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Hope College Holland, MI

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Hope College Reviews

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  • 08/12/2009

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    13 out of 14 people found this review useful. 1 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone interested in science, especially if they want to go on to graduate school. Self-motivated people with a good work ethic. Outgoing, friendly people who love to make new friends Intelligent students who enjoy being challenged academically.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come prepared to work hard, but know that you're going to have a lot of fun as well. If you're interested in research, make sure you talk to your professors about it; sometimes all you need to do to get into a research lab is ask.
    Bang for the buck

    It's true, Hope is expensive, but that's going to be true of any private college. Hope is actually considerably cheaper than well-known schools like Harvard and Princeton, and academically it's just as solid. Hope is especially strong in the sciences; their chemistry program is one of the best in the country. (For example, Sylvia T. Ceyer, the chair of the chemistry department at MIT, is a Hope graduate.) However, what really makes Hope stand out academically is its undergraduate research program, which is one of the very best in the country. It's very easy to get involved in research with a professor, either as a volunteer or through Hope's summer research program. And besides being a terrific school academically, Hope is also a great place to live. It's an easy walk to charming downtown Holland, and the beach isn't too far from campus either.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has been everything I hoped for in a college, and more. I sensed from my first visit there that this was THE college for me, and I have not regretted my decision for a second. The people at Hope are wonderful; besides great relationships with my professors, I have become close friends with many of my fellow students. There's almost always something fun and exciting going on, either on campus or in the Holland community. Hope has a number of great traditions as well, like the Pull, the Nykerk Cup, and Dance Marathon. My favorite events are the monthly shows performed by Vanderprov, an improv comedy group made up of Hope Students.
    Am learning a lot

    The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to succeed, and will give you any help you might need. Even in some of my largest classes the professors knew everyone's name.
  • 07/26/2009

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    10 out of 12 people found this review useful. 2 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing Studious Friendly Christian
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you spend the night and attend classes to see if this is the right fit for you. Talk to students in your similar interests and they can relate their personal opinion on the topic rather than the advisers or professors, although they give great insight too.
    Bang for the buck

    Although Hope is very expensive, being a private school, they are usually very good about working with financial situations. This was the most expensive option for me, but I don't regret one day spent on campus.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere at Hope is amazing, and people are consistently nice and supportive. There are many well rounded activities for any individual to become involved in. Also, there is a great balance of social life and academics.
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here always offer office hours and are willing to help you in anyway possible. I feel like I'm constantly challenged and involved in my classes
  • 07/13/2009

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 out of 11 people found this review useful. 3 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for students who want a small school and hands-on experience. It's also great if you want to have one-on-one time with your professor.
    Tips for prospective students

    Hope's small size helps you meet new people who'll be your friends for life.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has such a great atmosphere! I didn't even want to come home this summer!
    Am learning a lot

    There's a lot of interaction between you and the professor.
  • 08/11/2009

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 out of 9 people found this review useful. 4 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing/Reserved Athletes/ Nonathletic Christian/Non-christian Studious and Fun-loving....most of all Willing to Learn.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the school at least twice. Spend a day exploring the campus and talking to professors in your fields of interest. Take a walk through down town Holland.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope provides so many student support services that it is well worth the expense. It offers a first class education tailored to meet the individual needs of the student. The financial aid available makes the price competitive with that of many state universities.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has brought out the best in me. I've made many new friends and feel that I have a real connection with my classmates and professors.
    Am learning a lot

    Professors constantly encourage students to think deeply and investigate fields in areas outside their primary interest.
  • 01/21/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 5 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for religious students. But not necessarily. Yes, we do have chapel on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but it is by no means required, nor do all students participate. If you are looking for a smaller school, with amazing academic and undergraduate research programs, this is the place for you!
    Tips for prospective students

    I would definitely consider Hope College if you like the home town setting of a town. Holland is a beautiful city, with a wonderful downtown which is only about a 4 minute walk from campus. Hope is a rather small school, which makes it easier to get to know people, and faculty.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope is a rather expensive school seeing as it is a private institution, but it is well worth it. Each professor makes a point to meet his or her students, and get to know them on a more casual level. The class sizes are small, which make for easy classroom learning and a nice environment.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the christian atmosphere at Hope. What made me choose Hope was how genuinely nice and happy all the students, professors, and staff were at Hope. Between the Hope College Basketball games and Movies on campus, there is always something to do on the weekends. There are also many clubs and events to get involved with.
    Am learning a lot

    The academics at Hope College are demanding, but well worth the time studying. Each professor takes his or her time to make sure all students are understanding the concepts of the class.
  • 01/31/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 6 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is a great place for just about any type of student. The professors are all great and open minded to listening to new ideas and views. Anyone with a good attitude and prepared for getting a great education and having fun while doing it should come to Hope. Hope is also a great place for anybody who doesn't want to go to school in the middle of nowhere, downtown is just a block away and there are lots of places to go close.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just like any other private college, Hope does require a good deal of money to attend. However, they are very helpful in providing financial aid for those students that truly need it and are willing to help as much as possible. The undergrad programs that Hope has are all great and some of the best around. Hope is one of the only private schools that offer dance as a major, and have a great and heavy dance program. Apart from that, they also have great science and pre-med programs. All of the professors at Hope are very qualified in their fields. Most professors have written their own books. Professor Matt DeJongh received the Fulbright and National Science Foundation awards for some of his bioinformatic research.
    Bang for the buck

