See Alma College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Alma College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Alma College reviews, or contribute your own Alma College review if you're a current student there.
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5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
Kristin from Charlotte, MI
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The classes here are VERY intense. Be prepared to study A LOT. But also, be prepared to be intelligent and actually have something knowledgeable to contribute to conversations. I like being able to talk about something meaningful with my parents now like politics (Political Science major! lol).
Am enjoying being here The people at Alma are so friendly and its easy to make close friends because of the size. I see the same people everyday and on my way to class I see at least 10 people I know that i get a smile and wave from. A small school is really the way to go.
Bang for the buck I do think that Alma College is quite expensive, but after weighing the pros and cons it is easy to see that in the end it is worth it. When I graduate with a meaningful degree and I am on to the next thing - such as a career or grad school of your choice - I know how much it really did help me and honestly was worth all of the money. Plus the great thing about Alma College is that they give very nice scholarships for academics, so make sure you apply for those!
Tips for prospective students The tips I have for you are to come prepared to challenge yourself. This college really focuses on academics and taking you places. There are always people to talk to and ask questions if you are unsure of what you intend to do or just have simple questions about classes. The advisers here are wonderful and are always available for all of your needs, I know this from personal experience! One time I sat in my professors office for three hours discussing my career path, and class choices. This is something that is really hard to find in a college - people who are willing to set their work aside and answer everyone of your questions no matter how small they seem. Also, be ready for a world of opportunity. Alma College offers many traveling spring terms and opportunity to research or even take a semester abroad. I might go to Scotland next summer and internship in parliament while doing research there for my senior thesis. Be prepared to have one on one contact with your professors and have study groups with your classmates often. They are there to help you and can be contacted easily. This is a small college, which is great for getting to know new friends, classmates, and professors one on one. This will help you immensely when you graduate and apply to grad schools or a career, their personal experience with you will make it easy to write you an amazing letter of reference. My biggest tip for you would be to be ready to work hard, but know you have a world of opportunities waiting for you at the end.
Great for these types of students The types of students that should go here are any students who wish to graduate with a bright future and a meaningful degree. This college really does push you as hard as it can academically, but please don't think that it is all academics. There are many fun things to do here. There are the fraternities and sororities than anyone can pledge to, just make sure your grades are above a 2.5 or you will not be eligible! Also, there are activities going on all of the time for different things such as charities, sporting events, or academic meetings. There is also a nice recreation center on campus in which it is free for students to work out or just get some people together and play tennis, ping pong, tennis or take a workout class! Since Alma College is so small you will get to know the people within your major quite well and most likely will end up being good friends with most of them! Since I am majoring in Political Science i know there is a Poly Sci Club to join but that is just one of the many academic clubs in your reach.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Rachel from Stevensville, MI
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The academic programs at Alma College are very rigorous. It is important that each student realize the level of commitment necessary to succeed at Alma College. It is a place for serious scholars who are committed to the future. Alma College is also committed to service learning, and the betterment of the Alma community and communities around the world.
Am enjoying being here Alma College balances its rigorous academic schedules with great student support programs, not only academically but also socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The campus becomes home to its students, and it's hard not to love it there.
Bang for the buck Although Alma College is currently $38,000+ per year, it is important to realize that a degree from Alma College will set you apart as a prospective employee. The financial aid office is also very committed to assisting students in any way possible.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to dedicate the majority of your time to studying, and remember that because Alma College is a smaller school, your professors are always pleased to see you and be of assistance in the study process.
Great for these types of students Alma College is perfect for students looking for a smaller school where they can stand out and their unique achievements be recognized. It is a place for students who are ready to find a home away from home, and truly enthrall themselves in their college career.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Maygen from Webberville, MI
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot This school is a very academically challenging institution. They are well known for their academics and stand up to it in every aspect imaginable. Alma challenges your way of thinking and makes you become a more well rounded thinker. Critical thinking becomes a main component on campus, whether in class or with your residential life. The classes you take will help you become that critical thinker you need to be in life and the lifestyle on this campus helps challenge your new found abilities.
