Hillsdale College is small, academically rigorous, and conservative. The size makes the class discussions and campus life extremely vibrant, as you get to know your fellow students very well in and out of class. The academic level is as high as the faculty can set it, a mindset linked to the conservative, individualistic, spirit that animates the school.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply early, it's the best way to ensure that you will get the maximum aid. Don't have high hopes for your first semester GPA, the first classes are a learning experience in navigating college life in general and the academic level in particular. Get to know the professors ASAP, they are really a wonderful bunch of people and it helps when it comes time for them to grade your work!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
A's can be nearly impossible with certain profs, particularly in the core classes. Helpful in learning humility, and hey provide the pressure to turn your carbon scrawls into diamonds of literature.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Each dorm has it's unique life, nearly obviating the need for Greek organizations in their closeness. Most students live in campus housing, so you can always find upperclassmen as well as peers to help you out with pretty much anything.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Students are required to have a meal plan with the cafeteria, probably the biggest drawback to this school. The plans are not particularly cheap, and the food is adequate at best. The cafe, AJ's, is much better. Since everyone eats in the cafeteria pretty regularly, it does build student camaraderie by quite a bit. Be prepared to discuss anything and everything with your table-mates, a group that sometimes even includes the College President himself!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Hillsdale is a pretty little town, but there is not really much to do there. Hayden Park is great for outdoor activities if the temperature permits, and there is a bowling alley and theater in town. Make some good friends, and enjoy the weekends with them. That's the best way to stay sane here.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Not super pricey for a private school, and an incredible value for the level of education they give you. Financial Aid is really generous,keep in contact with them and you'll be set.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Nearly every professor has their own legends surrounding them, from Jackson (Never given an A in his career) to President Arnn (Famously asks unanswerable questions at the most inopportune moments). The dorm raids go way beyond the dorms, culminating in the annual naval battle between Simpson and Galloway on the park pond.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
You've gotta be smart, and willing to sacrifice a party life for the best education and companions out there.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Tons of speakers and debates, as well as charitable organizations and dances put on by both the College and student clubs.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Several frats and sororities, each with their own reputation. The best part about seeing an incoming class is guessing which one each will end up in!
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Far from feeling any fear of personal harm, the students here don't even worry about theft. Macbooks and iPhones are used to save tables and benches by everyone, and there hasn't been a case of stealing that I've heard of.
Hillsdale College is small, academically rigorous, and conservative. The size makes the class discussions and campus life extremely vibrant, as you get to know your fellow students very well in and out of class. The academic level is as high as the faculty can set it, a mindset linked to the conservative, individualistic, spirit that animates the school.
Apply early, it's the best way to ensure that you will get the maximum aid. Don't have high hopes for your first semester GPA, the first classes are a learning experience in navigating college life in general and the academic level in particular. Get to know the professors ASAP, they are really a wonderful bunch of people and it helps when it comes time for them to grade your work!
A's can be nearly impossible with certain profs, particularly in the core classes. Helpful in learning humility, and hey provide the pressure to turn your carbon scrawls into diamonds of literature.
Each dorm has it's unique life, nearly obviating the need for Greek organizations in their closeness. Most students live in campus housing, so you can always find upperclassmen as well as peers to help you out with pretty much anything.
Students are required to have a meal plan with the cafeteria, probably the biggest drawback to this school. The plans are not particularly cheap, and the food is adequate at best. The cafe, AJ's, is much better. Since everyone eats in the cafeteria pretty regularly, it does build student camaraderie by quite a bit. Be prepared to discuss anything and everything with your table-mates, a group that sometimes even includes the College President himself!
Hillsdale is a pretty little town, but there is not really much to do there. Hayden Park is great for outdoor activities if the temperature permits, and there is a bowling alley and theater in town. Make some good friends, and enjoy the weekends with them. That's the best way to stay sane here.
Not super pricey for a private school, and an incredible value for the level of education they give you. Financial Aid is really generous,keep in contact with them and you'll be set.
Nearly every professor has their own legends surrounding them, from Jackson (Never given an A in his career) to President Arnn (Famously asks unanswerable questions at the most inopportune moments). The dorm raids go way beyond the dorms, culminating in the annual naval battle between Simpson and Galloway on the park pond.
You've gotta be smart, and willing to sacrifice a party life for the best education and companions out there.
Tons of speakers and debates, as well as charitable organizations and dances put on by both the College and student clubs.
Several frats and sororities, each with their own reputation. The best part about seeing an incoming class is guessing which one each will end up in!
Far from feeling any fear of personal harm, the students here don't even worry about theft. Macbooks and iPhones are used to save tables and benches by everyone, and there hasn't been a case of stealing that I've heard of.