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Calvin College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Calvin College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Calvin College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Calvin College reviews, or contribute your own Calvin College review if you're a current student there.

  • 17 out of 17 people found this review useful.

    Nickolas from Barrington, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Professors care and want you to succeed. They challenge you, tasks are easy, but they also want to give you the tools to succeed, and excel at it. Some of the professors you connect with will get to know you at a personal level. In the classroom you are taught the material in a more realistic and world setting. You are also taught spiritually and through your faith. Calvin is a Liberal Arts College so you are allowed (and required) to complete various Core classes to be more well rounded.
    Am enjoying being here

    Calvin College is a personal environment. In the Dorms: You know your roommate better then your best friend in a year. Calvin works really hard to make sure that even if you never met them before, that you will be a good match, and then hand selects your roommate for the best compatibility. Your room is connected to another room through your bathroom, and you are immediately connected to 2 more friends. Your floor becomes a close knit community; a family. You know them all, and learn to trust them, because you live with them. The classrooms are also a special place to meet people, the average classroom is just over 20 people so you have the ability to get to know people really well. Especially in small classes when there are just a few of you.
    Bang for the buck

    Its expensive yet this is the only time in your life you will experience something like this. Also you receive some of the best possible education. The Professors want you to learn, and will meet with you anytime you have a question, would be happy to meet with you for coffee, and are constantly giving encouragement or advice.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are worried about making friends, don't worry, Calvin does a terrific job of keeping you busy the first few weeks, so just be yourself and you will soon find out who it is you want to hang out with.

    Professors respect when you work hard, and if they know it they will be far. Don't be afraid to ask them for help, they are looking for students that want to be successful.
    Professors are also great for other advice, about other classes, your major (or minors), life, your faith, or sometimes even if you have relationship problems. They are there for you.
    Great for these types of students

    If you have ambition, dreams and goals, then Calvin is the place for you. Whether you want to help as many people as possible or build a company from scratch, at Calvin you will learn how to be successful using the gifts that God has given you.

  • 13 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Katie from NE

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The profs are very helpful, and the classes are really challenging and make me think.
    Am enjoying being here

    The community is great. I got to know the girls on my floor and the guys on my brother floor really fast. It's fun living in the dorms because there's always something going on and people to go out with. It's fun to hang out on campus, too.
    Bang for the buck

    Calvin is pretty expensive, but financial aid helps a lot, and it really is a great campus with great profs and facilities and it's worth the money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't put off homework assignments for social time. Also, try to do as much homework as you can -- especially in classes that you're struggling in. Don't be afraid to go to your prof and ask questions. Every prof I've had so far has been more than willing to help out. Going to ask questions during their office hours also shows the prof that you want to do well in the class and that you care about the class subject.
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworkers will thrive at Calvin. If you want to sit on your butt for four years... pick a different school.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    DeVo'n from Grand Rapids, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At Calvin, to be honest is a good place to be. The classes that you take will be rigorous depending on your major, but the professors are there to help. Some of the classes that I have taken at Calvin have been beneficial to me and the things that I learned have connected to my christian faith. There are tutors available and the professors as well who are willing to help you succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    Calvin in general is a nice atmosphere. If you have visited or are planning to visit, you will notice a lot of trees and greenery around, granted when the snow comes, which is also good as well. There is a nature preserve here at Calvin which is great for walking or just a place for reflecting. You usually make friends pretty quickly because of the roommate and suite mates that are placed around you. Getting to know new people is a rewarding experience and the people here are friendly.
    Bang for the buck

    Calvin is worth the money although the cost to come is quite a bit, but it is worth it. Calvin supplies numerous scholarships, grants and loans for you to have and talking to people who come here is also a good way to see if Calvin is worth the bang for the buck.
    Tips for prospective students

    Some tips for prospective students is not to worry whether you will be able to make friends and succeed. The professors and advisers are here for you and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Also if you don't know, Calvin is mostly a white institution, there is an increase of diversity which can seen all around campus. There are events and also organizations such as the Multi-Cultural Student development office which cater and educate to learn more about other cultures that are presented here at Calvin.
    Great for these types of students