Am enjoying being here Everyone on this campus is really nice and is willing to help everyone. Whether you know the person really well or not, you are guaranteed to receive a smile while walking to class or just taking a stroll around campus. It is very easy to find friends you enjoy being around with the size of the campus.
Bang for the buck I know the initial sight of the tuition might be a little shocking, but trust me it is worth it. From the education you receive in the classes, the extracurricular activities available on campus, to the lifetime bonds you will make with new friends, every aspect of life on campus is worth the money. The college also offers many scholarships; take advantage of them.
Tips for prospective students No matter what your intended major is, come here with an open mind. You will need to be prepared to study quite a bit. The 4 hours outside of class for every hour in class rule definitely does apply here. Some weeks you might not have to study as much, but there will be weeks where you have to study more. You do have time for friends and having fun though. There is always something to do on campus, whether playing beach volleyball with Mitchell Hall or watching a movie while swimming in the pool. You are sure to have a great time at Alma.
Great for these types of students This school is very good for the people who are determined to get a great education. If you are very driven and focused, this is a great school. No matter if you are an athlete or a studier, you will fit in just perfect on this campus.
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Meg
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Alma College is a great school for academics. The professors are excellent when it comes to their jobs, and the small class sizes means that the students have the ability to personally know these people. It's a beautiful, quiet little campus in the heart of Michigan.
Tips for prospective students Definitely come for a tour, that's what sold the college for me. The beauty of the campus combined with the potential abilities for students to take advantage of, including research, internships and study abroad opportunities, made my final choice easy. Take advantage and spend the night there as well to get a more accurate feel for the campus and students.
Academic Rigor We constantly hear about the success of our students, whether that be our Model UN organization, SIFE business organization, or individual Fulbright scholars, our students are proving the success of the academic program. Students are expected to do a lot of work in their courses but as a collected whole we take this expectation and overpass it.
Dorm Life Alma is an older college and as a result some of the dorm building are old and have some maintenance problems. We do have a maintenance crew that constantly tries to improve the conditions to make living more comfortable for the students there. That being said, the upperclassmen living across the street from the campus is top quality.
Food and Dining Our food services are the school's weakest aspect in the view of many students. Our main eating facilities, Hamilton Commons aka Saga has had many complaints over the quality of its food. While there are other places on campus to find meals, they lack being healthy options.
What to do for fun Although we are a small college, there are many things to participate in. Throughout the year there are many different activities, such as movie nights, guest speakers and performances, and game nights hosted by the Student Union Board. The Greek system has events for prospective recruitment's that include games, food, movies and a great social aspect to meet more friends. There are stores and a movie theater in the local area or students drive to Mt Pleasant 20 minutes away if they want a big night out.
Bang for the buck Alma College is a private, liberal arts school and tuition costs a bit more than that of a public school. While there are scholarships and financial aid packages for more than 90% of the students, it can still be difficult. The reputation of the education is nice, but make sure to include other charges such as textbook prices or travel opportunities that they offer when making the financial decision.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have a strong appreciation for the Scottish heritage - our school's mascot is Scotty who is a big, hairy man in a kilt. Our marching band wears a traditional kilt uniform and the pattern, or tartan was actually purchased and owned by Alma College. We also have a bagpipe band, which you can hear them playing over the lawns when the weather is nice. There is also a traditional Highland dance program and students can enjoy watching the performances of these traditional groups throughout the year.
Great for these types of students Unfortunately Alma isn't very diverse, the majority of the population is Caucasian middle to upper class. There is a strong presence of religious activity as we are affiliated with the Presbyterian branch.
Clubs and Activities There are a lot of different clubs and organizations on campus and plenty of opportunities to join and get involved.
Greek Life Greek life does have a big presence on campus, but in a positive light. Several of them help give back to society through women's shelters and other organizations. The Greek system also was a strong participant in the campus Relay for Life event, which together collected almost $20,000. As someone who did not join a sorority this year, I witnessed the bond between brothers and sisters of the same Greek house and it provides comforting friendships with others on campus.
