Berea is that place full of so much academic rigor and it can be a little much. It is also that sigh of relief from high school. You've come to a place where people want to know your name and your story, and that just makes it so special.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't be shy! If you want to make new friends, Berea College is the best place in the world to do this. Everyone is so accepting and it definitely changes your perception of your own life before entering the school. Just relax. You're a Mountaineer now and Mountaineers don't take anything for granted.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Berea is one of those schools where even the most promising student goes, What have I gotten myself in to?! The institution only accepts academically promising students so they expect you to go above and beyond your comfort level. Even though the school can be more challenging than any Ivy League school, what makes the place outstanding is that the professors care about you so much. They know you by name and they make sure to get to know you as more than just a student. They'll do whatever they can to make sure you understand what's going on whether it is inside or outside the classroom. Sure you'll most definitely be doing more than one paper at a time, but hey. You know you're going to pass because your instructors are going to talk to you over the phone at 2 am just to help you get through it.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
When it comes to living in a dorm, I believe it truly depends on the person. Some people love the fact that they are technically living with their friends. They love the community aspect of it. Others don't like the fact that none of the residence halls are coed or that you don't get to live off campus until your senior year. Living with a bunch of people can be pretty messy, but it's nice to be able to have quick access to people to talk with. It's nice living in a hall but at times, it can be hectic. You just give and take a little.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Food services...my goodness. The Mountaineer Dining Hall is the central food location for Berea students. They have their really good days where there is a lot of variety, but to tell you the truth, most days are just average or below that... especially on the weekends. Friday night is the time that many students leave campus to commute back to their homes, but we all know that they're just avoiding the lack of good food. They are such cowards :) !
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Berea College is set among the beautiful Appalachians, so it is a great place to go hiking, running, or anything else nature related. However, there arenâ??t much shopping or entertainment facilities (unless you like the fact that Berea, KY is the Arts and Crafts capital of the US). If you want a quick getaway, a 15 minute drive to Richmond is the way to go. If you want to go to a livelier city and are willing to drive a little more, consider Lexington (45 minutes), Cincinnati (2 hours), or Louisville (2 hours). If you're a freshman cursed with the no car on campus rule or you're a student who gets screwed over by the college lottery, just make something up. You will have fun no matter where you are with your new friends, even if it's a walking trip to Wal-Mart. It's worth the crazy, fun memories.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Imagine being accepted to a school that is extremely selective, gives every student a full-tuition scholarship plus more financial assistance, receiving a free, brand new laptop, and making the most of an education that many other colleges and universities wished they could live up to. And on top of that, being the #1 school in the US with the lowest student debt amongst its graduates. Welcome to Berea College!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Are you worried about a possible Apocalypse? Well have no fear! Berea is deemed the safest place in the world to be in case of an attack and end to this world. Plus, every few months there's a campus-wide Humans vs. Zombies game that takes place, so hooray for free training! Also, do you know how to swim? Well, if you do, that's great. If not, you're required to take a swimming class before you graduate and pass it. Berea does not tolerate a hesitant swimmer. No joke.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you are outgoing or love to make new friends, then welcome! If you keep more to yourself or aren't very confident, that's alright, too. By the time your first year is over, your life will change completely. You will have friends and acquaintances that actually care about you. It's an overwhelming but amazing feeling. You will change for the better for sure. It's like a breath of fresh air.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Berea is a smaller institution but offers so many clubs and activities. The most popular are those dealing with the arts. If you love to perform, get involved with the BC Theatre Lab, a dance ensemble, or one of the music ensembles in the music department. Whatâ??s amazing about the Theatre department is that they produce 2 main stage shows each semester and many smaller productions that are equally outstanding. A bonus is the fact that anyone of any major can participate in these productions whether itâ??s onstage or backstage. The music department includes ensembles such as the Concert Choir, the Bluegrass Ensemble, and the Black Music Ensemble. Everything dealing with music in Berea is very eye-opening and full of greatness. If you arenâ??t too in to the arts, you can join one of Bereaâ??s many sports teams or other clubs like the Campus Activities Board (CAB) or the Blue Crew. No matter what activity you choose to pursue at the school, you will relieve your stress and you will enjoy yourself, no doubt.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
What is this Greek Life that you speak of?
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I like campus safety because they will do whatever they can to make sure students on campus are safe. If you need to go down to the nearby hospital, they'll drive you themselves so you can avoid the expense of gas money or an ambulance. Just call them and they're on their way for anything. Even if you're too scared to walk to a certain building late at night or early morning, they go out of their way to take you. It's nice knowing they care.
