Salem College Reviews
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Tiffany from High Point, NC
10/21/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
8 out of 9 people found this review useful. 1 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Salem is great for a young lady who wants to gain confidence and is driven to succeed.
Tips for prospective students Come check out Salem and stay overnight for fall visit and scholarship weekend. It's an amazing place to be. I love Salem and I know you will too :)
Bang for the buck Salem is a bit expensive, but they offer finanical aid to everyone which is how I'm actually here. The name carries a reputation so it will be earlier to get a job over someone who just went to another public university.
Am enjoying being here I love Salem. I'm so glad I chose to go here. The campus is beautiful and the students and staff are friendly. It's a very inspiring environment.
Am learning a lot Because it's a small classroom setting the teachers can give you all the help and attention you need to really learn the material
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Katie from Knoxville, TN
01/15/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 2 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who do not mind attending a women's college and who love to be challenged. Salem is easy to get into but do not be fooled. The curriculum is just as difficult as many other top schools.
Tips for prospective students Definitely prepare yourself for an intense workout just living on campus - the school was built on a steep hill and doesn't tend to believe in elevators!
Bang for the buck Salem is pretty expensive and I wish I received more financial aid. However, a degree from this school will definitely pay for itself!
Am enjoying being here I love Salem's campus and enjoy the great student facilities!
Am learning a lot Salem has so many great professors and I have already learned so much.
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Katie
05/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 3 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety Do not respond in a timely manner. Are ineffective at their job
Food and Dining Very poor. Do not listen to the guides, they will tell you differently.
Dorm Life The dorms are old and dirty. They have recently been adding new furniture to some dorms though.
Academic Rigor Fairly moderate. Also depends on the classes you take
In three sentences More like a boarding school than a college
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Cara
07/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety - I don't need a security. I walk in the middle of the night just fine.
Greek Life WE have no greek life. We are all the same.
Clubs and Activities -International Club -Rotaract Club -Drama Club
Great for these types of students -Students that likes socializing and talking. -Competitive with academics and sports -Students that like traditions and the ancient history. -Feminists or (Anti-Man)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Visiting Sister O's grave and giving her daisies. There's moravian traditions.
What to do for fun Go to downtown= rock the block, Fiesta, and International day. Also, biking on the Salem Trail to the lake because there are pretty lavenders and they smell good especially in the Fall.
Food and Dining Only good on special occasions.
Dorm Life If you're lucky, you'll have a fatabulous Residential Assistant. Know your roommate really well or else things will be stressful, but you always have the option of moving out to a different room. There are curfews for guys in some dorms. In others, it is 24/7.
Academic Rigor Too much homework and assignments, but some professors are great, and some are not. School is mostly focused on academics.
Tips for prospective students -Don't give in to what admission counselors say. -If you're looking for a fun event, downtown is one of the only places you'll find. -Bother the financial aid office because they won't tell you if you have a bill or not. They like to surprise you.
In three sentences Dining is great on great days.Social life depends on you.There is rarely diversity.
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Morgan from Asheboro, NC
05/06/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who don't mind attending and all women's college. Students who have good work ethic and are ready to take the time to do the work. Students who are ready to try something knew and learn about themselves!
Tips for prospective students Perspective students should go to all the events that are sponsored and they should definitely join clubs and go for leadership positions.
Bang for the buck Salem college is worth all of the money that is put into tuition. The campus is gorgeous and with all of the services provided to the students it is really helpful!
Am enjoying being here Salem allows for students to make a tremendous amount of friends. I know I have. The small community allows for students to build personal relationships that will last a life time. The Big sis/little sis program is extremely helpful for students to get to know upperclassman.
Am learning a lot Salem is an academically excellent school. I have been blessed enough to learn tremendous amounts of information. It is based on the small classroom sizes and the great experience of the professors. Also,professors are available almost anytime you need them and they work with you one on one if you need them to!
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Melissa from Texas
08/03/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students salem is considered a sorority. we are gamma kappa delta. some girls on campus are really into greek life, while others are not. because salem is not a traditional sorority, there are not any initiations or huge parties. we do have big sis/little sis, which is one of the most anticipated events of the fall. juniors look for their little sister in the first year class, and vice versa. it's a really fun experience!
Tips for prospective students make sure you are prepared to go to an all women's college. if that's where your heart is, then go for it. salem is very, very small. it is like a miniature town, everybody will know you. if that is what you are looking for then it will be a good match. make sure that salem has what you are looking for in academics. research everything! salem has great jan-term opportunities where students can study abroad, take fun classes, or do an internship. this is something that most schools don't offer.
