Kalamazoo College

I looked at going to a number of other schools, both small and large, and settled on "K" as my sister, now a doctor who studied anthropology there, loved it. I really enjoyed the smaller size of the school and the accessibility of the faculty. When I first started college I had no idea what I wanted to study, and was able to meet with several department heads early on to figure out what it was I wanted to pursue in terms of a major. I found the classes challenging, which was reflected initially in my GPA as my work ethic from high school, do nothing and get A's, didn't exactly work at "K". The school does a great job at getting you to expand your view of the world and is often recognized as a leader in this area of higher ed. I spent a my junior year in Africa, did a Summer project in Madrid, and was awarded two post-grad fellowships upon graduation, one in France and another in Germany. While I agree with others that "K" is best for those who plan to go to grad school, I think in many ways this is because "K" grads are true liberal arts folks and use their undergraduate experience to quench their thirst for pure knowledge rather than study what could be termed more practical subjects like accounting, business, etc. I wouldn't give up my experience for anything. I know I'm a more well rounded, unique, and out-of-the-box thinker due to my time at "K"...

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I researched colleges extensively before choosing one to attend. I must have visited at least fourteen campuses. I settled on Kalamazoo when I came for the competitive scholarship. The quality of applicants was incredible. People were unselfconscious, openly eager to learn and discuss. The campus community was obviously tight (as at many small schools), but it wasn't in the midst of a cornfield (as is the case with many small liberal arts colleges). It was the perfect amalgamation of city living with a beautiful, centered campus. I worked on the facilities maintenance crew and can say the care and pride taken by the staff was remarkable.

The faculty and staff are wonderful, open people who bring a wide variety of thought and experience. They connect with the students on a very open, equal level, constantly allowing the students to challenge themselves and encouraging them to seek out unusual paths to their goals.

Kalamazoo College is centered on the ideal that your education can be what you make of it. They act as a support staff, providing goals and giving many resources to help people reach them. Study abroad through Kalamazoo is a unique experience. Compared to the study abroad experiences of friends who went to other liberal arts colleges and larger public schools, the level to which Kalamazoo went to prepare students and the quality of the programs was quite impressive.

Of the student community, I remain in awe. I believe everyone at Kalamazoo had a genuine enthusiasm for learning; they weren't just coasting for a degree or a party experience. I also believe everyone at Kalamazoo was open to new experiences and new people. The qualities that attracted me to the students and the campus was a focus on understanding others: other cultures, other belief systems. Everyone had their own eccentricity, but they were not different to be different. It was a kaleidoscope, a menagerie of unique individuals who love to learn. So yes, if you can't handle someone randomly wearing a banana suit (yes, they probably have a reason and no, they are not completely insane), this probably isn't the school for you. I always enjoyed the wide array of quirky people and I never felt like they were trying to be different for the sake of being different.

I will say that our athletic program is not that well supported by the student community. There just isn't that much team spirit amongst the larger community, though the teams themselves are very impressive and have good camaraderie.

The majority of classes I took at Kalamazoo were quite challenging mentally, and every class I took taught me something valuable. The rigorous work challenges students to push beyond busy work and use their minds.

To speak to campus life: There are quite a number of opportunities to join or start your own clubs and a stunning new student union. Campus life tries to be responsive to student needs and often asks for feedback. If you are looking for a party experience, Western Michigan is right around the corner. I always preferred a smaller house party with friends, but there is something for everyone. I had a friend who wanted to start a circus club... So he did. It isn't hard to pursue your interest and the larger Kalamazoo community in the city is fairly busy itself.

The college is well placed between Chicago and Detroit, leaving time on the weekends for trips if you are so inclined. However, I rarely felt the need to travel outside the city for entertainment.

LandSea was life changing and I can't recommend the program enough. The K plan caused a lot of growth. The group of people whom I graduated with grew into broad-minded, active, engaged community members, fully capable of creating great change in the world.

Dorm life was enjoyable, though I avoided the suites and stayed in DeWaters the two years I lived on campus. The food plan was so-so but the kitchen staff is a lovely bunch.

Obviously there are pitfalls and problems. There is a problem professor or class here or there and such a thing as the "K bubble" in which people spend far too much time on campus. The academics are challenging and you cannot fall behind without facing a major uphill climb. On the whole though, I could not have asked for a better atmosphere, better people or an overall experience. It is an interesting school dedicated to the growth of its students. I never wanted to be anywhere else.

4th Year Female -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B+

I was an average high school student, who, for the first time, discovered that I enjoyed academic pursuits at Kalamazoo College. The faculty were supportive, and there was relatively little pressure compared to other more selective schools where the quality of education is similar. I have returned several times, and they continue to provide a strong environment for learning.

This was also a great school to discover one's own interests and talents. The liberal arts experience was quite stimulating, particularly because the introductory subjects were taught be enthusiastic and highly competent professors. The faculty were amazingly accessible, and enjoyed interacting with students.Overall, the school prepared me well for graduate school. I am currently an endowed professor at an Ivy League University. I credit K. College with much of my success as a professor.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000