Spelman College
Atlanta, GA, USA

Reviews

Spelman College

Chastity from College Grove, TN

a current student here
79 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Bang for the buck
It's EXPENSIVE...but well worth it...to afford it, just keep on top...better yet, AHEAD, of your scholarship searches and info...you'll make it just fine...
Tips for prospective students
STAY ON TOP OF YOUR WORK...develop appropriate personal relationships w/ your professors, if need be...GO OUT...get familiar and involved with the community (the AUC)...it's scary @ first, but you'll always have your sisters for support & encouragement...LOVE YOUR SPELMAN/AUC SISTERS/CLARK & MOREHOUSE BROTHERS...these girls & boys will be ones in which you will grow life-long relationships with...it's a wonderful experience...MAKE GOOD CHOICES...boys...partying...just be an adult...
Overall Lesson: Change the misconception of African American Youth (particularly young women) through kind words, intelligent banter, and common civility- Spelman College offers all of these advantages to those who seek them. Consider Spelman College based upon an aspiration to discover an institute where your ability to serve others is just as important as your academic record...where your search of a special venue is validated where learning is a passion, not just another formality. At Spelman College, you wish dwell in a location where you are simply not only a student body member, but a cherished member of society, a place where you are an individual, and not a number. Spelman College is a place where your desire is not purely to improve oneself, but rather improve the world.
Great for these types of students
ANY girl who wishes to positively matriculate into an educated, determined, positive woman aspiring to change tomorrow's society into a better one.

Kamiyah from Ellenwood, GA

a current student here
40 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Yes, I am receiving a well rounded education and experience. This is the perfect institution to receive an excellent education and gain a lifetime of experiences.
Am enjoying being here
I love Spelman and everything that it stands for. I choose Spelman because it is the right school for me. When choosing a college make sure that is matches with you and what you are trying to accomplish in life. If that school can help you towards accomplishing your goals then it's a match!
Bang for the buck
Spelman College is an expensive school. I believe it is worth every dollar. I am attending Spelman on financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Make sure that you apply for every single scholarship and grant that you are eligible for, because paying for college can be stressful at times.
Tips for prospective students
Spelman is an illustrious world renowned institution know for producing women who change the world. This is an excellent liberal arts school. It is located in the heart of Atlanta surrounded by Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. Spelman is a part of the Atlanta University Center. As a part of the AUC you can enroll in classes at all three institutions.
Great for these types of students
This is a great school for students who would love to further their education by excelling in academics. While in a wonderful atmosphere with fascinating student organizations and wonderful opportunities. I highly recommend attending Spelman College.

Kristin from Bolingbrook, IL

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning more than education here but also life lessons. My course work is challenging but very rewarding. I have learned more about black history this past year,especially about black women than ever before. I never learned about black history in any of my previous schools. Spelman's history is so rich and consuming, it makes me very proud to be an African American. My English professor passed away suddenly this past year and that was very upsetting, but my sister's and I found comfort in each other and helped each other make it through a difficult time. Now I know the saying,Here today gone tomorrow, is no exaggeration. I feel blessed to have met her. I am very proud to be a student at Spelman.
Am enjoying being here
I am enjoying being at Spelman. I have a great Morehouse brother, who is very supportive and available for any assistance I may need. He's very respectful of me and I really like that. I have met some great women at Spelman and great men at Morehouse. Spelman's campus has alot to offer like the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art museum, market friday's, computer access, great guess speakers, financial assistance, and so much more.
Bang for the buck
It's no secret that Spelman is expensive, but my family just keep praying and applying for any financial assistance we can, and thank God I'll be returning another year..
Tips for prospective students
Be open to new experiences and new people. You will be living in close quarters so be very respectful of others and their space and you'll be fine. The RA's there to assist you with any issues you may have, so call them when you need them.
Great for these types of students
The Spelman sisterhood bonds are life long and will be the best experiences you will probably have in your life. Enjoy it and stay positive, don't focus on the parties and boys, stay focused and pray that you are able to stay all 4 years and graduate. I really look forward to a Spelman graduation since I've never seen one before. Come to Spelman, you won't regret it and hopefully we'll meet when you arrive!

