Learning materials are current and lessons incorporate new scientific findings as they are published. Labs are clean and equipment is in good condition. Professors are friendly and knowledgeable. Tutoring is available if desired. For freshmen, at least, effort is focused on increasing the depth, rather than breadth, of knowledge. Plenty to captivate the active mind, but classes will start out a bit slow for anyone who has taken AP courses or researched their subject of interest independently.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The entire experience is immensely enjoyable. The classes are interesting and allow students plenty of freedom to explore further anything they find particularly interesting. The buildings are well-maintained. The entire campus is aesthetically pleasing; plenty of grass and trees for those who like to do their studying in the great outdoors (bonus: the local wildlife is pretty comfortable around humans; you can't help but smile when there's a squirrel at your feet begging for your lunch). And the people (professors, advisers, other students, etc.) have all been very friendly and helpful. What's not to like?
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Very affordable, as colleges go. Coloradans can attend for around $4,000 per semester (easily covered with a modest scholarship or two); non-residents, about $14,000 per semester (a significant difference, but still a lot less than at most other colleges). Considering the overall quality, I'm calling this a pretty good deal.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Eat/read/socialize outside, weather permitting. Does wonders for one's mood.
Buy your textbooks early; the used ones go fast.
Take the stairs; you'll be ready to run marathons in about a week.
Don't play in the fountain; they frown on that.
Check out the greenhouse, even if you're not a biology major. It's awesome.
If you are mathematically inclined, spare a second to examine the math building itself. Someone took the time to integrate significant ideas and patterns (for example, a Fibonacci spiral) into the construction.
Argue with your peers and professors (in the philosophical sense; nobody likes a shouting match). This is, in my opinion, the best way to strengthen your own grasp of any subject.
Above all, take advantage of the increased freedom college offers. Don't get lazy. Challenge yourself; excel.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone who likes the outdoors. Outdoor Pursuits plans a lot of hiking/camping/kayaking/biking trips for anyone interested (plus, this is Colorado; you can wander off any old where on your own to bond with nature).
Anyone planning on entering the medical field. CSU-P's nursing program seems to be doing especially well.
Learning materials are current and lessons incorporate new scientific findings as they are published. Labs are clean and equipment is in good condition. Professors are friendly and knowledgeable. Tutoring is available if desired. For freshmen, at least, effort is focused on increasing the depth, rather than breadth, of knowledge. Plenty to captivate the active mind, but classes will start out a bit slow for anyone who has taken AP courses or researched their subject of interest independently.
The entire experience is immensely enjoyable. The classes are interesting and allow students plenty of freedom to explore further anything they find particularly interesting. The buildings are well-maintained. The entire campus is aesthetically pleasing; plenty of grass and trees for those who like to do their studying in the great outdoors (bonus: the local wildlife is pretty comfortable around humans; you can't help but smile when there's a squirrel at your feet begging for your lunch). And the people (professors, advisers, other students, etc.) have all been very friendly and helpful. What's not to like?
Very affordable, as colleges go. Coloradans can attend for around $4,000 per semester (easily covered with a modest scholarship or two); non-residents, about $14,000 per semester (a significant difference, but still a lot less than at most other colleges). Considering the overall quality, I'm calling this a pretty good deal.
Eat/read/socialize outside, weather permitting. Does wonders for one's mood. Buy your textbooks early; the used ones go fast. Take the stairs; you'll be ready to run marathons in about a week. Don't play in the fountain; they frown on that. Check out the greenhouse, even if you're not a biology major. It's awesome. If you are mathematically inclined, spare a second to examine the math building itself. Someone took the time to integrate significant ideas and patterns (for example, a Fibonacci spiral) into the construction. Argue with your peers and professors (in the philosophical sense; nobody likes a shouting match). This is, in my opinion, the best way to strengthen your own grasp of any subject. Above all, take advantage of the increased freedom college offers. Don't get lazy. Challenge yourself; excel.
Anyone who likes the outdoors. Outdoor Pursuits plans a lot of hiking/camping/kayaking/biking trips for anyone interested (plus, this is Colorado; you can wander off any old where on your own to bond with nature). Anyone planning on entering the medical field. CSU-P's nursing program seems to be doing especially well.