Admissions Blog

Colby College has announced that it has been selected as an inaugural member of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network.

The STARS College Network is a group of sixteen colleges and universities across the United States working together to increase access, affordability, and college advising for students from rural and small-town communities. The other current colleges STARS colleges include Brown University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, The University of Chicago, The University of Iowa, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Yale University.

As part of its membership, Colby will help fulfill a critical role as the sole small liberal arts college in the network, ultimately committed to helping students from small-town and rural communities enroll in, succeed at, and graduate from the undergraduate program of their choice. Events, workshops, and college access opportunities in conjunction with this new membership are in the works beginning as early as this summer.

Colby College is a private liberal arts college located in Waterville, Maine, in the northeastern United States.

With easy access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and rafting, strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of environmental science, biology, and economics, a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, a commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025 and large investment in sustainable infrastructure and practices on campus, a vibrant campus community with a wide variety of clubs and organizations, and a strong athletics program, Colby College offers a unique combination of academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and a dynamic campus community in a beautiful location.

Colby College has an Island Campus on Benner Island.

University of Chicago shared more about the STARS initiative as well, including the fact that it is supported by a $20 million gift from Trott Family Philanthropies, the foundation of University of Chicago trustee Byron and Tina Trott.

Indiana vs. Ohio State

Today’s reader question comes from Paulo in Los Angeles, California:

Question: I’m sick of living in LA and am determined to have a college experience in the midwest because I want the classic American college experience and I want to live with people who are friendly and down to earth in an environment that’s calmer and cleaner than what I’ve experienced growing up. I’m down to Ohio State and Indiana, both of which I got into in December. What would you say are the biggest differences between Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington from the perspective of an undergraduate student?

Answer: Ohio State University (OSU) and Indiana University Bloomington (IU) are both large, well-respected public universities, but they offer distinct experiences for undergraduate students.

Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is known for its large and diverse student body, as well as its strong academic programs in a variety of fields. OSU has a vast range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to get involved in, and the campus is home to a vibrant student life, including Greek life and recreational opportunities. One of the key benefits of attending OSU is its size, as the university offers a huge range of academic programs and resources, which can allow students to explore different areas of study and find their passions.

Indiana University Bloomington, on the other hand, is located in the charming college town of Bloomington, Indiana. IU is known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities, and is particularly well-regarded for its music, theater, and creative writing programs. The campus is beautiful, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life and make new friends. Additionally, the smaller size of IU’s student body compared to OSU can provide a close-knit community feel, where students have more opportunities to form close relationships with their peers and professors.

One of the biggest differences between Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington is the focus of each university. OSU is a large research university, which provides students with extensive research opportunities and access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. On the other hand, IU is more focused on the arts and humanities, providing students with a more well-rounded liberal arts education that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking.

In terms of student life, both OSU and IU offer a variety of activities, clubs, and organizations, but the atmosphere and feel of each campus can be quite different. OSU has a large, bustling campus, with a vibrant student life, including Greek life and recreational opportunities, while IU has a smaller, more close-knit feel, with a focus on the arts and humanities.

Ultimately, both Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington offer excellent educational opportunities for undergraduate students, but the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences and priorities – including your choice of major. If you are interested in a large, research-focused university with a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant student life, Ohio State University may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in a somewhat smaller, liberal arts-focused university with a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities, but which still has school spirit, Indiana University Bloomington may be the right choice.

Colby Working to Help Rural Students Attend College

How are Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington different?