Tayla from Newburgh, NY

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
from Spelman college, not only academically, but socially and spiritually about myself that i did not know prior to my enrollment last fall. Courses required for Spelman women that are not required, let alone applicable at other institutions, have taught me a lot about the culture of my ancestors, therefore providing a greater basis of where we as African American women have come from
Am enjoying being here
Atlanta is a long way from home (15hrs driving and 2.5 hrs flying). Although it is considered a metropolitan area, Atlanta is nowhere as fast paced as the cities in New York that I am used to (i.e. Manhattan and the Bronx). For this reason, I have found myself becoming more relaxed, as I do not feel rushed and constantly on-the-go (though I do stay on the ball when it comes to class work). Plus the weather is way warmer than I'm used to and the advantage of being in a metropolitan area such as Atlanta is always a plus.
Bang for the buck
Many people (including myself) complain about the cost of attendance at Spelman. However, it is important to keep in mind the rankings (#1 HBCU in the nation, as well as being compared to Ivy League schools), opportunities (many jobs available after graduation), and experience. At the end of the day, that is what you're paying for; the experience. It is rare that the bonding within a college (with two bordering colleges, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University), lively constant activities, sororities, prosperous organizations and all around genuine fun and relaxation are a given when applying to a school. With that said, I would be willing to pay any amount to continue my stay at Spelman College (just stay up on your scholarships!)
Tips for prospective students
DO YOUR RESEARCH! I for one did not attend Spel-Bound (although i did visit the school prior to the application process and enrollment) and I regretted not being able to form that bond with my sisters before classes started. Don't slack and wait around for scholarships to hit you in the face, grants to fall out of the sky, or for your parents to simply put the money on the table (more power to you if your parents have that option). Speaking from personal experience, I wish that I had taken the financial process more seriously, as to avoid confusion and stress later on throughout my school year. Spelman, because of it's location in Atlanta and in reference to other schools, is a great opportunity for networking and amazing memories. I for one can write a four page list of memories and I'm only entering my second semester this month.
Great for these types of students
-Strong minded/ outspoken
-Dedicated/ determined
-Goal oriented
-Future successful women
-Leaders
-Confident
-Slightly lost and confused like every first year college student
-In search for family figures/ bonding
-Knowledge seeking

Avi Victoria from New York, NY

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Spelman College is a private, independent, historically black liberal arts women's college, although men from Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University take courses here. There is much diversity here at Spelman, although from the outside it may not appear that way. Women who are going somewhere start at Spelman, it's a wonderful learning environment and a great launching pad into the professional world.
Tips for prospective students
If you are invited to attend Spel-Bound make sure to participate, it gives you an inside look at life here at Spelman much more in-depth than a regular campus tour. You stay with a current student, get a feel for campus life, accompany us to classes, etc. It's a wonderful program, and those admitted students who are debating if Spelman is for them usually commit after Spel-Bound.
Academic Rigor
Classes vary in rigor falling within the traditional confines of a liberal arts education. All of the classical liberal arts majors are offered in addition to STEM programs i.e. biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics, bio-chemistry and computer science. We also offer a dual-degree engineering program. Professors are usually very helpful and want you to visit them (during posted office hours). You will have small classes here at Spelman, the largest course you will have during your matriculation here is around 60 students, and that is a mandatory first-year lecture course.
Dorm Life
As a first-year (freshmen) you will reside in one of four dorms (similar to the four houses from the Harry Potter franchise), each dorm has a very distinct personality and their own Greek letters. In addition, there are a number of first-year only events and activities centered around dorm life to get the new students acquainted to campus life and the surrounding campuses. You are required to live on campus first and second year unless you can provide a valid excuse for why you must live off campus.
Food and Dining
Overall, Spelman offers the typical college dinning experience, buffet style, average food with a variety of options, that is sometimes extraordinarily good, but oftentimes rather basic. You won't starve, but it's not typically that home-cooked feel, either. The Caf closes at 8pm, but we do have The Grill as another dinning option which currently closes at 10:30pm and offers better food, but less variety. If you're a late eater you'll find yourself ordering delivery from one of the numerous options within the surrounding area.
What to do for fun
One thing every Spelman student knows is that there is never a shortage of things to do. Not only is your student email constantly getting flooded with on campus activities and events, but there are a number of things to do in the greater surrounding Atlanta area. First-years are not allowed cars, but typically that year you will learn to navigate the MARTA, a public transportation system for the immediate Atlanta area. There is a wonderful little outdoor mall (accessible via MARTA) called Atlantic Station, that offers dinning options, shopping, and a Regal Cinema movie theater. And of course there are always things going on within the Atlanta-University Center college community i.e. Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman.
Bang for the buck
A Spelman education is a great investment, offering you a wonderful network and access to a wide variety of internship and job offers. Furthermore, Spelman offers many unique experiences from on campus recruiting to wonderful mentors comprised of both faculty and alumnae. However, all this does cost so make sure to apply for scholarships. Spelman provides some financial aid, but for the most part you should look to outside sources as well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Spelman has a white dress, tradition which plays an important role with your induction ceremony as a first-year student and also at the end of your time here at Spelman as it is worn under your graduation gown. Also following the end of new student orientation Spelman and Morehouse come together in Kings Chapel, and after the ceremony freshmen are paired off and you receive a Morehouse brother.
Great for these types of students
There is no particular model of Spelmanite, you will find all types of women here. However, Spelman stresses academic excellence more than anything and there are certain limitations placed on those looking to pursue college sports on a very competitive level. Furthermore, as a liberal arts institution those who are intensely invested in a technology or scientific field are somewhat limited by course offerings on campus; however, you can still take classes at the neighboring Georgia Tech or Georgia State Universities in addition to Clark Atlanta or Morehouse.
Clubs and Activities
Spelman offers a number of extracurriculars, including professional organizations. The only downside to Spelman, is if you are an athlete. We are a Division III school, and the focus here is predominantly academics. However, a fair number of students participate in sports here. We offer soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, cross country, volleyball and softball.
Greek Life
Spelman College is home to all of the Divine Nine sororities, including AKA, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta. In addition we house Sigma Gamma Rho and Tau Beta Sigma.
Campus Safety
Spelman has one of the most secure campuses that I've ever witnessed. We are gated and have 24/7 campus security, who treat each of us like their daughters. They are a wonderful group of people and the majority have military and or police force experience. Next to quality education, safety is the most important thing stressed here at Spelman. I always love returning to my pearly gates, I definitely feel very safe here.

