I graduated 1.5 years ago, I was accepted to Medical School (MD) right out of college, but as a back-up, I had applied to jobs during my senior year and received 2 high paying offers (greater than 55k plus benefits) within 2 weeks. Ripon really prepared me for Medical School and the job market. What really makes Ripon stand out is in connecting students with opportunities to build ones resume in college so they become excellent applicants for post-grad education and in the job market.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you take advantage of your opportunities (of which there are many), Ripon offers high quality education and a competitive price (generous financial aid and scholarships are offered). If you are going to college and want the experience of a big state school go there. However, if you want great education at a great value, that helps prepare you for life after college and good contacts, Ripon is an excellent choice.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Speaking particularly in terms of the science department, you definitely have to put in the time and effort to learn the material. Most of the tests are short answer, essay, or problem based, so you cannot skate by on multiple choice tests. Additionally, classes require significant lab time. During Undergrad, I spent a summer at a research internship at the University of Pennsylvania (an Ivy league school) and I was the only summer research student who did not attend an Ivy league University; however, I was definitely more prepared to write and critique science literature than the other students in my program.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorms are not the greatest, but they are decently sized compared to other colleges in the area. But they are not very new, and are not the nicest; however, the apartments are really nice. The campus is very safe and its easy to talk to your RA if you have issues.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Everyone complains about the food, I don't think its that bad. Its just cafeteria food, it is what is. There are fast food options around campus as well.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Lots of people are involved in sports and Greek life. There are defiantly dorm parties every weekend and people will hit the local bars, typical college stuff. There are also student groups that people become involved in and find their group of people.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The fact that I and several of my classmates were accepted into Medical School right out of college is significant. This is becoming increasing difficult to build a sufficient resume to be a competitive applicant after just 4 years of college. The vast majority of 1st year medical students are 2 years post-college, often with additional post-graduate degrees. But Ripon is small enough to give you those opportunities to build your resume in just 4 years and this saves money.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you are interested in Grad school or professional school, Ripon will give you the opportunity to build an excellent resume in just 4 years and if you apply yourself, you can be a competitive applicant for the top programs in the country.
Many students, including the students that really excel at Ripon are first generation college students. I think Ripon provides great support systems to these students and allows students to grow and not get academically lost and left behind. One of the reasons for this is the accessibility of professors and their care for students.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greek life is pretty popular, but the greek houses are on campus so they are not really separate from the rest of the students, which is nice.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I graduated 1.5 years ago, I was accepted to Medical School (MD) right out of college, but as a back-up, I had applied to jobs during my senior year and received 2 high paying offers (greater than 55k plus benefits) within 2 weeks. Ripon really prepared me for Medical School and the job market. What really makes Ripon stand out is in connecting students with opportunities to build ones resume in college so they become excellent applicants for post-grad education and in the job market.
If you take advantage of your opportunities (of which there are many), Ripon offers high quality education and a competitive price (generous financial aid and scholarships are offered). If you are going to college and want the experience of a big state school go there. However, if you want great education at a great value, that helps prepare you for life after college and good contacts, Ripon is an excellent choice.
Speaking particularly in terms of the science department, you definitely have to put in the time and effort to learn the material. Most of the tests are short answer, essay, or problem based, so you cannot skate by on multiple choice tests. Additionally, classes require significant lab time. During Undergrad, I spent a summer at a research internship at the University of Pennsylvania (an Ivy league school) and I was the only summer research student who did not attend an Ivy league University; however, I was definitely more prepared to write and critique science literature than the other students in my program.
The dorms are not the greatest, but they are decently sized compared to other colleges in the area. But they are not very new, and are not the nicest; however, the apartments are really nice. The campus is very safe and its easy to talk to your RA if you have issues.
Everyone complains about the food, I don't think its that bad. Its just cafeteria food, it is what is. There are fast food options around campus as well.
Lots of people are involved in sports and Greek life. There are defiantly dorm parties every weekend and people will hit the local bars, typical college stuff. There are also student groups that people become involved in and find their group of people.
The fact that I and several of my classmates were accepted into Medical School right out of college is significant. This is becoming increasing difficult to build a sufficient resume to be a competitive applicant after just 4 years of college. The vast majority of 1st year medical students are 2 years post-college, often with additional post-graduate degrees. But Ripon is small enough to give you those opportunities to build your resume in just 4 years and this saves money.
If you are interested in Grad school or professional school, Ripon will give you the opportunity to build an excellent resume in just 4 years and if you apply yourself, you can be a competitive applicant for the top programs in the country. Many students, including the students that really excel at Ripon are first generation college students. I think Ripon provides great support systems to these students and allows students to grow and not get academically lost and left behind. One of the reasons for this is the accessibility of professors and their care for students.
Greek life is pretty popular, but the greek houses are on campus so they are not really separate from the rest of the students, which is nice.
Really it is hard to imagine a safer college.