Campus Safety Security on campus is not a serious threat, the students feel comfortable walking around by themselves late at night, in the dark. For that reason, the security's main responsibility on campus is to issue tickets to students who are parked in restricted parking lots. Alma is a quiet, small town and lacks any crime threat.
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Ashley from Bethlehem, NH
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences alma college is a small community in itself. it is full of incredible opportunities that i would not otherwise be privileged to have in my lifetime. it's a good place to call home away from home.
Tips for prospective students don't be afraid to ask anyone questions. everyone here seems to be willing to help guide others around. also, get an advisor in your area of study.
Academic Rigor the small faculty to student ratio helps with professor availability for help. the guidance i get from professors even after i've had them for classes is incredible and very encouraging.
Dorm Life the dorms are standard. it would be nice if there can be more off-campus living possibilities.
Food and Dining the variety and new efforts are great. many of us would like to have the meal plan be optional though, rather than required.
What to do for fun anything outside, go to the recreation center, go check out mt. pleasant or sweet downtown alma, go to an athletics game or the highland festival, go to stucchis, go have fun.
Bang for the buck munch money at stucchis is an incredible new deal.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus wearing a kilt. it's little scotland usa. we're the scots. bring on some scottish pride.
Great for these types of students all who are willing to attend a small college where they can take advantage of incredible academic and travel opportunities (study abroad). the list is seriously endless.
Clubs and Activities there are loads of clubs and activities almost every week. new ones are added each year by students who take the initiative to suggest the ideas and get them rolling.
Greek Life there's a lot of greek life. however, there's no scrutiny if you're not part of the greek life. i'm not involved with the greek life. yet i am still content being a student here.
Campus Safety there's room for improvement. overall their efforts show and are appreciated.
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Mallory from West Bloomfield, MI
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am a full-time student enrolled in 19 credits and the honors program. Alma is challenging, but with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and TONS of resources to help you with classes, Alma can be a no-sweat learning heaven. I have only have one class in my career that I did not enjoy.
Am enjoying being here Alma is one of the best campuses for activities. Because we are such a small school, everyone gets to know everyone. Whether you go check out a play or work out in the rec, you will always run into someone you know. The college even has an organization, ACUB, to help bring and develop fun activities for students. This includes Alma's version of American Idol (Songfest), Halo style laser tag, and much, much more. Oh, and my number one favorite: exam treats.
Bang for the buck The price tag may seem kind of high, but roughly 90% of students at Alma are on scholarships. If you work hard and study, the bang for the buck is there. Otherwise, you're paying for a playground. Alma is a ton of fun and extremely educational.
Tips for prospective students Come visit! We offer special overnight visits with a host student. You can shadow them and spend the night in their dorm. It really lets you see a behind the admissions desk view of how the college is run, treats its students, and gears you toward your future.
Great for these types of students There is only one Alma. We are the best and brightest, the ones who worked hard to get where we are. You will be among the best of friends and the best of students. You will be pushed, you will be challenged, and you will succeed.
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Megan from Chicago, IL
Reviewer is A past student here.
Categories Rating Comments Did learn a lot Though I would quantify the majority of my learning at Alma as life learning... I will give the faculty a lot of credit. They are an awesome, caring bunch of people who will really listen and try to help you, if you let them.
Did enjoy being here By the end, I was getting a little tired of being stuck in the same rooms with the same people all the time, but that's more of a personal problem than anything. The classes were challenging... in a good way! And as I get farther and farther away from my time there... I miss it more.
Bang for the buck Definitely worth the money. That's all I can say.
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid to ask the professors for help. Seriously, I don't know a single one of them that bites. They are all the most genuinely kind, helpful people. Maybe it comes from being in a small town...
Speaking of. Don't let the small town frighten you. There's plenty to do. And if you *do* get bored on campus, Mt. Pleasant and CMU are just 20 minutes away.Great for these types of students Someone who is very focused and driven will flourish here.
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