Quamisha from Poughkeepsie, NY

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I graduated from a public high school in Poughkeepsie, New York where there is a seventeen year, forty-three percent graduation rate. Therefore, I felt a though I was not academically challenged. Throughout my matriculation at Spelman College, I have learned more in a semester than I have learned in a year in New York. The work is somewhat challenging, but it is well worth the knowledge attained.
Am enjoying being here
Being at a historically black college, I am receiving an experience of a lifetime accompanied by cultural aspects. Everyday is truly something different; there is never a dull moment. I am learning more about myself as I embark on this Spelman journey. I would not rather be anywhere else than where I am at this very moment.
Bang for the buck
Spelman college is somewhat expensive and there are times when I do not know if my tuition is fully covered for the semester. However, I receive enrichment in all aspects of my life here. Thirty six thousand dollars is definitely sufficient for all that is obtained during matriculation at the illustrious Spelman College.
Tips for prospective students
Spelman college is an all female, historically black college. Not only does this mean you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, but you will make the conscious decision to change the world. As with many colleges and universities, there are temptations on may different levels. This four years of experience will be some of the best years in your life; do not get involved in anything that goes against your beliefs and your judgment. Survival in college is about discipline and remaining true to yourself and your morals. Times will be challenging and you may ask yourself, Is this all worth it. That is what sets everyone apart from one another; what are you willing to do and sacrifice?
Great for these types of students
Great for students who are looking for a small, all female, institution with a cultural experience. Some of the most popular majors are political science, economics and biology. Lastly, those students who want to change the world, starting with themselves and the things in their periphery.

Samantha from Springfield, VA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are beyond outstanding and you can tell they thoroughly enjoy what they're teaching. I love how some of the classes are designed specifically for students of color.
Am enjoying being here
I love being apart of the AUC; you meet new people from every part of the world literally everyday. Atlanta has so many different things to do and so many opportunities for young people. It's truly a one of a kind experience.
Bang for the buck
I've had to make quite a few financial decisions and sacrifices in order to attend. I'm constanly having to look up scholarships and paying internships because I am trying to go through my undergrad without any loans.
Tips for prospective students
Don't have tunnel vision when applying for colleges. Keep your mind open to every possibility. Remember you're going to be basically living at your college choice for the next four years.
Great for these types of students
Spelman is an all-girls school, and at first it was a huge challenge to be around all girls because most of my friends at home are boys. You definitely make friends with the girls in your dorm and in your classes, but Morehouse, Jazman's Cafe, and Clark Atlanta are right next door if you need a break.

