Of course in the classroom I feel that I am learning from some of the brightest professors I will meet, but I am also learning a lot about myself through classes I take, interactions with others on campus, volunteer and abroad opportunities, and extra-curricular activities. I also strongly advocate the liberal arts education that is offered at many institutions including St. Olaf. It gives students a chance to look at many different fields--some that they may never have imagined being of interest to them--that most often supplement, or even inform, their major. Psychology majors take theatre courses and investigate how one becomes a character while a music major takes Physics and learns more about sound waves and perception. Meanwhile a student on the Pre-Med and Spanish track might take an Anthropology course that completely reshapes how they see their future. The possibilities seem endless!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The St. Olaf community is one that provides not only a great study environment, but also a great deal of care a support for its students. It truly becomes a place to call home because it allows you to feel comfortable learning, growing, and having fun not only in the classroom, but in student organizations and residence life as well. This community extends past the student body to faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the Northfield community. Once an Ole, always an Ole!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
While tuition is steep, it is good to look at all that is available to students for free--or rather included in the cost. All concerts, recitals, theatre performances, sporting events, dances, lectures, movies, athletic facilities and transportation is free or at the very least at a discounted price. You don't even need to save your quarters for laundry! I know that I would be spending much more out of pocket on a regular basis if I did not have these forms of entertainment and other facilities available to me on campus for next-to-nothing.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I will repeat that I am a strong advocate for the liberal arts education. While looking for your future college, be sure to find a place that includes your areas of interest, but do not limit your possibilities. St. Olaf has so many strong departments that it is not uncommon for someone to change their major multiple times (and still graduate on time!)--even people who come in with what they think is a set track to their future. I would not say that this is in any way wishy-washy or lenient, but rather challenging, informative and shaping.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Undecided: the liberal arts philosophy allows for experience in many different fields to inform your decision.
Sciences (especially Biology and Natural Science): Biology is the top major at St. Olaf, and on an extra-curricular level, the campus is making a big push to go green and use renewable energy.
Music and the performing arts: The Music department is almost like a small conservatory within a liberal arts college, and the other arts (theatre, dance, visual art, etc.) have strong programs that work together to create entertaining and thought-provoking pieces and performances.
Political Science and advocacy: Not only is the political science department strong, but many students are involved in some sort of political campaign or volunteer organization. For example, every spring break, busloads of St. Olaf students make a trip to different parts of the US to do service work with Ole Spring Relief. The most recent trip was to Nashville, TN.
English and literature: English is another one of the top 5 majors at St. Olaf and many students are involved in one of the conversation programs (Great Conversation, American Conversation, Asian Conversation, Science Conversation). There are also frequent open mic nights where original poetry or music is performed.
Of course in the classroom I feel that I am learning from some of the brightest professors I will meet, but I am also learning a lot about myself through classes I take, interactions with others on campus, volunteer and abroad opportunities, and extra-curricular activities. I also strongly advocate the liberal arts education that is offered at many institutions including St. Olaf. It gives students a chance to look at many different fields--some that they may never have imagined being of interest to them--that most often supplement, or even inform, their major. Psychology majors take theatre courses and investigate how one becomes a character while a music major takes Physics and learns more about sound waves and perception. Meanwhile a student on the Pre-Med and Spanish track might take an Anthropology course that completely reshapes how they see their future. The possibilities seem endless!
The St. Olaf community is one that provides not only a great study environment, but also a great deal of care a support for its students. It truly becomes a place to call home because it allows you to feel comfortable learning, growing, and having fun not only in the classroom, but in student organizations and residence life as well. This community extends past the student body to faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the Northfield community. Once an Ole, always an Ole!
While tuition is steep, it is good to look at all that is available to students for free--or rather included in the cost. All concerts, recitals, theatre performances, sporting events, dances, lectures, movies, athletic facilities and transportation is free or at the very least at a discounted price. You don't even need to save your quarters for laundry! I know that I would be spending much more out of pocket on a regular basis if I did not have these forms of entertainment and other facilities available to me on campus for next-to-nothing.
I will repeat that I am a strong advocate for the liberal arts education. While looking for your future college, be sure to find a place that includes your areas of interest, but do not limit your possibilities. St. Olaf has so many strong departments that it is not uncommon for someone to change their major multiple times (and still graduate on time!)--even people who come in with what they think is a set track to their future. I would not say that this is in any way wishy-washy or lenient, but rather challenging, informative and shaping.
Undecided: the liberal arts philosophy allows for experience in many different fields to inform your decision. Sciences (especially Biology and Natural Science): Biology is the top major at St. Olaf, and on an extra-curricular level, the campus is making a big push to go green and use renewable energy. Music and the performing arts: The Music department is almost like a small conservatory within a liberal arts college, and the other arts (theatre, dance, visual art, etc.) have strong programs that work together to create entertaining and thought-provoking pieces and performances. Political Science and advocacy: Not only is the political science department strong, but many students are involved in some sort of political campaign or volunteer organization. For example, every spring break, busloads of St. Olaf students make a trip to different parts of the US to do service work with Ole Spring Relief. The most recent trip was to Nashville, TN. English and literature: English is another one of the top 5 majors at St. Olaf and many students are involved in one of the conversation programs (Great Conversation, American Conversation, Asian Conversation, Science Conversation). There are also frequent open mic nights where original poetry or music is performed.