Reviews
Central College
Kailey from Ankeny, IA
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I have learned valuable lessons in each of the classes I have taken, even my non-major classes! The professors really care about you. They will take the time out of their day to make sure you really understand what is going on in class. Most classes also have a S.I. (student instructer). The student instructers have taken the class and have done well in it. They can tell you the ins and outs of that specific class and professor. However, unlike the larger colleges, the student instructers don't actually teach the class. They hold study sessions and are available for answering questions or tutoring outside of class. So really, you are getting the information from the class from two different sources!
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Am enjoying being here
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There has never been a time that I wished I was not a Central student! I actually find myself missing it when I'm at home. There are so many different activities to join and ways to meet friends. A lot of new students worry about finding friends but they really shouldn't. There is a myriad of clubs, sports teams, and musical groups so there shouldn't be a problem finding someone with similar interests. Even the atmosphere of Central is enjoyable. A lot of big schools don't have a very good ambiance but Central has a homey feel. The campus is very beautiful and always clean. The dorms are very nice and comfortable.
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Bang for the buck
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Central is a private college so it is a little pricey, but I really feel like I'm getting my money's worth. The food is really good! Much better than the highschool cafeteria! The classses and professors really challenge you to do your best.
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Tips for prospective students
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I would reccommend that a prospective student should always visit any college they are considering. There is no better way to know if you like the college than to visit. This way you can see if the college is really 'you.' Central even lets you stay overnight with a current student. My former roommate and I have hosted a few prospective students and it's always fun! Some prospective students are turned off by the fact that Pella (where Central is located) is a small town. Even though it's small, Pella has a lot of heart. There is always something going on in town and on campus and if you really crave the big city activities- Des Moines is only about an hour away.
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Great for these types of students
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Hard partyers will probably not do so well at Central. There are not a whole lot of wild partys where everyone ends up making quite a few bad decisions. If you want to actually walk away from your college experience with knowledge of more than the label of a can of Bud Light, Central is for you! Central also has great sports teams, so talented athletes who actually want playing time and a great fan base will love Central. There are also many opportunities for music, art, and theater. Students who love to get involved, learn a lot, and have tons of fun should definitely check out Central College!
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Kim from Winterset, IA
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I like the liberal education that is offered. Not only do they require each student to take well rounded classes, but it is a great way to learn things that you may overlook. Also, the classes are very thorough and professors are very much accessible if you need help or have questions.
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Am enjoying being here
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I love being at Central. The first three or four days on campus, there are a lot of opportunities for meeting people, which was my biggest concern. The classes, for the most part, are relatively small and it is easy to meet people in the class or on your floor. There are also a lot of activities going on around campus which you can be apart of.
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Bang for the buck
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Although this is a private school and it seems to have a large price tag, remember that choosing a private school has it's advantages. They seem to offer more money than a state school would. When it cam down to it, I am paying less than I would have to go to Iowa State University. And because it is small, it doesn't lack personal touch. My professors know me and I know them. I feel like they really care here and they look out for the students.
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Tips for prospective students
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Don't look at the price first. It's all about how you feel. Consider if you can see yourself here, then decide. Really look around. There is beauty in the campus. Beauty in the nature from the trees in the fall to the squirrels and beauty in the people. Staying overnight in a dorm is a great experience also. If you get the chance, go for it. You get to see how the students interact on campus.
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Great for these types of students
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Central is great for everyone. The athletics here are great and the science facilities are very up to date. Just in time for the 2009-2010 school year, a new Education-Psychology building was put up. It is so nice. There is a big sustainability movement on campus in which everyone is involved. Not to mention all the clubs and groups! This is truly a place that anyone and everyone can belong.
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Megan from Bondurant, IA
a current student here
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In three sentences
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A small college with lots of spirit, set in a quaint town with a rich history and traditions. A close-knit community is found here and the faculty is wonderful. Central is the school that is going to help me create a better future for myself and others.
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Tips for prospective students
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Make sure you know what it is you want most from your school, be it an education, a social life, a chance to give back to the community, or small classes. For me Central is all these things and more, but that's based on the levels I want, each person has their own needs. So make sure to know what you want beforehand and ask the questions to find out if Central is the best fit for you, just try to ask more than one person as everybody has different experiences. Don't forget to take the tour, even if you chose not to come, you don't want to miss out on see the campus.
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Academic Rigor
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The faculty is great, though I have had some teachers I didn't care for that much the wonderful thing about Central is I can dodge any classes they teach and still get my degree. The classes are challenging but well worth the effort, if your coming to Central, be aware that you will have to apply yourself if you want to get good grades, you can't just goof around. But if you come the education is worth it and most of the teachers are wonderful at their jobs and very willing to work with you until you understand the curriculum, plus the student instructors are extremely helpful if you need them.
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Dorm Life
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At Central there's a little bit of everything for everyone. We're supposed to be a dry campus, but parties still go on and alcohol still gets is, but I highly discourage the practice as you or your parents are paying a pretty penny to for you to get an education, not party. Policy is strict when alcohol is found, but not bad from what I've heard. Otherwise the dorms are great, but if you have seasonal allergies I advise trying hard to get into one of the air conditioned dorms as summers are hot here and your allergies will act up.
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Food and Dining
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If you're a picky eater like me, there are some nights and days where it's hard to find something you like to eat. Also it seems at times like there is a lot of greasy food, if you don't like salad all the time and cold sandwiches for dinner. However, Central does have a pretty good variety and if they aren't serving anything that suits your palate there a plenty of nearby restaurants to pick from and a couple of small stores.
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What to do for fun
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That all depends on what you define as fun. For me fun is reading a good book or watching a great movie. But if you like to shop or such, there aren't really any places like that in Pella. Luckily, Des Moines isn't that long of a drive away and there are plenty activities for fun to be had there.
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Sarah from Loveland, CO
a past student here
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Tips for prospective students
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Know that this is a place where no one completely fades into the woodwork, and your professors will check in on you if they think you're struggling.
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Academic Rigor
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The English major is only as challenging as the professor teaching that class, but all of the English profs grade for participation in class, as well as for attendance.
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Dorm Life
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There is pretty much a place for everyone, no matter your preference in living arrangements. It would be a good idea to research each of the dorms before you pick one.
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Food and Dining
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There are three different places to eat on campus that accept the meal plan, and they are all decent. My favorite was Geisler Cafe (it's also a great place for work study employment).
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Bang for the buck
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Central is a fairly expensive college, but the professors and the class options can be worth the expense.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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There is a pond on campus that all unusual traditions revolve around: the Lemming Race is an event where people dress in costumes and race from the library to the pond (and jump in). And of course, if you tell people when your birthday is, you'll probably be thrown in the pond at some point that day.
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Great for these types of students
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Students who like a small town atmosphere would do well at Central.
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Greek Life
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There are plenty of sororities and fraternities on campus, and the variety among them is great. Plus, they aren't national fraternities, so dues are manageable.
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