Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL, USA

Reviews

Wheaton College

Hannah

from Janesville , WI

Current student

What qualities do you have that have best prepared you for success at this institution?

I enjoy working hard, as do most of the Wheaties I talk to. The campus definitely has an academic feel, but there are still plenty of opportunities every day to relax and enjoy the community.

How would you describe the food and dining options?

The food at Wheaton College is very highly rated, although some days it seems so more than others. Ultimately, I would rate the food pretty highly, although nothing beats a home-cooked meal.

How does this institution support campus safety or mental health and wellness programs?

Wheaton College is great about providing free physical health care and free mental health care. The Counseling Center has been a great resource to me while learning how to navigate college, as well as relationships at home.

Andy from Wheaton, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The profs are great- very good teachers, love what they're doing, and really want to help you succeed.
Am enjoying being here
The people are really friendly, the campus is beautiful and the food's great.
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, but is a pretty good deal for a private college. Tuition is subsidized by $10,000 across the board by donors.
Tips for prospective students
They care as much about your essays and extra-curricular involvement as your GPA and SAT scores.
Great for these types of students
Christian, compassionate, global-minded, academic, involved

Daniel from Wheaton, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
wheaton college is a school for the serious christian student. it is intensely focused on academics, athletics, and an intentional christian perspective on life. if you want to grow as a christian scholar, attend wheaton college.
Tips for prospective students
apply early and put forth effort into the application process. the more diverse and extracurricular activities on your application, the higher your chances of being accepted. what will make you look different from the thousands of other students that apply? think about that when filling out your application.
Academic Rigor
wheaton college has been referenced as an ivy league private liberal arts college, and rightly so. wheaton's academics are unmatched in the category of small christian liberal arts colleges.
Dorm Life
dorm life is exceptional. a close bond of friends as a result of required freshman and sophomore on campus housing will bring joy for years to come. there are lots of fun activities to participate in throughout the school year.
Food and Dining
the food is excellent. bon appetit caters for college and has been voted #1 in the nation for college food.
What to do for fun
there is lots of stuff to do. simply jump on the train and be in downtown chicago in an hour or walk to downtown wheaton and visit the little shops and boutiques. however, there is also plenty to do on campus. with a fully equipped student recreational complex (including a weight room, pool, rock-climbing wall, and gymnasiums) there is also the beamer center which has a game room with plenty to keep students occupied and happy.
Bang for the buck
it's expensive, but you get what you pay for. also, wheaton college's financial aid department and the wheaton fund help many students pay their way for an education that would otherwise be out of reach.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
lots of interesting and fun traditions....kingdom run? enough said.
Great for these types of students
great for the serious student, the diligent musician, and the driven athlete. this college can satisfy each of those desires and much more.
Clubs and Activities
there are tons of clubs and activities. almost overwhelmingly so. if you want to get involved, there is no shortage of groups to choose from.
Greek Life
currently wheaton college doesn't have an greek life, but word has it that the college is actually considering bringing some onto/around campus.
Campus Safety
wheaton college public safety is great. almost too good, as it is pretty difficult to get away with any good pranks....

Amanda from WA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
A community of God-serving Christians.
A place where the professors teach their own classes and want to learn your name; they want to see you succeed.
Where friends become family, a very close-knit community.
Tips for prospective students
Read and really understand the Community Covenant before applying; know the sort of community that is being sought and the sacrifices that are being made by the entire student body. If accepted, try to attend Wheaton Passage, a program before orientation where you meet professors and other incoming students.
Academic Rigor
It is occasionally joked that Wheaton is the Harvard of Christian schools. While I cannot tell of the rigor of Harvard for comparison, I can say that almost every class at Wheaton gave heavy amounts of homework and had very high standards.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is very fun; as a freshman you participate in activities such as meals with your brother/sister floor, roulettes (where your roommate gets you a date for a floor outing), and floor trips to the city. The dorm truly becomes a place of community and friendship.
Food and Dining
In 2011, Wheaton was ranked #1 for Princeton Review's Best College Food. Also throughout the year, the food service throws special celebrations- new years, the superbowl, and the end of school all have special mealtime celebrations. The only downside is a small variety of options at Saturday night dinners in comparison to the rest of the week.
What to do for fun
Play frisbee on the football field, run through the fountain at night, walk through downtown Wheaton (take a look at the popcorn shop built in a 3ft wide alley), play ping-pong in the dorm or Beamer student center, visit the wardrobe that inspired C.S. Lewis to write the Chronicles of Narnia, see the desk on which JRR Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, or visit one of the many chapels on campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Whenever a couple at Wheaton, or alumni of Wheaton, get engaged, they go up the tower to ring the bell in the tower of Blanchard Hall.
Great for these types of students
People who like to work hard, study lots, and give the glory to God when success follows.
Clubs and Activities
An activities/club fair at the beginning of the school is almost overwhelming, there are so many different clubs to become involved with. Chapel presentations of all the oversees, spring break, and summer ministries that happen really inspire you to take part in what has become a legacy of service by Wheaton students.
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is very active, what some may consider too active. If you park without a permit or climb a tree, you are bound to be caught. The good news is that people feel very safe. There were many times when I was able to leave my study location in the school's student center and run to the bathroom without the slightest fear of my laptop of backpack being stolen.

