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.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
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.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
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.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
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.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
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.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
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.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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!)
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
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!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
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.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!)
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!
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.
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.