    Calvin I think is great for those who want to exceed and also those who want to grow deep in their christian faith. There are bible studies that are held in the dorms and also times for worshiping God in a community setting. So if you have a desire to succeed then Calvin is one of the places for you.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Christi from Grand Rapids, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The class work goes in depth into whatever subject you are studying, you definitely learn what you need to know for your major. There are also certain core classes you need to take which give you general knowledge and creates well-rounded students that can succeed at whatever they set out to do.
    Am enjoying being here

    The teachers and classmates are fun and engaging. There are also many campus events to get students involved. They send out student newsletters so you always know what is going on and can join events even if you are a commuter like me.
    Bang for the buck

    The classes are hard and demanding but totally worth it. The teachers push you to succeed and truly care about how you do - they want you to leave here completely prepared to face the world. Some of the professors that are away from a computer a lot give you their cell phone number in addition to their email on the syllabus so you are able to reach them through text message if necessary.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study, study, study! I was one of those people that could just coast through high school and study maybe five minutes for a test. Here I had to crank it up a notch and study for at least an hour.
    Great for these types of students

    hard workers, creative minds, and people looking for an excellent education

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Cassondra from Grant, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Calvin offers professors who know what they are talking about. The classes are smaller so you are able to get the help you need, and if your teacher can't help you then there are free tutors available that meet with you as much as needed. Calvin really offers great classes and they are a high ranked school because they require the most core classes around.
    Am enjoying being here

    Being in the college life is great, but being at Calvin for the experience is even greater. You create great friendships with the people in your dorm, and because Calvin is so small you are able to know more of your class mates. This school offers many activities so you always have something to do when you are not studying, and it is also located in a city with a wide variety of hang out spots.
    Bang for the buck

    Calvin is expensive, but you are getting what you pay for. The Christian atmosphere makes learning so much more as you learn about science, but about how God relates to all of it in the mean time. This school helps you get a great job after graduation and also helps you on your walk with Christ.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Emma from Grandville, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot about how to integrate Christian faith into my everyday life. Professors talk openly about their faith and encourage us to do the same. I am learning about responsibility and time management through living in the dorms. Also, the classes themselves are challenging.
    Am enjoying being here

    The environment is very friendly. There are plenty of student organizations and they are all inviting. There many on-campus activities each week, so you'll never be bored.
    Bang for the buck

    Calvin is totally worth the cost. All classes are taught by professors as opposed to teaching assistants. Professors are willing to help students who are struggling.
    Tips for prospective students

    Look at the size of the school you wish to attend. A smaller faculty-to-student-ratio means more individual attention from professors and advisers. Also, look at the political tendencies of the school as a whole. Find the right balance of conservative and liberal attitudes in your school, or you'll risk feeling out of place.
    Great for these types of students

    Calvin is a great choice for any student who wants to discover their faith and be able to integrate it into their field of study. It is also great for students that like to go beyond the normal coursework, as there are many research opportunities. There is a mix of political attitudes at Calvin, but as a whole the school seems to lean right. The Calvin community has a conservative, small-town vibe.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Erica from Buffalo Grove, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a fun, small college where you can find a place to fit in.
    Tips for prospective students

    definitely apply before the early deadline so you won't incur the application fee. if you are a well-rounded student, they will accept you.
    Academic Rigor

    the classes require work but you reap what you sow. i definitely learned a lot. it is easy to talk to the professors during their office hours and most are very approachable.
    Dorm Life

    you find especially close community in the living-learning communities. the campus is not very big so it is easy to visit people in other dorms. there are many activities you can participate in around the dorm.
    Food and Dining

    i got tired of the food fairly quickly but it is not bad. there is variety.
    What to do for fun

    skating in rosa parks, climbing wall!, board games, video games, concerts - calvin has a lot of cheap ones for students, movies
    Bang for the buck

    if you grades are good, you can get a lot of academic scholarships. the education here is excellent; there are a lot of resources and facilities for you to use. there are many opportunities to get involved on campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    sem pond jump - a hole is created in the seminary pond, and students and staff alike jump into it in the dead of winter. if you do it four years consecutively, you can get a golden towel.
    chaos day - at the very beginning of the year before classes start, dorms compete against each other in different events. everyone dresses up with the theme of their dorm. lots of friendly competition and spirit.

