Hillsdale is a liberal arts education with a rigorous core curriculum and brilliant, devoted professors and administration. The small campus provides access to personnel who can help students to achieve their goals. Any student seeking a personal, conservative liberal arts education will find a home at Hillsdale.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make certain you ask current students about their experiences and come visit the campus. It is difficult to know if you belong at a school without seeing it for yourself. Ask your admissions counselor to let you sit in on the classes of the most difficult professors. Ask, ask, ask - the more questions you ask, the more answers you will receive that will enable you to make an informed decision.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Be prepared to be challenged. The core will take up the majority of your freshman and sophomore year and you will likely have to work harder than you ever have and receive lower grades. Most students at Hillsdale graduated at the top of their class and the faculty is determined to knock freshman off their pedestals. They expect far more than your high school teachers did. Remember, Hillsdale's motto is Strength rejoices with the challenge.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
In some ways, it depends on where you live, but for the most part, the dorms are average. Spend a year with community bathrooms and you are sure to make lasting friendships. You may become irritated with the posted visiting hours and the strictness of the RA's in Olds Dormitory, but thankfully the Student Union is open until 3 a.m. For guys, the dorm camaraderie is fantastic. Girls certainly stay up screaming and giggling and become best of friends.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Hate to break it to you, but do not expect fine dining from SAGA (the school's cafeteria). Reality is, the cooks are cooking in bulk, so flavor and originality are lacking. However, AJ's Cafe has some tastier treats and a hefty supply of ice cream. There are a few good restaurants around town and classic fast food such as McDonalds. We are all poor college students anyway, what do we expect?
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Get to know your classmates. Hillsdale is a small town. Other than bowling, roller skating, and a movie theatre you will not find many off-campus activities. However, this encourages close friendships and creativity. Games in the Union, movies at the dorm, and events offered by the campus' Students Activities Board offer entertainment. Students tend to complain about having nothing to do, but let us be honest, most of us would choose study over play regardless.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Hillsdale is worth every penny. They are extremely generous with financial aid, so few students end up paying the entire $30,000 a year. Even if you do, that is substantially cheaper than most universities. Hillsdale offers a unique education you cannot get anywhere else. Make the investment in your future.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are statues of Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Margaret Thatcher dotting the campus' landscape. Poor Margaret has become a target for oranges, pizza boxes, apples, and Christmas hats. For some reason, decorating and throwing things at her has become a campus tradition.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Homeschooler, private-schooler, awkward/nerdy/academically obsessed students from any background who loves conservative values. If you have a high moral compass or enjoy Lord of the Rings, you will find yourself at home. If you ever felt out of place anywhere else, come to Hillsdale where you will have a brotherhood of like-minded misfits.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is a club for everything, and if there isn't one, making your own is fairly simple. Activities are sometimes lacking, but we try.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greeks make up 40% of the campus.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Very safe. It is a small campus with plenty of personnel monitoring our safety.
Hillsdale is a liberal arts education with a rigorous core curriculum and brilliant, devoted professors and administration. The small campus provides access to personnel who can help students to achieve their goals. Any student seeking a personal, conservative liberal arts education will find a home at Hillsdale.
Make certain you ask current students about their experiences and come visit the campus. It is difficult to know if you belong at a school without seeing it for yourself. Ask your admissions counselor to let you sit in on the classes of the most difficult professors. Ask, ask, ask - the more questions you ask, the more answers you will receive that will enable you to make an informed decision.
Be prepared to be challenged. The core will take up the majority of your freshman and sophomore year and you will likely have to work harder than you ever have and receive lower grades. Most students at Hillsdale graduated at the top of their class and the faculty is determined to knock freshman off their pedestals. They expect far more than your high school teachers did. Remember, Hillsdale's motto is Strength rejoices with the challenge.
In some ways, it depends on where you live, but for the most part, the dorms are average. Spend a year with community bathrooms and you are sure to make lasting friendships. You may become irritated with the posted visiting hours and the strictness of the RA's in Olds Dormitory, but thankfully the Student Union is open until 3 a.m. For guys, the dorm camaraderie is fantastic. Girls certainly stay up screaming and giggling and become best of friends.
Hate to break it to you, but do not expect fine dining from SAGA (the school's cafeteria). Reality is, the cooks are cooking in bulk, so flavor and originality are lacking. However, AJ's Cafe has some tastier treats and a hefty supply of ice cream. There are a few good restaurants around town and classic fast food such as McDonalds. We are all poor college students anyway, what do we expect?
Get to know your classmates. Hillsdale is a small town. Other than bowling, roller skating, and a movie theatre you will not find many off-campus activities. However, this encourages close friendships and creativity. Games in the Union, movies at the dorm, and events offered by the campus' Students Activities Board offer entertainment. Students tend to complain about having nothing to do, but let us be honest, most of us would choose study over play regardless.
Hillsdale is worth every penny. They are extremely generous with financial aid, so few students end up paying the entire $30,000 a year. Even if you do, that is substantially cheaper than most universities. Hillsdale offers a unique education you cannot get anywhere else. Make the investment in your future.
There are statues of Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Margaret Thatcher dotting the campus' landscape. Poor Margaret has become a target for oranges, pizza boxes, apples, and Christmas hats. For some reason, decorating and throwing things at her has become a campus tradition.
Homeschooler, private-schooler, awkward/nerdy/academically obsessed students from any background who loves conservative values. If you have a high moral compass or enjoy Lord of the Rings, you will find yourself at home. If you ever felt out of place anywhere else, come to Hillsdale where you will have a brotherhood of like-minded misfits.
There is a club for everything, and if there isn't one, making your own is fairly simple. Activities are sometimes lacking, but we try.
Greeks make up 40% of the campus.
Very safe. It is a small campus with plenty of personnel monitoring our safety.