    Just like any other private college, Hope does require a good deal of money to attend. However, they are very helpful in providing financial aid for those students that truly need it and are willing to help as much as possible. The undergrad programs that Hope has are all great and some of the best around. Hope is one of the only private schools that offer dance as a major, and have a great and heavy dance program. Apart from that, they also have great science and pre-med programs. All of the professors at Hope are very qualified in their fields. Most professors have written their own books. Professor Matt DeJongh received the Fulbright and National Science Foundation awards for some of his bioinformatic research.
    Am enjoying being here

    The community here at Hope is a great one. There are so many things to do and be a part of. At the beginning of the year there is an activities fair. Every single club or student union has a booth set up for students to come and sign up for information and to be a part of them. Hope does a great job in trying to get as many people actively involved in the community as possible. Hope puts good use to the money you pay by providing a great gym and indoor pool, weekly shows by lots of different people, and great rivalry basketball games. Downtown Holland is only a block away from campus, enabling students to take trips to the stores and restaurants of downtown. I have so much enjoyed my time here at Hope so far and am sure that anyone else will also.
    Am learning a lot

    The professors at Hope do their best to do whatever they can for the students. Teaching is really their passion and they work hard to take time for each individual student. The education at Hope is a good one, the classes and professors challenge each student individually and strive to see each and every student succeed. Every professor tries to arrange times for any student that needs help to get it either from them personally or a knowledgeable student in the area. To graduate from Hope, you are really going to have to work and learn a lot.
  • 11/02/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 7 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want a broad range education in a small friendly community.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring warm clothes, Michigan gets cold quick! Also, get involved there are so many events going on, and lectures outside of class that are really impressive. It may seem weird to go to educational events, but they are totally worth it.
    Bang for the buck

    I am not sure how I will be paying for this education but believe God has it all under control. There is helpful scholarships but they don't cover May terms and Summer classes.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the campus it is very beautiful. Hope is not too far from Lake Michigan, which is gorgeous. I am on the cross country team and love it when our workouts would end at the beach.
    Am learning a lot

    I am finally get to learn about topics that will impact me today. Inside and outside of class there are opportunities for me to learn.
  • 12/09/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 8 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    If you are used to a small town feeling and want to be known by your name and not your number, Hope will be perfect. If religion is also a big part of your life, or you would like it to be more, than Hope is another great place. Chapel meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 20 minutes and The Gathering meets every Sunday night for about an hour and a half. The best part is that it is not required so every person there is there because they want to be.
    Tips for prospective students

    It seems that prospective students are here every weekend, so if you are interested in Hope, absolutely contact them for a prospective weekend or for a tour. You can stay with current students in their dorms and go on a tour of the campus. If you live far away from the campus, you may be eligible for different programs that help you pay to get to the campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope College is a private school, so tuition is a bit pricy, but it also has a great Financial AID system that barely anyone pays ticketed price. Hope also is known for its accreditation so a higher tuition will pay off when you have the up on job applications or grad school applications.
    Am enjoying being here

    Because Hope is small, it gives you a tight community to live in, but not so tight you feel like you are on top of each other. Professors know you on a first name basis as opposed to a number in the network, and they are so willing to help you as a person, and not just as a member of their class. There are so many different small groups or programs that you can join, and there is always something you can do.
    Am learning a lot

    You will learn so much in every class you take at Hope. Because it is a liberal arts school, part of the graduation requirements include a wide variety of classes ranging from art to science to religion and everything in between. Even the extra curricular classes will teach you a lot, and I have never heard of a “blow off” class. This may sound like a negative thing, but the best part about it is Hope is a very accredited school and people know that. With a degree from Hope, you have an up on job or grad school applications compared to people from other schools. People know that Hope College will not let you slack with blow off classes.
  • 09/08/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 9 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who can manage their time well and has a generally positive outlook.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit first- and make sure to attend classes while you're there.
    Bang for the buck

    Ohh yes. As noted elsewhere, Hope costs A LOT, but they pour it right back into their students.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope is, put simply, a lot of fun. But beware lest ye become too caught up in all the clubs and events and forget to do thine homework (for example, I should be doing my French homework right now). Also, Chapel is awesome, and they schedule your classes around it.
    Am learning a lot

    Oh, where to start? My French teacher and the assistant teacher are actually from France, my English/Lit class gets so caught up in discussing the short stories we read that we are now two days behind schedule (and it's okay), and my First Year Seminar involves walking the streets of Holland and learning about the history of the buildings.
  • 02/14/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 10 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is a great place for any student, but especially for those that want to have an awesome college experience, get a great education, and are willing to work hard. :)
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely research all of your options, and come for a visit if you are thinking about Hope! It is important for you to also come and sit in at least one class. Then, you can see the environment of the college and if that is really what you want in a school. And check out our Chapel or Gathering services! They are FANTASTIC!
    Bang for the buck

