But a liberal arts education is not about politics or painting; it’s about learning how to think.

Despite the fact that some of the oldest and most respected institutions in the country—like Carleton, Connecticut College, Davidson, Grinnell, Wheaton, and Williams—are liberal arts colleges, the term is still widely misunderstood.

At its core, a liberal arts education is designed to build breadth, depth, and the intellectual agility to adapt. These schools tend to be smaller and deeply student-focused. Classes are taught by professors, not graduate students or research assistants. Students aren’t competing for faculty attention, lab access, or research opportunities. Instead, they are known, mentored, and supported.

There is also a common misconception that science and research are not central to a liberal arts education. In reality, many liberal arts colleges have exceptional STEM programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and impressive outcomes for students pursuing medicine, engineering, and scientific research. In fact, because they are the focus, undergraduates often conduct meaningful research earlier and more independently.

What truly distinguishes a liberal arts education is its emphasis on connection—between disciplines, ideas, and people. Liberal arts colleges encourage students to explore broadly while developing depth in their chosen field. This interdisciplinary approach reflects how the real world works.

I remember this clearly from my own college experience. Students on the pre-med track were required to take psychology courses to understand the importance of effective communication with patients. Dance majors took anatomy classes to understand how the body moves from a scientific perspective. These weren’t arbitrary requirements; they were intentional synergies designed to deepen learning and understanding.

A liberal arts education asks students to think critically, write clearly, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with perspectives different from their own. These skills are not tied to a single career path; they are transferable, enduring, and incredibly valuable in our changing world. Graduates leave not only with knowledge in a specific field, but with the ability to adapt, problem-solve, collaborate, work independently, and lead. They are prepared not just for their first job, but for lifelong career paths.

As misconceptions about liberal arts education continue, and as we begin working with juniors and their families, I hope more will consider the immense value of a liberal arts education.