Academics
Approximately one hour west of Boston you’ll find Clark University, an “extremely student-focused” small liberal arts college centered around LEEP, or Liberal Education and Effective Practice, which combines academics with practical and experiential learning. The LEEP curriculum is designed to give students a strong foundation in a traditional liberal arts education while also connecting them with opportunities to apply what they’ve learned through internships, Problems of Practice courses, and a capstone experience. Ambitious students who meet the GPA requirements can also take advantage of Clark’s Accelerated BA/Master’s Degree Programs, with the fifth year of study tuition-free. The school is “very active in creating change and works hard to implement it,” offers “great opportunities to volunteer and get involved in the community,” and there is a “constant flow of ideas and the encouragement to discuss them.” Students enjoy ready access to the administration, and have the ability to create change on campus.
Professors do an excellent job of “showing instead of telling, and demonstrate rather than just state concepts.” All are passionate and hands-on, and “make every attempt to have their classes go above and beyond the classroom.” “If you ask, they will show you their research, they will take you into their lab or let you see exactly what they are doing.” “I have not yet had a professor that did not put teaching before their own personal work,” says a student. They also push students to “think critically and from different perspectives,” and most classes have projects that put knowledge into practice; “almost every class extends far beyond tradition.” Additionally, the LEEP Center is an excellent aid in helping students with finding internships, improve resumes, gain interview and writing skills, and can “open doors you didn’t even know were there.”