Goshen College Reviews
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Allison from Goshen, IN
01/04/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 1 of 9
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Any students who are looking for a small-town, community, feeling.
Tips for prospective students Go to the summer programs they offer. I met some great people at Take Another Look Weekend in March and I am still best friends with these people.
Bang for the buck Tuition is pretty pricey. I feel like the level of education I am receiving is worth it, but I don't have anything to compare it too, college-wise.
Am enjoying being here I started my freshman year by commuting, that didn't seem to work. Once I was on campus I felt so welcomed and like such a member of a community that I never want to leave! I love the people that I am meeting.
Am learning a lot I have never attend a Christian institution before, and I feel like Goshen gives me the opportunity to not only learn about things for my major, it also helps me learn about religion and myself.
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Stacy from Goshen, IN
12/28/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 2 of 9
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Mennonites and other religions alike. Although the college is officially considered a Mennonite college, other religions and cultures do not feel excluded or separated from the majority. Personally, I felt as though there were no religious separations due to the sense of community. Chapel services specifically cater to Mennonites but nourish all religions.
Tips for prospective students Attend social events for they are what help mold the community atmosphere.
Bang for the buck Expensive tuition and rooming due to the private college status. However, the community atmosphere and opportunities at the college make up for the expense. On campus jobs are abundant and available for those who make the initiative to apply.
Am enjoying being here Residence hall and building activities are numerous. Social atmosphere is constant yet not out of hand. Although the college does have behavioral standards, they do not create a sense of being overly controlled. Often, Christian colleges place many restrictions on students which treat them not as upcoming adults, this is not the case at Goshen College.
Am learning a lot Classes are academically based and require studious habits. This benefits the students overall. Liberal arts colleges creates a well-rounded individual.
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Sarah from Goshen, IN
10/07/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 9
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Good for people who want the small school experience
Tips for prospective students Stay on campus...it makes the school visit a lot more fun. Also, sit in on classes that might be interesting to you to see how the professors teach
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Christine from New Paris, IN
09/07/2010Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 9
Categories Comments Bang for the buck Tuition is through the roof, but it's worth it.
Will enjoy being here You will enjoy Goshen's close-knit atmosphere. However, make sure that you visit at least once before deciding to go to GC. Make sure that the environment is what you want. Some students don't like the small size or Mennonite atmosphere.
Will learn a lot The teachers are excellent and care about students as individuals. Everyone will know your name.
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Classy New Englander
04/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 5 of 9
Categories Comments Campus Safety Very Good!
Clubs and Activities I give it a 3 out of 5. There are plenty of groups to join but I am not in any this year.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a train track that runs through the campus so you need to learn the trains schedule and give yourself plenty of time to get to class because if you get caught on the wrong side, these are long trains and you will be late for class.
Bang for the buck School is a private school so it is a little pricey. They do give out decent financial aid but are strict about keeping your grades up or you loose your money. They have athletic scholarships too. You also get to study abroad and do missions work and this is part of tuition for part of 1 semester and they have very interesting places to choose from.
What to do for fun Pool tables. Nice gym to work out in. Places to ride your bike. Some good places to eat in downtown Goshen and a movie theater.
Food and Dining Food is okay. Java Junction is a little coffee house that the school has and you can apply for a job there too. They have coffee, smoothies and some other drinks.
Dorm Life There are lots of things to do. RA's are always setting up stuff to do with the kids on different floors. Some RA's are better than others and have things to do almost every weekend. Do as many of the functions as you can. It is a great way to meet kids from the other floors.
Academic Rigor Classes for math and sciences are very challenging. The school does offer study groups but there arent many 1 on 1 tutors to be found. If you carry a full load of classes and do a sport and work study, you may find your self using your whole weekend to get your homework done. But it is do able.
Tips for prospective students This is a non denominational christian college so you will be expected to take some religion classes. Dont bring too much stuff with you because rooms are a little small. Campus book store doesnt have alot of personal items in it so you will need to know someone with a car to get to the Walmart to buy incendentals. Java Junction has great smoothies for a reasonable price. Bring lots of quarters for the washer and dryers.
In three sentences If you are looking for a small college experience, this is the place to be. Small classes with great professors. Everyone gets a chance to play sports no matter what your ability is.
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Andrea from Willow Street, PA
05/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 6 of 9
Categories Comments Campus Safety Settled in Goshen, Indiana, a town of approximately 30,000 residents, Goshen College does not have much trouble with safety issues. 24 hour security strolls the perimeters of the campus as well as the inside of buildings. The actual college is situated a few minutes from the downtown area and is surrounded by residential housing. Academic buildings are locked at night and all dorm floors are ID entry only at all times.
Greek Life Goshen College does not offer fraternities and sororities. Each dorm is very well connected and has a strong sense of community that is facilitated by the Resident Adviser and Ministry Leader.