    Clubs and Activities

    calvin is very good about organizing campus-wide events. there is basically whatever you are looking for; you just have to look.
    Campus Safety

    i never worry about getting attacked or anything. plus, there are the safety phones where you can dial for campus safety to come and drive you if you feel unsafe.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Samuel from Anchorage, AK

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The school accommodates a wide variety of majors, from interaction with friends, all of them adequately at the worst. The large number of out-of-country programs creates immersive opportunities for the language Majors, and the Engineering program is ABET accredited, rare in private colleges.

    An engineer, I live in the Mathematics and Sciences. My experience with Calculus was educational, reviewing the basics in a comfortable way, like learning to swim. While my required religion course (it is a Christian Reformed campus) was a school of Sharks added, the Professor did everything to answer my questions. Every professor I have had has been understanding and helpful. Tutoring is available and free for every student.

    The Honors program differs from the University normal. Opposed to a single “Honors” curriculum tied to a building (though there is an honors floor in the Van Reken Dorm), an “Honors Contract” can be negotiated with most professors. This allows for any student in any major to graduate with Honors, having gained additional experience in their field.

    The inclusion of a Month-long term in January, “Interim term”, is a welcome break, giving students the chance to take a course outside their major for fun and credit. I feel that at the end of four years I will be prepared for my career field.

    Am enjoying being here

    I am not a social butterfly. In societal-insect biology, I never passed antisocial caterpillar. I have friends at Calvin. Orientation smashed us together. Friends also come from my floor. The general atmosphere is understanding in regards to homework, and vigilant when in need to recreation. Outside of classes, there is little to no separation by field, outside of choice.
    The religious culture is accepting. The encouragement to “Love, not Judge” is echoed by the student body. Being run by the Dutch Christian Reformed Church, their doctrine is espoused by the professors, though not forced on the students. Emphasis on service has each floor engaging in “Service-Learning”, community service.
    Something is always happening on campus. The Student Activities Committee plans well ahead. I have never gotten out as much as I have in the first few weeks, and enjoyed it. Each floor has its own schedule-optional, of course.

    Bang for the buck

    I ended my college search with a blind leap. I flew 3000 miles to Calvin college, no prior experience. Similar to a dying star, I was out of my element.
    Calvin has been engaging, both Academically and Socially. They offer enough unique courses to make my education feel well-rounded.
    Tips for prospective students

    Though not a huge choice when evaluating my options, Calvin ranks high in my experiences. The usual problems that come with a school are present: some great students are not great people, the weather can get intense (heavy rains or winds), and both the schedule and amicable attitudes break down during finals. I invite any students on the fence to visit, and any all considering students to apply.
    Great for these types of students

    Engineers looking for an ABET accredited private school. Culture or history students looking for a large number of overseas opportunities.

  • Rachel from Minneapolis, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school thrives with energy and spirit. Takes the Christian faith seriously, but stresses the importance of participating in the world and staying exposed. This school truly grows on you.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be friendly and open to new experiences. At first, everything is very overwhelming but after time you fall in love with this place. There is so much to do and there is this energy on campus that never dies out. Be warned this school has a dutch heritage but Calvin emphasizes the importance of diversity.
    Academic Rigor

    The professors expect a lot out of their students and Calvin is a tough school but it cultivates great students more than receives good students.
    Dorm Life

    You get out what you put into it. I love my dorm and the majority of the people that I end up hanging out with are from my dorm. At the beginning of the school year, there is Chaos day which resembles a Track and Field day from elementary school but so much better. Each dorm has a theme and orders matching T-shirts. Last year mine was Wizard of Oz and our rival dorm was Brave Heart. At Chaos day everyone participates in an event like tug of war or Crochet/Hockey. Major Dorm Bonding.
    Food and Dining

