Grand Valley State University

The school was not a challenge. I made the mistake of studying a social science and I found the coursework repetitive. The third and fourth year coursework intorduced the same topics of the second and first year in a manner that was repetitive, not advancing the topics. I didn't have to study and I got an A. While most universities go into more detail about applied subjects such as research method, reliability, validity, we were debating for six weeks why theorists like Freud must be respected as elders of the structure. Freud had no business in 400 level applications classes. However, their need to respect the status quo has polluted the coursework.

I did some internet searches and found that the textbooks they used in 300 and 400 level courses were often sold at community colleges. Professors repeated the introductory works of Weber, Durkeim, Comte, when they promised applied study. It made each course an easy A but it was frustrating not to learn anything. They kept promising these hard skills in the next set of courses and it will deliver the ability to do more than anyone. However, these hard skills were just not delivered.The surrounding community is, at a minimum, extremely conservative. In order to interact, you must front two images. An initial public image delivered to everybody, and a private image that might challenge the status quo. The community fronts social demands that by most can be escaped with a mild agreement or the failure to reject the topic. Racism and discrimination are commonly justified by the community as there is a belief that they are keep the populus clean. If you are in any way different, don't go here. While the school makes a nice front for diversity, the community is not yet ready.

4th Year Female -- Class 1999

Campus Aesthetics: B+, Education Quality: F