See Austin College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Austin College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Austin College reviews, or contribute your own Austin College review if you're a current student there.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Laura from Fort Worth, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The liberal arts curriculum allows, and even forces, each student to take a wide variety of classes. Many classes are geared more to learning through class discussion and readings that don't come from text books. In fact, most teachers enforce attendance policies and class participation as part of your final grade. I'm an art major, but my education is in no way limited academically because of this. I'm a part of the Posey Leadership Institute and have taken three courses specifically on leadership. Required 'janterms allow you to take a crash course in a variety of subjects, and in many cases study abroad. This January I'll be taking a class on blogging and the digital self. Even though I have not studied abroad yet, attending a school where it's almost expected to learn outside of the country has given me a lot of knowledge from my peers.
Am enjoying being here Personally, I love being on a campus where I can't walk outside without knowing half of the people I run into, and liking most of them. Though there is not a lot to do in Sherman, we make our own fun. There is at least one party or social gathering to go to every night of the week, and typically all events are open to all students. I am also an active member in a social sorority and a little sister to a social fraternity. Greek life is far from typical stereotypes in most cases, but there are typical groups for those looking for them. Beyond Greek life there are a wide range of clubs and associations to join. The campus activities board has activities most nights of the week for those who don't enjoy the party scene.
Bang for the buck The tuition is expensive, but could be a lot worse. Most people that I know are receiving aid from the school and many jobs are available on campus. The small class sizes and resources available are great. It's generally easy to find professors and other resources for help with classes and preparation for internships and study abroad opportunities. More than the education, the experiences I am having make the money I pay and the debt that I will be in well worth it.
Tips for prospective students Learn good study habits now! You can't play hard without working hard first, and the classes are much harder than the ones your friends at public schools will endure.
Visit campus. You'll either love it or hate it.Great for these types of students Liberals, pre-meds, those wanting to learn a lot and work hard
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Cassandra from Lake Jackson, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Austin College is a great school that has a lot to offer and teach the students who attend there. This college is definitely challenging when it comes to academics to ensure that the students are prepared to graduate and be the best in whatever graduate school they plan on attending. During class, the professors make sure that every student is understanding the material. Throughout the years, you learn to use every resource that Austin College offers which include mentors, professors, other staff, and the Academic Skills Center Tutors. All of these people are here to assist you in any way possible. Mentors are there to help you decide what career you are pursuing. The professors are available during office hours and by e-mail at any time to help you or sit with you one-on-one to answer and explain any material that you might have trouble understanding or mastering. The tutors at the Academic Skills Center help you learn material and also teach you how to use the different books they have that are available for use for any subject or field of study. No matter what background of education you have from your high school, Austin College helps you to learn study habits that will be effective throughout the rest of your years attending the school and beyond.
Am enjoying being here Beyond all of the studying and pressure put on by all of your classes, Austin College knows how to keep students interested and having fun. There is always something going on no matter how big or how small the activity is. Austin College likes to get the students active even if they are not in sports or any organizations. After a long day of studying it's nice to go to the Pub or the lawn and get your mind off of the pressures of classes. They have activities for just having fun as well as activities that raise money for a good cause. Many organizations put on performances or any kinds of programs for entertainment at the auditorium. Theatre puts on plays where students can go and enjoy a show before they go back to working hard. Being a student there, you get to enjoy many cultural experiences. Every month or so, there are dinners from different cultures that students can sign up for. One month there may be a Pakistani dinner, and another month, there is a Japanese dinner. Not only do you have fun in the Pub or auditorium, but you can also have fun in the dormitories. Every hall way has their clusters. Clusters are a group of kids that live on your side of the hallway with an assigned RA, with who you can have dinner with or just go out and do activities with.
