Hope College

Date: Apr 07 2008
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
Hope is a fantastic liberal arts college, especially given its location and religious affiliation. The quality of education I received across departments was outstanding and from my perspective, the sciences are especially strong at Hope. Despite its small size, there is a wide array of intensive research and professional opportunities available to you, including summer research, oral and poster presentation at professional conferences and internships/assistantships. I found myself intensely challenged but not to the point where I felt crushed, degraded or incompetent. Professors are approachable, helpful and for the most part, not overwhelmingly intimidating. I had only one professor that I thought should have retired long ago and spared the world his grouchiness, but otherwise, the diversity and capacity of the faculty is great. But be warned, they have equally diverse teaching styles that may be difficult to adjust to. Resources, again considering the small size, are quite impressive as well and the new science building (built after I left) seems like a concerted effort to keep Hope sciences competitive and relevant. Though there are a few silly campus policies, remnant of the tight conservative history of the school, the administration is generally fair and treats you like a person, not a tuition payment. But Hope is very expensive and increasingly selective, so the atmosphere is somewhat reflective. Holland is aesthetically pleasing and the the nearby Lake Michigan shore is wonderful; but southwest Michigan as a whole is both very conservative and very religion focused (though I am very non-religious and extremely liberal and still had an outstanding time at Hope). People are generally friendly and there is not an over-present number of Greek organizations, and those that are on campus are primarily unique to Hope alone, many service oriented. Hope is not entirely co-ed and is a dry campus, both, I feel, contributing to a better college experience. Like anywhere, the aspects you dislike can be easily avoided and the activities and thought circles you enjoy can be found.