Wheaton College

However, this does not mean that professors are not liberal and that students are close-minded. I found friends who were liberal, and I found professors who were extremely liberal but who greatly engaged my mind and helped widen my worldview.

People do not drink (for the most part at Wheaton). I had an awesome time socially while on campus, enjoying the wonders of Chicago and the random events on campus. If you want to drink go to a party school. I learned how alcohol is not a necessary drug for life. I honestly drink regularly, but my experience with alcohol during college helped give me a taste for finer things. I am quite happy that I didn't get wasted on Natty Ice and Keystone Light every weekend. I am thankful that my relationships with other people were not reliant on alcohol. As a heterosexual male I could engage in conversation (and relationship) with a woman without being intoxicated. And I certainly didn't need alcohol to make me comfortable enough to f*@k a woman for a one-night stand.

Yes, Wheaton is full of imperfect people trying to pretend they are perfect, but I found more people who knew they were broken and found friends who loved and supported them for who you are.

I apologize to those students who felt judged and felt miserable at Wheaton... however, just ask students around the country how they feel... all too often they feel isolated and judged as well.

One last point about the single gender room policy... I agree, it is strict and outdated. However, how often in life do you hang out with your friends in your bedroom (think about this as adults, not teenagers)? Use lounges and public spaces as much as possible and then move into apartments or houses as you become an upper division student.In summary, I found great friends who were loving and accepting of who I am, flaws and all. If you are looking for a place where there is so much more to do than drink, if you are looking for a place where some students really care about one another, if you are looking for a place to grow and learn, Wheaton is a great place for that, if you are willing to give up some of your rights as an adult for a few school years (namely drinking, smoking, and hanging out in your room with the opposite gender).

The social life is good, though you have to be proactive to get involved. I highly recommend a summer program like HoneyRock or Wheaton in the Holy Lands to get the full Wheaton experience. Your friends will be very intelligent but usually fun loving. Theyre not as lame as the administration would like your parents to believe. Be prepared to a lot of late night academic conversations, and be prepared to be challenged as much by your peers as your professors.

Additionally, the number of missionary kids (mks) at Wheaton is one of the schools hidden gems. The importance of a worldwide, global emphasis is truly special at Wheaton, making the largely (though by no means completely) conservative student body far more flavorful and open minded than you might expect. Wheaton is a community as much as a school; be prepare for it.

Travel with a Wheaton program! You won't regret it.
Go to Wheaton! It's a great school and its relatively small number of graduates show up in important places all over the world!