Campus Spotlight: Carleton College

Carleton College, a liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, is renowned for its strong academics, quirky traditions, and tight-knit community. With just over 2,000 students, Carleton provides an intimate and supportive environment for curious and optimistic learners to thrive.

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Academics and Opportunities

Carleton’s academic offerings emphasize interdisciplinary exploration and the connection of theory to practice. The college encourages students to connect their interests across fields and offers robust advising to help them make the most of their education. Students describe the faculty as accessible, supportive, and deeply invested in their success—31% of professors are Carleton alumni themselves.

The three-term academic calendar allows students to immerse themselves in just three courses at a time, fostering deeper engagement. Carleton boasts notable programs in geology (with its proximity to the Boundary Waters), classics, art history (a potential gateway to architecture), and one of the strongest English departments in the Midwest. Computer science is the largest department, with 80 students per class, contributing to the 50% of Carleton students majoring in STEM fields.

Research opportunities abound, and students frequently work closely with professors both on campus and in the field—whether conducting biology research on Vancouver Island or exploring astronomy with Carleton’s telescopes. While some research programs are competitive, students emphasize that there’s always a project to join.

Students are also encouraged to study abroad—70% do, and some participate in multiple programs. Popular opportunities include term-length programs in Europe, fieldwork in the Americas, and experiences in Antarctica.

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Traditions and Student Life

Carleton is steeped in quirky traditions that bring the community together. Every first-year receives a class Frisbee, which they toss on the Bald Spot (the grassy area at the center of campus) in an attempt to hit a pole during orientation. Those who get closest earn a floor party, and Frisbees are returned to their owners as a way to meet new classmates. Ultimate Frisbee remains popular, with intramural games a staple of student life.

Another favorite tradition is Friday Flowers, where students buy bouquets for friends, which are delivered to campus mailboxes. Winter brings hockey rinks on the Bald Spot and a warming hut stocked with skates, sticks, and pucks. And then there’s the Cookie House—a Carleton institution where students can bake as many cookies as they can eat, funded by an endowment from a beloved librarian.

Social life at Carleton is described as friendly, inclusive, and full of options. Students can catch a movie on Friday or Saturday nights, attend concerts in The Cave, or charter a bus to Minneapolis for cultural events. For the more outdoorsy, Carleton’s 900-acre arboretum is perfect for skiing, hiking, or simply unwinding. One student told us that “One of the best nights of my life” was during a visible aurora borealis where a bunch of students initiated a giant Capture the Flag game in the arboretum.

One unique aspect of Carleton’s community is the Disability Club, a student-run organization that advocates for accessibility improvements. Last year, the club successfully got all campus movies captioned and is now working to establish ASL as a language option.

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Campus Resources and Support

Carleton offers extensive resources to ensure students thrive. From free laundry and therapy dog visits to a maker space and outdoor equipment rentals, the college prioritizes student well-being. A new student health center is set to open by the end of the year, expanding healthcare access.

Professors at Carleton are known for their dedication. One student recalled a language professor who held extra office hours and inspired her to study abroad. Another described how a calculus professor transformed her perspective by breaking down the “how and why” of math and tying it to real-world applications.

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Admissions and Testing Policy

Carleton’s admissions process remains test-optional for this cycle. The college has scrubbed past test scores from records to avoid bias in application reviews and is currently analyzing data to determine its long-term testing policy. While the college saw a slight dip in BIPOC enrollment this year (33% compared to 38% last year), it is actively working on plans to enhance diversity and inclusion.

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Outcomes and Beyond

Carleton graduates are equipped with both the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful careers. Whether majoring in STEM, classics, or political science, students learn to connect their passions to real-world opportunities. Many take advantage of externships and internships during the break between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, often funded by the career center.

With its blend of academic rigor, warm community, and unique traditions, Carleton offers a distinctive and rewarding college experience. For students seeking a collaborative and intellectually curious environment, Carleton College is well worth exploring.

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Learn more about how we guide students in their college experience by scheduling an introductory interview with a college admission consultant.