Lawrence is a great place that suffers, like most other small liberal arts colleges, from an inflated sense of importance. That said, there are great people here in both the student body and the faculty. One thing that makes it stand out is its commitment to never make students feel like a cog in a machine.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
It's Wisconsin, and it's cold. It isn't terrible (though this winter - 2014 - has been unusually bad) because it means that you have to be very productive. When there's no incentive to go outside, you're more likely to do your homework inside. Bring layers and something to cover your face, that's the part that is the most uncomfortable when it's exposed.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Because we're on the trimester, things move fast. That also means that if you're in a class you don't like, it's over quickly. But it also means that a lot of material gets covered in a shorter period of time (though people will tell you that the professors aren't supposed to put a semester's worth of work into a trimester). Most people thrive in this environment and for those who don't, the teachers are very supportive and flexible.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorm life varies by dorm and by residence staff. In general, most people are happy and several of the dorms just got new bathrooms a few years ago, which is really, really nice.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Second to none. Really - the food is excellent. Lots of choices and the quality is far and away superior to every other college I've ever eaten at.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Appleton isn't as po-dunk as it sounds. Offerings off-campus include the typical kitschy-type stores, lots of bars, a performing arts center and a mall. Other than that, students are pretty self-sufficient in terms of entertaining ourselves and there are groups designated to making life on campus fun. They do well.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
As far as I can tell, most students go on to good jobs/internships after graduating.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Winter carnival, in which students laugh in the face of the Wisconsin winter and get outside to do wintery stuff, like ice carving and broom ball (if you want to know what that is, come to Lawrence!)
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Focused, high-strung, go-getters.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
The campus life office is very supportive of all the groups and clubs on campus, and they make it super easy to start one that doesn't exist already.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Very chill. Three sororities and three or four frats. There's a decent participation in Greek life but it is by no means dominant on campus. Most people in the sororities are also active in many other facets of campus life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have no qualms about walking home by myself at night. Appleton is one of the safest cities in the countries. It's nice not having to think about that.
Lawrence is a great place that suffers, like most other small liberal arts colleges, from an inflated sense of importance. That said, there are great people here in both the student body and the faculty. One thing that makes it stand out is its commitment to never make students feel like a cog in a machine.
It's Wisconsin, and it's cold. It isn't terrible (though this winter - 2014 - has been unusually bad) because it means that you have to be very productive. When there's no incentive to go outside, you're more likely to do your homework inside. Bring layers and something to cover your face, that's the part that is the most uncomfortable when it's exposed.
Because we're on the trimester, things move fast. That also means that if you're in a class you don't like, it's over quickly. But it also means that a lot of material gets covered in a shorter period of time (though people will tell you that the professors aren't supposed to put a semester's worth of work into a trimester). Most people thrive in this environment and for those who don't, the teachers are very supportive and flexible.
The dorm life varies by dorm and by residence staff. In general, most people are happy and several of the dorms just got new bathrooms a few years ago, which is really, really nice.
Second to none. Really - the food is excellent. Lots of choices and the quality is far and away superior to every other college I've ever eaten at.
Appleton isn't as po-dunk as it sounds. Offerings off-campus include the typical kitschy-type stores, lots of bars, a performing arts center and a mall. Other than that, students are pretty self-sufficient in terms of entertaining ourselves and there are groups designated to making life on campus fun. They do well.
As far as I can tell, most students go on to good jobs/internships after graduating.
Winter carnival, in which students laugh in the face of the Wisconsin winter and get outside to do wintery stuff, like ice carving and broom ball (if you want to know what that is, come to Lawrence!)
Focused, high-strung, go-getters.
The campus life office is very supportive of all the groups and clubs on campus, and they make it super easy to start one that doesn't exist already.
Very chill. Three sororities and three or four frats. There's a decent participation in Greek life but it is by no means dominant on campus. Most people in the sororities are also active in many other facets of campus life.
I have no qualms about walking home by myself at night. Appleton is one of the safest cities in the countries. It's nice not having to think about that.