Clubs and Activities There are a wide range of clubs and activities for such a small college, including athletic, literary, musical, academic, and religious. Most of the students are involved in a club, and many are involved in multiple. There are collegiate athletics as well as the widely popular intramurals. Most academic departments have clubs and there are clubs such as Longboarding, Knitting, Film, and Peace Club. There are numerous activities planned by the Resident Advisers and Campus Activities Council during the year. The campus wide talent show, Kick-Off, is very well attended.
Great for these types of students Goshen College is great for all students, but especially those willing to expand their minds and willing to challenge their beliefs and make them their own. Students who want to gain knowledge, insight, and a curious and inquisitive nature will excel here as well as those interested art, music, peace and justice, and sustainable living.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Goshen College students enjoy singing hymns and will often strike up a spontaneous hymn sing in addition to the regularly scheduled hymn club. Four part harmony is not uncommon to hear wafting through the courtyard or in the dorm. Music is a large part of the students' lives. Goshen offers a very special part of campus unique to colleges - over a thousand acre piece of land called Merry Lea Environmental Center filled with swamp, rivers, forest, and trails where all students can recreate and study at. It boasts completely green housing when students reside their during environmental study.
Bang for the buck Although Goshen is not as inexpensive as local community colleges or state schools, it does offer quite an impressive academic and social experience. Many students find themselves embracing new things that they would not have tried elsewhere and finding their creative senses enriched. While Goshen may not be for everyone, this small college offers a rich sense of community and belonging in addition to the great academics and high job rate upon graduation.
What to do for fun Along with the campus activities planned by the Campus Activities Council, there is the surrounding town of Goshen. Every month there is a First Friday event where students enjoy the local art, music, and food scene. There are many local eateries to try. Goshen is quite nice in the fall and spring where there are outdoor activities such as frisbee, tennis, basketball, biking, soccer, canoeing. The Recreation and Fitness Center also provides an basketball courts, an indoor track, racket courts, exercise machines, and a pool and hot tub that is also open to community members. There are various spinning and aerobic classes offered daily. Nearby cities are also a popular attraction to students. Chicago, Fort Wayne, and South Bend offer many cultural and educational opportunities that students enjoy.
Food and Dining Goshen College utilizes the expertise of AVI Fresh Dining Services, which employs local and fresh foods in Westlawn Dining Hall. The chef's gated garden serves as a popular place for outdoor eating and small round tables facilitate family style dining. There are many options to choose from: a salad bar with multiple kinds of greens, a pasta salad bar, cold sandwich bar, hot entree bar, hot sandwich bar, pizza line, international food bar that includes a vegetarian option, pasta bar, and dessert bakery. There are also fruit baskets containing various options and a cold cereal bar. There is always a vegan option as well. Students can request soy or lactose-free products if they have allergies and can also have a packed lunch for them on days that they cannot attend the dining hall.
Dorm Life At Goshen College, the underclassmen dorms are all connected by enclosed passageways and house a coffee shop, study lounges, laundry facilities, and a game room. There are various dorm room styles that offer double and triple rooming options with freshmen and sophomores mixed on each floor. Resident Assistants and Ministry Leaders help facilitate effective freshmen transitioning and provide community building and activities for students. There are campus wide activities like athletic tournaments, open gym nights, dances, service events, educational seminars, and musical events. Students enjoy residing in the dorms and some even choose to live in them in their upperclassmen years.
Academic Rigor Goshen College desires all students to be academically successful. With a reputation for challenging academics in all areas of study, Goshen is known for its especially outstanding Nursing, Biology, Physics, and Music programs. The small class sizes provide for more professor to student interaction. Goshen offers additional assistance from its Academic Center where all students may go to receive aid in all areas of study. Most incoming freshmen have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; of those, over half of the incoming athletes have a GPA of 3.73 or higher. Goshen College students strive to challenge themselves academically.
Tips for prospective students Goshen College students can be advised to anticipate learning in the classroom as well as with campus life. The professors encourage students to embrace academic rigor but will gladly provide assistance and clarify things they are struggling with. Students can be warned that there are many things to get involved with and that it is a great way to meet other students who have enthusiasm for similar issues.
In three sentences Goshen College offers students an excellent liberal arts education rooted in passionate learning and challenging the status quo. With enrollment at approximately one thousand students, caring professors can invest a significant amount of time in students' lives and learning. Students can also enrich their college experience with an abundance of extracurriculars - from clubs to intramural sports to musical productions.
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April from Goshen, IN
07/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 9
Categories Comments Campus Safety Safety of students is taken very seriously. The security here is vigilant and very approachable.
Greek Life There isn't any.
Clubs and Activities there are clubs for every major in addition to political and social issues.
Great for these types of students International students will like the tuition breaks that Goshen College offers and they are given first priority for on campus jobs since they can't work elsewhere on a student visa. Students who wish to major in Biology or Nursing do well. The college has a strong music and arts program as well. Students who just want to go a party school and slack off will not do well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a lot of singing and first years go through the Goshen Tunnel created by other students, professors and staff on their first day of college. There is this annoying tradition of Goshen Borrowing...where people will take/steal bikes or other items without asking. Usually the items are returned but not always.
