It’s no secret that people have different learning styles. Some people learn best by listening to a lecture and taking notes, while others prefer to read their textbooks on their own time. Still, others are auditory learners who thrive in group settings and would rather listen than talk (or write) during class. If you’re an introvert who struggles with being too talkative or having to answer questions in front of the whole class, there’s hope.
Many colleges cater specifically to introverts’ learning needs so that they can succeed academically without having to feel like they’re in constant socially awkward situations. College can be overwhelming and stressful, especially for those with social anxiety disorders like introversion and social phobia. It is important to choose the right college when you decide to pursue higher education.
Keep in mind that just because you’re quiet and reserved, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise the quality of your college experience by choosing an institution where your personality type won’t fit in or be appreciated.
Best Colleges For Introverts
Check out these great colleges that are more suited for introverts seeking to earn a degree:
1. Reed College, Portland, Oregon
Reed College is a private liberal arts college located in Portland, Oregon. With a 10 to 1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 16. Reed is a great choice for introverts who want to learn from professors instead of their fellow students. If you’re looking for small classes with high-quality instruction, Reed College it is.
Reed has an acceptance rate of just 17 percent and boasts one of the highest graduation rates among liberal arts colleges in the U.S. making it one of the best schools for introverts across America. The school also offers several unique studies abroad opportunities that include studying at Oxford University or interning on an organic farm in Tuscany, an experience that would be hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a small liberal arts college with a great student-to-faculty ratio, look no further than Reed College. With only 1,500 students and 80 full-time faculty members, this school is an excellent choice for introverts who want to get one-on-one attention from professors.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is known as one of the top colleges in the country. MIT was founded in 1861 as a research university and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 20 schools for engineering majors since 2010. MIT is a globally recognized research university that has produced many notable alumni, including 17 Nobel laureates, 13 Rhodes Scholars, and 12 MacArthur Fellows.
Students can choose from over 1,800 courses offered by over 150 different departments. The campus at MIT is small compared to other universities and there are many opportunities for students to get involved with research opportunities or internships during their time there. The small campus size allows students to participate in activities that interest them without feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated by large crowds or loud noises.
This highly-ranked university is known for its rigorous academic programs and competitive admissions process. But what many people don’t realize is that MIT is also a great place for introverts. The small class sizes and close-knit community make it easy to form lasting relationships with your professors and classmates. And with so many opportunities to get involved on campus, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out.
MIT offers many on-campus resources for students struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. The school has Mental Health Services, which provides free counseling services for all students. There are also various activities offered through Student Support Services that help students get involved in campus life while still being able to focus on their education. Students can join groups like Yoga Club, which allows students to practice yoga and meditation in a safe environment. There is a peer to peer support programs among students as well.
3. Bard College, Simon’s Rock, Massachusetts
Simon’s Rock is a four-year liberal arts college that offers classes starting at age 15 or 16. Students have access to online course materials and many live-in faculty members who serve as mentors during their time as students at Simon’s Rock. The school also offers a wide range of subjects including art history, music theory, mathematics, computer science, and foreign languages in Spanish, French, and Italian.
These classes are taught by professors who have many years of experience teaching at universities around the world. They understand how students learn best when they’re nervous about speaking up in class or interacting with others outside their comfort zone. This small liberal arts college in Massachusetts is known for its rigorous curriculum, which includes a core class called “The Self-Discovery Project.”
This semester-long course allows students to explore their passions and interests, both inside and outside of the classroom. The school also offers many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in their fields of study through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Bard provides an intimate educational experience. The college also has a low rate of student turnover, so you’ll have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with the people around you. And if you need some time to yourself, Bard’s 500-acre campus has plenty of places to explore.
4. Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
Carleton College is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota. It has a 10 to 1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. Carleton College was founded in 1866 by Dr. William Carleton, the son of Irish immigrants who had settled in Spring Valley, Minnesota. He was determined to build an institution that taught students how to think critically and be prepared for life after graduation through participation in campus clubs and activities, community service projects, or internships with local businesses or organizations.
Carleton’s motto is “Crescat Scientia” which means “Let learning increase.” The school’s mascot is a Trojan horse, which refers to the Trojan Horse that was used by Greek soldiers to sneak into the city of Troy. The college also has a long-standing rivalry with nearby St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College has an enrollment of around 2,100 students. It offers 26 majors and 36 minors as well as several pre-professional programs in medicine, law, and engineering.
