#131 Exploring Liberal Arts Colleges: Benefits and Fit with Anne Ingersoll

Flourish Coaching

Jul 16, 2024

In this episode, Lisa and Anne discuss:

The benefits of liberal arts colleges and how to determine if they might be a good fit for your teen.
How liberal arts colleges differ from larger research universities.
Misconceptions about liberal arts colleges.
Helping your teen understand their learning style to determine the right type of school for them.

Key Takeaways:

There are considerably more small liberal arts colleges in the US than there are big research universities.
Many families rule out liberal arts colleges because they haven’t heard of them. But until a student steps foot on the campus and has clarity about their college major, it is hard to know if it will be a great fit.
Don’t rule out liberal arts colleges until you have more information. There are opportunities available at smaller institutions that aren’t available at larger schools.
Visiting colleges and universities of various sizes, even if it isn’t the schools your teen is considering, can help them understand more about the type of school they are looking for.

“There are a lot of really great opportunities at liberal arts colleges; we just have to take that next step to do a little bit more investigation and, hopefully, set foot on a campus or two before you completely rule them out.” – Anne Ingersoll

About Anne Ingersoll:

I am passionate about helping high school students and their familiespeacefully and successfully navigate the complex world of college admissions. This process is filled with much anxiety (and a touch of ego) but my goal is to remove that anxiety and focus on what’s best for the student.

I began my college consulting work in 2001 at a private firm in Louisville, Kentucky, where I spent over four years as an independent college counselor. During that time, I cultivated many relationships with colleges and universities across the country. These relationships continue to help my knowledge base about the ever-changing college process.

In 2005, I decided to start College Bound Associates using my college planning expertise to help more families. Since the launch of College Bound Associates, I have worked successfully with hundreds of students. I serve students across the United States working with them via personal face-to-face meetings, Skype, phone, and email.

Originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, I attended Butler University, earning a degree in Telecommunication Arts with a concentration in Japanese and Secondary Education. I earned my Masters in Education in 2009 from the University of St. Mary (KS). I have attended annual NACAC conferences and have served on the leadership team for GPACAC (Great Plains Association of College Admission Counseling).

In 2012, my husband and I moved to rural Illinois for his work and transitioned my firm to working with students and families virtually. Now I work with students across the country.

Episode References:

098 How Your Teen Can Benefit from an Honors College with Sylvia Borgo

086 Advice for High School Athletes About Playing in College with Dave Morris

022 The College Bound Student Athlete Process

115 Making the Final College Decision with Marni Levine

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career…(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

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