One of the things that I was most surprised about when I attended my first class was the amount of information W&J professors can spill in such a short amount of time! For some people, certain teachers can be overwhelming at first, but once you start to learn how the professors think and what kinds of facts you should write down, etc, the classes get a lot easier to handle. On my first class on my first day here, I was completely taken aback by my intimidating history professor, but as the semester continued, I realized how much I learned. It wasn't for lack of trying, but I was able to fluently learn the material. The small class sizes also help. Compared to larger schools, W&J offers close relationships with your professors that are sometimes very hard to find. About 2-3 times a week I was in a professor's office asking for help, clarification or just getting advice about college and academia.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Since I live in a completely different state, it was culture shock coming to a small school in Pennsylvania. However, as I grew to learn the school and people there, I fit right in. There are great clubs, athletic teams and weekend activities planned for every type of person. Although the weekends can get a little bit crazy (like most college campuses) there are alternatives. The school keeps me busy, too, so that I don't have much time to get homesick. Once you meet the right group of friends, which you will, it is a great school to attend and have fun at.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Like I mentioned earlier, the class sizes is what really sold me on coming to W&J. I am close to practically all of my professors. I learn just as much outside the classroom as I do in it. My biggest class had 35 people in it, and that is considered a large class. It is easy to get that one-on-one attention that is important to higher education. There are a couple cons, though. The school seems to offer almost every student financial aid, but in the long run, those who have more of a problem coming up with the money don't necessarily get the scholarships from the school that home can't provide. It is important to look at internships and outside scholarships. And because it is a private school, the tuition is quite pricey. When you look at the overall experience of attending this school, though, it is hard to think you are making a mistake. A large amount of students travel abroad, get great internships during college and great jobs after college. It really depends on how you deep immerse yourself in the school's advantages.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure you have a financial plan. That is the biggest thing, I would say. It is a great school, but at the same time, there are always great alternatives. Also, visiting the school is important. The campus is small, and I see that as a good thing (especially in PA winters). Getting to and from class is absolutely not a problem and your friends and study buddies are always close. I really like the campus and it is also nice since it is so close to Pittsburgh.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
I have seen every personality at this school and I think that they make up the diverse character this school has overall. Once you find your niche and what you like to do, chances are this school offers it and won't slack on accommodating it. If you are an easygoing person, crazy person, quiet person or genius, you will find friends and activities easily.
One of the things that I was most surprised about when I attended my first class was the amount of information W&J professors can spill in such a short amount of time! For some people, certain teachers can be overwhelming at first, but once you start to learn how the professors think and what kinds of facts you should write down, etc, the classes get a lot easier to handle. On my first class on my first day here, I was completely taken aback by my intimidating history professor, but as the semester continued, I realized how much I learned. It wasn't for lack of trying, but I was able to fluently learn the material. The small class sizes also help. Compared to larger schools, W&J offers close relationships with your professors that are sometimes very hard to find. About 2-3 times a week I was in a professor's office asking for help, clarification or just getting advice about college and academia.
Since I live in a completely different state, it was culture shock coming to a small school in Pennsylvania. However, as I grew to learn the school and people there, I fit right in. There are great clubs, athletic teams and weekend activities planned for every type of person. Although the weekends can get a little bit crazy (like most college campuses) there are alternatives. The school keeps me busy, too, so that I don't have much time to get homesick. Once you meet the right group of friends, which you will, it is a great school to attend and have fun at.
Like I mentioned earlier, the class sizes is what really sold me on coming to W&J. I am close to practically all of my professors. I learn just as much outside the classroom as I do in it. My biggest class had 35 people in it, and that is considered a large class. It is easy to get that one-on-one attention that is important to higher education. There are a couple cons, though. The school seems to offer almost every student financial aid, but in the long run, those who have more of a problem coming up with the money don't necessarily get the scholarships from the school that home can't provide. It is important to look at internships and outside scholarships. And because it is a private school, the tuition is quite pricey. When you look at the overall experience of attending this school, though, it is hard to think you are making a mistake. A large amount of students travel abroad, get great internships during college and great jobs after college. It really depends on how you deep immerse yourself in the school's advantages.
Make sure you have a financial plan. That is the biggest thing, I would say. It is a great school, but at the same time, there are always great alternatives. Also, visiting the school is important. The campus is small, and I see that as a good thing (especially in PA winters). Getting to and from class is absolutely not a problem and your friends and study buddies are always close. I really like the campus and it is also nice since it is so close to Pittsburgh.
I have seen every personality at this school and I think that they make up the diverse character this school has overall. Once you find your niche and what you like to do, chances are this school offers it and won't slack on accommodating it. If you are an easygoing person, crazy person, quiet person or genius, you will find friends and activities easily.