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St Olaf College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See St Olaf College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending St Olaf College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free St Olaf College reviews, or contribute your own St Olaf College review if you're a current student there.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Kelsey from Portland, OR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Of course in the classroom I feel that I am learning from some of the brightest professors I will meet, but I am also learning a lot about myself through classes I take, interactions with others on campus, volunteer and abroad opportunities, and extra-curricular activities. I also strongly advocate the liberal arts education that is offered at many institutions including St. Olaf. It gives students a chance to look at many different fields--some that they may never have imagined being of interest to them--that most often supplement, or even inform, their major. Psychology majors take theatre courses and investigate how one becomes a character while a music major takes Physics and learns more about sound waves and perception. Meanwhile a student on the Pre-Med and Spanish track might take an Anthropology course that completely reshapes how they see their future. The possibilities seem endless!
    Am enjoying being here

    The St. Olaf community is one that provides not only a great study environment, but also a great deal of care a support for its students. It truly becomes a place to call home because it allows you to feel comfortable learning, growing, and having fun not only in the classroom, but in student organizations and residence life as well. This community extends past the student body to faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the Northfield community. Once an Ole, always an Ole!
    Bang for the buck

    While tuition is steep, it is good to look at all that is available to students for free--or rather included in the cost. All concerts, recitals, theatre performances, sporting events, dances, lectures, movies, athletic facilities and transportation is free or at the very least at a discounted price. You don't even need to save your quarters for laundry! I know that I would be spending much more out of pocket on a regular basis if I did not have these forms of entertainment and other facilities available to me on campus for next-to-nothing.
    Tips for prospective students

    I will repeat that I am a strong advocate for the liberal arts education. While looking for your future college, be sure to find a place that includes your areas of interest, but do not limit your possibilities. St. Olaf has so many strong departments that it is not uncommon for someone to change their major multiple times (and still graduate on time!)--even people who come in with what they think is a set track to their future. I would not say that this is in any way wishy-washy or lenient, but rather challenging, informative and shaping.
    Great for these types of students

    Undecided: the liberal arts philosophy allows for experience in many different fields to inform your decision.

    Sciences (especially Biology and Natural Science): Biology is the top major at St. Olaf, and on an extra-curricular level, the campus is making a big push to go green and use renewable energy.

    Music and the performing arts: The Music department is almost like a small conservatory within a liberal arts college, and the other arts (theatre, dance, visual art, etc.) have strong programs that work together to create entertaining and thought-provoking pieces and performances.

    Political Science and advocacy: Not only is the political science department strong, but many students are involved in some sort of political campaign or volunteer organization. For example, every spring break, busloads of St. Olaf students make a trip to different parts of the US to do service work with Ole Spring Relief. The most recent trip was to Nashville, TN.

    English and literature: English is another one of the top 5 majors at St. Olaf and many students are involved in one of the conversation programs (Great Conversation, American Conversation, Asian Conversation, Science Conversation). There are also frequent open mic nights where original poetry or music is performed.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Skyler from Golden Valley, MN

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    From what I saw when I visited the campus, it looked like a fantastic school!
    Will enjoy being here

    It seemed to have a strong sense of community.
    Bang for the buck

    It's a bit expensive but I feel that it would be worth it.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Margaret from Norwalk, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Awesome professors that help you to understand the material and put it into real life situations.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love it here!! The campus is beautiful and the people at the school are wonderful. Its a great community to be a part of.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply for Financial aid. Visit and meet some people on campus.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard working and friendly.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Laurel from New Haven, CT

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Olaf is a great learning community. The people you meet are amazing. The food is also the best.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved with student activities!!
    Academic Rigor

    St. Olaf is no easy school. It's often referred to as the Harvard of the Midwest.
    Dorm Life

    Many of the girls on my floor freshman year bonded and are still good friends.
    Food and Dining

    The dining services on campus are fantastic!
    What to do for fun

    Movie bus, walk through the natural lands, go to concerts and dances, make your own fun.
    Greek Life

    None
    Campus Safety

    St. Olaf is generally a very safe campus. I have walked back to my dorm at 2 in the morning and have never worried about my safety.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Hannah from Tempe, AZ

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to get Financial aid and scholarships. Keep the GPA up!!!
    Bang for the buck

    It may be very pricy, but I think from the way it looks, that it is totally worth it!
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking, friendly, and interactive.
    Campus Safety

    Since it is so quite, it doesn't seem like there is much harm done at all.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Hung from Lincoln, NE

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus is very beautiful. Everything is clean and sleek. It's a very nice place for someone that prefers more of a silent environment, as there is no heavy traffic or streets surrounding St. Olaf. The Twin Cities are just 30-45 minutes away, so going there on the weekends won't be a hassle.
    Tips for prospective students

    This college seems to be more towards the Arts. The sport facility is not that great.
    Great for these types of students

    If you prefer a nice, quiet, place.

