College

Colgate University, located in the picturesque village of Hamilton, New York, offers a classic liberal arts education shaped by a strong sense of community, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. With undergraduates representing all 50 states and more than 160 countries, the university fosters an environment where diverse ideas and experiences are central to the learning process.

Duke University is one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, known for academic excellence and a strong sense of tradition. Originally founded as Trinity College in 1838, the school became Duke University in 1924 after a gift from James Buchanan Duke, honoring his father, Washington Duke. This expansion led to the creation of Duke’s iconic West Campus, with its Gothic architecture and the Duke Chapel, as well as East Campus, where all first-year students live.

Though not part of the Ivy League, Duke is often regarded as its academic equal, attracting top students from around the world. Ranked sixth among national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, Duke combines rigorous academics with generous financial aid, a global student body, and a commitment to holistic admissions.

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States. Situated just two miles northwest of the White House in Washington, D.C., it has long been recognized as a hub for political thought and global engagement. With a strong focus on government, international relations, and the social sciences, Georgetown has earned a reputation as a “politician’s paradise.” 

Rice University is a research institution in Houston, Texas, known for combining academic rigor with a supportive campus environment. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to faculty, and strong programs across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Rice emphasizes undergraduate research and real-world learning, with many students participating in faculty-led projects and internships both on and off campus. Through its holistic Component-Based Evaluation (CBE) admissions process, Rice seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving their communities. 

Pomona College combines the intellectual depth of a premier liberal arts education with the resources of a larger academic organization. As a founding member of the Claremont Colleges in California, Pomona offers students the rigor of individualized instruction, a strong culture of inquiry, and access to interdisciplinary opportunities rarely found at institutions of its size.

In college, gaining hands-on experience can be just as important as classroom learning. Two of the most common ways students build real-world skills are through co-ops and internships. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they differ significantly in structure, duration, compensation, and how students typically connect with these opportunities. Understanding these differences can help students make more informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

Each year, more than one million students apply to college through the Common Application (Common App), a platform used by over 1,000 colleges and universities around the world. Understanding how to use the Common App can make your application process smoother and more efficient.