Hidden Gems in the Northeast

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Hidden Gems in the Northeast

Harvard. Yale. Princeton. Amherst. The list of prestigious colleges and universities in the Northeast is long and familiar. And, given the historical importance of New York, New England, and Pennsylvania to the founding of the country, it makes sense that there would be a concentration of the most elite and well-established schools in this region.

But beyond the Ivy League universities or small, liberal arts colleges – like Williams, Wesleyan, and Barnard – you undoubtedly are aware of, there are some fantastic schools with programs that may suit you even better. If you know that you want the option of attending college in the Northeast, we hope you’ll also consider the schools on our list below. One of these hidden gems may be your next home!

Emerson College (Boston, MA)

Founded in 1880 as a “school of oratory,” Emerson College is one of Boston’s many excellent institutions – and arguably its most specific. For students interested in entertainment (radio, television, stage, or cinema) Emerson has state-of-the-art facilities and programs to prepare you to shine.

Do you know that your future lies in media, either in front of or behind the camera? Do you want to be surrounded by other students who share complementary passions, making it potentially easier to form meaningful partnerships and start your career early? If so, then you should add Emerson College to your list.

Clark University (Worcester, MA)

For students who want to attend a school in the “Goldilocks zone” of the spectrum of college experiences, Clark University is a great place to consider. A medium-sized, liberal arts focused research university, Clark has programs and opportunities for almost everyone.

With major resources invested into making undergraduate research possible in all disciplines, Clark places an emphasis on helping students take command of their own education while providing a nurturing environment often missing from larger institutions. This is one of the reasons Clark has continually been listed among the 40 Colleges that Change Lives. If a main priority for you is not just what you learn but how, strongly consider Clark.

Bentley College (Waltham, MA)

Right outside of Boston is this medium-sized university that takes a fresh spin on what it means to study business. If you know your interests lie in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or the like, consider adding Bentley College to your list.

Though founded as an accounting school over a century ago, Bentley has grown into a place for students whose business interests intersect with other passions. Whether in tech or the environment or politics, Bentley students study how to be industry leaders with a firm foundation in understanding how businesses, organizations, and government agencies work.  

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

Though the private colleges and universities tend to draw more attention in this part of the country, the Northeast also boasts many excellent public institutions. At the top of that list is the University of Connecticut.

UConn places an emphasis on research and fostering global citizenship. Service opportunities abound, not just in Connecticut but throughout the region. And with its storied history of athletic championships, school spirit is high!

College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)

For students interested in schools like Boston College, Georgetown, or Notre Dame but want a liberal arts education as well, College of the Holy Cross is a great addition to your list. Beyond its Catholic influence and tradition, Holy Cross boasts many amazing programs along with partnerships with nearby institutions that expand students’ options.

With around 3,000 students, Holy Cross brings together thinkers from all over the world who push the limits of their intellectual curiosity while remembering their moral obligations to their fellow citizens. From business majors to advanced science researchers, what unites Holy Cross students is their shared commitment to growing as people while they grow as learners.

Your Turn

Take some time to learn about the hidden gems on this list. Remember, the key to finding happiness in the college process is putting together a list of schools that match your interests and needs. Those aren’t always the places you know the most about initially. If you’re struggling to round out your college list, you may want to consult an admission expert to help you plan wisely.

The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.

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