Reviews
Augustana College
Ashley from Dixon, IL
accepted here and planning to attend soon
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Will learn a lot
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The faculty here are intelligent and more than qualified, plus they show a genuine caring attitude towards the students. The tri-mester schedule allows students to take more classes and double and even triple major.
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Will enjoy being here
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The campus is beautiful. It is decently sized so it seems larger even though it is a small school. There are a lot of party-ers, but there are a lot of people who don't party as well.
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Bang for the buck
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If you start early on your research and show Augie that you're interested in them they will work with you to get as much money in scholarships as possible. Keep in mind all of the scholarship dates (talk to your admissions counselor and look on the web site as well.) While I haven't taken a course yet at Augustana, I do know that because of the tri-mester schedule it allows students to be able to double or even triple major in something if they want to.
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Tips for prospective students
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If you are looking at Augustana, get in touch with your admissions counselor, look up the head of the department of your major and email them and ask them questions. If you apply early and get in touch with them even earlier, then you will be in good shape as far as taking advantage of scholarships go.
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Great for these types of students
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Students who want to study abroad, students who want smaller class sizes, liberal arts education, potential Division 3 Athletes, students who want to seek internships in the Quad City Area, the list goes on and on I think there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
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Deonna from Carol Stream, IL
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I am an education major and each class that I've been in has taught me many new things. Even the general education classes have so much to offer. The class sizes are small so if you don't understand something it's easy to ask the teacher within the class so that your question can be clarified and possibly help someone else. All of the professors are helpful and want to see you succeed!
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Am enjoying being here
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The campus is gorgeous and the people are amazing. I have made so many fantastic friends at Augie and you get to see all of the same people over and over again because the campus population is so small. When you see professors walking around on campus they say hello, even professors you had the years before. There are clubs and teams for every person and it's so easy to find others with your interests.
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Bang for the buck
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Augie offers so many different things besides the fantastic academics for their students. Once a month we have free bingo and trivia nights as well as a weekly movie (just out of the theaters nd before going on DVD) that is played 4 times. Both PepsiCo recreation center and Carver athletic center offer any level athlete what they desire. The buildings and facilities are fantastic and offer the students so much.
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Tips for prospective students
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Make sure you ask all questions and don't be afraid to try something new. Do what you want to do and not what your friends want you to do all of the time.
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Great for these types of students
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Any student is encouraged to come to Augie! There is a place for everyone whether you want to join a sports team, greek life, music groups, politics clubs, Tolkien society, science clubs, anything! Each student is welcomed and can find amazing friends at Augustana.
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Aubrey from Algonquin, IL
accepted here and planning to attend soon
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In three sentences
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Fantastic! Though it is in the country and a little out of the way, the professors are intelligent, professional, and personable. During my first visit the Dean and Head of the Business Department learned my name, and the students were helpful and genuinely thrilled to be an Augie Doggie. Their curriculum is diverse and challenging, while allowing for a great deal of intellectual exploration.
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Tips for prospective students
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Visit the campus and speak with the students if you want a clear view of what kind of place Auganstana is. In my experience, the students have all been intelligent and engaging, with just a touch of kooky. Their conversations range form the stability and future of the pacific rim economies, to African art, and even how the schools Quidditch game went. Also, pick up any of the literature you can find about Augustana. This will give you an in-depth look at the academics, community, and scholarships Augie offers.
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Academic Rigor
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I have not taken any classes yet, since I will be a freshman in the fall, but the few classes I did sit in on impressed me. Chemistry in particular is a grueling subject, with a grade of 86% earning you an A. The science and business departments offer the most rigorous courses, but I have also hear Speech Pathology can throw an occasional academic curve ball. Overall, I have heard Augie's courses are on par with most big ten schools.
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Dorm Life
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As I have said before, the community Augastana provides is unlike any other university. We have a reputation as a party school, so dorm life is pretty rocking, but there are also Healthy-Lifestyle dorms in Westerlin. These rooms have moral conduct codes, and are generally pretty quiet. There are also dorms with accommodations for handicapped students in Andreen. My only complaint is not all the dorms have air-conditioning; Erickson is not a pleasant place to be in the summer. However, the friendly atmosphere of the student body trumps any heat-related discomfort.
