Calvin College is a private college and what you would imagine it to be is mostly what you get. The academics of the school are at a good level, but you research what department you are going in to, just in case you are going in to art... The atmosphere and students there are absolutely amazing, and I have never doubted that this college was the right choice for me.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Look into your department, most of them are great, but it is good to double check whether you think the program will be right for you. As the first year and second year are both (usually) years where you will be living in the dorm, jump right into dorm life and put yourself out there for the first few weeks, even if you are a much more introverted person (I am as well) because it will make the rest of your time much easier and more friendly. I think the people at Calvin is one of the main reasons to go, so if you put some effort in to open yourself up a bit, there is a lot that will be given to you in return.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
There may be harder colleges in the world, but Calvin certainly holds its own in this area. I believe Calvin demands a lot from its students, in terms of academic excellence and overall workload, but it has been a wonderful thing for me personally as it has grown me in many ways much quicker than expected.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
This is probably one of the better campuses for dorm life around. As there is no Greek life, the dorm life takes a more important role, and dorms can be very close. My time in the dorm gave me many friends and good memories, and a few select friends who I know will be in mt life forever.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
This is an area of a little bit of conflicting opinions. I believe the food was great and there was a good bit of variety, but some people complained about the food with differing opinions (though if you get every meal at the dining hall for two years in a row, I imagine many places would start to feel bland after that period of time). Don't go to Calvin for the food itself, but I think you will enjoy the food enough.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
College is funny in that until you are in it you don't quite realize that this category isn't going to be as impactful as you first imagined (at least, that's my opinion on it all).There are a lot of events put on by Calvin, a lot of concerts that come through, and a lot of events the dorms themselves put on, so I would say there is a lot of opportunity for one to find fun in many places, and I would personally recommend finding a club you enjoy. There are many clubs as well, and opportunities to start new ones are not hard to find. There is plenty to keep you busy when you aren't busy with college itself.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Calvin is expensive, and that alone makes me give this not as good of a score, but usually students can get pretty good financial aid packages.Not too much to say other than Calvin isn't the cheapest, so don't simply choose it on a whim.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you are a missionary kid apply to Calvin, get a lot of financial aid, and meet many other missionary kids and have a blast. Because of this and a few other reasons I am not sure of, there is a diverse range of students at Calvin, and that can make for some pretty awesome experiences.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I believe there is a good variety of clubs at Calvin, and there are opportunities to create new clubs as well.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus safety does a great job, and even in the winter when it is colder they will come and pick you up and drive you around the smaller campus to get you where you need to be if you ask for it,
Calvin College is a private college and what you would imagine it to be is mostly what you get. The academics of the school are at a good level, but you research what department you are going in to, just in case you are going in to art... The atmosphere and students there are absolutely amazing, and I have never doubted that this college was the right choice for me.
Look into your department, most of them are great, but it is good to double check whether you think the program will be right for you. As the first year and second year are both (usually) years where you will be living in the dorm, jump right into dorm life and put yourself out there for the first few weeks, even if you are a much more introverted person (I am as well) because it will make the rest of your time much easier and more friendly. I think the people at Calvin is one of the main reasons to go, so if you put some effort in to open yourself up a bit, there is a lot that will be given to you in return.
There may be harder colleges in the world, but Calvin certainly holds its own in this area. I believe Calvin demands a lot from its students, in terms of academic excellence and overall workload, but it has been a wonderful thing for me personally as it has grown me in many ways much quicker than expected.
This is probably one of the better campuses for dorm life around. As there is no Greek life, the dorm life takes a more important role, and dorms can be very close. My time in the dorm gave me many friends and good memories, and a few select friends who I know will be in mt life forever.
This is an area of a little bit of conflicting opinions. I believe the food was great and there was a good bit of variety, but some people complained about the food with differing opinions (though if you get every meal at the dining hall for two years in a row, I imagine many places would start to feel bland after that period of time). Don't go to Calvin for the food itself, but I think you will enjoy the food enough.
College is funny in that until you are in it you don't quite realize that this category isn't going to be as impactful as you first imagined (at least, that's my opinion on it all).There are a lot of events put on by Calvin, a lot of concerts that come through, and a lot of events the dorms themselves put on, so I would say there is a lot of opportunity for one to find fun in many places, and I would personally recommend finding a club you enjoy. There are many clubs as well, and opportunities to start new ones are not hard to find. There is plenty to keep you busy when you aren't busy with college itself.
Calvin is expensive, and that alone makes me give this not as good of a score, but usually students can get pretty good financial aid packages.Not too much to say other than Calvin isn't the cheapest, so don't simply choose it on a whim.
If you are a missionary kid apply to Calvin, get a lot of financial aid, and meet many other missionary kids and have a blast. Because of this and a few other reasons I am not sure of, there is a diverse range of students at Calvin, and that can make for some pretty awesome experiences.
I believe there is a good variety of clubs at Calvin, and there are opportunities to create new clubs as well.
Campus safety does a great job, and even in the winter when it is colder they will come and pick you up and drive you around the smaller campus to get you where you need to be if you ask for it,