Carleton College

Carleton College

Northfield, MN, USA
Private
4 Year

Katherine's Review

Review of Carleton College

from Ann Arbor, MI

Describe your college in three sentences.

The environment is welcoming, the professors are always willing to help out, and the students are bright and curious. You will learn things you never knew you were possible and expand your horizons in this tiny Minnesota college. It's not well-known outside of academia but it's a gem of a place and I'm so happy I call it my alma matter.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Come visit the campus! Prospective students (or prospies) are always welcome.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

Classes are Carleton are fast and intense. The ten-week terms means that you take three classes at a time and trust me, you wouldn't want to take more than that. Classes are challenging but professors hold very accessible office hours and are actually delighted to talk with you.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

Everyone on my floor is really close and we hang out in the lounge and kitchen together. The RA's are ridiculously nice and the room sizes aren't bad at all. I'm on a sub-free floor but theres no judgement if I want to go drinking.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

There are two cafeterias on campus: LDC and Burton. Burton has better quality food, but LDC has more creative and vegetarian options. One can also eat at Sayles, which is open late and has tasty options like curly fries and burritos and the best smoothies ever. The food at Carleton is generally pretty healthy and local, especially at LDC.

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

I hang out with my friends, play frisbeel, go for walks in the Arb, listen to concerts at the Cave, and go exploring in Northfield.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

The sticker price is definitely high, but the value is worth it. Besides, the financial aid is pretty good. They also guarantee money for National Merit Finalists.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Carleton prides itself on having quirky traditions, from the freshman frisbee toss (and subsequent returning of the frisbees) to bubbles at Convo to Silent Dance party, Streaking is also very popular and occurs at most major college events.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Dedicated, motivated, willing to work hard but also have lots of fun. Students here are accomplished and impressive without being pretentious about it. Carleton is the place for people that actually want to learn. There's cooperation and collaboration, and way more stress on knowledge and personal growth than grades.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

There's something for everyone, from the traditional music groups to the CANOE outdoor adventures club to Model United Nations. Everyone is involved in something, and often lots of things.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

Non-existant and blissfully so!

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

I have never felt unsafe on campus, even walking alone at night, and I can't say that about my home town. If you do ever feel unsafe though the campus security people are very nice and will help you or walk with you to anywhere.