Trying to decide... some questions

AUTransfer
Mon, 03 May 2010 16:45:17 +0000

1) I know the IS project is great research but is there a chance to do research like freshman and sophomore year as well?

As was mentioned above: Keep your eye out for Sophomore Research Assistant positions. Most of your professors will offer them regardless of your field and you get paid to do so. I worked on it reading through Nicaraguan Newspapers (in Spanish) to develop a timeline of events following the fall of the Sandinista regime. Also if you’re looking into a psychology major, keep your ears open about working with the monkeys in the basement of Morgan.

2) How is the study abroad program?

Phenomenal. However, because of the IS program – time is very limited on when you can go abroad. You need to go either the second semester of your sophomore year or one of the semesters of your junior year. If you’re looking for a place that lets you spend half of your college career in another country (at least during the school year) this may not be the college for you.

3) Is it easy to get an internship?
It depends who you know and what you want to do. The career services department is helpful but they’re not going to hunt you down to help you out.

4) How is the social life?
Good. The school realizes that it is small and in the middle of no where – so they bring in things to make it more exciting. Hosting concerts, the annual Party on the Green. Since the college is not majority in-state students, the vast majority of people are there on the weekends which makes for a fantastic social life. As mentioned above also, this is not a greek campus. The fraternities and sororities on campus are all local (as oppose to national) chapters.

I live about 30 minutes from Holland (Hope) so I know a bit about it:

Major: Hope College is very centered around the hard sciences – which is Wooster’s weak point. If you’re looking at a major in the hard sciences, Hope’s strong program should be a factor in your decisions. Other than that, I would say Wooster beats out their other programs.

Professors: Professors at both schools want to know you, and want you to succeed. The classes are small and the teachers have received top honors and degrees in their respective fields. You will have challenging coursework designed to push you in both schools, but not to the point that it creates a psycho competitive environment.

Campus Feel: I think that Wooster has an unmatched spirit as far as small schools go. For me I didn’t want to miss out on the college experience just because I was going to a small school. I find that the student body is very tolerant, open minded, and some of the most laid-back people you’ll ever meet. Hope students on the other hand are a bit different. You won’t find as many people going to class in sweatpants or girls with their hair pulled up. I also find that while Wooster is affiliated with Presbyterian faith, you would never know it. Hillel has a very strong presence and the dining hall works with students observing Ramadan. Hope on the other hand, has a very strong Christian influence.

Bottom line: You will get an outstanding education at both schools.