Green Mountain College

Date: Mar 08 2012
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I am a senior and a biology major. I find the program rewarding although the technology and equipment is lackluster and outdated. The faculty are mostly invested in academics rather than research, so opportunities to develop technique are far and few between. I also am a college athlete. I participate in soccer and lacrosse. I participate in student government, am an undergraduate researcher in a psychology lab, and have played rugby. There is little to do in the town, aside from restaurants, a couple of bars, and a small "movie theater". The nearest "cities" are Burlington, VT, and Albany, NY. It's really easy to get involved on campus, but some things, such as clubs, will have too few members to really be productive. Many wonderful resources such as athletics, clubs, campus activities, and others have so little student support that they almost go to waste. Being from a small school has been really interesting in that the faculty here are willing to bend over backwards to help you grab opportunities. I have received awesome career advice and letters of recommendation from my professors, I even have gotten help from the President of the college! Another thing, is that the administration is accessible. I am fairly friendly with the President and am able to meet with him occasionally, and this is due to his accessibility. The administration does an admirable job trying to be transparent and keep students informed and able to share their opinions. The staff such as maintenance, library resources, housekeeping, residence life, student life, and dining services, are always friendly and warm. Whether it's the cleaning lady on my floor, the assistant to the Dean of Students, or Ed who makes omelets, the staff makes a strong effort to make me feel comfortable by getting to know me and always being kind. Students are easy to interact with, and you can have a great conversation with anyone here. Dorms are decent sized, single rooming fees are reasonable, the food is good, campus is safe, buildings are clean, and the property is well-maintained.

One bad thing is the lack of diversity of students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds (age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, physical/mental ability, socio-economic, et c). You will see, at least as far as students go: 18-22, upper middle class, heterosexual, non-disability, white students. Also, if you were thinking you'd like to live off-campus then don't apply here. The enrollment usually just scrapes by and students are forced to live on campus unless they meet absurd requirements.