Bang for the buck Though all colleges are expensive, private schools seem to be a lot more expensive. This is completely true for Austin College costing about $28,000 a year. Even though this college is so expensive, it is definitely worth every penny. Not only do you get the college experience, but the education and expectations are very high. No matter what you are studying, you are sure to learn a lot of material that will help you to be successful in whatever you do. Being an expensive college, you are sure to get a lot more than most other college. This is apparent in the differences in dorm rooms. At other schools, the rooms are very small and may have a desk and a bed with a closet, but at Austin College the dorms are bigger and have movable beds, desks, and drawers where you are able to fix your dorm room however you want. Apart from the high education and good looking dorm rooms, the professors and other tutors are always available to help you in whatever you need. Being a small school, there are many advantages that you would not normally get from a big University. At a big school, you would be just another number and not get all the personal help that you can get at a small school. At Austin College the professors know you by name, and are willing to help with whatever you need.
Tips for prospective students Some tips that I give to prospective students is to make sure you come ready to work hard and not to slack off no matter how easy you may think a class will be. To be successful in your classes, you must put in many hours of studying and practicing. Of course it is always good to take a break from all the studying, which is why it is a good idea to be involved in sports, or activities whether it be at the Pub or in your dorm hallway. Go out and blow off some steam, by hanging out with friends or by watching a play put on by the drama club. Another tip that I have for you, is to not be shy when you come in. Making friends is crucial to getting the full college experience. Being a loner is not fun especially when you see everybody else hanging out on the lawn, while you are locked in your dorm room. You might also want to make friends with your roommate, because they are going to be there everyday throughout the school year.
Great for these types of students Austin College is a wonderful school, especially for those who are well focused in their classes and who have high goals. Students have to be able to put in many hours of studying to make good grades in their classes. This college is also great for students that like small schools. Maybe you're not much of a big University person, or you do not like all the loudness of music constantly playing outside with the fraternities. Austin College is nice and small, and is also a quiet environment for studying or just laying back and reading a book. Students who do not want to drive to every class and love the outdoors, would like it at the college. Because Austin College is so small, cars are to stay parked in the parking lot, and students have to walk to their classes. While on your way to a specific building, you can enjoy the scene with big beautiful trees along with many squirrels running around playing with each other.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Jessie from Helotes, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Austin College offers rigorous courses and a large variety that can suit any one's interests. The basic requirements allow students to explore in a variety of different subjects that may not relate to their field of study, but be applied to their major. Also, if Austin College doesn’t have the major you would like, but has the classes, students can make their own major, such as Japanese. Austin College also has a Jan-term when in January students have an opportunity to explore creative topics and even have opportunities to study abroad. Austin College has a rigorous Pre-Med program and an education program that allows students to graduate in five years. As a small school, students can easily contact their professors during their office hours or by email. The staff is supportive and strives to help you succeed.
Am enjoying being here The campus is lovely with a lot of lawn space and trees so students can enjoy the outdoors. The area known as the “Couches” in the WCC is a great place to enjoy lunch outside of the cafeteria, hang out with friends, and join together for study groups. There are several clubs and organizations for one to join to keep occupied. Even if one isn’t involved, the Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.) is an organization that schedules events and activities for each week. Some activities include movie nights, bingo, and salsa dance lessons. Students can also go to the Pub for food, a game of pool, or play ping pong. Students can also collect a group of friends to create a team for intramural sports such as volleyball and flag football.
Bang for the buck As a private school, Austin College is expensive. However, even as the oldest Texas College, the campus has been nicely restored. Not only does dose it offer rigourous classes, Austin College offers aid to students through the Academic Skills Center which comes at no extra cost to the students. There, students can find tutors, recieve help writing papers, access resources from all subjects, and more. A unique feature for those wanting to excel in languages, Austin College has a language house, a dorm where students that pursue French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Chinese can live in an environment to practice speaking with other students and a native speaker. Austin College is also known for its variety of study abroad programs. If you're lacking a car, it shouldn't be an issue. Austin College recently started a bus system that takes students to stores and restaurants for free. Using the bus also gives students discounts to stores like Best Buy.
