Elmira College
Elmira, NY, USA

Reviews

Elmira College

Megan from Lawrenceville, NJ

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a lot through the required freshman courses. Freshman writing has taught me a lot about writing that I didn't learn in high school. Encore has helped me to broaden my view on music and performing arts. Community service has taught me that helping others can be very gratifying.
Am enjoying being here
Between community service, encore, and instrumental ensemble, I stay pretty busy. Of course I still find time to hang out with my friends and have dinner together or watch a movie. There's always something to do here. Some of these things are: bowling, movie nights, bingo nights, karaoke nights, trivia nights, sporting events, clubs, etc.
Bang for the buck
The money you pay for this school is well worth it. You get classes that you wouldn't get at any other college, professors and staff that actually know your name and are willing to work with you, and free tutoring.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the workload get you down. After a while, you'll come to realize that all your hard work will pay off once you get into graduate school or the workforce.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students that want a college campus that feels like home, but has always has events going on, small class sizes, and a beautiful view.

Christina from New York, NY

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is never a moment in which you are not learning something at Elmira College. Whether you are learning something academic or something about yourself, you're mind is literally always working. The professors not only want you to learn about the subject but how to apply it to everyday life and how it benefits.
Am enjoying being here
Elmira College is my dream college. I fell in love with it just by looking at it online. In my opinion that's how you can tell if a college is the perfect fit for you or not. The administrators, the students, the professors and in general everyone is kind, social and real. You really won't ever find another college that feels more at home than here.
Bang for the buck
One thing is that this college is EXPENSIVE. However they do offer AMAZING scholarships and pretty much everyone here is on some type of scholarship. The quality of the education definitely matches the amount you pay for it.
Tips for prospective students
Get ready for a lot of writing and sleepless nights. Also I hope that you love TONS of purple.
Great for these types of students
People who are motivated (trust me, its a plus), willing to take constructive criticisms, and who want a small campus where everyone basically knows everyone and who want a place that is willing to become a part of your family and don't abandon their own.

Tyler from Rosendale, NY

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being here at Elmira College is teaching me a lot. Whether it is what I am learning in classes, from my friends, or from the clubs and community service I participate in, I am learning more and more about who I am and what I want to be. Elmira College is full of Professors and short on students, so there are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one tutoring with your professors. There are also tutoring services that are incorporated into your tuition that cover every class provided on campus.
There are also international students hailing from over thirty different countries, so learning more about other cultures in a context outside of the classroom is almost unavoidable.
Am enjoying being here
When I walked onto the Elmira College campus it was love at first sight. Granted, there are no huge buildings that are architectural marvels like there are on some campuses, but at Elmira you feel like you are at a place of higher learning. All of the building are made of red brick and are accented with white sandstone and green ivy. It is cohesive. Most large Universities have building from different decades just thrown together. Elmira is a cohesive and pleasant looking campus.
Aside from how aesthetically pleasing the campus is, the food is great. There are four different places on campus to grab something to eat. When that is combined with the two grocery stores and several restaurants within walking distance from the school, there is always something new to eat.
Although I would never call Elmira a Party School, there is always something going on, either provided by the school or a party thrown by students, everyday. The Student Activities Board(SAB) provides movies, comedians, musicians and other forms of entertainment on campus for no cost to the student. There are three clubs/bars near the campus that actually host Elmira College only nights to provide a safe place for students to have fun and a few drinks without having to worry about the town crashing the party.
Bang for the buck
Elmira College has a high price tag. I'm paying $47,000 a year in tuition and room and board, and that number is climbing for incoming students. Yet, with that said, that $47,000 a year includes tuition for all 3 trimesters, a dorm room that is larger than most other colleges/universities, money for meals, unlimited tutoring sessions and visits with campus nurses, doctors, therapists and physical therapists. Let us not forget the weight room, pool, an on-campus bowling alley, weekly entertainment, cable TV, internet access, access to on-campus sporting events, money that is used to fund on campus clubs and intramural sports and much more
That's a lot of stuff right? Well, here's the best part. No one ever pays full price. Thanks to donations provided by Alumni and Parents, the school is able to provide deserving students academic based scholarships that range from $10,000 a year to a Full Ride.
Elmira College is one of the best schools in the region, and has one of the best nursing programs in the nation. Elmira's teaching, business and criminal justice programs are also very strong.
Tips for prospective students
Elmira College has a high price tag. One of the best ways to trim down that cost is to have a high GPA. A student with 3.2 GPA and 1150 or higher on their SAT's can get a $20,000 a year scholarship. Usually the scholarship provided by the school in combination with Federal and state financial aid usually makes EC's price tag comparable to a community college.
Great for these types of students
Ambitious student will thrive here. Academically, having a degree in nursing, business, education, accounting and criminal justice from Elmira College can open doors for you in the future.