    The education at Hope is very expensive, but it is worth every penny. The professors and programs that Hope has are wonderful. The worship and experience of being at Hope College is definitely worth spending the extra money.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope provides so many activities to get it's students involved! We have some wonderful traditions here, like The Pull, Nykerk, the Hope and Calvin Rivalry, and more! There is something for everyone to be involved in!
    Am learning a lot

    The professors expect so much from the students, but it helps tremendously. I am learning more from my classes than I ever did in high school because they are more challenging.
  • 06/30/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 11 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Friendly Personable Artistic Musical Studious
    Tips for prospective students

    I believe Hope looks at ACT scores more than SAT scores, so put more effort into ACTs! Also, for international students - the admissions office is super lenient for you! I applied while living in Africa, and my application messed up in just about every way possible, but admissions was willing to work with me, even giving me an extension.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope is pretty expensive, but as they like to remind us, no one pays the full price for a Hope education. I would say considering the quality of education and the atmosphere on campus, the pricing is decent. I think that meal plans cost more than they're worth, though, but then again what other options does a college student without time or a kitchen have?
    Am enjoying being here

    The only thing I don't like about Hope is the winter. :) The community, however, is great! There are a lot of quirky people here, so fun/strange things happen, like the boys in Durfee hall parading around campus banging out beats on whatever they can find, or the chapel band dressing up for Halloween. Everyone is open and friendly, too!
    Am learning a lot

    The classroom situation at Hope is stellar! Because of the small class sizes, I can get personal help from any one of my professors. Several of them have given the class their personal cell phone numbers! In addition, the classes are academically rigorous, and while that makes them challenging at times, it's worth it for a good education.
  • 07/26/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 12 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Hope feels very safe. Despite what people may say about some of the surrounding neighborhoods, I feel safe walking from cottage to cottage at night. Plus, Campus Safety is always willing and available to help out.
    Greek Life

    Hope is a place where you can flourish in or out of Greek Life. There are some groups who party a lot, but others who lend all the support and friendship you could want. Surprisingly, there isn't much tension between Greek Lifers and the rest of the students.
    Clubs and Activities

    Hope has tons of clubs, but not as many as some schools. The administration leans on the conservative side when looking at new club proposals-they don't seem to want to deal with too many different budgets. There are also tons of fun things to do with the Student Activities Committee and other groups. It is also very easy to get involved in any groups- they are always looking for new people.
    Great for these types of students

    If you are a minority, and by that I mean not a White Upper-Middle Class Christian, you have to make an effort to find people to relate to. There are plenty of people in this 'minority,' but arriving on campus can be pretty daunting in its homogeneity. Everyone at Hope is very intelligent, active, and encouraging. In terms of religion at Hope, you can take it as far as you personally want. There are plenty of people for whom Chapel and Bible Study are of the utmost importance, and there are others who couldn't care less. You can easily get into an uplifting and valuable discussion, and people are generally incredibly respectful of all religious views.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Hope has an incredbly rich history-and they are always mentioning it. The Pull and Nykerk are some of the oldest school traditions in the country, and they are excellent ways for new students to form a group of friends and partake in such an ancient ritual. It is also lots of fun. Some of the buildings are quirky, Downtown Holland is a block away, and there is plenty of room to bring your blanket and computer outside to study.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope is getting fairly expensive, but there are lots of scholarships they offer. Plenty of people attending do not pay the sticker price due to loans, scholarships, and grants. The faculty is outstanding and there are so many research opportunities available, which is indispensable.
    What to do for fun

    Hope has lots of events and activities- from movies to concerts to game nights. There are also a few coffee shops around where live music is frequent. You can also go to the beach or Grand Rapids if you've got a friend with a car. However, most businesses and restaurants in town close early and aren't open on Sundays, so making your own fun is a plus.
    Food and Dining

    Phelps dining hall, despite what they say, is not so bad. You have to get creative sometimes, but there are so many options that it is hard to get bored or go hungry. The Kletz is expensive and has strange hours sometimes, but has decent fast food and snacks when you need them. The two coffee shops on campus are pretty great and fun to study in.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm Life at Hope is excellent. There are lots of activities, and they generally chose really good RA's and RD's. The residence halls are in the process of being renovated, so most of them all have new furniture and aren't old and worn. The rooms are small to medium, and they are all very close to the dining halls and center of campus. There is quite a variety of living locations- apartments, suites, cottages, and traditional dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    Hope is very academically rigorous, in every subject from Chemistry to Music to Accounting. The professors are excellent and involved in your success, and if they aren't they are receptive to the student evaluations. There is rarely busy-work and usually really meaningful, interesting, and valuable assignment. It is the perfect place to be a well-rounded student. Some of the required courses are pretty tedious, like FYS, but there are so many good classes that it is all worthwhile.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get a box fan, sign up for every club's mailing list you want, and say 'HI' to everyone you see. Come to Hope ready to experience all that you think you'll experience, plus some more that you never would have expected. You can really get a whole lot out of your first year if you are actively engaged in the campus.
    In three sentences

    Hope is a great place for students who are committed to being involved in their education and getting the most out of the college experiences Hope has to offer. It really does feel like friends and faculty are there to support you and help you get everything you could possibly want out of your time at Hope. For every stereotypical event, tradition, or group of people, there are at least three opposites available so you can always find what fits best.
  • 08/16/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 13 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus Safety is very comforting. It gives great security to see the CS van making their rounds around the campus all night long.
    Greek Life