Bang for the buck salem college is very proud of our history and traditions. every year we have a thanksgiving and christmas dinner as if the whole school is a family. the traditional christmas candle light ceremony is the most beautiful tradition salem has, and definitely not one to miss. once a student on campus, you will learn of many odd places around salem that need to be explored before you graduate. with a school 240 years old, there's bound to be a secret and hidden location somewhere on campus.
Am enjoying being here Salem is an all women's institution. It was created to cultivate strong, intelligent women. Its environment is strictly for learning and leadership opportunities through a student-run campus and small classrooms. The women are friendly and engaging. There is a place for everyone, whether it be the arts, sports, or academia.
Academic Rigor the dorms at salem are really nice and pretty clean in comparison to most colleges. both the first-year dorms have brand new furniture and big rooms. most of the time girls aren't too loud, so students can do their homework in their room without being distracted. if a student is from out of state then laundry can get expensive, and most of the campus leaves during the weekends. this is not a large university so the weekends can get pretty boring and the dorms may feel empty.
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Jessica from Lewisville, NC
09/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety I don't attend at night. During the day very safe.
Clubs and Activities Lots of clubs and activities. I am always getting an email for something new going on that I'm invited to attend or join.
Great for these types of students Great for those who need a smaller class size to learn.
Bang for the buck It is expensive but so far I really like it. It was rated most valued education for cost like 10 times in a row or something like that.
What to do for fun Walking, bike trails sports etc. Have a bus that will take you.to run errands go shopping etc.
Food and Dining I ate at 'the rat' just once. It was good. But I was told the food is usually not great. At most colleges it never is tho....
Dorm Life I'm a nontraditional student, don't live in dorm. Haven't heard complaints.
Academic Rigor If you miss class they want to know where you are or what's wrong. They don't want you to fail.
Tips for prospective students Get all your loans and financial stuff done quickly so you can have your registration done and know where ur classes are.
In three sentences The classes are small which is great. The campus is easy to navigate and get around. The professers and other students seem helpful if you're lost or have questions.
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Falon from Roxboro, NC
09/22/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is incredibly safe, thanks to Public Safety. If you ever feel unsafe, even just walking from your car to your dorm room, public safety will come and pick you up and escort you back.
Greek Life The entire campus is essentially one big sorority.
Clubs and Activities Salem is full of clubs and activities to choose from. Each fall, Salem will host a club fair for new students to sign up and learn about all the clubs Salem offers.
Great for these types of students Women looking for a college with strong sisterhood ties and amazing learning opportunities, both on campus and abroad.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Self-scheduled exams. Walk to Sister O's Grave for the honor code signing.
Bang for the buck I feel as though I get my full money's worth from my time here at Salem already. Whenever we leave, we all can't wait to get back. We love Salem.
What to do for fun Located in the heart of Winston-Salem, you can find many fun activities to do on or off campus. Salem typically hosts parties and dances every month for fun, and downtown is always alive with clubs, restaurants, and shops. Salem also hosts a free shuttle to take students to the mall/wal-mart/target when needed.
Food and Dining The dining hall is BEAUTIFUL, however the meals aren't always too appealing. However, I believe this is just about the same with any college.
Dorm Life Most of the dorms are without air conditioning, except for the hallways, but leaving your door open/windows up creates a nice atmosphere in the rooms. Most of the dorm halls have nice, new furnished rooms. Occasionally, there will be a bug or two.
Academic Rigor The classes never overload you with work, but each student typically stays busy. Some degree requirements are more rigorous than others and require more dedication and motivation.
Tips for prospective students Understand that no college is perfect. There will be things you like and things you dislike about Salem. However, keep an open mind and you'll find it very enjoyable.
In three sentences With a warm and welcoming environment, all students are sure to feel right at home in the Salem community. A strong sense of sisterhood forms inseparable bonds between the girls and an encouraging staff creates opportunities for excellent grades.
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L from Winston-Salem, NC
12/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 15
Categories Comments Clubs and Activities There is some variety, but they really need more active students to help out. Eco Club and Change are the bigger ones, along with the school publications.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I wish there were more traditions. The Eco Club has a great monthly bingo where the prizes are groceries. The Spork Week event is pretty interesting, but not as much as Fall Fest. Fall Fest is a definite must, you really should participate in it despite any reservations.