Cassidy from Grand Haven, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
Categories Comments
Will learn a lot
I have not been a student here yet, but I am enrolled for next fall and I have visited a few of the classes. What I take from Wheaton is yes you will learn above and beyond most colleges because as you are learning about your studies in your major, you are also learning about your faith. Wheaton teaches you how to take your profession and use it in the way God has planned for you. Also when I stay in the dorms the students are constantly studying so there must be a lot to learn from your studies alone.
Will enjoy being here
It really depends on the person. First if you do not believe in Christianity then no, you will not enjoy being at Wheaton. But if you have the right mindset and are ready to grow deeper in your faith you will love Wheaton. The people, professors, and campus are all incredible. Also you will definitely enjoy the food...Best college food in the nation according to the princeton review. No big deal.
Bang for the buck
Compared to many other private christian schools Wheaton is farely reasonable. Especially for the amount of time and dedication the professors take in to helping their students succeed. Also Wheaton awards a lot of aid money. Last year they awarded more than 12 million dollars to the 2,386 students.
Tips for prospective students
It is very important that you have an interview with your admissions counselor and then create a relationship with your admissions counselor. Wheaton prides itself in the character of it's students and chooses very carefully based on what students can bring to the campus. The only true way for the admissions to get to know you is through an interview. The face to face interaction makes you more then just an application. Also if you play any musical instrument audition either to minor in the instrument or say in your application that you will play in the band, orchestra or choir. Also an audition gives you another chance to meet people that may decide if your accepted or not. The conservatory needs certain instruments and that may be your ticket in! Also if it is possible, go to a Wheaton Connection in the Fall. It helps you realize if Wheaton is the school for you. You are able to interact with students and almost feel like you are a student there already. Everyone is so open to answering your questions. And once again, you are able to make connections which you can bring up in your interview. Last thing, email the admissions counselors. If you ever have a question about the school that you cannot find on the school website email your counselor. It lets the counselors recognize that you are really interested into the school and that will be put into consideration. Good luck!
Great for these types of students
Wheaton is great for competitive students that want to focus more on receiving an education then learning only to receive a career. Wheaton is great for students that enjoy studying and being apart of a close Christian community. It is also great for students that will enjoy a non-party college experience because each student is required to sign a pledge stating that they will refrain from drunkenness, drugs, premarital sex, gambling and violence while attending the college.

Bethany

accepted here and planning to attend soon
Categories Comments
Will learn a lot
Wheaton has an excellent academic program. The professors will push you to your potential.
Will enjoy being here
The campus is beautiful, the professors are willing to help, and the students are extremely friendly. I cannot wait to go back!
Bang for the buck
While at first glance Wheaton may look expensive, it offers a very affordable financial aid package for those who need it.
Tips for prospective students
Visit Wheaton! Sitting in on classes helped me know that I definitely wanted to go to Wheaton. The website and the actual campus can be completely different.
Great for these types of students
Those who want to excel in their area of study and who want to be pushed, not just drift through college.