    Greek Life is a part of Hope College. It is a good way to make connections but definitely not the only way to meet people at Hope.
    Clubs and Activities

    A personal favorite activity is Inter-tube Water polo. It is an intramural sport that is exactly what it sounds like. Water polo in which you must stay in an inter-tube. Such a fun activity.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope College is perfect for a student that cares about their education as well as their faith. It is a place for friendly people that love meeting others and love to have fun.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Lemonjello's and JP's are the two coffee shops downtown Holland that are packed with students. Two great places for great conversations. The Pull is a annual tug of war competition between the freshman and sophomore class across the Black River. Strange tradition, a huge deal. There are many many other traditions at Hope that you truly need to experience to understand.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope College tends to scare off incoming freshman families because of the price tag that goes along with it. However, Hope College is a life-changing place that will not only challenge you academically but spiritually as well. It will help you grow as a person and will grant you with opportunities to have a successful future as well.
    What to do for fun

    With the beach 10 minutes away, Grand Rapids 30 minutes away, and downtown Holland in walking distance there is always something to do! Whether the sun is shining or there is snow on the ground you will never be without something fun for entertainment.
    Food and Dining

    Phelps hall is the main cafeteria on campus and in addition to the many options for food, it also is a wonderful place to socialize.
    Dorm Life

    Hope College dorms are a blast. Living among your best friends can hardly get better than at Hope College. Dorms are well kept and very social.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect the best out of Hope students and Hope students meet these standards. Classes can be challenging but it is nothing that a flying dutchmen can't handle.
    Tips for prospective students

    Embrace every second! Hope students are known for being friendly and warm to others so take every opportunity to meet as many people as you can. Hope is a small school but is a wonderful place for networking. The 4 years will go by fast so soak it all in while you can.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is a nationally acclaimed small college where education and Christian values are held up to the highest standard. Friendly faces and genuine hellos are as common as the black squirrels that too, make Hope College their home. Hope is a place to grow, learn, and develop a future and faith.
  • 12/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 14 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus Safety is there around the clock. There are emergency contact posts around the campus with blue lights that can be used to contact campus safety at any time. They also send out pertinent emails when items are stolen to warn the community.
    Greek Life

    Rush is in spring. There are a bunch of frats and sororities. There are rumors about most of them. One, APO, is a coed service fraternity that really isn't associated with Greek Life. There are both social and academic frats and sororities. Beyond that I know nothing.
    Clubs and Activities

    There's really something for everyone. There's a student activities fair at the beginning of the year that lets new students find their niche, and I think it works (worked for me).
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is really meant for people who love to learn, or in the arts, love to work on their craft/perform/etc. Hope is not meant for people who want to just breeze through and move on, except, perhaps, in business. There's really something for everyone who's willing to work hard.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Pull, a tug-of-war match between the freshman and sophomore classes, is held every fall. Honestly, it's a lot of hard work for the people in it, but for onlookers it ends up being mostly hype, and some people argue, myself included, that it's pretty sexist (only men can pull on the rope, only women can cheer the men on from the sidelines). The Nykerk Cup is a three-part talent show that also happens in the fall. It features Song, Oration, and Play. Women participate, morale boys offer support with posters and candy. It can get sexist, too.
    Bang for the buck

    As a student who is attending Hope on a very good merit scholarship, I don't feel qualified to answer. However, an IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who might need health servies (whether physical or mental) should read this. The Admissions Office screwed up and let too many people in and now Hope's health resources are stressed beyond capacity. Currently, there is a two week waiting period to get an appointment with Counseling And Psychological Services, and the Health Center also admits to being overbooked. So far the administration has done nothing to alleviate these stresses, though they admit to being aware of them.
    What to do for fun

    I don't have a car on campus, so I tend to hang out with friends on campus. We also walk downtown to Lemonjello's or JP's (the two coffee shops closest to the school), and late at night (after mdnight), Good Time Donuts is open within walking distance for a sweet snack. There are lovely parks around campus as well, and 8th street is filled with lots of quaint shops, including the Peanut Store and Kilwin's, which both sell candy. Yum.
    Food and Dining

    There are several dining options on campus. Phelps, the main dining hall, is open to everyone, has lots of variety, but the food tends to not be great quality. Cook is open to upperclassmen, people living off campus and residents of Cook Hall, and I'm told it has less variety but better food. The Kletz is a made-to-order, ��� -la-carte-type place with pretty good food and really nice breakfast specials. Cup and Chaucer is located in the library with snacks and drinks, and Cool Beans is a coffee shop next to the Kletz. The college is planning on adding more dining options with the new student center in the works, but if you're looking for stellar cuisine, Hope may not be the college for you. Meal plan options are on a meals-per-week basis, and unused meals do not carry over week to week, so it's rather inflexible. However, the staff at all the dining options are the nicest people, and they love talking to all the students.
    Dorm Life

    There are a number of dorm options available, including the relatively new Cook Hall with high ceilings and bathrooms shared by four people, as well as more traditional dorms. Dykstra Hall is the main freshman girls' dorm, and while I didn't live there, I've been told that people either love it or hate it. It's set up in clusters of six or so rooms with a central congregating area between them and two clusters sharing a bathroom. The other dorms are just dorms, there's nothing special or awful about them. The female RAs can get a bit ditzy, from what I've seen, but you can talk to any RA you want.
    Academic Rigor

