Calvin College

Date: Nov 17 2003
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
Being a native of Grand Rapids, where Calvin is located, I can tell you that the community of West Michigan HIGHLY respects Calvin College. I'd say 99% (honestly, 99%) of the locals always say "Wow,that's a good school" when you tell them you go to Calvin. Calvin is no longer as homogeneous as it use to be many years ago. There is quite a fair amount of diversity on campus. There is an increasing number of Korean, Chinese, and African American students enrolling. There is still a strong "Dutch, Christian Reformed" imprint though. Many students came from Christian high schools and nearby city of Holland. Many of West Michigan's local business and community leaders went to Calvin and if your looking for a college with good reviews-Calvin would certainly be a strong candidate because of the number of Alumni given scholarships (quite large selection). The teachers are great and the students are friendly. I am annoyed, however, at some of the religious pretense among students. Many students are genuinely moral from what they preach to what they practice but there is a significant number of students who are not. I walk by students who use very offensive language,are obnoxious and do not look anything less than sulky each day. Oh-if your serious about studying and want a docile, peaceful and relaxed learning environment, Calvin would fit for you. If you want a really exciting, university-like party life and hope to have daring social experiences, Calvin would scare you right out of Michigan. Its a sleepy, boring social life at Calvin. No scandelous overdoses, no dawn till dusk parties, no bon bon fires, just students going to and from classes and living quiet, studious lives. Calvin professors welcome new views on topics in class so its not adamently conservative, your opinion is welcomed (but just know your Bible basics so you don't look stupid). Calvin is NOT a radically religious institution either, Chapel is not mandatory and most of where religion comes in is in the curriculum. Oh- the food sucks though.