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Food and Dining
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What can I say, college food is college food. There is a Starbucks, which is always a plus, and Whitey's Ice Cream is unbelievably delicious! Other than that, you have your standard fair of college cuisine, including cafeteria food, Pizza Hut, and Fazolis (a fast food pasta place). If you have a dietary restriction, you can always find something to eat, just do not expect it to be five star cooking.
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What to do for fun
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Though Augustana's in the country, there is always something to do. If you are looking for a work out, there is the PepsiCo rec centre. It has a track, tennis courts, and a ton of intramural sports and classes. We are known for our strong music program, which offers jazz ensembles, choruses, and theater opportunities. Besides the standard fair of community, faith, and special interest groups, there is a large Greek system (famous for their parties). Even Rock Island offers a little flair, ranging from parks, to pools, to pool tables. Furthermore, the flora and fauna are simply breath taking and offer some great hiking opportunities.
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Bang for the buck
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YES! Augustana offers a ton of scholarship opportunities. I was able to pay for over half of my tuition through school sponsored awards alone. But do be aware, Augie is a private school and does cost more than a public university. However, if you want an Ivy League education for a public price, Augie is the way to go. If you contact the school and ask them for scholarship information, they will send you a handy brochure outlining all the scholarships and how to get them. They want you to have their money, imagine that!
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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On Halloween weekend Augustana turns into a creepy campus of ghouls, goblins, and zombies (commonly called pre-med students). Candy abounds and monsters mash at the Halloween Bash. It's a scary good time!
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Great for these types of students
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For the Big Brains, the Friendly, and the Quirky! Augustana is the perfect mix between academics, creativity, and fun. I myself, am an intrepid entrepreneur with a flair for biology and the dramatic. This school is NOT for the faint of heart! So beware, Augie will change your life (in a good way!)
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Clubs and Activities
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Like politics, join the Student Government. Maybe you prefer poetry, then join After Hours Poetry Work Shop. Want to make a difference, join SAFARI, an immigrants rights group. Just want to have fun, then play Quiddithc! What ever you like to do, Augustana has a club for it. If you feel you're interest is too obscure, or if they are too divers, you can always find a group of like minded individuals. Sports, service, science, you name it, we have it!
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Greek Life
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We have a sizable Greek life, with six sororities and seven fraternities. Unlike in the movies, Augastana's Greek System is open and accepting. While there are rights of passage, there is no hazing allowed. The groups are simply like minded individuals looking for a strong college community. If you are a shy person, than the Greek system is a great way to make friends. Augie's system is know for their superb conduct and strong community involvement. Furthermore, Greek groups allow for leadership and networking opportunities.
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Campus Safety
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Rock Island is a close knit, diverse, and safe community. Augustana has built in several safety plans and features, including safety hot lines and text numbers. However, there is a gang of raccoons that like to tip over garbage cans and tear apart open cars. I definitely recommend rolling up your windows and avoiding the woods at night.
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Marlena from IL
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I feel like I have learned a lot at my time at Augustana. The professors really strive to challenge you as you advance your education. They make you take responsibility for your education and in this way, you gain so much knowledge.
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Am enjoying being here
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I definitely am enjoying my time here at Augustana. There are always many events occurring on campus and the college strives for your involvement in these events. They want people to get out there and enjoy themselves.
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Bang for the buck
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Although it is an expensive school, there is no limit when it comes to education. This school puts a lot of important on the liberal arts education it provides, and I believe this is what makes it a bang for the buck. This liberal arts education teaches you not only the topics of your major, but it teaches you many other subjects in order to help you become a more well rounded adult.
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Tips for prospective students
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If you plan on attending here, do not be hesitant to get out there. Get involved in the school and the school will literally be like your home. Don't be afraid to get help when you need it, there are so many resources here to make sure you do succeed so take advantage of them. In your classes, make sure to give each class the attention it deserves and do not be hesitant to ask your professors questions. Everyone is very helpful and open to answering any questions you may have.
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Great for these types of students
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This school is great for those students that like a more close knit type of school. It is not a very large school, so you end up knowing and meeting a lot of people because of the schools size. There is a lot of nature on the campus, so it is perfect for those students that do not really like city life too much.
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Sara
a current student here
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Tips for prospective students
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Don't be afraid to talk to your professors, in fact they love it. Augsutana is a small school and so professors are more than willing to help you when you are struggling in their class. Along with that, they will notice if you are gone due to the small class sizes, so don't just skip class because you don't feel like going.