    Speaking as both a science student and a languages student, Hope has very rigorous academics. Incoming students can expect to work hard for their grades, but the faculty are so enthusiastic that they make their subjects fun. Help is readily available in case one falls behind with tutoring options and group study sessions for introductory math and science courses, too.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to spend as much time as you want at the student activities fair. That's where I found all my friends, the Geek Life people. (It's a group that loves all things geeky, like Pok���©mon, Dr. Who, tabletop games, steampunk, etc.) There are tons of options available for as small a school as Hope is, and I strongly recommend you check all of them out. Also, be sure to introduce yourself to all your profs as soon as you can, and really get to know your advisor. They all love teaching, they truly care about their students, and they can offer a lot of great advice.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is a school for people who love learning. The science programs, particularly biology and chemistry, are beyond compare, with ample academic year and summer research opportunities available to quench any thirst for knowledge. The campus is beautiful, the town is quaint, and the people at Hope are truly great people.
  • 01/01/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 15 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Nykerk and the Pull make Hope a very special place. Check them out here http://www.hope.edu/pr/pull/glance.html
    What to do for fun

    Hope basketball has a huge student section. We are recognized for our high attendance at sporting events. The student activities committee holds movies and events each week for students to enjoy. There is always something going on at Hope.
    Food and Dining

    Only one dining hall, but it can be fun because you will see your friends always. There is a lot of variety in the food. They are especially considerate to those with special dietary needs and restrictions.
    Dorm Life

    Very high quality. The RA's and living arrangements help you make long lasting friendships.
    Academic Rigor

    The academics can be challenging, but they are preparing you to be the best in whichever career you choose to pursue.
    Tips for prospective students

    Hope isn't just for christians. Its a school with an amazing community and everyone should take the time to visit. You won't find anything better.
    In three sentences

    Hope is a high quality school with excellent academics. It provides an amazingly supportive christian community to its students. No matter where you come from or what you believe, Hope has a place for you.
  • 03/21/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    16 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    I feel so safe on campus, even at night.
    Clubs and Activities

    Ballet club is a lot of fun, and every year we put on a student directed, choreographed, and performed version of the Nutcracker.
    Great for these types of students

    If you excel academically and want a school that isn't going to bore you then Hope College is the right place for you.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The biggest tradition at Hope College is the annual Pull. This is an event in which odd and even year classes play tug of war. It's serious business around here!
    Bang for the buck

    This school is pricey, but that's expected from a private college.
    What to do for fun

    There are a ton of fun clubs to join. Campus is located with in walking distance of downtown which has lots of stores, bars, and restaurants, and its only a short drive to the beach.
    Food and Dining

    There's several options for places to eat on campus and they provide lots of options. Not too mention the campus is located right by downtown which offers a huge variety of off campus dining as well.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is good, but the cost of housing is really high.
    Academic Rigor

    The academics at Hope College are great, you learn so much! Just don't come into it expecting it to be easy.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit campus! Everyone in admissions does a great job of setting up a personalized campus visit that allows you to check out all of the programs you are interested in.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is an amazing school that provides a great education. The class room environment is small and personalized and all the teachers are more than willing to help.
  • 03/27/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    17 of 31

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    The beach is not to far from school and downtown Holland has a lot of little interesting stores.
    Food and Dining

    The food like in any college institution is not the best many times it is over cooked but the selection of the food always varies.
    Dorm Life

    Their is all types of dorms here at Hope College, the all girl dorms, quiet dorms, party and loud dorms just depends what type of environment you best fit in.
    Academic Rigor

    Proffessors and the amount of help you receive from all the staff is outstanding teacher really do care about you.
    Tips for prospective students

    be prepared for the lack of diversity, cold whether and anti gay community.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is in a quiet conservative little town. It is not diverse at all. Extremely cold winters.
  • 05/29/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    18 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Hope is a safe campus. There are several large columns located at all parts of the campus with emergency buttons to call for help if students are in distress. (Personally I have never used these buttons, nor heard of anyone needing them, which I take to be a very good sign.) Sometimes it is simply easier to call the Holland Police Department with 911.
    Greek Life

    Greek Life is a great community, and is traditionally different from larger schools. Recruitment is relaxed and enjoyable, nobody feels like they have to make the right impression. There are plenty of sorority and fraternity types which fit anyones personality. Fraternities are typically more wild than the sororities...but thats not surprising!
    Bang for the buck

    Hope College is an expensive school. There is no getting around that. Being a private school, Hope's students must fund their own way more than other schools. The experience is great, but scholarships/financial aid are a must. Full ride scholarships don't happen often.
    What to do for fun

    Good Time donuts located downtown is open almost 24-7; students love to go for midnight donut runs. The beach is only 6 miles away, which is a short car ride (or a nice bike ride) away! The downtown area has nice window shopping, and looks beautiful in the winter.
    Food and Dining

