The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to succeed, and will give you any help you might need. Even in some of my largest classes the professors knew everyone's name.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Hope has been everything I hoped for in a college, and more. I sensed from my first visit there that this was THE college for me, and I have not regretted my decision for a second. The people at Hope are wonderful; besides great relationships with my professors, I have become close friends with many of my fellow students. There's almost always something fun and exciting going on, either on campus or in the Holland community. Hope has a number of great traditions as well, like the Pull, the Nykerk Cup, and Dance Marathon. My favorite events are the monthly shows performed by Vanderprov, an improv comedy group made up of Hope Students.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
It's true, Hope is expensive, but that's going to be true of any private college. Hope is actually considerably cheaper than well-known schools like Harvard and Princeton, and academically it's just as solid. Hope is especially strong in the sciences; their chemistry program is one of the best in the country. (For example, Sylvia T. Ceyer, the chair of the chemistry department at MIT, is a Hope graduate.) However, what really makes Hope stand out academically is its undergraduate research program, which is one of the very best in the country. It's very easy to get involved in research with a professor, either as a volunteer or through Hope's summer research program. And besides being a terrific school academically, Hope is also a great place to live. It's an easy walk to charming downtown Holland, and the beach isn't too far from campus either.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Come prepared to work hard, but know that you're going to have a lot of fun as well. If you're interested in research, make sure you talk to your professors about it; sometimes all you need to do to get into a research lab is ask.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone interested in science, especially if they want to go on to graduate school.
Self-motivated people with a good work ethic.
Outgoing, friendly people who love to make new friends
Intelligent students who enjoy being challenged academically.
The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to succeed, and will give you any help you might need. Even in some of my largest classes the professors knew everyone's name.
Hope has been everything I hoped for in a college, and more. I sensed from my first visit there that this was THE college for me, and I have not regretted my decision for a second. The people at Hope are wonderful; besides great relationships with my professors, I have become close friends with many of my fellow students. There's almost always something fun and exciting going on, either on campus or in the Holland community. Hope has a number of great traditions as well, like the Pull, the Nykerk Cup, and Dance Marathon. My favorite events are the monthly shows performed by Vanderprov, an improv comedy group made up of Hope Students.
It's true, Hope is expensive, but that's going to be true of any private college. Hope is actually considerably cheaper than well-known schools like Harvard and Princeton, and academically it's just as solid. Hope is especially strong in the sciences; their chemistry program is one of the best in the country. (For example, Sylvia T. Ceyer, the chair of the chemistry department at MIT, is a Hope graduate.) However, what really makes Hope stand out academically is its undergraduate research program, which is one of the very best in the country. It's very easy to get involved in research with a professor, either as a volunteer or through Hope's summer research program. And besides being a terrific school academically, Hope is also a great place to live. It's an easy walk to charming downtown Holland, and the beach isn't too far from campus either.
Come prepared to work hard, but know that you're going to have a lot of fun as well. If you're interested in research, make sure you talk to your professors about it; sometimes all you need to do to get into a research lab is ask.
Anyone interested in science, especially if they want to go on to graduate school. Self-motivated people with a good work ethic. Outgoing, friendly people who love to make new friends Intelligent students who enjoy being challenged academically.