Student Reviews

Ripon College Reviews

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• Mariah from Mc Farland, WI

  05/09/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 1 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	The Biology, Chemistry, and Anthropology departments are wonderful. I've also heard many good things about the History department. Those are only the ones that I've taken classes in and not previously mentioned. There are many wonderful teachers. If you are a geek (like me) you will fit right in. The college accepts all types of people. Since it is a small college, students don't have to specialize and can be involved in many different organizations.
  Tips for prospective students	Watch out for the FYS (first year seminar) courses. Some are amazing, and some are...not. Pick ones you think you would enjoy and go for it. Also, during the first week, get out and participate in the activities that the Orientation Committee offers. They sound dorky, but they're a lot of fun. Watch the posters around the school, and actually look at the calender of events e-mail and you will always find things to do. For visiting students, go sit on the couches below the commons. There's a fireplace there, they the couches are some of the most comfortable around. There are always people sleeping on them. Especially during exam week. Ask your guide anything, and I mean anything. Don't be shy. We're all nice people.
  Bang for the buck	Ripon is expensive. There is no denying this. If you don't receive ANY scholarships, it is probably not worth attending. However, that is very rare. Most students receive quite a few scholarships and grants. The application is free, so I'd recommend applying and seeing what you get. You can always simply not enroll if it is too expensive, or not enough financial aid is offered.
  Am enjoying being here	I love the college. The people are really friendly, and the campus is safe. I left my door unlocked all year and nothing happened. The food is decent (it's still mass-produced, but it could be a lot worse) and if you are on the 20 meal plan, there is no way you will ever go hungry. Even though Ripon is a small town, there are always events going on, and I have never been bored.
  Am learning a lot	I just finished my first year at Ripon College, and am still in the midst of many introductory courses, but I am learning a lot. As a helpful hint to all future students, Ripon does not require its students to take a course in mathematics. However, if you do choose to take these courses (especially Calculus I and II like I did) be wary. They are difficult, and what math isn't, but if you maintain a good work ethic you learn more than you would think possible. In all, the majority of the classes are interesting and informative.

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• Kyla from Oshkosh, WI

  12/30/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Students who like one on one time with professors and want to me a science major.
  Tips for prospective students	If you are a freshman live in the tri dorms and get a suit because you will be able to meet many people all at one time. Try new things but be safe
  Bang for the buck	Every penny I spend is worth it. The professors are always there to help and make sure I graduate and will be able to continue to be successful in the future
  Am enjoying being here	The campus is small so everyone knows everyone and because of that people are kind and become close friends. There is always something to do and the college has different events ever week that students can participate in so you never have a chance to be bored.
  Am learning a lot	The professors help me and want me to get every piece of information I can get out of the class that I am enrolled in. They try to do anything they can to make sure I am learning everything possible

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• Emelia from Forest Lake, MN

  05/23/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Campus is very safe. Security will escort you anywhere on campus if needed. There is also a lot of trust among students- backpacks can be left almost anywhere without fear of theft.
  Clubs and Activities	There is a club for every interest you could want, and if there isn't than there is definitely room to create one.
  Bang for the buck	Ripon is expensive but there is a lot of financial aid available on campus. There are a lot of resources on campus, as well as a close knit community because the student body is only 1000. The beautiful grounds and buildings, friendly professors and numerous resources and events are definitely worth the expense if you want a liberal arts education.
  Food and Dining	The food on campus is pretty varied- there are three places to eat. The Pub serves fast food, the Terrace serves pizza and sandwiches, and the Commons is a basic all you can eat cafeteria, that's open for all three meals, every day.
  Dorm Life	At Ripon, living on campus is mandatory unless you petition the dean and housing director to live off campus. The dorms are not incredibly new or up to date, but are very well kept and are a pretty good size. There are quiet hours every night as well. Parties do happen, but nothing crazy.
  Academic Rigor	The academic setting at Ripon is non-competitive and professors are very open and friendly. One on one time isn't hard to come by. The freshman classes aren't overwhelming, especially because class sizes are kept small. There is a stringent academic honesty policy as well.
  Tips for prospective students	A visit to the campus is definitely a must, you'll know for sure if it's the right school for you the moment you step on campus. Also, make an appointment with the financial aid office and/or the head professors of your prospective major, for more information on whether Ripon fits you and your budget.

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• Ariel from Hilbert, WI

  06/12/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	They have really good secturity guards, and a lot of them know you by name!
  Greek Life	Three sororities, 4 fraternities, and one co-ed fraternity!
  What to do for fun	Join the groups! I never thought that I would ever join a greek organization, but I ended up joining Theta Sigma Tau, a co-ed fraternity, and I love all my brothers and sisters!
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure you have the money for this school, and join lots of things!
  In three sentences	It is a very good school, with a lot of good classes, but super expensive!!