    Phelps Dining Hall has decent food, but sometimes the main course isn't the healthiest option when they serve cheeseburgers or the like. Never fear, because there is a pizza bar, vegetarian option, Mexican cuisine, and a variety of Italian, Indian, and Korean/Japanese options as well! Not to mention specialty salads and the make your own salad bar. Breakfast is always the best at Hope College, especially on the weekends with lots of delicious fruit choices.
    Dorm Life

    Each dorm has it's own personality. You can almost tell where someone lives just from observing them with friends and who they interact with. That's not to say dorms are cliques; people simply gravitate towards similar people. Rooming blind has been surprisingly successful for many people.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect a lot from their students here at Hope. Of course, some classes are academically more challenging based on their subject and course material. You certainly find students who care a lot about school work, and those who don't care as much. After all, it is college. It's easy to surround yourself with people who care just as much as you do as classroom success.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved! Hope has amazing things to offer everyone; so many clubs, groups, programs, and events happening. Don't knock Greek life either; it's a great way to meet people! Also, bring a box fan for the first few weeks of school; those dorms get pretty warm. Don't be worried about rooming blind, a large majority of those pairings works out really well. If something is wrong, Hope is glad to work with you.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is known for being an extremely friendly campus. The Christian atmosphere is inspiring and not overpowering. Academic success is always achievable with such great faculty and student resources.
  • 06/13/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    19 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Hope is a very safe school, but the campus safety department is also very good. From making sure that the student body is fully aware of any situation, to showing up at your dorm room almost immediately after you call, you can always count on campus safety.
    Greek Life

    Greek life at Hope is a little different seeing as it is made up of mostly only local sororities and fraternities, but that doesn't make it any less real. If anything, I think that it makes the traditions and friendships made stronger.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for any type of student really. There is something for everyone here.
    What to do for fun

    Hope has quite a few traditions that are so fun to get involved in, including The Pull and Nykerk. Aside from those, it is always fun to go into downtown Holland, which is just off campus.
    Food and Dining

    College cafeteria food is notorious for being mediocre. Hope food has its days, but the dining services work very hard to make sure there is variety in students' diets and they use as much fresh produce from the area as possible.
    Dorm Life

    The quality of dorm life depends on where you live, but the college does a good job of maintaining the structures and making them a pleasant place to live.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes at Hope are challenging, however, not unmanageable.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be open to making new friends and get involved as soon as you arrive on campus.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is a great place to go if you are looking for academic rigor in a supportive and spiritual setting. The people at this school and in the surrounding area are among the nicest that I have met. Professors are always helpful and willing to meet outside of the classroom, and fellow students are always friendly.
  • 06/14/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 person found this inaccurate. 20 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is always available. The police in Holland are also always around. However Holland is pretty harmless.
    Greek Life

    The greeks are all around. I have not participated but Ive heard they have a great time. However, there are not many national greek organizations.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are no clubs in Holland. Everyone goes to party house or travels a to nearby schools for partying.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for people who wish to have a relationship with them professor and individual attention. Hope is great for people who are not big on partying or going out.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Hope is full of traditions, one is the pull and its a big tug of war or the lake. I enjoy the small town traditions.
    What to do for fun

    For fun most people party, voulnteer, and watch movies. Out side activities such as Frisbee is pretty big.
    Food and Dining

    There are several great restaurants in Holland. The dutch donuts are to die for. However, you will not find any good chicken or fish joints in Holland.
    Dorm Life

    Depends on where you live. I loved Scott Hall and Gilmore they treated me very well. However, as you earn more credits you have the option of living in cottages, apartments, house, town houses.
    Academic Rigor

    Hope is like no other school, grades and test and teachers are extremely serious. You will spend your weekends doing homework.
    Tips for prospective students

    Learn to study before coming to Hope. Be prepared for life in a small town and never forget who you are.
    In three sentences

    Hope is a great school academically. Hope is very small. Hope is not diverse.
  • 06/27/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    21 of 31

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    From visiting Lake Michigan to traveling to the many states that border Michigan, there is plenty of fun and unique things to do on campus. Some of those fun things include the Donut Run unique to Hope in which students go to a donut shop at Midnight to socialize and eat donuts and visits to the city where many go to the mall, watch movies, or just relax. With music clubs, art clubs, sports, and programs, there is never a dull moment at Hope.
    Food and Dining

    The food at Hope offers a buffet style of dining which provides the student with many different options each day. These options range from American foods to Mexican foods and even Chinese foods. Desserts are exquisite, there is a wide variety of drinks, and foods are healthy; there is even a section for vegetarians and others who request a unique dining.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life at Hope consists of dorms that are co-ed and single gender. Everyone is given either 1 or 2 roommates depending on what one requests and rooms range from medium to large. The rooms are comfortable and there is enough space for belongings and since it is apartment like, bathrooms and showers are shared which is the only slight troublesome part of the dorms,
    Academic Rigor

    Academics is filled with rigorous courses that range from Honors to AP classes yet they do not push too hard and in fact provide an education system that is just right for the student. Classes range a lot depending on major and there are even a variety of classes in music, art, foreign language, etc. Classes give out balanced homework to fit ones schedule and there is plenty of time to study for exams and still have fun with friends.
    Tips for prospective students

    For those prospective students who plan to apply or even attend Hope College, I highly recommend one visits the campus. Even if it may only be for a short while, visiting the campus will help one have a better idea of how life is at college. Not only that, but researching classes and activities may even help you find a major most suitable for you.
    In three sentences