    The dorm food is ok..but eating on the weekends is awful. But that is what you get for eating in the dining halls day in and day out. But there are awesome salad bars and you can order custom sandwiches.
    What to do for fun

    Most people go to campus events, play ultimate frisbee, or attend Dorm Dates with their floor. Most dorm dates include going to Aerial's, Jersey Junction. My friends and I started night games like Fugitive or Capture the Flag. There is also an awesome rock climbing wall and a beach volleyball court. There is always something to do because most students are very active and can't sit still.
    Bang for the buck

    It can be Pretty spendy to attend Calvin but there is a lot of financial aid available. But I think that you truly get what you pay for. The education and people you meet is a life changing experience.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Chaos Day, Beets Boxer Run, Serenading, Hope/Calvin Rivalry, Johnny's Cafe, the Fish House (our coffee shop).
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who are open to new ideas and don't take themselves too seriously. Also most students are very independent and highly organized.
    Clubs and Activities

    The activities are what I love most about Calvin. There is so much going on. The Student Activities Board has awesome taste! There is Dance Guild, Air Band, The Sem Pond Jump, Chaos Day. The music that has come to Calvin is incredible. Switchfoot, The Head and the Heart, Noah and the Whale, Dawes, Blitzen Trapper, Death Cab For Cutie, Gungor just to name a few.
    Greek Life

    No Greek life. which is rather refreshing. You find that community in the dorms.
    Campus Safety

    they treat you like royalty!

  • Melanie from North Chili, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Calvin is a liberal arts school that will bolster your faith and prepare you to be an active citizen of this world. You will gain a clearer vision for your life and learn what your passions are in a Christ-centered community with the support of fellow students, faculty, and staff.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go potluck your first semester. You never know who you'll meet and it's an adventure.
    Take full advantage of all the activities, on-campus lectures, concerts, and sports facilities while at Calvin. They are all top-notch!
    Visit once and it will feel like home.

    Academic Rigor

    Classes are difficult and you are bound to have much more work than the allotted credit hours. You will be challenged and pushed to your limits. However, most professors are extremely helpful and open to assisting you to achieve the grades you desire. Grad school will be a breeze if you make it through Calvin College!
    Dorm Life

    There are always planned events to participate in; so many that it is sometimes overwhelming! The dorm motto is open doors equal happy floors and the school is all about community-building. Some Residence Assistants are very involved in floor growth and activity, while others are a more distant support.
    Food and Dining

    There is something there for everyone: with a permanent salad bar, fruit bar and vegetarian options, as well as a sandwich line, in addition to the hot food lines.
    What to do for fun

    There are many on-campus events every week. Sometimes it is hard to pick from the large variety! We have great bands come to Calvin, an active theater and music department, and great club activities. Plus, downtown life of Grand Rapids is vibrant and active. There are extremely good restaurants and bars in the area.
    Bang for the buck

    It is not easy paying for Calvin and Financial Services are difficult to work with at times, but it is a wonderful place where you are bound to find your money put to good use. The relationships you form with professors, the variety of activities and extra learning opportunities that are offered, the gorgeous facilities, and the personal growth you will experience all make it worth the huge cost.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Seminary Pond offers a beautiful location for pictures in the Spring with friends, napping in the sun in the Summer, a color-filled stroll in the Fall, and the annual polar bear jump in the Winter.
    The Ecosystem Preserve is an escape from the busyness of school and a step into the wilderness right across campus! It is a beautiful place to enjoy a peaceful walk and experience the natural world any time of the year.

    Great for these types of students

    Christians seeking growth and an increased understanding of our world.
    Clubs and Activities

    Calvin has a wide variety of student led organizations and other club and intramural activities. There are plenty of ways to get involved and if you find that your passion is missing from the mix, you can simply create your own club with the help of an advising staff member.
    Campus Safety

    They can be a bit overbearing and obnoxious, but our campus safety officers ensure that every student is safe on campus and off.

