ALBERTSON COLLEGE

ALBERTSON COLLEGE

2112 CLEVELAND BOUIEVARD, CALOWELL, ID 83605 • ADMSSIONS: 208-459-5305 • FAx: 208-459-5757
FINANCIAL AID: 208-459-5308 • E-MAIL: ADMISSION@ALBERTSON.EDU • WEBSITE: WWW.ALBERTSON.EDU

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT

Academics

With only about 800 undergraduates, Albertson College of Idaho provides “a close, personal, friendly learning environment” to students seeking a “balanced liberal arts education.” All students must complete the liberal arts core curriculum that “integrates disciplines to produce a better understanding of the world, how it works, and how people come together to make it work”; the graduates, as a result, are a well-rounded bunch. One undergrad explains, “A class from just about every major is required before you graduate; [thisj gives you the opportunity to enjoy Ithings] you never knew you even liked.” The core also “teaches you how to write,” a facet of the curriculum that students appreciate, if sometimes grudgingly. Top offerings at ACT include a “really great premedical program,” a “very good psychology department,” science programs that “offer many research opportunities you can’t find anywhere else,” and music program that offers instruction from professionals: “With the Langroise Trio in residence at the college, you are guaranteed get great instruction and good small ensemble experience.” The Gipson Honors Program here “allows students to choose concentrations rather than majors arid work on a final thesis-like project,” an excellent option for those who know exactly what they want from their bachelor’s degree. Students overwhelmingly praise the school’s small size and the individual attention they receive. In all areas, “The professors are absolutely amazing. They genuinely care about your progress and are willing to go out of their way to assist you in any way possible.”

Life

ACT “is the type of school academics dream of and the type of community that party-goers and the quiet type can both enjoy.” Schoolwork keeps students busy here—but not so busy that they can’t take advantage of the “huge amount of opportunities for involvement in athletics, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.” Undergrads “consistently obligate themselves to volunteer activities, student government, extracurriculars, sports, and so on. They really keep the atmosphere at Albertson dynamic and constantly on the move, so there’s never a dull moment.” Students especially love to take advantage of the school’s location. While some note that hometown Caidwell “is not the best,” Boise is “only about 20 minutes away, and it has good shopping and cultural events, so that’s where a lot of students spend their time.” Students who like the outdoors find great resources for “tour kayaking, backpacking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, canyoneering, road tripping, caving, scuba diving. . . and even skydiving.” On weekends, “The party scene is very active, but there are always things to do if you don’t want to drink. Most fraternities are very accepting of nondrinkers. Parties are a big part of campus life, but all activities have some place on the campus.”

Student Body

“The stereotype is that ACT is mostly a bunch of White, affluent Republicans from around the state,” but that reputation is changing: “As the population diversifies, political views are becoming less homogeneous.” Political differences, students point out, tend to be less important than common interests:
“How you orient yourself politically isn’t really of any consequence on campus. For example, the debate team is extremely cohesive despite a wide array of varying political views. We all seem to get along.” Above all, the students here immerse themselves in the things they do. This is particularly the case with school spirit. One remarks, “The student fans are becoming known as ‘Coyote Crazies’ because they are so loud at sporting events.” Energetic ACI students “work hard at studies and at extracurricular activities. Due in part to the limited student population on campus, [students arej likely to be involved in many clubs and organizations outside of class.”

ADMISSIONS

Very important factors considered include: Academic GPA, recommendation(s), rigor of secondary school record, standardized test scores. Important factors considered include: Application essay, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, interview, level of applicant’s interest, talent/ability, volunteer work, work experience. Other factors considered include: Alumni/ac relation, class rank, first generation, geographical residence, racial/ethnic status. SAT or ACT required; ACT with Writing component required. TOEFL required of all international applicants. High school diploma is required, and GED is accepted. Academic units required: 4 English, 3 history, 3 math, 2 science, 3 academic electives. Academic units recommended: 3 science, 2 foreign language, 2 social studies.

The Inside Word

Despite its high acceptance rate, Albertson offers a quality academic program. Students who have thrived in the classroom and actively participated in extracurricular will be the handed the keys to a unique college experience, one which stresses self-confidence and social responsibility.

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, institution’s own financial aid form. The Princeton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. Need-based scholarships/grants offered: Pell Grant, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid. Loan aid offered: Direct Subsidized Stafford, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, Direct PLUS, Federal Perkins Loan, alternative loans. Applicants will be notified of awards on a rolling basis beginning or about March 1. Federal Work-Study Program available. Institutional employment available. Off-campus job opportunities are fair.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

“While the mission of Albertson College is traditional in that it remains committed to the teaching of the liberal arts, many of the approaches to accomplishing this goal are unique. Within the campus community is the creativity to create classroom opportunities for students that span the globe—both technologically and geographically. Here, students are just as apt to attend a biology class on campus as they are to hike in the nearby Owyhee or Sawtooth Mountains to carry out field research. During the college’s 6-week winter term, more than 30 percent of the students are emailing friends and family from such locales as Australia, Israel, France, Ireland, England, Peru, or Mexico while taking part in faculty-led, multidisciplinary trips. Students are invited to visit the campus and the Admissions Counselors, either in person or through the website at www.albertson.edu.

“ACI requires all admission candidates (who have not reached sophomore status in college) to submit either the new SAT or the ACT with the Writing component as of October 2005. ACI will consider all scores, including the old SAT without Writing. There is no SAT Subject Test requirement, but scores will be considered as part of a holistic evaluation.”