    Hope College provides a well balanced experience of both education and fun. You receive rigorous training to be successful in the future but you also have a chance to communicate with others and create strong bonds and fond memories. Being a small liberal arts college, you can really feel the connection among everyone and their passion for education and a wonderful college experience.
  • 06/29/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    22 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    The Campus is safe!
    Clubs and Activities

    There are so many ways to get involved! From a service fraternity to writing for The Anchor, it is easy to get involved.
    Great for these types of students

    I believe that Hope is good for anyone.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Nykerk and The Pull are both Hope College traditions that spread graduation year and Hope pride like wildfire.
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive, but I believe it is worth it.
    What to do for fun

    There are always things going on around campus. And if there are no scheduled events, it is always possible to find a group of students looking for an adventure!
    Food and Dining

    Both Phelps and Cook have a great variety and amazing food!
    Dorm Life

    I loved living in the dorms. It is the best way to meet people, and the dorms are cosy and clean.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are difficult, but they are worth the extra work!
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you visit. That is how everyone ends up falling in love with it.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is a home to me. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone who is looking for a safe and loving environment. I have not yet met a student who does not try to make everyone feel at home.
  • 07/23/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    23 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is a huge priority at Hope. You will frequently see campus safety vans around campus through out the day and there is a shuttle to various places on campus at night. They are very friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand!
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for students who want a great environment and to be prepared for adult life.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Hope has two huge traditions. One of these is the Pull, which is a huge tug of war competition between freshman and sophomores that takes place over a river. Pullers train for three weeks with their moralers for this competition. Nykerk is a competition between freshman and sophomores and includes events such as: oration (speech), play(theater), and song(music). Each year competes for the Nykerk Cup!
    What to do for fun

    Get involved with campus traditions. Nykerk and the Pull are two of Hope's oldest traditions. They provide great ways for freshman and sophomores to get involved.
    Food and Dining

    You will become well acquainted with Phelps at your time at Hope. Phelps provides a variety of different options each day. If you're not up for Phelps food, then head over to the Kletz for a quesadilla.
    Dorm Life

    All of the dorms are pretty nice. Get to know your R.A. and your life will be a lot easier, most of them are really nice and highly approachable. Smaller dorms provide a close community, while larger dorms are great for meeting lots of new people.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect a lot from you, however their standards are not ridiculous and they are always there to lend a helping hand.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure that you apply early and that all of your forms are in on time. Also, make friends with upperclassmen, they can serve as great mentors and show you all of the wonderful things about Hope College.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is the best! It provides such a great community for students to thrive spiritually as well as academically. It truly prepares you for the future.
  • 10/24/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    24 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Hope has the longest standing college tradition in the US. It's an event called The Pull. The Pull pits the freshman and sophomore class (called Odd or Even year depending on graduation year) against a 20 man team against 20 man team Tug-of-War contest. The event takes place spanning the Black River. Each male puller has their own moral girl, who cheers them on during the course of the event.
    What to do for fun

    There are plenty of student groups on campus. Chances are, if you like doing something, there is a group for it somewhere on campus.
    Food and Dining

    For the most part, the food here is great. There are plenty of options that even the pickiest of eaters can find something to chow on.
    Dorm Life

    My dorm is great. Everyone gets along with everyone in my dorm. My RA is always available to talk with and gets activities to do as a dorm.
    Academic Rigor

    As a first year student, my classes are difficult, but not so difficult that I have spend five hours studying each night.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come and visit. One visit can make or break your decision for attending Hope College. After my first visit here, I knew this was where I wanted to go.
    In three sentences

    Small campus where everything is close by. Friendly atmosphere, everyone say Hello! Wide selection of classes and activities to get involved.
  • 12/06/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    25 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Hope has several safety poles. The entire Holland area is very safe as a whole.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a lot of clubs (frisbee, squireel club, acapella) and sometimes students stretch themselves thin.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who strive to be moral Christians without compromising their education.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Every year, sophomores and seniors engage in a historic tug of war.
    Bang for the buck

    Although Hope is expensive, most students receive aid. In the end, Hope is far cheaper than the price tag.
    Food and Dining

    It's Holland, so you can expect traditional Dutch cuisine outside of campus. Hope has three dining halls, all of which serve a variety of options.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are very spacious. Community bathrooms are well-kept.
    Academic Rigor

    Although it's clear that there are some slackers, Hope has a very rigorous Biology program and a renowned Psychology department.
    Tips for prospective students

    Hope you get good grades! Make sure to volunteer at shelters or a religious organization -- Hope really looks for students who care about social justice in a moral context.
    In three sentences

    Hope is an absolutely wonderful campus for anyone seeking a Christian (but rigorous) education. It's full of life, the people of nice, and the venues are amazing. I would wholeheartedly recommend Hope.
  • 01/08/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    26 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    There are many options for food like vegetarian and sandwiches besides the main courses.
    Academic Rigor

    You will have to put in the effort to study and work outside the classroom.
  • 01/10/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    27 of 31

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    Centered in Holland, Michigan, Hope College offers bounds of opportunities to get involved in to feed your need for fun. Whether it's going to the beach at Holland State Park, singing in Nykerk, pulling in one of the largest tug-of-wars, or hanging with friends at Good Time Doughnuts, there's never a lack in something fun to do at Hope College.
    Food and Dining