  • 2 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Elizabeth

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply for scholarships/aid!
    Great for these types of students

    Highly motivated students.

  • 6 out of 14 people found this review useful.

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Bio/chem >Brand new awesome building called regents. Built to learn /study. grow. excell.
    Music
    Great con.

  • Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Olaf is a very welcoming and great place to be! It really is like a bubble on this hill, but in a great way. You will meet some of your best friends in the entire world here and learn a lot at the same time.
    Academic Rigor

    It's a lot of work, but you really learn so much. The professors are great. Of course some courses are easier than others, but you will always be learning new things.
    Dorm Life

    Practically everyone lives in dorms and they're all pretty nice. You get to live by your best friends if you choose! It's a lot of fun.
    Food and Dining

    Best caf in the country. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious!

  • Andrea from Lenexa, KS

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Olaf College has excellent academics, wonderful performing and fine arts programs, a gorgeous campus, one of the best cafeterias in the USA with nutritious and local food, a new environmentally sound science building, beautiful art and dance building, and a state-of-the-art athletic building with a climbing wall. More than that, St. Olaf College is a true community and one ends up with life-long friends and mentors. A focus on ethics and making the world a better place permeates each class, and St. Olaf College is also highly-ranked in study abroad programs as well as the number of students who volunteer afterward in organizations such as the Peace Corps.
    Tips for prospective students

    A good academic record and high scores on the ACT or SAT help. It is also very good to be well-rounded. Show in your essays that you are a reflective and thinking individual. Visit the campus and take advantage of opportunities such as attending classes and activities.
    Academic Rigor

    St. Olaf College is highly-ranked in academics. The math and science programs are highly regarded. The college has a wonderful new science building and a Biomedical Studies Concentration that can go with any major. St. Olaf College has a strong liberal arts tradition. One learns to integrate subjects and so doing becomes more creative in solving problems, which is a necessary skill in post-college careers. The music programs are top-notch and the ensembles are nationally recognized.

    St. Olaf College is also ranked ninth among US baccalaureate colleges in the number of graduates who earn doctorates, especially in the fields of math/statistics, religion/theology, music, arts, medical sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, life sciences, education, social services, and foreign languages. St. Olaf College is known for producing Fulbright Fellows and Rhodes Scholars as well as preparing students for medical school. About 80 percent of graduating seniors who apply to medical school are accepted, compared to a national average of 49-50 percent.

    Classes are relatively small so students recieve more attention than many other schools. The professors are all brilliant and very much respected in their fields.
    Dorm Life

    The sense of community in dorms is very strong and there are many options of rooms to choose from. Some buildings are modern in style, some have intriguing history, all are beautiful. There are kitchens for students to use, gathering rooms with comfy couches and chairs, tv's to use. Some dorms have small chapels.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria is amazing. There are several different stations including pasta, vegan, burgers, sandwiches and more. In the morning one can request an omelet and choose from a variety of ingredients. There are other dining options on campus including a nice restaurant, a Panera-like cafe called The Cage, The Pause which is open late and has pizza that can be ordered, a mini-cafe in the science building with delicious coffee drinks, and a student-run cafe in one of the dorms. Much of the food is grown locally which is good for the environment because of reduced energy for travel. Milk, microwave dinners and ice cream can be bought in the convenience section of the bookstore.
    What to do for fun

    If you enjoy the performing arts, there are always music events, dance performances, and theatrical plays happening. The Pause hosts entertainment guests and dances. There are many athletic events to choose from. Buntrock Commons has a theater that hosts movies, including recent Oscar-nominated movies. If you want to leave campus, it is easy to walk to downtown Northfield, a quaint town with character.
    Bang for the buck

    The networking opportunities during and after college are extremely helpful. Ole's, the nickname for those who are attending or have attended St. Olaf, are very willing to help one another whether in internships, advice, anything. For example, I received the opportunity to work as a student worker at a University of Kansas Medical Center research lab because I was able to contact an alum that is a senior researcher in the lab.

