"Small College Magic" by Peter Pitts: A Helpful Resource for Choosing a College and Succeeding Once You're There!

This new book provides helpful suggestions for high school students and their families during the process of finding the best personal fit for their college experience.  In addition to exploring the concept of  “what makes for a good college,” Pitts makes the case for the many advantages provided by small colleges and describes how they can be life-changing for students.

In addition to challenging the assumptions many families hold about higher education in general, Pitts outlines 30 reasons why small colleges shine. Here are just a few of the reasons that really resonated with me:

• Less stressful for applicants: Rolling admissions, higher admit rates, ease of application and financial aid processes, and generous merit aid at admission can help to reduce the pressure on students.

• Amazing student outcomes: High rates of job and graduate school placement, unique leadership opportunities, and happy, loyal alumni speak to the positive outcomes.

• Many opportunities for students: A few examples include smaller classes and more individualized attention, close relationships with faculty members, potentially more opportunities for research and getting published as an undergrad, the opportunities for new students to be very involved on campus from the beginning (not just as upperclassman), and the chance for students to thrive as a “big fish in the small pond”.

• Focus on development of the whole student: Small colleges tend to have more of a focus on writing skills, interdisciplinary approaches, and recognition of the value of soft skill development, as well as often the ability to have a personalized and in-depth experience, unique majors/minors, or the option to customize your own program of study.

The book also reviews the steps in the admission process and emphasizes the importance of making campus visits and developing a relationship with admissions representatives! Additionally, Pitts includes a list of 250 lesser-known small colleges that he suggests for consideration.

As an Educational Consultant, I have visited a wide-variety of colleges, including many small colleges (some of which are on Pitts’ suggested list: St. John Fisher University, Campbell University, Meredith College, Queens University of Charlotte, Warren Wilson College, King’s College, Hollins University, Roanoke College, Edgewood University, Beloit College, Mount Mary University, and Ripon College).

Finally, I have always believed that there will be a number of colleges out there that meet each applicant’s goals and needs, but the most important criteria for success is what the student does once they go off to college.  Pitts seems to agree and includes a chapter addressing how students can get the most out of their college years (no matter the size of college they choose)! Small College Magic will be a helpful resource for students and families choosing colleges and in getting the most out of their college years.

At Confident College Planning, we help students and families with the college selection process, using a planful approach to reduce stress and improve success.  If you would like support with your applications, essay review, scholarships, or other steps, please contact confidentcollegeplanning@gmail.com – I’d be happy to assist!