    Phelps Dining Hall really isn't as bad as many people make it out to be. Sure, it isn't your momma's cooking, but there are a number of healthy options with nearly every imaginable dessert you could ever ask for.
    Dorm Life

    One of the aspects of Hope College that it prides itself on is the sense of community that its students feel. Nearly every student, even seniors, live on campus either in the dorms or in on campus cottages. There are lots of variety in dorm housing as well, whether you want to be in a cluster of girls or in a co-ed wing of a loud and bustling dorm.
    Academic Rigor

    The institution of Hope College has world renowned academics and some of the top professors in the country. The integration of faith and learning along with a faculty that wants you to succeed fosters a challenging academic community that prepares students for our ever changing world.
    Tips for prospective students

    Sleep is your friend. Never overload yourself but don't be afraid to sign up for classes because of what your peers say. Keep an open mind about everything, and don't shove people or opportunities out the door because you might miss out on experiences you will cherish for a life time. Attend Chapel! It's a great way to meet people and grow in your faith. Try something new, like eating something you can't pronounce, or joining an intramural team.
    In three sentences

    Hope College is a Christian liberal arts institution that strives to integrate faith with academics. Its faculty is friendly and more than happy to help and they truly care about the success of their students. It is located in beautiful Holland, Michigan, and is world renowned for its academic rigor.
  • 02/02/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    28 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    always there when you don't need them, hard to find when you need them
    Greek Life

    highly, highly recommended
    Clubs and Activities

    wide range of variety for any type of student
    Great for these types of students

    greek life
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the pull, nykerk
    What to do for fun

    go to the lake, shop downtown
    Food and Dining

    lots of options and flexibility in meal plans
    Dorm Life

    depends greatly on what dorm you live in, wide range of living situations to fit your needs
    Academic Rigor

    depends on major-- the sciences here are some of the best in the nation and very challenging
    Tips for prospective students

    keep an open mind about meeting new people and trying new things around campus
    In three sentences

    smaller, christian college in western michigan with lots of snow
  • 03/16/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    29 of 31

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is very helpful and willing to handle any situation. All officers are very friendly and are very respected within the campus community.
    Greek Life

    Students must live in a campus dorm the first year. However, after the first year, students can join Greek life and decide to live in various cabins/cottages around the year.
    Clubs and Activities

    Hope has many clubs and various activities that are open to all and any. New clubs and activities are started every year.
    Great for these types of students

    Campus life and community is great for all individuals. Although Hope college is Christian faith oriented, there is absolutely no discrimination or opinion placed on others of different faiths, very open. Diversity is very accepted, no one is discriminated open to all and any no matter what race or ethnicity.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Pull- 100+ year old tradition of tug of war between odd and even years classes over a river in Holland Vespers- Three day singing concert of Hope's finest Choir students Dance Marathon- Dance for 24 hours straight and raise money; all proceeds go to the Devos Children's Hospital
    Bang for the buck

    Although Hope is a little expensive, it is easily payable. There should be absolutely no reason for anyone to not be able to afford Hope's tuition price. Tuition covers many expenses that many students don't take advantage of.
    What to do for fun

    Visit various downtown shops and cafes in Holland. Explore Lake Macatawa. Ride the amtrack from Holland to Detroit and to Chicago. Also Grand Rapids is less than a ten minute drive away.
    Food and Dining

    Hope contains two dining halls, Cook and Phelps Dining Hall, and an open kitchen called the Kletz. All of the food is locally grown and is made fresh daily. All types of gourmets are met such as vegetarian, salad, pizza, pasta, deli, sandwhich, Globe (Oriential), Chihopele (Hispanic), etc.
    Dorm Life

    Hope's housing department is great. Housing cards are specifically specified in the fact that personal opinions and requests are met with the highest of respect. Residential life has many supportive people who help you in any way, shape, or form.
    Academic Rigor

    Hope's professors are very helpful and are willing to meet up with you no matter what the circumstances are. I admit the science courses are tough in the fact that they have should be treated with a higher integrity a B at Hope compares to an A at other universities. Being a liberal arts college offers many the chance to explore many courses that students probably would never have take otherwise.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep in touch with others! Hope is very well organized in the fact that they keep in contact with any student that shows interest in the college. Everyone at Hope is very accepting; especially the Phelps Scholars Program (PSP).
    In three sentences

    One of the best private Christian colleges around Michigan. The professors are very helpful and they actually know your name; very one on one. I couldn't ask for a better college who cares more about an individual anymore than Hope does!
  • 05/19/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    30 of 31

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    Hang out down town!
    Tips for prospective students

    Hope is a great school, so don't expect to skate through classes without actually trying, because it probably wont work. Also take up any chances to meet with profs during office hours!
    In three sentences

    Great Professors who really want their students to do well. Along with a beautiful campus and welcoming people. Challenging courses that will challenge you to go far beyond your previous abilities.
  • 06/06/2013

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    31 of 31

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    LEMONJELLO's
    In three sentences

    Hope has a beautiful campus. I am extremely interested in possibly studying here for my college career. Can't wait to see what the future holds!
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