Bang for the buck The school is a bit pricey but the Finaid department really helps needy students with scholarships and other aid. It seems that athletes get the best Finaid packages but there are several scholarships available based solely on academic achievement.
What to do for fun There are lots of campus related clubs and other student led activities. The drama and music programs are really good. The town of Goshen also has a First Friday each month downtown with music, food and wares for sell. There is something for everyone.
Food and Dining Food is fanastic. Meal plans are a bit pricey but for organic locally grown food its worth it. There is a lot of variety. The college has a cafeteria nicknamed The Fresh. It used to be the Rott before AVI became the food provider. It also a has a grill , the Leaf Raker and a student run coffee shop called Java Junction.
Dorm Life The dorms are segregated by gender and drinking is not allowed in the dorms or off campus housing. However, there is still alot of fun to be had with dorm parties and picnics held year-round.
Academic Rigor It is important to pay attention to how much study time the professors suggest students take for their classes. Goshen College is known for being good preparation for grad school. The professors are strict but fair. An A in other schools is typically a B at Goshen College
Tips for prospective students It is a Mennonite College so one should familiarize him or herself with the Mennonite faith and ethnic Mennonite culture. The college is working on improving its relationship with LBGT students but still has a restrictive policy concerning openly LGBT faculty. The college is also actively working on becoming more welcome to ethnic and religious diversity.
In three sentences It has a good student-professor ratio and even most lower level classes are taught by professors with doctorate degrees. The cafeteria serves mostly organic food from a variety of cultures in addition to the basic college fare of pizza and sweets. There are quite a few social clubs on campus as well.
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Elizabeth from Greensboro, NC
10/01/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 8 of 9
Categories Comments Campus Safety We have keycards that let us on to floors and dorms. There are video monitors around campus and you often see security around at night. I've always felt very safe.
Clubs and Activities There are a good number of clubs for the size of the school and they vary from theatre club to introvert club. So regardless of your personality, you can find one that fits you and your schedule.
Great for these types of students If you are looking for an small setting with intimate classes and spiritual availability, this is the place for you!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hymn sings are a really cool tradition. The Hymn Club has a meeting once a week and then every now and then a giant hymn sing happens on campus. Faculty and students alike join in four harmony for 15-20 songs and just enjoy music and fellowship.
Bang for the buck You receive a really good education that also focuses on servicing our world and our communities. The professors love what they do and expect and help you learn no matter what. Regardless of what you believe or what help you may need, someone is there to help guide you and enable you to receive the best education possible.
What to do for fun There are many intramural sports and the gym has really fun options, such as: racquet ball, spinning classes, and a rock wall. There are hymn sings, which are fabulous, and many other ways to find service that works for you. There are always sporting events going on and floor activities during the night. And no matter what, you can join or start a club that suits your fancy.
Food and Dining It is a smaller school, so the hours are fewer and the so are the options. However, there are new things to try most days and some classics that can keep you full if there is nothing else that suits your appetite.
Dorm Life Gorgeous dorms with great connecting lounges and hallways for all of the students. There is a really good dorm life staff and cleaning staff, so the dorms are clean and there are always fun floor activities.
Academic Rigor The science classes are much more rigorous, but the 100 and 200 level classes for English and otherwise aren't especially strenuous.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you want to be at a small school and enjoy that tight community feel. Also, if you want to be at this school and aren't very spiritual, I advice being open-minded to a more religious view in some classes and in the weekly chapel.
In three sentences A small, liberal arts, christian school that focuses on a personal education specific to your needs. The downfall of such a small school is the hours of the cafeteria and library, but the resources are just as good as any university. It is a well grounded and tight-knit community that let's everyone share in a common bond and goal for justice in our world.
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Bekah from Beecher, IL
01/31/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 9
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus itself is very safe and very quiet at all times. There are only about 2 security guards I believe.
Greek Life There is no Greek Life.
Clubs and Activities There are not too many clubs or activities, but there is a time to submit club ideas that could be funded by the school.
Great for these types of students Quiet Mennonite students would work very well here. Peace minded students as well. Although, people who like to go out and find things to do would probably not like it. Especially without a car.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Kickoff is a tradition that happens once a semester. It is a talent show that requires formal dress.
Bang for the buck This is a very pricey school that is very strict and not in a prime location. The academics are great along with the Study Service Term, but everything else counterbalances that. The weather is also less than admirable.
What to do for fun There is not much for fun unless you have a car. There is nothing on campus, since it is not a college town. The town is very small and there is practically nothing to do or go that is closer than 30 minutes away.
Food and Dining There are some good things about the food, such as the salad bar. Sometimes there are not options that are appealing, especially when a vegetarian.
Dorm Life It is very quiet and regulated.
Academic Rigor The academics are what is good about the school. Interesting classes are offered.
Tips for prospective students This school is very small, so be prepared to know everyone-- things travel fast. There is almost nothing to do on campus or around it.
In three sentences A place to come if you are interested only in studies. Goshen is a very quiet mennonite school. Goshen is very strict on rules and regulations.
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