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Thoreau College Semester Program Application
Thank you for your interest in the Thoreau College Semester Program!
The Thoreau College Semester Program is a full-time program incorporating intellectual work, fine arts and traditional crafts, hands-on homesteading work, participatory self-governance, wilderness expeditions, and engaged community life. Each semester we explore a unique set of ideas and texts while engaging in activities set by the rhythms of the natural and agricultural year and by the Five Pillars of the Thoreau College curriculum (Academics, Labor, Community, Art, and Nature). Together with an intimate cohort of up to 12 fellow students, Semester Program participants embark on an immersive journey of discovery and growth through the changing seasons.
Students who complete the Thoreau College Semester Program are eligible for 15 transferable college credits per semester and can stay for more than one consecutive semester if they choose.
Thoreau College is strongly committed to financial accessibility and offers substantial financial aid through our flexible individual financial pledge process. 529 college savings accounts can be used for Thoreau College programs.
The application process includes several phases, outlined below. We will admit up to 12 qualified candidates for this cohort on a rolling basis. Get started now by clicking the button below!
The process of applying to the Thoreau College Semester Program has 3 phases:
Phase 1: Preliminary Application
Completing the short Phase 1 form is the first step in the application process. Please tell us about your background and interest in our program. If you have any questions or would like a Word/PDF version of this application, contact us at admissions@thoreaucollege.org.
Phase 2: Full Written Application
After reviewing your Phase 1 application, we will invite you to complete Phase 2 if it seems that you would be a good fit for the program. The Phase 2 application is more extensive than Phase 1 and will include longer essay questions. Your Phase 2 application will be due within 2 weeks of your invitation to complete it. Extending this timeline is possible on a case-by-case basis, so please reach out if you will need more time due to special circumstances. In some cases, during this phase of the process we may have questions and want to speak with you directly by phone, so please be sure that all your contact information is complete and accurate.
Phase 3: Interview & References
Once you have submitted Phase 2 of the application, you will be invited to participate in an interview with members of our Admissions Circle, which includes faculty, current students, and alumni of earlier programs. Interviews typically last about 45 minutes and can take place in person or via Zoom as circumstances allow. Applicants who are able to visit us in Viroqua are encouraged to do so! During this phase we will also contact personal references submitted as part of Phase 2.
Admission Decision & Financial Process
Once you have received and accepted an offer of admission to the Thoreau College Semester Program, we will contact you to set up a meeting to begin the Financial Pledge process. Admission to Thoreau College is need blind and we are committed to meeting 100% of financial need for all admitted students to make sure that money is not a barrier to participation.