Princeton Review Features Centenary College of Louisiana among "The Best 345 Colleges"

SHREVEPORT, LA -- Centenary College of Louisiana is one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review, the New York-based company known for its test-prep and education services. Centenary is one of 345 schools featured in the 2003 edition of The Princeton Review annual college guide, The Best 345 Colleges (Random House/Princeton Review).

In the book's profile on Centenary, the guide's editors describe the college in three categories: academics, life and student body.

Says Robert Franek, editorial director of The Princeton Review, "This guide reflects our vision of the most impressive institutions for undergraduate education.  Fewer than 10 percent of the colleges in America, and only two Canadian colleges, are profiled.  We believe each one offers an outstanding academic program."

Franek said the selection of colleges "is informed by our visits to schools, by data we review about them, and by the opinions of admissions pros, college presidents, college counselors, students and parents."

The guide has a wide representation of colleges, by region, size, selectivity and character. It includes public and private schools, traditional and non-traditional colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and science and technology-focused institutions.

The guide offers two-page profiles of the colleges and college ranking lists based on what students attending the schools report about their college and campus experiences. The rankings for the 2003 edition are based on surveys of 100,000 students at the 345 colleges in the book.

Centenary was rated most highly for its academics and for its financial aid offerings.  The book quotes one undergraduate as saying that Centenary professors "are willing to have study sessions and homework sessions with the class… Also, they are willing to help you with research, finding a job, and graduate school.  It's really great to know that your teachers care that you are coming to class and learning."

The Best 345 Colleges is one of over 180 books developed by The Princeton Review in a line published by Random House Inc.  The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University or ETS.

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