About Top Colleges and Universities
Good grades for a top college or university in the United States depend on history, selectivity and geographic location. Many respondents cite schools like Harvard and Yale when asked about top colleges. However, these schools have been pushed aside by institutions like Washington University of St. Louis in recent years. As you look at top colleges and universities in the United States, you should understand some of the facts and myths associated with higher education to find your favorite schools.
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History
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The history of colleges and universities can be traced to the days of Plato teaching philosophy at his academy. Most historians agree that the University of Constantinople's opening in 425 represented the first university featuring the academic standards we see today. The high standards of today's top colleges and universities go back to the rigorous studies done in medieval times at the University of Cologne and Harvard University, which opened in 1636.
Function
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The primary function of top colleges and universities is to provide undergraduate and graduate degrees to the best students in the world. Major universities like the University of California-Berkeley and Harvard University use interdisciplinary studies to ensure that graduates are grounded in science, art and the humanities. Another aspect of the best colleges in the United States involves the notion of the "college town." The University of Utah has breathed life into Provo, Utah, and Harvard University has put New Haven, Connecticut, on the map due to the students, teachers and staff at these schools.
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Features
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The essential elements of a top university include a student union, residence hall and modern academic buildings. The union acts as a fundamental resource for food, special events and study areas for students far away from home. Major universities are investing in new residence halls with fitness centers, computer labs and restaurants to help students relax as they prepare for difficult courses. The biggest differences between a mid-level and upper echelon university are laboratories, libraries and lecture halls built for the 21st century. Each building should have wireless connectivity, meeting spaces and presentation equipment to break away from traditional methods of learning.
Size
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There is no consistent rule dictating enrollment size for the top colleges and universities in the United States. Public university systems across the country typically enroll higher numbers than their private counterparts due to state funding. The University of California-Berkeley enrolled 34,953 undergraduate students in 2007 while the University of Virginia enrolled 24,257 students in the same period. These numbers overshadow the size of private schools like Princeton University with 7,334 undergraduates and the California Institute of Technology with 2,133 students.
Misconceptions
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Many students enter top colleges assuming that they can take easy courses and party their way to graduation. These two misconceptions can lead young students becoming frustrated with the realities of university life. While schools like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Arizona State University remain top "party schools," these institutions also feature rigorous academics and high competition among students. Rising public health and student safety concerns have led top universities to crack down on excessive drinking and partying. The misconception that students can take the easiest degree programs possible and glide through college can lead to difficult job searches after graduation. Top colleges and universities encourage students to seek internships, part-time work and research opportunities to bolster their resumes before graduation.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by serhio (Flickr)