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Academic Rigor
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Classes can be pretty tough at Augustana, but that is because they want you to succeed in your future in career. After graduating you will be more than prepared to enter the work force in your area of study.
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Dorm Life
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Augustana has five different dorms to choose from and they are kept in good condition. An extra bonus is that internet connection is provided at all the dorms.
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Food and Dining
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The dining center has a variety of good food, but the meal plan is severely over priced and required for first and second year students.
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What to do for fun
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Augustana provides all sorts of free activities for students to attend for free throughout the school year, from sports games, to movie nights, to bingo. You can always find something to do without the week without having to spend a dime.
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Bang for the buck
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Augustana is very expensive compared to a lot of other college's, but remember it's both a liberal arts college and a private college. The experience that you would get here at Augustana is a lot different than you would get at a public school and it's well worth your money!
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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The place that everybody loves to go at Augustana is Whitey's. If you haven't gone to Whitey's before going here make sure to check it out!
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Great for these types of students
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This school is great for students who are willing to work hard to get where they want to be. The programs can be vigorous, but it is well worth it.
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Clubs and Activities
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There is such a variety of clubs on campus that is impossible not to find a group you like. From business club to Quidditch (that game they play in Harry Potter), we have it all.
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Greek Life
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Greek life is a huge thing at Augie, though no one will pressure you into joining if you don't want to. We have seven social fraternities and seven social sororities along with multiple national groups, so there's a place for everyone to fit in.
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Campus Safety
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Augustana provides lots of services to help keep its students safe. Every night there is a car service called aces that will drive you around campus (for free) if you don't feel safe walking alone. If you do decide to walk alone there are blue poles throughout the campus that have a button you can push for help if you need help or feel unsafe. Finally, Augustana has its own personal public safety officers that are here to help keep the campus safe.
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Amanda from Lockport, IL
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Augustana has a beautiful campus and friendly people. This college has multiple opportunities in anything you can think of, including sports, clubs, Greek life, internships, etc. This is a college for people who want to be involved on campus.
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Tips for prospective students
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Don't be afraid to ask a ton of questions and definitely try to visit multiple times. Also, try to keep a open mind about everything Augustana offers.
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Academic Rigor
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A student here needs to put in the effort to receive the grades they want. It is not just an easy A. If you have issues with academics, teachers and other students are always ready to tutor you in whatever class you need help with.
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Dorm Life
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The only issue is as a first year, there is only communal bathrooms. Also, only one dorm has air conditioning. This really isn't much of a problem if you are smart and bring multiple fans.
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Food and Dining
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Although there is only one main dining area, there is always different choices and I can most likely find something I like. There is also a way to get a meal from the brew and from the c-store in Westerlin. The meal is very good and is fresh.
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What to do for fun
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Augustana has tons of stuff to do during the week and on the weekends. But if you aren't satisfied with that, there is a bus you can take that will take you all through the Quad Cities. The Quad Cities always seem to have something to do on the weekends so if you are bored, it isn't anyone's fault except your own.
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Bang for the buck
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There is many things here to take advantage of. Not only do they give out free food at every school event, but they also have many raffles that you can win from. Also, the money you give to the school, they use to better it. The facilities are updated and there is many different computer labs and such that you can use.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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Augustana has the Slough Fest that was just started last year. It's like a party for the students to unwind at the end of the year.
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Great for these types of students
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This campus is great for students that want to feel at home and are extroverted. It also allows for students to start over and be who they want to be and do what they want to do. No one judges anyone for doing that, they encourage them to do so.
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Clubs and Activities
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Basically, if you can't find a club that you like, then you can make your own. They are super ready to help you get a couple of people together that enjoy the same thing, and get you on your feet.
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Greek Life
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There is 7 social fraternities and 7 social sororities. The great thing about Augustana is that the greek life is local. So it costs less money to be in it and there is less pressure from national greek life.
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Campus Safety
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There is a great support system for safety on campus. There is a nice and responsible staff of public safety officers that connect well with the students and drive around to make sure everyone is okay. Also, if anything were to happen, there is signs posted everywhere that has emergency information on campus and off campus.
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Meridith from Byron, IL
a current student here
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In three sentences
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i am so glad i decided to come here! all of the professors have doctorates and so far they have genuinely cared about my education. the campus is absolutely gorgeous.
