College Review: University of Vermont
Lisa visited the University of Vermont (UVM) in September 2025 with a group of fellow college counselors, and it was immediately clear: this is a flagship that punches above its weight. Nestled in the vibrant, lakeside city of Burlington, Vermont, UVM blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community, inclusivity, and access to nature. Despite being the state’s public flagship, UVM feels more intimate than many of its peers, with just over 10,000 undergraduates and a manageable 1,300 graduate students. This smaller size gives students more personal access to faculty and resources, while still offering the full breadth of [...]
College Review: University of New Hampshire
If you love the idea of a beautiful red-brick campus just 20 minutes from the ocean and an hour from Boston by train, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) might check all your boxes. Located in the charming town of Durham, UNH feels quintessentially New England—hilly, green, and walkable, with a main street full of pizza places, coffee shops, and friendly faces. With about 11,000 undergraduates, it’s big enough to offer endless opportunities yet small enough to still feel like a community. Strong Academic Programs and Hands-On Learning UNH is especially well-known for its marine science, biology, business, and engineering [...]
College Review: Dartmouth College
Our group of college consultants visited Dartmouth College on the first day of classes, and honestly—it was hard not to smile. The main courtyard was buzzing with energy: students laughing over a welcome-back barbecue, tossing frisbees on the grass, and clearly living their best lives. The sense of joy and community was immediate and contagious. Nestled in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth feels like a blend of historic charm and outdoor adventure. With its green quads, stately brick buildings, and tree-lined paths, it’s quintessential New England—but with a liveliness that’s all its own. A Legacy with Modern Purpose Founded in 1769, [...]
Saint Michael’s College: Vermont’s Hidden Gem for “B” Students
Lisa recently had the chance to visit Saint Michael’s College, just outside of Burlington, Vermont, and it left quite an impression on her. With just 1,100 undergraduates, Saint Mike’s is the kind of place where students are truly known. It’s a Catholic college with a strong service ethic (the only Edmundite institution in the country), and while it may not be a household name, it’s quietly doing something extraordinary: transforming potential into success. Three Advisors, One Goal: Helping Students Thrive What stood out most? Their three-tiered advising model. Every student is matched with: An academic advisor focused on their major [...]
College Review: University of Richmond
Some college campuses just take your breath away, and the University of Richmond is one of them. With its picturesque red-brick buildings, serene lake, and lush greenery, this Virginia gem is the kind of place that makes you pause and think, Yeah, I could see myself here. We had the chance to visit on a perfect, sunny day—ideal for exploring what makes this school truly stand out. Beyond its beauty, Richmond is a powerhouse in several academic areas, boasts an impressive commitment to study abroad, and continues to invest in state-of-the-art student resources. Here’s what we discovered. Academics: Strength in [...]
College Review: Wake Forest University
On a cold, rainy day, we visited Wake Forest University and experienced a blend of awe and thoughtful reflection. Despite the damp weather, the campus's enduring beauty shone through, offering us a glimpse of its storied charm and vibrant academic community. Embracing the Campus Beauty in the Rain Even under overcast skies, Wake Forest University’s architectural elegance and lush green spaces left a lasting impression on us. The rain-enhanced colors of the manicured gardens and historic buildings added an unexpected depth to our campus tour. We found that the serene pathways and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces created a warm, inviting [...]