The Fourth of July is near, and to honor our country’s independence day, we’re taking a step back into American history– college admissions style. Let’s take a look at some of the colleges and universities that play an important role in our nation’s past.

The College of William & Mary

It’s no surprise that The College of William & Mary is steeped in American history. After all, it’s the second-oldest higher education institution in the United States, having received its official charter in 1693. During the revolutionary war, W&M- located in the colonial capital of Virginia- found itself at the center of key battles. The college was even forced to cancel classes when the British invaded Williamsburg. Students were so impassioned by the fight for freedom, they formed a militia. Now there’s an extracurricular club we haven’t heard of before!  

Despite the chaos of the revolutionary era, enrollment did not drop. Future presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler attended W&M, and George Washington earned his Surveyor’s License here.

Harvard University

Harvard isn’t just one of the most prestigious universities in America- it also happens to be the oldest (founded in 1636). Like William & Mary, it has a unique place in the birth of America. When the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at the nearby towns of Lexington and Concord, Harvard’s campus was converted into temporary housing for soldiers. According to The Harvard Gazette, students rented rooms in Concord and classes were held in local buildings, like the courthouse. In 1776, undergrads returned to the Cambridge campus, and the university awarded the town of Concord a small sum for its collegiate inconvenience. 

Since then, Harvard has continued to make history, educating more future presidents than any other college or university in the country: Barack Obama, Rutherford Hayes, George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, John Quincy Adams, and John Adams are all alumni!

The University of Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin may be famous for inventing bifocals, but his creations didn’t stop there. A champion for education, this founding father wrote Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pensilvania–a catalyst for what would become the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin served as president at Penn for a time, and even 232 years after his death, he still watches over students. In fact, you can visit him yourself next time you’re on campus. Look for the big statue in front of College Hall.

The University of Virginia

They say it “takes a village” to raise a child. Thomas Jefferson felt the same way about college undergrads. He conceived of higher education as a village- a place where students and faculty could live, learn, and contribute to a common good. This idea may not sound radical by our twenty-first century standards, but at the time, Jefferson’s vision broke the academic mold.

Of course, such a community couldn’t be achieved with just curriculum or classrooms. The physical campus needed to reflect the ideals of the school, which led Jefferson to take the lead planning and designing the campus.  He wasn’t a formally trained architect, but that didn’t stop Jefferson. Years of passionate self-study gave him the confidence and inspiration he needed. We think Jefferson’s initiative would make the perfect blueprint for a college admissions essay!

George Washington University

Don’t let the name fool you! George Washington University wasn’t actually founded by George Washington. He just came up with the idea–sort of! Washington envisioned a national university set right in the heart of America’s capital. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see the university become a reality, but Washington never gave up on the dream. He set aside stocks and land grants for the creation of educational institutions in his will. Twenty-two years after Washington’s death, President James Monroe signed the Act of Congress which led to the establishment of the university.

Hampton University

Betsy Ross, the Great Depression, 9/11–there are so many famous figures and events in American history. But what about the untold stories? The University Archives at Hampton University revives lost voices through its extensive materials. In fact, it hails one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of African American and Native American history. According to the school’s website, there are currently over eight million artifacts for researchers to study.

Shepherd University

Some schools archive American history, but Shepherd University makes it come to life with its Civil War Semester. Students can take advantage of Shepherd’s proximity to “Civil War Country” by immersing themselves in four-months of dynamic hands-on studies. Opportunities include visiting famous historical sites, collaborating with museums, and publishing archival information. But that’s not all! Make sure you pack your hoop skirt or waistcoat because there’s also a chance to partake in a local civil war performance.

Saint Anselm College

How does a small liberal arts college become one of the biggest hubs for American history and politics? Location, location, location! Saint Anselm College is conveniently situated in New Hampshire- a state known for “making or breaking” presidential hopefuls. For decades, the college has hosted presidential debates and an impressive list of influential political figures. 

However, politicians and pundits are the only ones flocking to campus. Many undergrads are drawn to Saint Anselm’s politics department for its unique opportunities. Through a partnership with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, students can find themselves conducting voter polls and moderating political Q&As with national figures.

UC Berkeley

Eager to become an expert in American history? Well, then you might want to head west. UC Berkeley is home to one of the best American history graduate programs in America. According to their department website, faculty research covers “almost the entirety of recorded history,” and students can choose from fifteen fields of historical study. Just don’t go booking your ticket yet: historically speaking, admissions to this program has been highly selective!

Happy Fourth!