Maria from Bronx, NY

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learn so much in just one month of school, most teachers are really good and know what their teaching. I am actually becoming a better writer because all freshman have to take a year long writing class and its been really rewarding and it has made me a more stronger and convincing writer.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy being in this college. I have a found a group of friends with whom I share many things like favorite movies and books. There's also all the clubs available to the students, there's the harry potter club, the red cross club, circle k club, dance clubs, A Capella groups and many other clubs.
The food is pretty good, and not repetitive like in high school.
Bang for the buck
I do think I am getting the bang for my bucks because i love all the classes i am taking, the professors are really there for you if you have any problem and the English classes are really enjoyable.
The only problem i do see it's that tuition is pretty expensive but the financial aid department is really good and they try everything so that you can attend the college
Tips for prospective students
Come In ready to write and write a lot. Have an open mind, Volunteer all you can, and read, read , read.

Celida from Bronx, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this school was my first choice since i was a junior in high school. for me to get accepted here is an great honor. even though the classes are sometime hard theres alway tutoring and office hours from your professor willing to help you all the way through the term.
Tips for prospective students
be prepare to read and write a lot.
Academic Rigor
study a lot, read read read. it might be stressful at first but is manageable to handle.
Dorm Life
dorm life is very fun, you meet the friends you going to spend your four years with. everyone is very friendly. one tip be outgoing.
Food and Dining
great food, something new everyday day.
What to do for fun
theres always something to do for fun like bowling, movie night, concerts, parties, ects. this campus is full of entertainment. i guarantee you will have fun in all the events in elmira.
Bang for the buck
definitely, every dollar is worth in elmira. elmira college is a breath taking school, as soon as you step foot on campus you see beauty. also elmira is very dedicate to their school color purple and gold, there no other school who is dedicate to their color as this school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
unusual tradition in elmira is that they never change their tradition as a freshman is enrolled in their first term they have to wear a purple and gold beanie hat for the first week. their also mountain day, is rewarded to the school as a day off classes, if we the student sing the school song loud enough to show our school spirits.
Great for these types of students
great for all majors.
Clubs and Activities
a lot of activities and club there's always something to do on campus.
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
campus security is very helpful. they're always there when you need them.

