The academics here are definitely good (especially in environmental studies) but not top of the line. However, I have already learned a ton in my classes and expect that to continue throughout my time here. Aside from what I've learned in my classes, Warren Wilson teaches more than just academics. I have learned a lot about bicycle mechanics, being a janitor, how to live positively in a close community, what kinds of work go into making every aspect of college life possible, and even a little bit of blacksmithing, just to name a few things from outside the classroom. So I would say that even if the academics alone are not on par with the Ivy League, the overall learning experience can not be beat.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I LOVE it here. When I applied to school, I wanted a school with a close community, where people knew each other and were friendly and happy to be together, and I found that here. What I didn't expect was that my favorite aspects turned out to be the work program and the geographic location (and the people, of course). With the work program, you know the people serving your meals and cleaning your dorms because they are students like yourself; every student works, which I think makes everyone appreciate each other a bit more and feel more ownership for the place where they all live and learn. (Not everyone cleans, there are also crews like gardening and bike shop and outdoor programs, to name a few.) And the mountains are beautiful. There are pastures and hiking/biking trails through the woods, a farm, a river, and it is all gorgeous in a different way with each season. I love it.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Warren Wilson is priced in the same range as most private liberal arts colleges. It is at the lower end of the range, but private colleges tend to be really expensive no matter what. Tuition with a room and 3 meals a day comes out to around 34,000 per year if you get no financial aid. BUT, you will almost definitely have financial aid, at least to some degree. The school offers some aid, but not as much as more well-endowed (richer) liberal arts schools. I personally end up paying around 19,000 per year (including the cost of loans; it would be like 13,000 not counting loans), which is definitely a struggle, but I think it's worth it because of the overall experience that I couldn't get anywhere else.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I don't want to say admissions is super lax, but admissions is pretty lax. You will probably get in if you fill out an application. The people in admissions are really helpful, so if you're worried then give them a call; set up an interview or just tell them what you're worried about. If you don't look good on paper (grades, tests) but are still a swell kid, talk to admissions and they'll be great.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you are not the picture-perfect kid, you will fit right in. People who flourish here differ a lot, but in general I think students here go a bit against the grain of popular culture. Students like to think for themselves and have their own ideas. There used to be a slogan that the school got rid of because everyone in the world made fun of it so much: We're not for everyone, but then again, maybe you're not everyone. You can see why they got rid of it. But it's definitely based on a true story
The academics here are definitely good (especially in environmental studies) but not top of the line. However, I have already learned a ton in my classes and expect that to continue throughout my time here. Aside from what I've learned in my classes, Warren Wilson teaches more than just academics. I have learned a lot about bicycle mechanics, being a janitor, how to live positively in a close community, what kinds of work go into making every aspect of college life possible, and even a little bit of blacksmithing, just to name a few things from outside the classroom. So I would say that even if the academics alone are not on par with the Ivy League, the overall learning experience can not be beat.
I LOVE it here. When I applied to school, I wanted a school with a close community, where people knew each other and were friendly and happy to be together, and I found that here. What I didn't expect was that my favorite aspects turned out to be the work program and the geographic location (and the people, of course). With the work program, you know the people serving your meals and cleaning your dorms because they are students like yourself; every student works, which I think makes everyone appreciate each other a bit more and feel more ownership for the place where they all live and learn. (Not everyone cleans, there are also crews like gardening and bike shop and outdoor programs, to name a few.) And the mountains are beautiful. There are pastures and hiking/biking trails through the woods, a farm, a river, and it is all gorgeous in a different way with each season. I love it.
Warren Wilson is priced in the same range as most private liberal arts colleges. It is at the lower end of the range, but private colleges tend to be really expensive no matter what. Tuition with a room and 3 meals a day comes out to around 34,000 per year if you get no financial aid. BUT, you will almost definitely have financial aid, at least to some degree. The school offers some aid, but not as much as more well-endowed (richer) liberal arts schools. I personally end up paying around 19,000 per year (including the cost of loans; it would be like 13,000 not counting loans), which is definitely a struggle, but I think it's worth it because of the overall experience that I couldn't get anywhere else.
I don't want to say admissions is super lax, but admissions is pretty lax. You will probably get in if you fill out an application. The people in admissions are really helpful, so if you're worried then give them a call; set up an interview or just tell them what you're worried about. If you don't look good on paper (grades, tests) but are still a swell kid, talk to admissions and they'll be great.
If you are not the picture-perfect kid, you will fit right in. People who flourish here differ a lot, but in general I think students here go a bit against the grain of popular culture. Students like to think for themselves and have their own ideas. There used to be a slogan that the school got rid of because everyone in the world made fun of it so much: We're not for everyone, but then again, maybe you're not everyone. You can see why they got rid of it. But it's definitely based on a true story