Choosing The Right College School Spotlight: Warren Wilson College Written by Emily Toffelmireon May 26th, 2020 I came to College Coach after working for many years in college admissions and high school counseling. As a school counselor, I assisted students in the college application process and wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation, while also helping them and their families cope with any emotional, social, and academic concerns throughout the year. I transitioned from the high school setting to the admissions office when I joined the University of Southern California as an assistant director, reading freshmen and transfer applications and collaborating on admission decisions for over 150 majors, including the liberal arts, engineering, business, cinema, and the fine and performing arts. I subsequently took on the role of senior assistant director in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where I coordinated the division's Mork, Stamps, Trustee, Presidential and Dean's merit scholarship selection process, as well as recruitment publications and outreach, and traveled everywhere from Honolulu to Miami presenting to and interviewing hundreds of applicants each year. Learn More About Emily choosing the right college, college lists, There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges. As such, we are highlighting a new college each week in our School Spotlight series. Check out the college below, along with the other posts in our series, and you may just stumble upon your dream school! School Spotlight: Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, NC By combining liberal arts academics with required work and service components, Warren Wilson College offers passionate and socially conscious students an unparalleled college experience. Nestled in a rural valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains, the College encourages its 600 undergraduates to get their hands dirty--literally--during their time on campus. In addition to completing a major (the list includes environmental studies, business, and art, as well as a “design your own major” option), Warren Wilson students must work 15 hours per week with other members of their work crew. Whether in the admissions office, the community bicycle shop, the religion department, or the writing center, students are given real-life experiences as they contribute to the campus community. All students must also participate in community service related to a social or environmental justice issue. This volunteer requirement not only helps students discover personal interests and skills, but also further develops the belief that one person can make a difference. Fun fact: The College’s campus includes 600 acres of forest, 25 miles of hiking trails, a 300 acre farm, and an organic garden. Image Credit: Top, Courtesy of Warren Wilson College Related Resources Read | Posted on March 26th, 2024 California Colleges and Universities: A Treasure Trove of Opportunities Read | Posted on March 5th, 2024 The Top 3 Campus Safety Myths Read | Posted on March 1st, 2024 Celebrating International Women’s Day: Is a Women’s College Right for You?