    If you want to gain experience in something, whether leadership or otherwise, opportunities on campus are abundant. You can join or create an organization for almost anything.

    St. Olaf is known for its study abroad programs in 46 different countries. One can study abroad for January Interim, a semester, or a whole year concentrating on almost any area of academics.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Unique experiences include the annual Christmas Festival by the choirs and orchestra, a nationally recognized performance. Um Ya Ya is chanted quite often, especially at athletic events.
    Great for these types of students

    Bright and well-rounded individuals who are reflective and thinking people. Those who care about making a positive difference in the world and doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Effort and the will to try is very important. Most students will find outlets for their interests at whatever level they wish, whether arts, athletics, academics, volunteering. Students who like to be involved will find much to do. Those who are friendly, positive and honest will make friends very quickly.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are numerous clubs (everything from academic to Quidditch to theater to volunteer organizations to dancing), honor societies, as well as many recreational sports and classes. If you want to view current clubs, check out the college's website (www.stolaf.edu), click current students on the left, then choose Student Organizations. A note of caution: it is very very easy to get involved in activities and become over-extended, make sure you get enough rest too!

    If you enjoy music there is a variety of opportunities and all of the performing groups are top-rate. The fine arts programs all have amazing professors, so if you become involved in their out-of-class activities you will find wonderful mentors. Professors still practice their crafts professionally in the Twin Cities or elsewhere, whether dancing, acting, directing, performing music, conducting, or creating art.

    Greek Life

    There is no Greek Life. Instead, if you wish to live in a house associated with the campus there are Honor Houses that are very nice. I have not lived in an Honor House but have heard they are full of great fellowship and worth it.
    Campus Safety

    The campus is relatively safe and has active security that patrol. I have felt safe walking at night, however it is very easy and acceptable to call the St. Olaf Public Safety for a ride. There is also a volunteer EMF organization that works closely with Public Safety. They provide two-person call during the academic year from 7pm to 7am, all weekend, and special events. They also have instructors certified through the Red Cross to teach CPR, AED, and First Aid for those who would like to learn and earn certification.

    After 11pm students use key cards to enter dorms because they are locked for security.

  • student2012

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Olaf is truly a liberal arts college where you are challenged to explore your interests and find your passions. There are a plenitude of activities to get involved in and many faculty willing to help you. The campus is gorgeous and it is a wonderful place to spend four years.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure that you want to go to a residential campus. Most students do not have a car and it is not very easy to get to the twin cities. There are benefits and downsides to going to college in a small town, so make sure it is right for you.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors at St. Olaf really care about your growth as an individual and will challenge you with assignments. If you ask for help, you will receive it and students are encouraged to be engaged and active in their learning both in and out of class.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms at St. Olaf are outdated and crowded. However, the beauty of the campus and ease of which you can get around campus makes them tolerable. Living in such close proximity with a variety of people challenges you in your interpersonal skills. As you progress through school, there are options to live in a single room or off-campus if you prefer.
    Food and Dining

    The food at St. Olaf is amazingly good, healthy, and sustainable. Much of it is locally grown and students learn to really appreciate well cooked and diverse meals.
    What to do for fun

    Students learn to create their own fun. There are not a lot of big concerts or parties like at a large university so gatherings are mostly small groups of friends.
    Bang for the buck

    St. Olaf is one of the most expensive private colleges in MN. You do get a great education, but with the job market, make sure that the price of your degree is worth what you want out of school. If you just want a degree to get a job, St. Olaf is not for you. You have to want to grow as an individual and discover yourself to make it worth the cost.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There is a Norweigan, Lutheran heritage to the campus which comes out in events during Christmas Festival and heritage days. People flock to the campus in Norweigan sweaters to enjoy dinners of lutefisk and lefsa. During the normal school year though, it is like any other college campus and there are not an overwhelming amount of blonde hair and blue eyed students.
    Great for these types of students

    Open-minded, questioning and curious students willing to live in a small community in a residential setting.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are so many clubs and activities on campus there are sometimes not enough students to support them. If you want to get involved there are definitely opportunities.
    Greek Life

    There is no greek life.
    Campus Safety

    Campus is really safe, the only threat would be other students and people here seem to be kind-hearted.

  • Laura from Tomah, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

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