Jessika from Mattapan, MA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely getting the education I want. All of my professors have been helpful in providing assistance and even recommendations for scholarships
Am enjoying being here
The people I meet make the experience even better. All the social events around campus and in Atlanta make we want to stay there
Bang for the buck
Though it was difficult to get scholarships as an individual, Spelman helped significantly with my academic scholarship for half tuition
Tips for prospective students
Stay in touch with the financial aid office on a weekly basis. My classmates and I have done that and found scholarships that helped out with books and travel
Great for these types of students
Considering Spelman College is an all female, historically black college, the type of people is obvious. However, many students who are not black apply and do attend. Many students participate in domestic exchange with Spelman and love the experience. I highly encourage it.

Amani from Sacramento, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Spelman college is a historically black college where they focus on the advancement of women, specifically of African descent. This illustrious institution consist of scholarly students and professors who truly care about one another and want to change the world. The sisterly atmosphere is like no other!
Tips for prospective students
Stay focus and true to yourself! It's easy to get caught up into situations that you have no business getting into. Create a connect with your professors that way it's easier to get letters of recommendations and internships.
Academic Rigor
Depending on your major the academic rigor can be high! For example, biology majors have many hard times.
Dorm Life
All of the dorm, expect Laura Spelman, LLC 1 and 2, and the Suites, do not have air cinditioning. Spelman was built in 1881 so many of the dorms have not been renovated with air conditioning. But again that's a part of the lovely experience.
Food and Dining
Sometimes the dining hall serves good and pleasant food but sometimes they don't. Every Wednesday is fried chicken Wednesday during lunch and on Fridays they serve fish. In lower Manley, there's a Subway, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Grill Works that serve a variety of food too!
What to do for fun
There will always be something to do on campus! There are many events that student body organizations plan and partner with the one at Morehouse College. Freshmen year you can join a stroll team depending on which dorm you live in and other fun things as well! Homecoming is huge for the AUC too!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Do not walk on the grass! Spelmanites do not cut corners! And do not walk under the oval until graduation day. There's a myth that if you walk under there you won't graduate on time.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs and organizations that you could join!
Campus Safety
Campus security is always on alert! They monitor everyone that goes in and out the gates of Spelman.

Saleena from Harrisburg, PA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
spelman is a wonderful school with many great opportunities that many do not know about. make sure you network with your professors, your financial aid advisors/scholarship coordinators, and the career offices.
Tips for prospective students
visit spelman and do a day or weekend program like a day in the life or spel-bound. some of my spelman sisters said they only came to spelman because they loved spel-bound so much.
Academic Rigor
depending on which major you decide to take up, the rigor can increase or decrease depending on how much of an expert you are in the subjects.
Dorm Life
the dorms are so much fun. i recommend staying on campus at least first and second year because you meet so many of your sisters and form life-long bonds with them quickly. i stayed in abby and i am close to mostly everyone who stayed in the dorm and both of my current roommates stayed in abby too!
Food and Dining
if you like chicken this is the caf for you. they have fried chicken, baked chicken, chicken and rice, grilled chicken, honey glazed chicken, sesame chicken, etc. chicken is the main dish mostly every day. when aj johnson came back to spelman a few months ago, she influenced the new part of the cafeteria, the fab 500 line which have some great options every now and then and the meals are always 500 calories or less. there is also a deli sandwich line, a stir-fry line, a pasta line, and pizza and burgers are there if you don't want anything else.
What to do for fun
go to poetry jams in kilgore which is actually on morehouse's campus right next door, go to atlantic station or wherever and watch movies and walk around the malls, and we go on many walking adventures to familiarize ourselves with the area and what is around us.
Bang for the buck
spelman is a private school, meaning it is super expensive. you are lucky to receive a scholarship from spelman but don't let that deter you from coming, look for a lot of outside scholarships and federal grants and loans are available...
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
we have the spelman graduate's arch that you cannot walk under until your graduation. we also have a rule that you shouldn't take shortcuts through the grass because that's like taking shortcuts through life.
Great for these types of students
people who do not mind doing the work to get the great grade because sometimes the work can become overwhelming. make sure you have friends and family as your support group.
Clubs and Activities
there are plenty of activities especially on friday, there is market friday, where vendors come and sell their merchandise, some of the stuff is really nice. there are plenty of clubs including clubs for your major, foreign language clubs, environmental clubs, career clubs, etc.
Greek Life
we have most of the major historically black sororities such as akas, deltas, and zetas. we even have a band sorority and a community service sorority.
Campus Safety
public safety at spelman is every where! they take their jobs seriously and even ride around the area from the school to the different marta staions and areas that students go to. there are shuttles that take students to the close marta stations and the library. there is also a spelman van that you can call to pick you up from spelman and take you to the library or marta station.