Sterling College is a small liberal arts college located in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, United States. It was founded in 1958 and offers undergraduate degree programs in various fields of study, including environmental studies, sustainable agriculture, and outdoor education. In this essay, I will discuss the pros and cons of Sterling College.
Pros:
- Focus on Environmental Sustainability: Sterling College has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, which can provide students with practical skills and preparation for careers in environmental fields.
- Experiential Learning: Sterling College has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, which can provide students with practical skills and real-world experience in their chosen fields.
- Small Class Sizes: Sterling College has small class sizes, with a student to faculty ratio of 7:1. This can provide students with personalized attention from their professors and a more engaging learning experience.
- Location: Sterling College is located in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, which is a small town surrounded by natural beauty. This can provide students with a peaceful and supportive learning environment.
- Campus Community: Sterling College has a strong sense of community on campus, which can provide students with a supportive and welcoming environment.
Cons:
- Limited Diversity: Sterling College has a limited diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and cultural background, which may not be representative of the broader population. This can lead to a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Limited Course Offerings: Sterling College is a small college with a narrow focus on environmental sustainability and related fields. Students who are interested in other areas of study may find that their options are limited.
- Limited Extracurricular Activities: Sterling College has limited extracurricular activities, which can be a disadvantage for students who are interested in participating in a wide range of activities outside of the classroom.
- Limited Career Opportunities: Sterling College has a narrow focus on environmental sustainability and related fields, which may limit the career opportunities for graduates. Students who are interested in other areas of study may find it challenging to pursue careers outside of their chosen fields.
- Remote Location: Sterling College is located in a remote area of Vermont, which may limit the accessibility and availability of resources and opportunities for students.
In conclusion, Sterling College has both advantages and disadvantages. The focus on environmental sustainability, experiential learning, small class sizes, location, and campus community are all positive aspects of the college. However, the limited diversity, limited course offerings, limited extracurricular activities, limited career opportunities, and remote location may be seen as disadvantages. Ultimately, whether or not Sterling College is a good fit for a particular student will depend on their individual needs and preferences.