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Here's a recent ranking by college Web site 

 in which two Minnesota institutions -- Carleton College (#2) and Macalester College (#5) -- placed in its 

Like other Unigo Top 10 lists, it was based on votes by 30,000 college students across the country. So consider that when you're looking at the list.

And I have to chuckle at those students in love with the word "intellectual," and who  describe their pursuits as such. Seems like a bit of an affectation. Still, it's a fun read.

Below I've included the summary compiled by the Unigo site, but click on each school's link to see the detailed reviews written by students.

At Carleton College, many joke that the five-story Gould Library is the centerpiece of the social scene.

“Intellectualism isn’t about being in class here -– it is your way of life,” one student attests. “Students  study constantly both because they want to and because the work never  stops. Even if you aren’t studying, you’re probably talking about  something intellectual. You will very frequently run into students  hanging out outside debating politics, religion or the theory of  relativity,” another adds.

This outside-of-class philosophizing only  enhances in-class work, and students rave about the breadth and depth  of classes available.

“Professors  here are incredibly wonderful and down-to -earth -- they have high  expectations, but encourage and help students to meet them. As students  we're welcomed into their offices and even their homes, usually with a  plate of brownies to satiate us.”

Macalester College’s 2,000 undergrads are known for their quirky intellectualism and liberal  politics.

Students thrive in the small, discussion-based classes which  ground the school's challenging academic programs, and professors go the  extra mile to ensure students get the most out of their education.

“Professors  here make you think harder, write better, speak better, make  connections you never would have made and even laugh (that’s important  too!)” said one freshman studying art.

Another adds: “Students  are extremely passionate about the classes they take, and this leads to  endless intellectual discussions in the dorms at night. Endless. We  never get to sleep!” A sophomore says: “I  probably learn as much outside of class as I do inside of it, thanks to  other students. It is simply understood that students at Macalester are  passionate, intelligent, and honestly enjoy learning.”

Education News

On Campus Blog

Alex Friedrich

Author

Here’s a recent ranking by college Web site Unigo in which two Minnesota institutions — Carleton College (#2) and Macalester College (#5) — placed in its Top 10 Most Intellectual Colleges. Like other Unigo Top 10 lists, it was based on votes by 30,000 college students across the country. So consider that when you’re looking…

Minnesota has 20% of the top nerd colleges

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