Kalamazoo College

I am in the middle of the winter quarter of my sophomore year, and I am on this website researching schools to transfer to. I have been considering transferring for over a year, and have finally made my decision. 'K' is not the right place for me, but that does not mean it isn't a good school.

'K' is a very very small school, and, despite Western's presence, it feels small, and so does the city. I am from a very large city (Phoenix, AZ) and I like being able to be anonymous sometimes- here, any gossip is all over campus immediately. I am also a fairly social girl- and here you are fairly stuck in the same group of people you met during freshman orientation, which is not always a bad thing, I just need more variation. The campus clears out over the weekends since a lot of people are from in-state or hide in their rooms and study all weekend. The workload is very difficult, but manageable, just don't overload! Professors are AMAZING, especially in the English department, and classes are usually interesting- though the general education requirements can be frustrating. Check out the school newspaper if you visit (2004-05), it's my baby. ;)Basically, this could easily be the right school for you, it just isn't for me. If you like to be anonymous, are really social and need a varied group of friends, plan on living somewhere other than the midwest (trust me, most people away from here do not know what kalamazoo college is) and want a large amount of possibilities in majors, consider somewhere else. Also, don't be fooled by the study abroad program- if you really want to study abroad, you can do it anywhere- it just seems huge here because every junior goes- which causes a HUGE divide between classes. If you can't speak another language well, do not want to go to a third world country or are an art major, you are basically out of program choices. Good luck! If you have questions, feel free to comment.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2007

Individual Value: A, Scholastic Success: F

"K" didn't hurt me in any way. It is a difficult economy to find work in and unless you have a degree in a field that is in demand, a liberal arts education does not help you find employment. Five years out, many of my classmates are just starting to move out of minimum wage jobs or are still working for temp agencies. "K" is far more oriented towards further education than employment right out of undergrad.If you are looking for a place where you will get to know your professors personally and be part a small community with incredible opportunities to see the world. This is a great place!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

If you decide to apply and eventually come to "K" make sure you know what you are getting into. Because of the quarter system, "K" credits are almost worthless anywhere else. Accordingly, transfering is not an option--unless you want to lose a full year of credits.

And transferring will occur to you at some point. The work is tough and comes quickly. It's very easy to feel overwhelmed. Throw in a often cliquish and arrogant student body and it creates a rough enviroment.

However, there are great students and great faculty here. I've made many wonderful friends, and I ingore everyone else. You will get used to the fast pace of the quarter system and feel you can take on anything thrown at you.If you're looking for a small college with great academics, I recommend "K", if you're not, stay away.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2005

Useful Schoolwork: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: D