  • Opal from Tekonsha, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're not committed to college or your faith this school may not be right for you
    What to do for fun

    Campus and community activities
    Great for these types of students

    Committed and academically strong

  • Rebecca from Muskegon, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Calvin is a supportive, friendly school. There is plenty of help to grow spiritually and make lasting friendships. Calvin has an excellent academic track record
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early, get all the scholarships you can!
    What to do for fun

    Calvin is in Grand Rapids, and there is a lot do do! It is very culturally diverse.

  • Courtney from Grand Rapids, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I went to Calvin over the summer for the Entrada Scholars Program. It had a great environment along with great staff. I am excited to attend there in the fall
    Academic Rigor

    The professors there are great. The classes are smaller so they have time for more individuals. It has great academics overall.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm rooms are suite style with a bathroom in between. They are very nice places to stay. Also, they have the themed dorm rooms for higher learning.
    Food and Dining

    Their are many places on and off campus to eat at. Johnny's is a great place for a late snack. They also have many healthier options for vegetarians.

  • Audrey from Plymouth, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    everyone at calvin is friendly and the facilities are great. christian faith positively impacts both the classroom and social settings. i love it at calvin, check it out!
    Tips for prospective students

    spend the night with friday's at calvin. you get a fuller picture of campus life when you're hanging out with a college student.
    Academic Rigor

    the professors aren't easy graders, but you learn a lot!
    Dorm Life

    everyone is super friendly and inclusive. i love the community here!
    Food and Dining

    dining hall food isn't that bad, plus there's always the sandwich/salad bar and fresh fruit!
    What to do for fun

    buck friday's events, knight-life events, dance clubs, downtown grand rapids, woodland mall, hanging out with friends, great athletic facilities (with a pool and rock wall)
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    sem pond jump.
    Clubs and Activities

    join dance guild.
    Greek Life

    no greek life at calvin

  • Natasha from Wyoming, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    check out calvin! i never planned on going here... then i came for a fridays at calvin visit and i fell in love. the atmosphere and community you find at calvin is unique and nothing like any of the other colleges i considered.
    Academic Rigor

    calvin's tough, but not impossible, as long as you make an effort to do your work. the profs are very willing to help you in any way that they can.
    Dorm Life

    i absolutely love living in the dorms. i have the option of moving out of them for my sophomore year, but i definitely won't. the community in the dorms is wonderful and the dorm leadership teams offer a lot of ways to get involved.
    Food and Dining

    it's a college dining hall, so don't expect anything super great. my personal favorites: both canadian and american thanksgiving, wednesday night pasta bar at commons, wednesday night french toast at uppercrust, and the m&m cookies.
    What to do for fun

    the student activities office puts on a ton of different events throughout the year (movie nights, concerts, fall carnival). in the fall, we have buck fridays, so almost every friday there's something going on that only costs a dollar. in the spring, the group that puts on buck fridays does nite-life, which is a free event (usually some sort of tournament) in the fieldhouse.

  • Christina from Fountain, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I really enjoy Calvin's academics. They're tough (especially for someone who came from a community college) but reasonable. Keep in contact with your professors. They are always available to help if you have questions or don't quite understand something.
    Am enjoying being here

    Being raised Baptist, I was really unfamiliar with most of the CRC's beliefs. This made it difficult to really grasp some of the concepts, some of which are very different from what I learned in Sunday School and other Bible classes. That being said, I really appreciate how hard Calvin works to bring their beliefs into every aspect of life. It's very refreshing, especially to have an in-depth spiritual discussion with people my own age.
    Bang for the buck

    No way around it, Calvin is expensive. But I think it's worth it. I get quality teaching from top notch professors, I get to enjoy fantastic facilities and the staff and administrators and always friendly and helpful.

  • Cristina

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    hoping to...know i will
    Will enjoy being here

    The atmosphere seem great and I am excited to attend.
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive after all it is a private school but they do offer financial packages.
    Tips for prospective students

    visit
    Great for these types of students

    all especiall for the arts and diversity