Allyscribit

Apparently, Hillsdale has never gotten much attention here. I recently zeroed in on it as a good safety school for me, despite its location. My Latin teacher took a look at the website, and he says the Classics department looks pretty good. However, I'm a little hesitant about a school I've never heard of. If anyone knows anything at all about Hillsdale, I'd appreciate the knowledge.

momoftwins

Hillsdale has an excellent reputation as a college with a strong core curriculum and classical education. It is well known for its independence as it has refused to accept federal funds.

In terms of history, it claims to be the first American college to prohibit in its charter any discrimination based on race, religion or sex, and became an early force for the abolition of slavery. It was also only the second college in the nation to grant four-year liberal arts degrees to women.

We visited with our son this past spring. He has been reluctant to visit any colleges, but found Hillsdale to be academically stimulating. Our family was assigned a guide for the day who was bright, articulate, informed, and enthusiastic. Our son attended U.S. History and U.S. Constitution classes and raved about how interesting the profs and lectures were. Right now, it's one of only 3 schools on his list and I think it's at the top of the list.

believersmom

It seems to have a strong independent identity and very stimulating as far as critical thinking goes. Wish I could get my D to consider it, alas, she says it is just too small.

fencersmother

My S goes to Hillsdale and absolutely loves it, after being accepted at larger, more "famous" LACs, he visited Hillsdale on a whim and never considered any other college after that. It truly does seem to be a place of independent thinkers. They have excellent aid!

The school is very small but has a tremendous endowment. The town is extremely safe. The college recognizes that Hillsdale is a little off the beaten path and really plays up the residential aspects of the school. There is something to do every night. Check out their CCA program. It is fantastic (and free to parents to attend too!).

I am not sure why Hillsdale is overlooked here. It does have a very strong conservative bent - but all postitions are gracefully tolerated there, unlike the situations at some other name colleges.

Cool stuff about Hillsdale: Frederick Douglass was in residence here in the Civil War. The entire male student body of Hillsdale College enlisted to fight for the Union. They had the largest percentage of their student body enlist of any school in the US. Also, oldest college newspaper in the country! They had the only integrated ROTC unit in WWI and the US government told them to segregate or it would pull the funding for it. Hillsdale declined and it began a long, protracted series of disagreements with governmental forces. Hillsdale has won every fight - it makes for strong leaders.

ziggythebeagle

I heartily recommend Hillsdale. Great school! I was an economics major, and the economics department was top notch. I loved the liberal arts nature, expanded my view on the world greatly.
Not a big party atmosphere, which I liked, but it is a college, and so be rest assured there are parties. In other words if that is not your thing you will be alright, but if you like to party, then you can.
It is small, but it is a nice community. I had some great profs who really tried to help you succeed. I had a great French lit prof, she really worked with me on finding books that I would like, and that would give a sense of what we were trying to learn. My music history prof taught me a great deal about the history of music. My Constitutional History classes were tremendous.
Only issue is it is cold in the winter. I am from Oregon, and it was quite a shock.

fencersmother

Ziggy, I never even considered the weather since we are northern types ourselves (and I am from the upper midwest). It can get fairly cold - even really cold - from mid Dec through Feb. My S's roommate last year was from Naples, FLA. He wore a lot of clothes, all the time, but thought winter was a cool thing.

I think Hillsdale's womens volleyball team was #2 in the nation this year. Quite an accomplishment for such a small college.

ziggythebeagle

Founded in 1844, Hillsdale College is an independent, liberal arts college with a student body of about 1,300. Hillsdale has long been recognized for it’s commitment to providing a traditional liberal arts education that is both academically excellent and affordable.

The Princeton Review ranks Hillsdale among the “Best 366 Colleges” in the country, including Hillsdale in the Top 20 lists for “Professors Get High Marks” and “Professors Make Themselves Accessible.” Hillsdale has also been named one of “America’s Best Value Colleges” by The Princeton Review.

Academics at Hillsdale
Students may choose from 33 different majors, culminating in either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Hillsdale’s liberal arts curriculum requires completion of core courses in the humanities, the natural sciences and the social sciences.

During their four years at Hillsdale, students are also required to attend two week-long seminars run by the Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA). Guest speakers facilitate the seminars, addressing topics as diverse as politics, religion, or culture to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and issues.

Student Life

Hillsdale students are encouraged to embrace a well-rounded college education through involvement in the over 70 clubs, organizations and honoraries; six nationally chartered Greek houses; 11 NCAA Division II athletic teams; intramural sports; choir; orchestra; theater and other events hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB) year-round.

Off-Campus Study

Hillsdale College offers a wide variety of off-campus study options designed to enhance a student’s learning experience. Opportunities include: the Hillsdale/Oxford Scholars Program, Universität Saarbrücken in Germany, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and the Quayle Journalism Intern Program, among others.

Financial Aid

Hillsdale College allocates over $14,000,000 to financial aid, resulting in an average aid package of nearly $12,000 per student. In addition to its recognition as a “Best Value College” by The Princeton Review, College Choice Report also puts Hillsdale on its list of “101 Best College and University Values.”

Around Hillsdale, Michigan

Distinctively rural in character, the Hillsdale area provides abundant recreational opportunities for the outdoors lover with its numerous lakes, rivers and nature areas, including the College’s own Slayton Arboretum. Hillsdale is only 75 minutes from larger Michigan cities, such as East Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo, which offer the cultural attractions of university cities, along with eclectic shops and restaurants and concert and sporting venues.


Hillsdale offers rigorous academics, intramural sports, national fraternity and sorority houses and widespread community volunteerism to nurture intellectual, physical, social and personal growth.

fencersmother

Ziggy and others: I just talked to my S last night and he met four freshmen this year who were accepted to Ivies and to Notre Dame who chose Hillsdale instead for the rigorous academics and personal interaction. I find that thoroughly refreshing!

For the ND prospecitve, the real draw was twofold: academics and free tuition! Nice aid packages all around.

standrews

DS is highly interested in applying to Hillsdale. I came across this article today.

Full article:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q...k0NjM3MjRmZDQ=

fencersmother

StAndrews: I saw that article. Yes, Hillsdale is really on a roll... excellent college for the discerning individual (and I stress INDIVIDUAL).