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• Dylan from Ripon, WI

  11/20/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  5 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	VERY seldom does anything bad happen on campus. I've been here for 4 months now and I have never seen anything serious happen.
  Greek Life	Many different Greek life. All Greek life live in dorms so that they are more involved with other students.
  Clubs and Activities	Many different clubs. From volunteer work, to club sports, theater and cultural activities, endless activities to do.
  Great for these types of students	All types of students will fit in at Ripon. Ripon is very accepting and there is no separation between students.
  Bang for the buck	Ripon is expensive, but they always offer amazing scholarships. They will help you make it very affordable.
  What to do for fun	There is a lot to do. There are always activities going on on campus. There are plays, games, sports and clubs, and if that doesn't interest you, there is always something to do with your friends.
  Food and Dining	The food is not equivalent to home cooking, but is definitely not as bad as it could be. Most of it is pretty decent.
  Dorm Life	For the most part the dorm life is pretty decent. Not a whole lot of trouble, but if something does happen, the residence assistants are on it.
  Academic Rigor	Professors are strict on completed work, but if you ask them questions, they will always help. If you need an extension on an assignment, most are flexible and will work with you.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be afraid to ask anyone for help. Whether it be a student or Staff, they will help you, or at least point you to someone who can. Also don't be afraid to talk to Professors, they are extremely helpful and they will never treat you as a number. Most professors I have know my name.
  In three sentences	Very small, private college. A lot of one on one with the Professors, very friendly atmosphere. Unlimited help everywhere you go. One of the best colleges in my opinion.

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• Samantha from North Fond du Lac, WI

  12/20/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  6 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The campus is super safe. Every night Ripon College vans can be seen driving around the campus making sure everyone is safe and they can even be called if you don't feel safe.
  Clubs and Activities	There are so many different clubs it's hard to keep track of them all. Every Tuesday the school has a Golden Hour which usually has fun activities that help develop the learning experience.
  Great for these types of students	Anyone who enjoys focusing on school during the week and partying on the weekend would love it here. There are still things to during the week if you join clubs!!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Ripon actually has a Pub that used to serve beverages before the drinking age was made official and is still being used today as a place to get food.
  What to do for fun	Downtown Ripon is basically connected to the college, everything is within walking distance. There are so many clubs on campus and there are often a lot of dances hosted by the school and other organizations.
  Food and Dining	The food is edible but can get tiring after a while. Don't be afraid to check out the other places around campus. All the dining areas are cleaned and well maintained.
  Dorm Life	Most of the dorms are normally quiet during the day and after 10 o'clock at night. On weekends there is obviously more noise but it quiets down on Sundays. The dorms are cleaned every week day and it is easy to get a hold of any cleaning supplies needed.
  Academic Rigor	The academic prospect of college is very important, but don't get overloaded. Allow some down time for your mind between papers and reports but make sure they are all done when needed.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be afraid to get out there. College life can be pretty scary at first but once you meet with an amazing group of people, time flies by.
  In three sentences	Ripon College has a fun enjoyable atmosphere with teachers that make learning fun. The advisers are very understanding and knowledgeable about all majors. All buildings on campus are within walking distance and the grounds are always very well taken care of.

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• Katie from Oshkosh, WI

  12/21/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  7 of 7

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	You can walk alone at night and not fear for your safety! Plus, campus security is on-call during the evenings and nights so if you have to walk somewhere you can call an escort, and all the security members are very friendly!
  Greek Life	Can't really say, I haven't had a lot of experience with the sororities and fraternities on campus, but all the students I've met who are a part of these organizations are very nice.
  Clubs and Activities	Ripon has a fantastic variety of clubs and activities, and if they don't have what you want, you can start your own club! That's how the school's fencing and equestrian clubs got started.
  Great for these types of students	Self-motivated students who want a challenge!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Instead of calling incoming students freshmen, they are first-years.
  Bang for the buck	Great financial aid options, and you certainly get what you pay for, but some loans will probably be necessary.
  What to do for fun	Ripon has some great shops downtown, and a party or school-sponsored activity is always going on during the weekends, and most weeknights as well.
  Food and Dining	The food is good, but it gets very repetitive.
  Dorm Life	The school tries to match up compatible room mates, but they don't always succeed. Also, freshmen can get suites, with three other people, but after your first year you get just one room mate and a double room.
  Academic Rigor	Great professors and interesting classes that challenge students!
  Tips for prospective students	Just do your work, go to class, and be smart about your choices, and success will come your way!
  In three sentences	Ripon College is absolutely wonderful! The professors are knowledgeable and willing to help, and the class variety is immense. The only drawback might be that getting approval to live off-campus is difficult.

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