I think any college experience will result in learning a lot...weather from professors or friends. So in that respect Soka does not stand out. However it does have excellent, dedicated professors who you get to know if you choose to. Classes are eclectic, but mostly interesting, especially the ones that are only found here at Soka. As a freshman everyone is required to take the course Core which is essentially examining, using western/eastern philosophy, what makes people happy, and how to live well. Very interesting class. Core 2 is taken sophomore year, and is less theoretical and more practical, i.e. how to live well in your own life, not just in general.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Soka has potential to be very fun. Dorm life is luxurious compared to most schools; every room has its own full bathroom, thermostat, and all rooms are a good size larger than most other schools Ive seen. However, the small size, (<500) can be frustrating for social life. There arent big parties, and on the rare occasions when there are they are usually busted by the Resident Hall Coordinators. Without a car you will be restricted to hanging out primarily on campus, which can be frustrating. However, Soka does have high quality people in abundance. Forming friends is easy as most people are friendly, and friendships are put in time-capsules, that is it feels like youve known people for years, even though it may have been only a few months. Gossip spreads quickly with the small student body, which can be frustrating, but college is a time of drama for everyone, and Soka is obviously not the only place this happens. Administration is where Soka severely lacks; they are unreliable, sometimes not helpful, and not nearly as personal as the schools small size might infer. Food is usually good, and the grill option is great for really picky eaters. The athletic facilities are absolutely fantastic, get lucky and you'll see lots of pro athletes from every sport training here.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
With the SOS (soka opportunity scholarship, free tuition for students from families with less than $60k a year in income) it is excellent, a private, prestitious institution for only about $12k a year (room and board + travel). However, having to pay full price, upwards of $36K, would be perhaps too much, compared to say a state school of equal or even greater quality. There is mandatory study abroad, which is included in tuition, a great bonus, as well as a free laptop to start your journey there. Quite pleasant.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Do not buy into the image Soka portrays, find out for yourself. Ask students of all kinds how much they like it, why they do/dont, and make your own decision. It can be stressful here, and it is not the all-loving, peaceful place some people claim it is. Also the food you get during the specified freshman overnight visit event, is much much better than usual, so dont get used to it.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Soka is really well suited for mellow people. If you dont want your college experience to include loud music, big parties, and rambunctious sporting events, you'll do great here. It is a quiet place, and even on weekends most people are doing low-key activities. However there are many many opportunities to showcase talents (even imagined ones) to very supportive, mostly sincere people. You will, if you so choose, make many great friends here. Ive been here for only a year and a half and I have many friends I know I'll keep in contact with for the rest of my life. So if you like making friends, in a low key, academically focused atmosphere, you will probably like Soka.
I think any college experience will result in learning a lot...weather from professors or friends. So in that respect Soka does not stand out. However it does have excellent, dedicated professors who you get to know if you choose to. Classes are eclectic, but mostly interesting, especially the ones that are only found here at Soka. As a freshman everyone is required to take the course Core which is essentially examining, using western/eastern philosophy, what makes people happy, and how to live well. Very interesting class. Core 2 is taken sophomore year, and is less theoretical and more practical, i.e. how to live well in your own life, not just in general.
Soka has potential to be very fun. Dorm life is luxurious compared to most schools; every room has its own full bathroom, thermostat, and all rooms are a good size larger than most other schools Ive seen. However, the small size, (<500) can be frustrating for social life. There arent big parties, and on the rare occasions when there are they are usually busted by the Resident Hall Coordinators. Without a car you will be restricted to hanging out primarily on campus, which can be frustrating. However, Soka does have high quality people in abundance. Forming friends is easy as most people are friendly, and friendships are put in time-capsules, that is it feels like youve known people for years, even though it may have been only a few months. Gossip spreads quickly with the small student body, which can be frustrating, but college is a time of drama for everyone, and Soka is obviously not the only place this happens. Administration is where Soka severely lacks; they are unreliable, sometimes not helpful, and not nearly as personal as the schools small size might infer. Food is usually good, and the grill option is great for really picky eaters. The athletic facilities are absolutely fantastic, get lucky and you'll see lots of pro athletes from every sport training here.
With the SOS (soka opportunity scholarship, free tuition for students from families with less than $60k a year in income) it is excellent, a private, prestitious institution for only about $12k a year (room and board + travel). However, having to pay full price, upwards of $36K, would be perhaps too much, compared to say a state school of equal or even greater quality. There is mandatory study abroad, which is included in tuition, a great bonus, as well as a free laptop to start your journey there. Quite pleasant.
Do not buy into the image Soka portrays, find out for yourself. Ask students of all kinds how much they like it, why they do/dont, and make your own decision. It can be stressful here, and it is not the all-loving, peaceful place some people claim it is. Also the food you get during the specified freshman overnight visit event, is much much better than usual, so dont get used to it.
Soka is really well suited for mellow people. If you dont want your college experience to include loud music, big parties, and rambunctious sporting events, you'll do great here. It is a quiet place, and even on weekends most people are doing low-key activities. However there are many many opportunities to showcase talents (even imagined ones) to very supportive, mostly sincere people. You will, if you so choose, make many great friends here. Ive been here for only a year and a half and I have many friends I know I'll keep in contact with for the rest of my life. So if you like making friends, in a low key, academically focused atmosphere, you will probably like Soka.