Bang for the buck For its price, Salem just isn't worth it for me. Unless you are majoring in English, Creative Writing, or Teaching, you probably should consider going somewhere else. The ongoing joke on campus is that all the tuition is funneled into the groundskeeping.
What to do for fun Winston is just a bike ride away, but when you live on campus it tends to suck you in. The campus is beautiful and has lots of outdoor study options. There is always a chance you can see some ghosts some night as this school is particularly haunted. Seriously. If you don't believe in them now, you will when/if you attend.
Food and Dining The food on the weekend is horrible, but when people are visiting the food improves exponentially. They're really working on improving it though. The vegetarian and vegan options are really improving as well. When in doubt, there is always pizza and cereal. They just got new Silk dispensers too.
Dorm Life Avoid Clewell hall, it has bad wiring, heating, cooling, etc. The college doesn't seem to worry about the inefficiency of the dorms, they have sometimes huge gaps between the window units and windows where air comes in. Also, there is mold everywhere, it grows on you. The washers and dryers are disgusting, as are the showers. The only good dorms are Gramley and Bitting. Because the campus is old, there are frequent spiders and cockroaches. They get cute after a bit.
Academic Rigor The Salem Signature program does not transfer well and is treated as a joke even by some instructors. The classes range from hard to easy, and professors tend to be somewhat scattered but loveable. A good amount of the professors care about their students very much.
Tips for prospective students It's a very small college and does not have as much diversity as it promises. The teachers are amazing but the curriculum is not. Make sure to have all your forms in early and save copies, always check in with financial aid as often as possible. There are surprises in finances sometimes that you need to keep a look out. Also, enrolling in a payment plan costs $70 and you can only start it at a certain time of year.
In three sentences Salem college has its pros and cons, but it just can't keep up. It's so far behind the times, neglecting technology as an important aspect of education. Salem is basically a glorified fancy high school, with the same focus on grades over preparation for life and graduation.
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Melissa from Lexington, NC
01/08/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 15
Categories Comments What to do for fun Bike Greenway is nearby and walking around campus is relaxing.
Food and Dining Dining hall services are convenient to students as well as the grill for evening hours and snacks.
Dorm Life I am a commuting Fleer Center Student so I do not live in the dorm.
Academic Rigor Salem offers Quest tutoring which can help you get through a difficult course or unit.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to give your best at Salem. Breathe and have fun so you can work hard when you need to.
In three sentences Salem offers a community that students can belong to. It's academic and support staff work with you to accomplish your goals. The historic atmosphere and grounds of the campus is a huge plus especially when the workload is heavy and a peaceful nature walk is right outside of your classroom.
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Catherine from Cape Coral, FL
01/16/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety They're everywhere, and are actually really friendly. They do their job well, and are super helpful. Funny story is that my roommates friend called them around 2 in the morning to kill a bug and they came.
Greek Life The school is just one big sorority, and that is to help with everyone being one.
Clubs and Activities There are a lot. I wish I could have done a lot more than what I am apart of, but that would be impossible. It also helps that they allow you to do activities at Wake Forest Uni. which is how I got into marching band.
Great for these types of students Well, you have to be female, and you have to be willing for these people to become your family, because they'll become that eventually. That's why we're called the Salem Sisters.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Moravian Lovefeast is the only one I can think of. I went to it, and all the food was so delicious.
Bang for the buck They help you in any way possible, and are so personable. Plus, Salem allows you to take classes at Wake Forest so you are definitely benefiting. They also help you get advantages in internships, trips to other countries, and more.
What to do for fun There are some cool places to go to off-campus, or you could explore around the school seeing as it is historic. There are also a lot of vintage stores with the best buys!
Food and Dining The Refectory always has healthy choices, and tries to tailor to the needs of students, such as, by having a Vegan bar, and gluten free food.
Dorm Life I haven't had any problems, but that's because I like my roommate, and my hall-mates. Not everyone can be as lucky as I am.
Academic Rigor It depends on what you're taking. I'm going to be a double major in biology and chemistry, and I've heard that the teachers are great I just won't have a life with all the work and studying that I'll have to do.
Tips for prospective students This is a school that you have to see in-person to see if it's a place that you belong.
In three sentences This school has small class sizes which allows you to get to know everyone in your class, and for the teacher to know you. The campus isn't overly large allowing you just enough to get lost if needed, but be easily available, and it doesn't hurt that it's gorgeous with a lot of places within walking distance. The events and traditions the school holds makes it a school of sisters.
