you can easily find similar sites for your colleges.

Freshman writing seminars give you a window into the diversity of thought on campus, as these are typically classes that are not connected to a major. Almost every school requires freshman take a writing seminar so read the topics and how the professors describe the courses. You may see classes such as:

• Comics, the Art of Graphic Storytelling or Transportation in the City (Oberlin College)

• Introduction to Memory Studies or The Secret Lives of Plants (Washington University, St Louis)

• Introductory to Contemporary Dance from Global Perspectives or Writing about Culture (Wesleyan University)

College newspapers and online magazines tell you about the hot button issues on campus and how the administration, faculty and students react to them. You might also find out about special (virtual) events you can attend, community happenings, and alumni highlights. I always advise you pick up a paper when you visit campus but you can also read most online. Many even offer free online subscriptions, a great way to gather information to write your supplemental essays! Many schools also have active groups on Facebook and LinkedIn as well as active Twitter and Instagram feeds. Some newspapers (but this is a very small sample) ...

• The Daily Pennsylvanian (University of Pennsylvania)

• The Daily Trojan (University of Southern California)

• SCAD District and SCAD Connector (Savannah College of Art and Design)

• Skidmore News (Skidmore College)

• The Eagle (American University)

• Reporter (Rochester Institute of Technology)

• Columbia Chronicle (Columbia College, Chicago)

Some annual or semi-annual magazines where you can get an overview of the interests of the college, faculty and alumni.

• Cornell University

• Northeastern University

• Haverford College

• Occidental College

• STAMPS University of Michigan

Senior capstone projects, thesis presentations, performances or exhibitions are also fantastic ways to see if you connect with student work. Some schools have open to the public presentations of current senior's work, others have libraries of past work. Both give you a window into the work that you could be expected to produce, and the work of peers you would be exposed to and collaborate with.

• Tufts/SMFA Digital Library of Senior Thesis (Tufts University)

• Senior Recitals (Oberlin Conservatory)

• RISD Senior Show 2020 (RISD)

• NYU Student Gallery (NYU Tisch Film & Television) or the Student Photography Show 2020 (NYU Tisch - Photography)

• SVA Computer Animation 2020 (School of Visual Arts)

• UNCSA Acting BFA Senior Reels (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)

This list should give you more to consider as you dive deeper into your college research.