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Tips for prospective students
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try to be relaxed for your admissions interview. you want to show the interviewer the real you, not the stressed-out, nervous version of yourself.
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Academic Rigor
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because it is a liberal arts school, augustana tries to challenge its students to try a little of everything. this can be difficult, especially because every student has different strengths and weaknesses. the college has high standards for ap credit, so most students do not test out of requirements.
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Dorm Life
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the residence halls are not very large, but this helps to create a strong community environment. many people form families away from home with the other students on their floors.
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Food and Dining
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the college does a good job of including a variety of options for most tastes at every meal, although the vegetarian and vegan options can be limited. most of the food comes from nearby farms, due to the college's participation in farm2fork.
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What to do for fun
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there is a lively greek system and plenty of intermural competitions at augie. also, the office of student activities puts on various events each week including musicians, comedians, movies, bingo, and others.
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Bang for the buck
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augustana does a good job of awarding scholarships for a variety of accomplishments and skills, so the sticker price is not really all that scary. for the quality of education that a person recieves and the memories that will surely be made, it is worth the financial cost.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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there is rumored to be a ghost named chauncey in the andreen residence hall. if a couple kisses under the bell tower, they are fated to get married. the olin staircase is a set of 110 stairs outside and is the quickest and most tiring way to get from upper to lower campus or vice-versa.
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Great for these types of students
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augustana college is great for students looking for a strong sense of community.
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Clubs and Activities
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the office of student activities is great at helping to start student organizations. so far, there are over two hundred, which is impressive considering there are less than 2,500 students in attendance. as long as there is genuine interest in a club by at least ten students, the college will support it.
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Greek Life
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augie does not support a national greek system, so all of the fraternities and sororities are private. this means that the entrance fees are less expensive and that rush is done in a different manner and takes place after winter break.
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Campus Safety
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the workers at the office of public safety do a good job of attending to students' safety needs. every time an incidence report is filed, an email is sent to all staff and students, so everyone is aware of possible threat.
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Alexandria from Thomasboro, IL
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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The classes are challenging but i love knowing that I'll use everything I'm learning. There are so many different classes you can take, even a Harry Potter class! Everything I learn sparks my interest and makes me want to take more classes in that area! The teachers are amazing and so helpful and always willing to put in the extra effort if you are as well.
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Am enjoying being here
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There's always something going on and every weekend is so much fun, especially when you're always meeting new people. There's so much to do off campus as well.
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Bang for the buck
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The education you get here at Augie is way above that of a school with 15,000 people. Class sizes are small, professors actually remember your name, and the resources are amazing. It's also a perk that the dorm rooms are about twice the size of the average room. Yeah, we're a little spoiled here.
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Tips for prospective students
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Definitely get involved in something that you've always wanted to do but never had the chance. If you don't like it, at least you can say you've tried. Speak up in your classes, those are the ones that you end up having the most fun in.
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Great for these types of students
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Goal oriented, driven, enthusiastic people are EVERYWHERE on campus. It's definitely a fit for those who don't just want to be another face in the crowd.
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Alexis from Saint Louis, MO
accepted here and planning to attend soon
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In three sentences
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The campus is beautiful. The professors want to help you succeed. Student life is amazing and everyone will help you.
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Tips for prospective students
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Do an overnight stay. It's great. You get to experience dorm life, what classes are like, and you'll meet with coaches if you're into that and meet with the CORE to help you with planning your future.
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Academic Rigor
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It's college, you want the best education you can get, but you have to like it. I am going into psychology and the professors are kind and will help you with a graduate application by helping you do a research project.
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Dorm Life
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The dorms are nice. They are attached to a hall and the floor shares one bathroom.
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Food and Dining
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Food is delicious and the cafe is huge. Plenty of variety and very affordable.
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Alexandra
researching this school
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In three sentences
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Augustana has an absolutely beautiful campus. The professors there are kind and willing to help. The classrooms are the perfect size for students looking for a smaller college atmosphere.
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Tips for prospective students
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Before applying here, check out the campus! A lot of the walking is uphill and if you're not into that, you might not want to go here. But since it is a beautiful campus, I'm sure you'll check it out anyways!
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Dorm Life
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The dorms I stayed in were amazing!
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Food and Dining
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The dining hall is being redone so my opinion on this one really doesn't matter.
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What to do for fun
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There is a lot in the Quad Cities to do but I recommend Whitey's!
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