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: Champlain College
With only 1,700 undergraduates, Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont may be small, but it thinks—and teaches—on a grand scale. During my visit, I heard directly from President Alex Hernandez, whose energy and clarity of vision set the tone for the whole campus. His message was simple but powerful: Champlain’s mission is to graduate students who are truly career-ready—not just with degrees, but with portfolios, experience, and confidence to step right into the workforce. The “Upside-Down Curriculum”: Learn What You Love Now, Not Later Most colleges make students wait until sophomore or junior year to dive into their major. Not Champlain. [...]
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: 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 [...]