The college also has a coed sailing team and a men’s rugby club that competes at the Division III level of the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO).
5. Franklin & Marshall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Franklin & Marshall is a private liberal arts college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It has an 8-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 16. This top college is perfect for introverts who want to get a great education without feeling overwhelmed by social interactions.
The school was founded in 1772 by the same family that founded Lancaster County and was named after the city’s founder, James Hamilton. It is one of only a handful of colleges in the nation to have been awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa – a prestigious honour society for undergraduate students.
There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus through clubs and organizations, including:
- More than 30 fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams
- Music ensemble and choir
- Theatre productions
- Art galleries
- Musical performances at the annual Founder’s Day Arts Festival, the list goes on.
Its location within walking distance to downtown Lancaster provides students with easy access to city life while still keeping the campus feeling small enough that faculty members know every student by name.
6. Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts college located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It has a 9-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 15. The college was founded in 1833 as the Western Literary Institute by Episcopalian ministers Jeremiah Hallock and Cornelius Pomeroy, who were also teachers at the school.
The first two students to enroll at Western lived in a log cabin near campus with no furniture or cooking utensils. They did have access to books from the library’s collection, which started with one book: The Life of George Washington by Mason Locke Weems (also known as “Parson” Weems). After going through many name changes over its history (Western University of Pennsylvania; Kalamazoo College), Kalamazoo College was officially chartered on February 26th, 1885.
The college’s name comes from one of its early benefactors, a man named Thomas Barlow Walker. He was an Episcopalian minister and the founder of the Western University of Pennsylvania, a precursor to Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University. Walker died before Kalamazoo College was chartered, but his widow donated $10,000 toward the founding of the school in his honor.
7. Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa. It has an 11 to 1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 16 which is suitable for introverted students. The school was founded as a men’s college in 1846 by prominent citizens of Grinnell and Davenport but became coeducational in 1977.
Students can choose from over 100 majors including English, psychology, economics, and government studies among others that are offered through four distinct schools:
- Arts & Sciences
- Business
- Engineering & Computer Science
- Music & Dance
Grinnell College provides students with the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or academic year through its Global Opportunities program or its international exchange programs with other institutions worldwide. Grinnell College has a strong commitment to providing students with financial aid. In 2014, 95 percent of all full-time undergraduate students received some type of financial assistance.
8. Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania
Haverford College is a private liberal arts college located in Haverford, Pennsylvania. It has an 8-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. Haverford is a member of the Tri-College Consortium, which also includes Bryn Mawr College and Swarthmore College. All three schools are within 10 miles (16 km) of each other on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA.
Haverford has a reputation for being one of the most academically rigorous liberal arts colleges in the country. It offers majors in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Literature, and Creative Writing, History, Mathematics, and Statistics.
9. Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
If you’re an introvert who prefers small group settings, Luther College is a great option for you. This small college has a 10-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 18. The small campus also means that students build strong relationships with their professors and classmates, which can help ease their transition into college life.
In addition to being well suited for introverts, Luther College provides plenty of opportunities for extroverts as well. Students can explore their interests through dozens of clubs and organizations on campus or spend time outside enjoying the beautiful scenery in Minnesota’s Driftless Area region (considered one of the most beautiful places in America).
10. Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia
Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia. It has an 8-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 16. This means that students will have plenty of opportunities for one-on-one time with their professors as well as peer interaction.
Washington and Lee University is also located within driving distance from Washington DC, which provides students with many internship opportunities, especially those who are interested in politics or government positions. While the school’s history and reputation may be enough to attract many students, Washington and Lee University also has a beautiful campus that is located in a small town.
The school’s location provides students with easy access to nature and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking or biking. The school has a very competitive admissions process and is highly selective. Washington and Lee University offers over 25 majors as well as several pre-professional programs, including pre-law and pre-medicine.
11. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, Massachusetts
Olin College is located in Needham, Massachusetts, and offers an undergraduate degree program in engineering. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of just 13 students. That means introverts will have plenty of opportunities to get one-on-one time with their professors.
Additionally, Olin offers its students plenty of ways to get involved on campus, from intramural sports to student organizations. If you need a break from all the socializing, you can always retreat to your room in one of Olin’s five residence halls. Olin prides itself on its close-knit community that provides support systems for students struggling with anxiety or depression.
