College Of The Atlantic

If you’re looking for a tight-knit community that respects individualism, interdisciplinary education and experiential learning, then the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, may be the place for you. Despite its small size, the college offers many student life opportunities. The campus regularly hosts concerts, dance parties, open mic nights and student plays. A wide variety of student organizations are available, designed to give students experiences in international cultures, the democratic process and acceptance of other individuals. The great outdoors also provides many recreational activities, especially since the Acadia National Park is in the school’s backyard. You can hike, kayak or canoe at your leisure, or even join a multi-day backpacking trip with the Outdoor Orientation Program. Academics offered at the school include many bachelor’s degrees in fields like Arts and Design, Education, Ecological Policy and Planning, Literature and Writing, Maritime Studies and more. A master’s degree of Philosophy in Human Ecology is available in several topic areas including Alternative Education, Graphic Arts and Ornithology. Admissions are decided based on an applicant’s academic preparation and achievement, intellectual curiosity, tendency to seek challenges and desire to be a part of a small community with a focus on human ecology. Students must submit an application, official high school transcript, two teacher recommendations, secondary school report and personal essay. A personal interview is recommended, but not required. COA offers merit-based and departmental scholarships to students who have filed a FAFSA. Other forms of financial aid include outside scholarships, PLUS loans, work-study programs and student loans.

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