Tips for prospective students If it’s your first time being away from home, Austin College helps students with the transition by organizing freshmen into clusters in the dorms where students can first meet their friends and seek guidance from their RA. There are also information sessions that are held through Project FLOOR to help with the transition. Bring things like a blanket and a soccer ball. The weather is often nice enough to be outside and surely you’ll meet people who are willing to play a game.
Great for these types of students If students are looking for a small college, Austin College is an excellent choice. Students can find their niche through on campus activities, organizations, and classes.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Bianca from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I have attained so much here. I enjoy going to classes like A History of Beauty in Art, or a class about Rock and Roll or Magic. There are so many different things to learn here, it is amazing. The liberal arts education makes you get away from your standard major and minor study and into new fields. The Janterms help further this by allowing you the whole month of January to study whatever you want.
Am enjoying being here I came into this school as a transfer student and the process was very easy for me. I came from a very urban and medium sized university to a semi-urban-suburban and small college. Comparing the two against each other quality wise, Austin College wins ultimately. It is the attention that they pay to the students, the welcoming atmosphere, and the plethora of opportunities that makes it the right choice. As a new student, I was lucky enough to get a roommate that was awesome and open ( i know I struck gold with that one). As far as the students on campus, they were really nice and very open to getting know me. The people that I have meet and the education that I have received, really makes my decision of transferring one of the best that I have made.
Bang for the buck Okay, so it is more than true that Austin College is expensive. As a student, you have to work for all that you are paying to go to school for. That means use all the opportunities that attending this college brings you. You could go to a school for half of the amount of this one and just go to class and back home/to your dorm everyday. You wouldn't get all the added programs, international reach, or the personal attention that Austin College bestows you. Austin College will keep you busy and in tune to the world.
Tips for prospective students If you are interested in attending Austin College, the best advice I can give you is to really define what about you is unique. It could be your curly hair, you ability to speak 5 languages, or where your family is from. Whatever it is, really open yourself up to the admissions department in your application. Don't just rely on what looks good or the standards things that colleges are looking for, Austin College wants individuals. I really recommend showcasing your unique qualities, your abilities or passions, and of course, your intelligence.
Great for these types of students Austin College is wonderful for students, who are:
diligent
time management savvy
able to handle work and play
passionate about what they want to study
open minded
ready to travel
friendly
able to appreciate smaller classes
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Anonymous
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot You will definitely learn a lot at Austin College. The work can be difficult, but the college's reputation will make it worth it later on. The professors have a tremendous amount of knowledge and are ready to pass it along. At times, it can be very overwhelming, but if you study and do the work, it will all work out. The college tries to ensure a broad range of study with each student through January terms, C/I courses, etc.
Am enjoying being here I'm only in my first semester, so I'm still getting a feel for things. I am living off campus, which makes being involved and forming friendships more difficult. There are many things regarding course requirements which I was not aware of before enrolling, which I wish I had known. I think I will enjoy it more after I have been here longer and become more accustomed to everything.
Bang for the buck As a private school, AC is quite expensive. If you apply early, you can get scholarships which help tremendously. Living at home has helped me save a lot. One negative was a $2000 increase in tuition made this summer after I had already committed.
Tips for prospective students If you have taken courses for college credit, find out how they transfer. My dual credit classes transferred as three hours and AC's course credits are four hours. So, my four courses at community college only count as three at AC.
Take a look at what all courses are required before committing. January terms, foreign language, lifetime sports, etc. Do not just look at what is required for certain degrees, but also what the general requirements are.
Living off campus saves a lot, but I have found it's a bit harder to be involved. Determine which is more important to you.
Study, Study, Study.Great for these types of students People who are up to a challenge.
Pre-Med students.