Berea is that place full of so much academic rigor and it can be a little much. It is also that sigh of relief from high school. You've come to a place where people want to know your name and your story, and that just makes it so special.
Don't be shy! If you want to make new friends, Berea College is the best place in the world to do this. Everyone is so accepting and it definitely changes your perception of your own life before entering the school. Just relax. You're a Mountaineer now and Mountaineers don't take anything for granted.
Berea is one of those schools where even the most promising student goes, What have I gotten myself in to?! The institution only accepts academically promising students so they expect you to go above and beyond your comfort level. Even though the school can be more challenging than any Ivy League school, what makes the place outstanding is that the professors care about you so much. They know you by name and they make sure to get to know you as more than just a student. They'll do whatever they can to make sure you understand what's going on whether it is inside or outside the classroom. Sure you'll most definitely be doing more than one paper at a time, but hey. You know you're going to pass because your instructors are going to talk to you over the phone at 2 am just to help you get through it.
When it comes to living in a dorm, I believe it truly depends on the person. Some people love the fact that they are technically living with their friends. They love the community aspect of it. Others don't like the fact that none of the residence halls are coed or that you don't get to live off campus until your senior year. Living with a bunch of people can be pretty messy, but it's nice to be able to have quick access to people to talk with. It's nice living in a hall but at times, it can be hectic. You just give and take a little.
Food services...my goodness. The Mountaineer Dining Hall is the central food location for Berea students. They have their really good days where there is a lot of variety, but to tell you the truth, most days are just average or below that... especially on the weekends. Friday night is the time that many students leave campus to commute back to their homes, but we all know that they're just avoiding the lack of good food. They are such cowards :) !
Berea College is set among the beautiful Appalachians, so it is a great place to go hiking, running, or anything else nature related. However, there arenâ??t much shopping or entertainment facilities (unless you like the fact that Berea, KY is the Arts and Crafts capital of the US). If you want a quick getaway, a 15 minute drive to Richmond is the way to go. If you want to go to a livelier city and are willing to drive a little more, consider Lexington (45 minutes), Cincinnati (2 hours), or Louisville (2 hours). If you're a freshman cursed with the no car on campus rule or you're a student who gets screwed over by the college lottery, just make something up. You will have fun no matter where you are with your new friends, even if it's a walking trip to Wal-Mart. It's worth the crazy, fun memories.
Imagine being accepted to a school that is extremely selective, gives every student a full-tuition scholarship plus more financial assistance, receiving a free, brand new laptop, and making the most of an education that many other colleges and universities wished they could live up to. And on top of that, being the #1 school in the US with the lowest student debt amongst its graduates. Welcome to Berea College!
Are you worried about a possible Apocalypse? Well have no fear! Berea is deemed the safest place in the world to be in case of an attack and end to this world. Plus, every few months there's a campus-wide Humans vs. Zombies game that takes place, so hooray for free training! Also, do you know how to swim? Well, if you do, that's great. If not, you're required to take a swimming class before you graduate and pass it. Berea does not tolerate a hesitant swimmer. No joke.
If you are outgoing or love to make new friends, then welcome! If you keep more to yourself or aren't very confident, that's alright, too. By the time your first year is over, your life will change completely. You will have friends and acquaintances that actually care about you. It's an overwhelming but amazing feeling. You will change for the better for sure. It's like a breath of fresh air.
Berea is a smaller institution but offers so many clubs and activities. The most popular are those dealing with the arts. If you love to perform, get involved with the BC Theatre Lab, a dance ensemble, or one of the music ensembles in the music department. Whatâ??s amazing about the Theatre department is that they produce 2 main stage shows each semester and many smaller productions that are equally outstanding. A bonus is the fact that anyone of any major can participate in these productions whether itâ??s onstage or backstage. The music department includes ensembles such as the Concert Choir, the Bluegrass Ensemble, and the Black Music Ensemble. Everything dealing with music in Berea is very eye-opening and full of greatness. If you arenâ??t too in to the arts, you can join one of Bereaâ??s many sports teams or other clubs like the Campus Activities Board (CAB) or the Blue Crew. No matter what activity you choose to pursue at the school, you will relieve your stress and you will enjoy yourself, no doubt.
What is this Greek Life that you speak of?
I like campus safety because they will do whatever they can to make sure students on campus are safe. If you need to go down to the nearby hospital, they'll drive you themselves so you can avoid the expense of gas money or an ambulance. Just call them and they're on their way for anything. Even if you're too scared to walk to a certain building late at night or early morning, they go out of their way to take you. It's nice knowing they care.