Victoria from Gaithersburg, MD

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
I love going to Wheaton, the community here is amazing. However, Wheaton isn't for everyone, you have to want to be here. Our Christian faith plays a central role in all that we do
Tips for prospective students
Start working on your application early, unlike most other schools I applied for, Wheaton did NOT take the Common App. Be your self on your application, don't try to search for the right answer or figure out the answer that they are looking for. Answer the questions honestly, and if Wheaton is the place for you, then you'll get in. They want students who full heartily want to be here, and if that is true of you, then it will show on your application.
Academic Rigor
Its a different type of homework in college than you have in high school. You really have to understand the material to be able to do well in a class. Do your reading homework and come prepared to discuss it in class. The class size are small enough for everyone to participate and the professors encourage that.
Dorm Life
I love living in my dorm, I wouldn't have it any other way. The girls on my floor are some of my closest friends. We hangout in each others rooms all the time.
Wheaton has two freshman dorm, Fisher and Smith-Traber. I live in Smith-Tramber which is known more for its community. The dorm floors are NOT co-ed, meaning we have guys floors and girls floor. The only time the opposite gender is allowed on your floor is during open hours, two nights a week. Each of the floors are paired with and opposite gender floor, called bro-sis floors. They try to plan a lot of bro-sis activities, like bro-sis dinner, or worship, or trip in to Chicago, or any other fun spontaneous activities on campus.
The RAs are also awesome. My RA is tons of fun and loves to spend time with us getting to know each of the girls on her floor, checking in on us and praying for us.
Food and Dining
As far as campus food goes its some of the best I've had. It's not your typical cafeteria type of food, they have it broken down in to several stations, like classic American food, Asian food, Latin American food, pizza and pasta, and deserts. Saturday nights don't usually have the best options and Sunday nights the dinning hall is closed. Besides the main dinning hall, Saga as students call it, there aren't many on campus options for food. Your meal plan works at the Stupe, which sells burgers, fries, and salads, as well as Sams, which sell coffee, smoothies, ice cream, sandwiches and the like. Other than that you have to walk to downtown Wheaton for food
What to do for fun
There are plenty of on campus activities, often planed by College Union, which are generally tons of fun. As well as lots of different clubs and IMs to get involved with. The music conservatory regularly puts on concerts free to students. More over Chicago is just a 45 min train ride a way, or downtown Wheaton, for window shopping or just to get off campus, is just a 5 min walk away.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you visit (which I also recommend) make sure to stop by the Wade Center, right across the street from the Chapel. They have many of CS Lewis's and JRR Tolkien's original writings, the desks that they used to write their books, and the original Narnia wardrobe.
Great for these types of students
Wheaton is a community of Christians. Our faith plays a central role in all that we do. If you are looking for a school where your friends will challenge and encourage you to grow in your walk with Christ, then I would encourage you to apply!

Kevin from Seminole, FL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Wheaton College is an educational institution that challenges students at the highest academic level while also pointing them in the direction to learn the Bible and live a Christ-like life. Teachers are intelligent, educated from some of the most prestigious schools in America, and also have a desire and love to truly teach their subject to students. I highly recommend this college to those who want to pursue academic rigor while also pursing a love for the Lord in their lives.
Tips for prospective students
I would say that Wheaton is a school that is going to expose you to different religious philosophies. While entering there with a preconceived denominational perspective is not a bad thing, one must also remain open and not get discouraged as these foundational stances may be shaken as professors and other students challenge you on your apologetics. I have found myself to be strengthened in the process, but you need to be ready to embrace it.
Academic Rigor
Before I attended Wheaton College, I had heard that it was considered the Ivy League of Christian colleges. I believe this to be true in every category of learning and highly recommend this school for those who want to experience an academically rigorous environment, while also learning from teachers who provide grace and understanding during your college years. Wheaton has a perfect balance.
Dorm Life
Although the school has been in existence as long, if not longer than most Ivy League schools, the dorms have been renovated to match today's standards of comfort. Each dorm has an RA who takes an interest in your life and is also there to help you or guide you if you need that kind of assistance. Different dorm floors have purposeful social gatherings to help students meet and get to know one another better.
Food and Dining
Wheaton College has been rated #1 in the United States among colleges for its food and dining. This is a five-star program that provides an unbelievable variety, healthy food choices, and an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Students look forward to going there every day for every meal.
What to do for fun
I play the trumpet for different bands on campus and also served on two committees at the school that encouraged me to get even more involved with finding joy in helping others or improving the school. On the weekends, many of the students take the train into downtown Chicago and attend the concerts or other events that a large city always has to offer. It's always fun to go with a group, find a favorite eatery, and then be able to travel back to school together, just hang out and form stronger friendships.
Bang for the buck
Wheaton's class sizes are small, which I find as a real strength. Basically, you can't hide in auditorium seating hoping that a teacher won't notice that you're not there or that you haven't read your assignment. If you attend Wheaton, there is no hiding. It is a school that is purposeful and strategic in doing everything to educate you while also encouraging students to participate and get involved.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Near the end of the school year, each class creates a film about the school year. Afterwards, the films are voted on by the faculty and student body regarding the best or most creative film developed. Almost the entire school attends and is a highlight of the school year.
Great for these types of students
Wheaton is great for students who want to be sharpened intellectually as well as spiritually. It also provides an atmosphere that encourages students to be well-rounded while also pursuing other aspects of life outside their immediate environment.
Clubs and Activities
Wheaton's Student Leadership is constantly looking for new and creative opportunities for students to participate outside of academics. There are too many clubs and activities to list for this survey, but let's just say that if you have almost any kind of interest, there's a market of individuals at Wheaton who are lined up to participate and lead others to get involved.
Greek Life
As Wheaton is a Christian college, it doesn't seek to promote the Greek system and the types of things that tend to go along with that type of environment. There are plenty of clubs and activities that do a great job to take the place of Greek life.
Campus Safety
Although the actual town of Wheaton has a very low crime rate and is a safe area in general, campus security still makes it a priority to provide supervision and availability around the clock.. They are an outstanding department and are proactive to e-mail students with any updates that can help them with their daily safety.