Stephanie from Cicero, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elmira College is a school for students looking for a small, private school with a welcoming spirit and a tight-knit community. The professors will know you by your first name, and you will soon realize that you are an important asset to the college as a whole. Elmira College offers strong academics as well as a wonderful place to gain the full college experience.
Tips for prospective students
If you are interested in Elmira College, you should definitely visit the campus. It is a beautiful place and you will love the beauty and warmth of it. Completing an interview will also be helpful in getting all of your questions answered while providing that personal touch to your application for admission. Have lunch with a Gold Key (tour guide) if you get the chance, because they will be able to offer a student's perspective and answer your questions as well!
Academic Rigor
Elmira College will challenge you in all the right ways as long as you are a serious student. Take classes that you know will challenge you, and complete all assigned work and you will definitely learn more than enough for your future career goals.
Dorm Life
The dorms range from older buildings to practically brand new, but they all offer the classic dorm life situation. You will have a resident assistant on your floor to help you with whatever you need. The school is very accommodating regarding any problems with your room, and will have any broken items fixed promptly.
Food and Dining
Elmira College has three places in which students can enjoy a variety of foods. There is Mackenzie's, which is a pub-style restaurant that has sandwiches, salad, pizza, chicken tenders, pasta and more. The 1855 Room is a wonderful place to enjoy burgers, hot sandwiches, calzones, and the coffee bar has Starbuck's coffee. The main dining hall has more options than I could ever list, and everyone can find something that will make their mouth water. It is definitely possible to eat healthy on campus, but there are also opportunities to treat yourself to something not-so-healthy but delicious!
What to do for fun
There are a variety of ways to have fun at Elmira. Of course, hanging out with friends in the dorms and around campus is a great way. But joining clubs is the best way to meet people, keep busy, and have fun. There is a large assortment of clubs for students of all backgrounds. The Student Activities Board also offers movies, bands, comedians, and game nights for you and your friends. There is always something going on at Elmira.
Bang for the buck
I love Elmira, as do most of my friends. I am receiving a great education and I am gaining a lot of experience in my field. I believe it is definitely worth what I am paying. What is great is that most everyone receives a scholarship to Elmira so it is more affordable! Of course, most people still need financial assistance, but it is not impossible for most people to make a plan and attend Elmira without risking financial troubles.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Elmira College has a large amount of traditions that you will not find on any other campus. Summer Registration is the first tradition that students experience, and they have the opportunity to meet people and learn about what to expect when they move in during the fall. When Fall Orientation rolls around, a number of traditions occur including the Beanie Ceremony, the Candlelight Ceremony, and the Academic Banquet. Traditions continue throughout the academic year, and truly add to the sense of community on campus.
Great for these types of students
Elmira College is great for any student that likes traditions, community, a small campus and/or caring faculty.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of clubs to join! I could never list them all, but everyone finds something they are interested in.
Greek Life
There is no Greek Life at Elmira College.
Campus Safety
We have great security and I almost always feel completely safe. Be smart and you will be fine.

Blaine from Elmira, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
elmira college is a small institution and is a liberal arts college. students can easily navigate the campus and can pick up on the traditions at elmira very quickly. elmira college, ec, is a nice college for a student to attend if he or she can afford it.
Tips for prospective students
1. be aware of which credits are and are not transferable
2. make sure to ask any and all questions about cost, and budget money wisely
3. writing, core, community service, and encore are required for freshman
4. science lab and clark health center are $500 and $300, respectively
5. a $300 confirmation fee is paid each year to confirm attendance
6. course books are sold on campus and are a separate cost from tuition
7. the college will provide students with medical insurance
8. the campus is almost it's own separate community within the city
9. free black and white printing and internet use in the library
Academic Rigor
1. freshman writing consists of a twenty page research paper, a ten page research paper, and over twenty four-five page papers. all papers correspond to a book read.
2. encore is a performing arts class in which all students must watch eight performances and then write an essay refering to those performances on a topic provided.
3. sixty total hours of community service are required of all freshman
4. core is a literature class and ranges in difficulty by professor
5. your academic major classes must also be taken while taking the freshman requirements.
6. twelve credits must be taken per semester to remain a full-time student
7. a low gpa may result in the loss of a scholarship from the college
Dorm Life
the dorms are well-kept by the campus staff and are not in need of serious repairs; however, some small things may be damaged and are replacable.
Food and Dining
the food on campus is found in the campus center and there is quite the variety. in the campus center a main dinning hall, a cafe, a restaurant, and a smaller dinning area can be found.
What to do for fun
many events are held every weekend in which the students can escape their studies and participate in activities. there is a fitness center and poll and many various clubs on campus as well. parties are occasionally held on campus.
Bang for the buck
elmira is a more expensive college and scholarships or any kind of funds is helpful for a students attendence. the college keeps an individual very busy on and off of campus; although, the quality of campus life and certain requirements could use improvement, in my opinion.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
elmira college has the candle light ceremony for all incoming freshman and there are a few songs that the college students learn that are sung at events and ceremonies. each dorm has its own lounge area and the campus center and library can also be places to hang out and study with friends.
Great for these types of students
elmira college is very big for majors in biology, chemistry, and teaching. it also offers political science, and theatre, and other majors and minors as well. students looking for a challenge and a more personal college experience with their professors would enjoy attending elmira college.
Clubs and Activities
there are a variety of different clubs and activities on campus. generally, clubs meet once a week and host activities for students to paticipate in on weekends. two to three weekend events are usually offered.l
Greek Life
none.
Campus Safety
the campus has its own security staff that watches the activity of poeple both on and off campus. campus security are readily available and respond to calls from students who feel uncomfortable even if it is simply to escort the student at night.