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Ondra from Winston-Salem, NC
02/23/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 15
Categories Comments What to do for fun Again, not being on-campus, I'm out of the loop on activities available but I have heard about dances, trips to the mountains, weekly shopping shuttles. Winston-Salem the city has stuff going on, you just have to look for it. There is a vibrant arts and food industry. Overall, it is pretty family friendly.
Food and Dining Again, since I don't live on campus, I don't eat on campus very often. When I do, I enjoy the variety and quality of food in the Refectory (or RAT as it is commonly called).
Dorm Life I'm an adult student so I don't like on campus. However, from my classmates who are traditional aged students, they seemed to enjoy dorm life.
Academic Rigor You are definitely kept on your toes academically at Salem. I have been challenged in every class that I have had but I love it.
Tips for prospective students Stay focused, no matter what. It is not easy to do it when you have a lot of things to stay on top of but focus is key. Do not hesitate to get help if you need it for something. Don't forget that you are not alone.
In three sentences It is a small campus but that means that community is very important. You will always have someone in your corner cheering you on. History and traditions run deep.
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Melina from High Point, NC
02/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety The public safety is amazing and they're very friendly.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities Tons of clubs to choose from and if you can't find one you can start one.
Great for these types of students Anyone!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have tons of ghost stories and a long history in the community.
Bang for the buck You get the academics you pay and work for
What to do for fun Hangout with your Salem sisters, trips to wal-mart, gallery hops downtown, and the Hanes mall.
Food and Dining Food could be better. We are currently working on getting better food.
Dorm Life If you live on campus you have easy access to downtown, a mall and and lots of art-related places. You'll make tons of friends with your salem sisters.
Academic Rigor A lot is expected from students. The course work is challenging but the professors work with you as an individual.
Tips for prospective students Come for Scholarship weekend where you get to stay on campus for the weekend and attend classes that interest you on Monday.
In three sentences Salem College is a perfect place to make life-long friends, receive a great education and grow as a person. It is a small school with relatively small classes where the professors learn your name and get to know you as the individuals you are. Salem College has an 85% acceptance rate into medical school and a 95% into law school.
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Anonymous from Winston-Salem, NC
05/06/2013Reviewer is A past student here.
14 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety Take forever to respond to calls. Are lazy.
Greek Life The whole school is a sorority. You supposedly have bigs but some bugs just do not live up to the expectations....
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Academic Day of Excellence. You have classes suspended for the day but you have to go to 3 hour long presentations. It's ridiculous. They will fine you for any and everything.
What to do for fun Read? Go out to eat?
Food and Dining The food is HORRIBE!!!! Less than 2% is real food. Use turkey instead of hamburger meat. The staff does not consider everyone's likings.
Dorm Life Furniture is nice. Bathrooms are gross. Maid does not clean them every day.
Academic Rigor Very complex. Do not be fooled by acceptance rate. Do not take more than 4 classes a semester or you will never sleep.
Tips for prospective students Professors are HORRIBLE!! One professor I specifically remember NEVER emailed my back. I would ask a question about class that was NOT on the syllabus.
In three sentences Salem College is a liberal and feminist college. If you have religious morals, do not go. If you are all for women's rights and are rude, welcome.
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Krista from Pilot Mountain, NC
05/30/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is very well lit, pass public safety almost every time you go outside.
Greek Life The entire school is one big sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta.
Clubs and Activities Able to March with the Wake Forest Marching band
Great for these types of students Willing to work hard and form close friendships. Enjoy small class sizes and befriending professors
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus On the day of Fall Fest, classes are cancelled and each class competes in various competitions, including skits which are always hilarious.
Bang for the buck Pretty expensive, but Salem tends to give out a LOT of Scholarships to those who are willing to work.
What to do for fun Downtown Winston-Salem is within walking distance and has tons of little restaurants and shops to go to, not to mention the art district. The mall is close by and Greensboro can be reached in a decent amount of time.
Food and Dining The refectory and cellar are great places to eat and socialize.
Dorm Life Most dorms are quiet and peaceful places to work while also providing a good environment to make friends.
Academic Rigor Taking the max load is super tough while working two jobs, but is doable. Definitely worth it.
Tips for prospective students Work ahead! The syllabuses are the key to keeping up with work.
In three sentences Salem has a great atmosphere with an intimate learning environment. Classes are small making it easy to form good relationships with professors who actually care! The professors are willing to go far and beyond to make sure you succeed.
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