The school offers counseling services along with activities that help students build confidence and self-esteem through communication skills training. Students who attend Olin say they feel like they’ve found their home away from home because of how comfortable it feels there.
12. Stanford University, Stanford, California
If you’re an introvert, Stanford University may be a great fit for you. The school is located in a beautiful area of California and has a strong academic reputation. Stanford also has a large student body, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people. However, the school can be expensive and competitive to get into.
13. Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
If you’re an introvert, Yale University might be the perfect place for you. The Ivy League school is known for its rigorous academic program and its intense social scene. But don’t let that dissuade you – there are plenty of ways to get involved on campus without being a party animal.
From student organizations to volunteer opportunities, there’s something for everyone at Yale. If you need a break from all the activity, you can always retreat to one of the many quiet study spots on campus.
14. Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia
Bryn Mawr College is a great choice. This all-women’s college is located just outside of Philadelphia and offers a variety of academic programs. The small class sizes are perfect for introverts who want to get to know their professors and classmates.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus, whether you’re interested in Greek life or student government. Plus, the city of Philadelphia is just a short train ride away, giving you access to all sorts of great restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions.
15. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard is another Ivy League school that’s known for its academic rigor and its status as a prestigious networking platform. It attracts students from around the world and offers a large variety of clubs and organizations, so if you’re looking to get involved but don’t want to be on an athletic team or a sorority, there are plenty of other options at Harvard. With 40% of undergraduates coming from abroad, you’ll never feel like an outsider.
Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of only 5 percent. It offers undergraduates over 125 majors across seven different schools: Arts & Humanities, Business, Engineering, General Education, Harvard College, Medical School, and Law School. Harvard also has one of the highest rates of alumni who become CEOs or CFOs at Fortune 500 companies after graduation.
16. Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
There’s a lot to love about Amherst College for introverts. First, it’s a small school with only about 2,000 students. This means you won’t be lost in a sea of people and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your classmates.
Second, Amherst has a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, so you’ll never feel like just a number here. Third, the college offers plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus, but also provides plenty of space for students who want to focus on their studies and don’t need a lot of social interaction. Amherst is located in the quaint town of Amherst, Massachusetts, which is surrounded by beautiful nature.
Who is an Introvert Student?
Introverts are not necessarily shy or anti-social. They may be more likely to be introverted but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy being around people. However, most introverts prefer less stimulation and more time alone.
If you’re an introverted student looking for the right college, here are some tips that will help you find the right school for you:
- Find out if there’s an on-campus club where other students share your interests and values–and which also offers opportunities to meet new friends as well as mentors who understand what it’s like to be an introvert at a large university.
- Look online for forums where older students talk about their experiences in college with particular emphasis on how they coped with being an introvert (or not) during their undergraduate years at various universities across the country.
- You’ll learn how these individuals managed social interactions successfully without compromising principles or values, which is important because many schools have strict honor codes regarding personal integrity.
Can Introverts be good students?
It depends on who you ask. Some people think that introverts are the best students, while others believe they’re not fit for the classroom but neither of those things is true. The truth is, there’s a lot of diversity within the category of “introvert.”
Some people might require quiet and solitude to recharge their batteries; others might need more stimulation from their environment to work well and stay focused. There are also many different types of introversion (and extroversion), meaning that some aspects of your personality may align with what you think about yourself as an introvert but other aspects would contradict it entirely.
In short, it depends on who you ask. Don’t let anyone define what kind of person you should be based on their assumptions about who fits into a particular label or demographic type only. Just because someone identifies as an introvert doesn’t mean they’re automatically destined for academic success or professional success post-graduation. It’s about finding out what works best for you as a person with specific needs.
College Survival Tips for Introverts
- Carve out time for yourself. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break from people, make sure to schedule some alone time into your day. This can be as simple as taking a walk around campus, reading in your dorm room, or getting lost in a good book.
- Join clubs and organizations that interest you. While it may seem counterintuitive, being involved in extracurricular activities can be a great way to meet people who share your interests. Since you’ll already have something in common, it’ll be easier to strike up a conversation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with something, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, professor, or counselor for help.
- Practice your social skills. You don’t have to be an extrovert to enjoy spending time with people, so take some time to learn how to interact with others. You may not feel comfortable speaking up or joining a conversation, but it will help you feel more at ease in social situations and make friends along the way.
Conclusion
If you’re an introvert, don’t worry. There are lots of great colleges for introverts that can help you succeed in your academic career.
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