Mallori from Gregory, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Elmira is academically and aesthetically pleasing. It offers great one-on-one with teachers and has wonderful academic, sports, arts, and more programs. Many changes are in the way right now, making the school to be even better very soon!
Tips for prospective students
If you have major dietary needs, such as being vegan or gluten free, check out all of your options meal programs. Elmira's program gives you a lot of money to eat and many options on campus on where to eat. Unfortunately, vegan and gluten free options are not that big here, but they are getting better.
Academic Rigor
The studies here are very good. The are difficult and challenging but manageable if you apply yourself.
Dorm Life
RAs and RLCs make sure to make the dorm buildings close, clean, fun, and safe environments.
Food and Dining
Vegan and gluten free options are not as abundant as the growing population needs them to be, but the school is becoming better at giving more options.
What to do for fun
There are so many clubs and activities on campus that you can never be bored. The Student Activities Board and Big Events club brings comedians, movies, bands, and more to the school, providing a great time every week and especially on the weekends.
Bang for the buck
The school is a bit expensive, but it is about the normal price for a private school. Since it is a good school and private, so out-of-state people do not have to pay more, a wide diversity of people go to Elmira College. They also offer very good scholarships to help students get a great education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Elmira is on a trimester schedule, 12 weeks for the first two and only 8 weeks in the third, so the third trimester is the most fun and relaxing. It also offers and travel abroad program every third trimester with so many places to go and for a great price. There are also traditions this school does such as May Day and Mountain Day where students get the day off and there are fun activities to go to such as racing cardboard boats in The Puddle, which is like a cute pond on campus. Also, there is a beautiful fountain on campus which people just hang out in and around on beautiful days.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to get a really good education and don't mind working, especially for science majors. Students looking into nursing get a very good program especially, and education majors.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many different clubs and activities that everyone can find many things that they can enjoy. It is a great way to meet new people and make great friends that otherwise you would have never known about, despite the small size of the school.
Greek Life
There are no fraternities or sororities at Elmira College.
Campus Safety
With RAs and an RLC on duty all not, along with great security officers and available people to call to escort you if you do not feel safe, the Elmira Campus makes sure people feel comfortable.

Kaitlynn from Phillipsburg, NJ

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This beautiful college was my first choice the moment I set foot on campus. The students, staff and faculty assisted me with any questions with smiles on their faces. I cannot wait to join the Elmira family!
Tips for prospective students
If there are any questions you have, feel free to ask anything! They will make you feel comfortable and at ease as they help you.
Academic Rigor
From the responses of the students I have interviewed the courses are realistic and push the students just enough to reach the peak of their ability.
Dorm Life
I stayed overnight in a dorm with some of last year's freshmen and loved the experience. the rooms and accomidations wer clan and comfortable and all were welcoming and eventful.
Food and Dining
The amount of choices of food and places to eat is overwhelmingly delightful with fresh delicious meals wherever you go.
What to do for fun
The campus has its own bowling ally, golf course, pool and gym. The library has movies and games to rent for nights in with friends and there are many parties, concerts, and shows provided on campus for the students.
Bang for the buck
Although the cost of this college is quite hefty, their scholarships and financial aid make such an education obainable. When all is added up, Elmira is definantly worth the cost.
Campus Safety
Security guards are located on the all inclusive campus 24/7 to ensure the saftey of each student.