mandela512

I was wondering how challenging the courses are at Beloit. I am going to be a freshman this fall.

joecollegedad

mandela, so far, how do you like beloit ? how diff than expected? how are the courses?

mandela512

i have to be honest and say that although beloit is great and has a lot to offer, it is not for everyone. so far, i have learned that it may not be for me. i am actually thinking of transfering somewhere more "rigorous" and in a more urban location.

I really love beloit's philosophy about what a liberal arts education should be, but i think it is lacking in some areas. For instance beloit's location, the small selection of courses offered each semester, limited departments to explore and the not so diverse student population are qualities not suited for everyone. PERSONALLY, I am looking for something different and i have realized that upon coming here. this is of course not the same for everyone.

so, far my classes have been alright. I have two professors who are teaching at beloit for the very first time, so it is hard for me to gauge what vertern professors at beloit are really like. my classes are either mostly lecture or mostly discussion. I have found the discussion based classes to be more a hindrence than a helpful tool. i thought i would love being able to discuss the readings and different ideas in class, but honestly the discussions have been pretty unsatisfying. i think a large part of that comes from most of the students in my class not doing to readings and not being prepared to have a constructive and insightful discussion. in that sense, i am looking to transfer somewhere where students are greatful for being able to be in college and have a passion for learning. not that the student here do not, but the general feel that I have experienced is similar to high school. More of "man, i have to get this paper done bc its for a grade" than "man, im really looking forward to writing a paper on ________ topic bc im really interested in it!"

if you hve any more questions i would be happy to answer. these are just my opinions though. there are ppl here who LOVE it so i do not want to send out the impression that this is an awful place to be. :-)

joecollegedad

thanks, mandela. Out of curiousity, what kinds of research or checking did you do previously with Beloit? Visit? Overnight visit? Class visit? check a guidebook? counselor recommendation?

We are at the search phase, I would love to know what are good things to look for.

lollypop39

I have a different opinion of Beloit College. I love it. I was looking for a small liberal arts college where I can form relationships with my professors and have small class sizes. My professors are awesome, I esp. Love Beth Dougherty (I’m an IR major). I can walk into any professor room and they’ll make time for me. I have also taken advantage of study abroad and venture grants. I’ve been here for a few years now and I understand how hard your first year is. We all go through it. I recommend sticking it out unless you really can’t take it here. Everyone, everywhere takes awhile to adjust to a new environment. I’m sorry your experience hasn’t been good so far, but Beloit College has it’s pros and cons.
Yes, so Beloit College is located in a small city (36,000) on the border of IL, with no malls, etc. But I find that actually comforting. We have restaurants, bowling allies, farmers market, Wal-Mart and some stores downtown. I miss the big city from time to time (I’m from near San Francisco) but I feel that if I was in a big city I’d get too distracted. Another thing is, b/c there isn’t too much to do here, I find that students have to pick up the slack and we do. Every weekend there is something to do, some party to go to, some club event, ect. So I actually find it hard to be too bored here and I’ve made great friends. Also Beloit has a lot of hidden treasures that you can discover if you just venture of campus and walk around or team with someone from Beloit.
The shopping is a drawback, b/c I am crazy for fashion, but I find that b/c I can’t shop whenever I feel like, it saves my pocket books. I think my first semester here I must have dropped 300 dollars on online shopping, imagine if I was near a mall? It does get a little freaky the first year b/c the schools is so small and you feel like you’ll know everyone in one semester. But you never do. I am still meeting people in my class I didn’t know existed. After awhile you begin to appreciate the size and the ease at which you can meet people and form meaningful relationships.
I believe we are academically rigorous. I feel like I am being challenged in most every class, and I like that a lot of the professors are new b/c they are most enthusiastic about teaching. As you climb the scales here, classes become more and more difficult and people are more passionate about what they are reading, so they do the work. Also my everyday interactions with students from around the country and world enhance my experience here. Anyway, if I can help in anyway, let me know.