Students who want to study abroad.Login to rate or flag the reviews
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Angelica from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Bang for the buck It is a private school so it does cost a lot but the education and experience is well worth it
Tips for prospective students Relax and don't worry about getting lost on campus. Join clubs and have fun
Great for these types of students Weird, smart and for people who want a challenge.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Ashley from Cypress, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The classes offered at this school are phenomenal--despite the small size, there are a wide range of available subjects, including Japanese. The pre-med and educational departments stand out in particular, as well as a special residence hall/immersion program for language students--the Language House. The small class sizes also help with the learning experience--the classes are challenging, but the professors are willing to help, and they actively encourage questions! Also, there is a January semester (known as Jan Term) which allows for more learning opportunities; many of these classes are special courses not offered at any other time, such as courses on space westerns and (I'm not kidding) the history of swear words.
Am enjoying being here As a student originally from Houston, I'm not going to lie; Sherman is a very small, quiet town, and your college experience will be greatly improved if you know or are someone with a car. If you aren't, don't worry! The campus is small, with under 2000 students, so you're practically guaranteed to meet someone with driving abilities! The residence halls are conveniently located close to the academic buildings, and it's possible to cross the entire campus on foot in under 10 minutes. Also, we have a variety of extracurricular organizations, as well as an on-campus coffee shop and a fantastic library. Moreover, if you're worried about staying in Sherman for four straight years, don't! Study Abroad programs are readily available, and about 70% of the students go abroad at least once.
Bang for the buck Anyone looking at Austin College as a potential school has no doubt noticed the enormous price tag. Fear not! The campus itself offers many opportunities to lessen your financial burden, including scholarships, leadership programs, and work-study programs. Not to mention, the benefits of attending this college make the price understandable and worthwhile. Not only is the campus technologically up-to-date, but additions are constantly being made in order to improve the campus experience; we recently added two more residence areas to account for an increase in enrollment.
Tips for prospective students Be ready to study; the classes here are rewarding, but also incredibly challenging. Also, the professors all have on-campus office hours. They are there to help you. If you have any trouble in your classes, PLEASE go to them. They can help you. Also, you're going to want to look for scholarships before you get here and while you're here. One more thing: Be outgoing! Talk to people! The college experience is much more enjoyable when you have friends to spend time with!
Great for these types of students If you love studying, reading, learning languages, and hope to study abroad, you should definitely consider coming to AC. ESPECIALLY language-learners. This is probably the best school in Texas to work on your fluency!
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Katherine from Garland, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am pretty sure I have learned more in my freshman year of college than all of my k-12 years combined. This school is intense and you learn more than just the basics. Not only did I learn what was taught in class, but I also learned about myself and how to study (which is probably the most important here at AC).
Am enjoying being here I absolutely love it here; this college was made for me. It is a small school, smaller than my high school, and it has a beautiful campus. The professors are wonderful and always delighted to help you out and the programs here are amazing. The people are friendly and I never feel like I am just another number in a crowd. I like that I can still visit my family on weekends because home is not too far away.
Bang for the buck This school is expensive, but is it worth it? No doubt. Many of the students are here on scholarships, like myself. It is definitely one way to keep the costs down. The education you receive here is amazing and the teachers are willing to help you if you put in the hours. It really prepares you for further education and life in general.
Tips for prospective students Meeting new people: I came to AC not knowing anyone, but don't fret! AC is great when it comes to student activities. You can meet a ton of new friends who are in the same boat as you. Go to the movie nights and hang out in The Pub! Everyone is really welcoming :)
Weather: For all of those who melt in the rain, you better get rain boots and a good umbrella. Also, just because it is Texas doesn't mean it doesn't snow, so bundle up and stay warm.
Food: There are other places than just cafeteria to eat. In town there's a great little Mexican restaurant, La Mesa, there's fast food, BWW, and a Braum's just down Brockett St. Also, invest in a green recyclable food box.
Transportation: If you do not have a car you will survive!! I did not have a car, but other people did, so when I needed to hitch a ride to wal-mart I was covered, and you will be too.Great for these types of students This school is great for students who are dedicated and persistent. I am a huge nerd and fit in great. If you love to learn and be challenged, this is the college for you!