Jessica from Medford, OR

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Professors are really knowledgeable, and the classes are challenging, yet extremely fulfilling.
Am enjoying being here
I love everything here - the people, the learning, the atmosphere.
Bang for the buck
The need-based financial aid here is good, but merit-based aid is seriously lacking.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early, and establish a connection with your admissions counselor. Be warned: it gets COLD here. :)
Great for these types of students
Intelligent, Evangelical, Warm, Hard-working

Natalie from Grabill, IN

accepted here and planning to attend soon
Categories Comments
Will learn a lot
Wheaton is definitely top-notch academically! The professors are amazing and the teaching is exceptional.
Will enjoy being here
I LOVE WHEATON!!! Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. It is definitely the place to be! There are many campus activities going on, plenty of extracurricular activities to become involved in, and people smiling everywhere you look. The Christian atmosphere is amazing.
Bang for the buck
Even though Wheaton is expensive, it is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus! Make sure to sit in on a class, talk to the professors, spend the night in the dorm, and talk to students here. Ask students why they chose Wheaton and what they like best (and worst) about it. Everyone I asked only had positive things to say!
Great for these types of students
Any Christian who is willing to do their best in school!

Emily from Fleetwood, PA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Even though I have only been here for one year, I have absolutely loved every minute of my time at Wheaton College. The academics are challenging and all of the professors are very caring. The community that I have found there has quickly become a second family to me, one that supports me and challenges me to grow personally and spiritually.
Tips for prospective students
If you are serious about your personal and spiritual growth along with your academic growth, then you should be here. If you want to attain all of this growth in an intellectually stimulating, caring, and supportive environment, then you really need to be here!
Academic Rigor
Don't listen to what some people say about the lesser rigor of liberal arts colleges- you'll have to work hard to earn any A's you get here! The academics are tough but are also designed to expose you to greater world issues and invite you to make connections between disciplines to solve problems.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is wonderful! I have loved getting to know the girls on my hall (in Smith-Traber) and on my brother floor. The dorms are not co-ed, which allows for privacy that I greatly value, but is connected by a lobby and allows for open floors which still facilitates guy-girl hangout time. A lot of my friends are from my dorm and my hall specifically. It's a great environment to simply do life together and learn through experiences with the people around you.
Food and Dining
Anderson Commons, more affectionately called Saga, serves pretty great food. Not that it's a five-star restaurant, but compared to most college campuses, I think we have a pretty good food service. They always have multiple options and are very accommodating to people with health issues (my roommate is gluten-free and they always have tons of options for her!). We also have the Stupe, which serves burgers and hot dogs to go (I love their french fries!), and Sam's, which is our campus coffee/ ice cream shop.
What to do for fun
My friends and I stay on campus a lot- mostly just hanging out in the lobby, watching movies, playing games, etc. When we do want to (or have a spare moment to) get off campus, downtown Wheaton has a bunch of places to eat and shops to look at. If we're up for an adventure, there is a train station for the Metra at the edge of the campus, which will take you into downtown Chicago for pretty cheap.
Bang for the buck
Wheaton is expensive, but it prepares you well not just for a career after college, but for LIFE after college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have SO many traditions on campus: bro-sis dorm raids, the mastodon march (parade put on by the upperclassmen to welcome freshmen during orientation week), kingdom run (sprint across campus on the night of the first snow), and the bench rivalry (a cement bench is warred over between the junior and senior classes) are just a few.
Greek Life
There's no Greek life, sorry. But you don't need Greek life to have a good time!