Many students in search of the perfect college often seek a name rather than an overall experience. Especially when taking advice from others, often the schools with the biggest reputations will be the most sought-after. But, really, can a student know what school is best for them based on the name, or the ability for a college to be recognized by the general public? We didn't think so. That's why this list of Hidden Treasures can be so useful- schools that are often overlooked, maybe never even heard of, by college seekers may be the best fit for them.

1. Kenyon College

Gambier, Ohio

Although the location in a somewhat remote part of Ohio may not be the most appealing to city slickers, Kenyon College may have one of the best English departments in the country and has considerable opportunity for graduate research. With an average class size of only 14 students, the small size contributes to a more personalized college experience. But just because it's small doesn't mean it's lacking. It is one of the most comprehensive liberal arts schools out there, with 25 departmental majors, four interdisipinary majors, 24 minors, and nine interdisciplinary concentrations. And the professors are dedicated to their work and their students, so much so that you can even call them at home. If you're willing to run the risk of talking to your professor while he's having breakfast with is family or in the bathroom, that is...

2. Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota

The academic rigor and the intellectually driven student body make this college a hidden treasure. Though it's intense, the students aren't very competitive with each other, and are even friendly. The overall learning dedication motivates most to go to grad school after spending four years in Northfield, Minnesota, a place where students are not allowed to have a car. But, no worries, two-thirds of students study abroad. We just don't know how they get there. Anyways, the distribution requirement in academic courses enstated by the school ensures a sufficient breadth of knowledge to help Carleton students become well-rounded citizens. There are  three 10 week terms and a sweet six week break from mid-Novemeber to the first part of January. Only hree courses are taken per term, which eases up the tension and, hey, that's probably why the students are friendly. We understand now.

3. Allegheny College

Meadville, Pennsylvania

One of the oldest colleges in America happens to be the most offbeat and the most personalized (and in the middle of Pennsylvania). Your choice of a freshmen seminar ends up with the professor leading the seminar becoming your personal advisor, the first person to help you select your courses for the semester and outline your education plan. The three academic divisions of humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences allow for the students to integrate diversity into their academic learning, because the school insists they choose a major from one division, a minor from another, and eight additional credit hours from the third. The studies are difficult but the students aren't complaining, due to the excellent acceptance rates that Allegheny grads have at medical, law, and business schools. So the prospect of a bright future in these fields encourages the students when the going gets tough to press on. We like that approach.

4. Occidental College

Los Angeles, California

Located in more socialization-friendly Los Angeles, California, Occidental is certainly more diverse in the human nature. Only 55 percent of the student body is Caucasian, and the minorities consist of mostly Asian, African American, and Latino students. Although the school may be lacking in sports, it makes up for it in the encouragement of creativity and unusual cooperative programs with other universities in surrounding areas. And not to mention the fact that its undergraduate program was named one of the country's best in a private research study. The close community of students provides for a dynamic environment with a focus on a Core Program, which is a comibination of interdiscipinary studies ranging from first year cultural studies to a senior "comprehensive." Their research in environmental responsibility stresses the importance of conserving water, reducing energy consumption, and having a strong recycling program around campus. All these benefits and the great location make this a strong contender for the most overlooked college of the year.

5. Whitman College

Walla Walla, Washington

Walla Walla, Washington, is in the middle of nowhere. We just had to put that out there first. Now, moving on, Whitman has a high academic standard that attracts intelligent students. These students are rewarded with a stimulating learning environment and the opportunity to do research at the professional level that simply isn't possible at larger state schools. The faculty that makes this happen fosters a close relationship with the students, often knowing them from classes, which are small and involve frequent discussion. Participation is the majority of the student's grade. Also the emphasis placed on a broad liberal arts education entitles students to take classes in in literature from ancient Greece, and everything from the sciences to fine arts. So if you can get over being in the middle of nowhere for four years, you'll be involved with some of the best undergraduate opportunity available to college students.

6. Austin College

Sherman, Texas 

Austin College is not exactly in Austin, Texas- it's really in Sherman, where you most certainly need a car to get around. This small college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church has many chances for a student interested in going on to some kind of graduate school to become well-prepared. The most popular undergraduate studies consist of pre-medicine and pre-law, and Austin College is less hefty on the requirements, only a proficiency in a foreign language, written communication skills, quantitive competency, and passing physical fitness class are necessary to graduate. The popularity of the study abroad program shows that the students are ready to get out of Sherman and see the world- over 70 percent graduate with internation study experience. But Sherman is actually a well-developed town, with 12 public parks, four golf courses, and the state of Texas' largest man-made lake called Lake Texoma. And with involvement in the NCAA Division III, activities aren't hard to find on the campus.

7. Elon University

Elon, North Carolina 

At Elon, the emphasis is on experimental education. Students reach far past the North Carolina campus and into the world, writing scripts for MTV, conducting research in the Caribbean, and working in the White House and for Merrill Lynch. But the campus itself isn't that bad. Actually, the groundskeepers work constantly to keep it in tip-top shape; the environment is remarkably beautiful, even so that the flowers that bloom in the winter. 82 percent of students participate in volunteer work to help their community and also study abroad frequently in unusual places such as Ghana and Belize. Back at campus, the research facilities hold a plethora of important equipment that is unique for an undergraduate facility, and students often present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. The choice of 46 majors gives Elon students versatility and an overall individualized college experience.

8. Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, Illinois

Illinois Wesleyan's reputation has increased over the past few years due to the personal attention students are given at the school of 2,000 undergraduates. The Bloomington campus holds 3 seperate colleges: Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, and Nursing that together offer 39 majors and 3 preprofessional programs for students to choose from. The revamped general education program includes the freshman requirement called the Gateway Colliquium, which is a seminar with an interdisciplinary focus. The unique calendar of 4-4-1 has a May term for experimentation, and the nontraditional approach to thinking outside the boxes appeals to students and the college encourages them to take advatage of this program.

9. DePauw University

Greencastle, Indiana

With the massive amounts of choices offered at DePauw, this school isn't for the indecisive. But it is for those who are interested in thriving in the professional job market. If you're seeking to become well-rounded, the core courses at DePauw offer perfection for your analytical skills, writing ability, and your capability to think and speak effectively. The six core requirements draws on the concept of variety in education, and the high expectations from faculty encourage you to succeed. The professors are extremely involved with the students and offer personal attention. In Indiana, surprisingly, there are opportunities for internships, which over 80 percent of the students take part in.

10. Berea College

Berea, Kentucky 

The tuition-free education for those with high academic potential. But only those who are extremely motivated and have low incomes should apply. The students aren't allowed cars and must work 10-15 hours a week in campus jobs provided for them by the college. Berea College also has a dry campus and in the middle of Kentucky, there aren't many places to chill on the weekends. Especially without a car. But the academics at Berea will keep you studying; the broad core curriculum has everything from your traditional courses to the unconventional three courses that emphasize "the concept of wellness." 

Info Sources: USNews.com: America's Best Colleges 2008, The Princeton Review - College Rankings and Lists, "The Unofficial, Unbiased Insider's Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges" by Trent Anderson and Seppy Basili