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Louie from Austin, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Everything that you learn at Austin College applies to everyday life. I can't think of a single thing that I don't find useful or something that hasn't affected my life since starting to attend Austin College. You learn so much more based on your level of commitment and how much you participate
Am enjoying being here The school is just the right size that it helps to breed friendships and creativity. I've only attended one year and I feel as if I know everyone at the school. I was sad to see my friends graduate but the school is so amazing that each year, there are students that come back for Homecoming. It's a perfect campus size and if you like bigger schools, they're adding a lot more onto it.
Bang for the buck There's so many extracirruclars and diversity that it's hard to beleive that one could get so much out of such a small school. The library is stacked full of amazing books, we have an awesome gym and art center as well. Every building holds something in it that is valuable to the student experience.
Tips for prospective students Don't bring movies to Austin College with you. There is so much to do in the day, so many experiences, that to hold yourself up in your room would be tragic. Bring a bike to help travel around campus. I know I've enjoyed riding around campus late at night.
Great for these types of students Austin College is great for any and all types of students. The Pre-Med program is one of the hardest that I've heard of, weeding out most of the students in the first year but helping those that do make it. We also have an amazing teaching program for those interested in pursuing a career in the educational field.
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1 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Jennifer from Dana Point, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The professors really do work on being there for students both within and outside of the classrooms. Besides the limited class diversity, classes are generally really good.
Am enjoying being here It's okay here. It could be better. The people are genuinely friendly (for the most part). Greek life is a nice plus. Although there aren't any national chapters (other than honor societies and the theater Alpha Psi and the co-ed service frat alpha phi omega). I like the people and I've made some good friends. I wish the campus was more attractive or the administration was more helpful. However, there are some definite upsides.
Bang for the buck Very very expensive private college that has been consistently increasing tuition prices every year. The school *does not* offer a tuition lock so it is really frustrating to pay 4k more when you're a senior than when you were a freshman. Other than that, room and board expenses add up to about 10-12k a year. Plus, there are very restrictive meal and living plans and the school is attempting to limit off campus living in order to prevent and more money loss. The financial crisis hit AC hard and they are taking it out on the students with fees and increased rates.
Tips for prospective students Visit the school and stay overnight with a current student. If you don't you'll never fully understand what it feels like to be here. Go on a tour, visit as many classes as you can, eat lunch with a student, talk to any professor you're interested and stay the night. If you don't you are missing out completely. In terms of applying to the school, emphasize service and leadership and you'll probably be golden.
Great for these types of students It's great for students who didn't quite excel in High School. If you are smart but maybe not the tip top of your class, this is a good school for you. It caters to B+ students and turns them into better students. However, if you are one of the lucky few to be at the top of your class you can find a better education elsewhere.
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Shane from Plano, TX
Reviewer is A past student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Austin College is an excellent school. It has small classes with excellent professors.
Dorm Life I did not live on campus.
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Scott from Sherman, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences austin college really offers a lot of unique advantages and opportunities. one of my favorites is the size of the campus and the teacher to student ratio. there are about 1300 students on campus and ive even had a class with as little as 7 students!
Tips for prospective students if you want a big campus feel, austin college is not the right choice for you. here, you will really get to know your professors and be challenged to participate in class and ask questions.
Academic Rigor be prepared to work. because class sizes are small, you must participate in class and know the material well. you cannot skip the homework one night and be ready for class the next day. also, most tests are all essay/short answer; you will rarely see a multiple choice test. these types of things keep you on your toes and you'll find you are actually learning a lot!
Dorm Life there are only four dorms on campus and the environment of each of them are much different than each other. the rooms are bigger than most other college dorms i've seen and are usually kept pretty clean. the dorms have a students from freshman to even some juniors in them.
Food and Dining the food is good, but sometimes you get tired of eating the same thing. there are multiple stations in our cafeteria that offer a good variety of food, but like i said, sometimes it just gets old. in the sherman area there are a lot of alternative food options.
What to do for fun there are a lot of fun things to do on campus. we have a very active student life program called cab that frequently puts on movie/pizza nights, bingo, dances, etc. that keep everyone really involved and content.
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