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Elmira College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 11 out of 11 people found this review useful.

    Megan from Lawrenceville, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned a lot through the required freshman courses. Freshman writing has taught me a lot about writing that I didn't learn in high school. Encore has helped me to broaden my view on music and performing arts. Community service has taught me that helping others can be very gratifying.

    Am enjoying being here

    Between community service, encore, and instrumental ensemble, I stay pretty busy. Of course I still find time to hang out with my friends and have dinner together or watch a movie. There's always something to do here. Some of these things are: bowling, movie nights, bingo nights, karaoke nights, trivia nights, sporting events, clubs, etc.

    Bang for the buck

    The money you pay for this school is well worth it. You get classes that you wouldn't get at any other college, professors and staff that actually know your name and are willing to work with you, and free tutoring.

    Tips for prospective students

    Don't let the workload get you down. After a while, you'll come to realize that all your hard work will pay off once you get into graduate school or the workforce.

    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for students that want a college campus that feels like home, but has always has events going on, small class sizes, and a beautiful view.

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Christina from New York, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There is never a moment in which you are not learning something at Elmira College. Whether you are learning something academic or something about yourself, you're mind is literally always working. The professors not only want you to learn about the subject but how to apply it to everyday life and how it benefits.

    Am enjoying being here

    Elmira College is my dream college. I fell in love with it just by looking at it online. In my opinion that's how you can tell if a college is the perfect fit for you or not. The administrators, the students, the professors and in general everyone is kind, social and real. You really won't ever find another college that feels more at home than here.

    Bang for the buck

    One thing is that this college is EXPENSIVE. However they do offer AMAZING scholarships and pretty much everyone here is on some type of scholarship. The quality of the education definitely matches the amount you pay for it.

    Tips for prospective students

    Get ready for a lot of writing and sleepless nights. Also I hope that you love TONS of purple.

    Great for these types of students

    People who are motivated (trust me, its a plus), willing to take constructive criticisms, and who want a small campus where everyone basically knows everyone and who want a place that is willing to become a part of your family and don't abandon their own.

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Maria from Bronx, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learn so much in just one month of school, most teachers are really good and know what their teaching. I am actually becoming a better writer because all freshman have to take a year long writing class and its been really rewarding and it has made me a more stronger and convincing writer.

    Am enjoying being here

    I really enjoy being in this college. I have a found a group of friends with whom I share many things like favorite movies and books. There's also all the clubs available to the students, there's the harry potter club, the red cross club, circle k club, dance clubs, A Capella groups and many other clubs.
    The food is pretty good, and not repetitive like in high school.

    Bang for the buck

    I do think I am getting the bang for my bucks because i love all the classes i am taking, the professors are really there for you if you have any problem and the English classes are really enjoyable.
    The only problem i do see it's that tuition is pretty expensive but the financial aid department is really good and they try everything so that you can attend the college

    Tips for prospective students

    Come In ready to write and write a lot. Have an open mind, Volunteer all you can, and read, read , read.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Tyler from Rosendale, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Being here at Elmira College is teaching me a lot. Whether it is what I am learning in classes, from my friends, or from the clubs and community service I participate in, I am learning more and more about who I am and what I want to be. Elmira College is full of Professors and short on students, so there are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one tutoring with your professors. There are also tutoring services that are incorporated into your tuition that cover every class provided on campus.
    There are also international students hailing from over thirty different countries, so learning more about other cultures in a context outside of the classroom is almost unavoidable.

    Am enjoying being here

    When I walked onto the Elmira College campus it was love at first sight. Granted, there are no huge buildings that are architectural marvels like there are on some campuses, but at Elmira you feel like you are at a place of higher learning. All of the building are made of red brick and are accented with white sandstone and green ivy. It is cohesive. Most large Universities have building from different decades just thrown together. Elmira is a cohesive and pleasant looking campus.
    Aside from how aesthetically pleasing the campus is, the food is great. There are four different places on campus to grab something to eat. When that is combined with the two grocery stores and several restaurants within walking distance from the school, there is always something new to eat.
    Although I would never call Elmira a Party School, there is always something going on, either provided by the school or a party thrown by students, everyday. The Student Activities Board(SAB) provides movies, comedians, musicians and other forms of entertainment on campus for no cost to the student. There are three clubs/bars near the campus that actually host Elmira College only nights to provide a safe place for students to have fun and a few drinks without having to worry about the town crashing the party.

    Bang for the buck

    Elmira College has a high price tag. I'm paying $47,000 a year in tuition and room and board, and that number is climbing for incoming students. Yet, with that said, that $47,000 a year includes tuition for all 3 trimesters, a dorm room that is larger than most other colleges/universities, money for meals, unlimited tutoring sessions and visits with campus nurses, doctors, therapists and physical therapists. Let us not forget the weight room, pool, an on-campus bowling alley, weekly entertainment, cable TV, internet access, access to on-campus sporting events, money that is used to fund on campus clubs and intramural sports and much more
    That's a lot of stuff right? Well, here's the best part. No one ever pays full price. Thanks to donations provided by Alumni and Parents, the school is able to provide deserving students academic based scholarships that range from $10,000 a year to a Full Ride.
    Elmira College is one of the best schools in the region, and has one of the best nursing programs in the nation. Elmira's teaching, business and criminal justice programs are also very strong.

    Tips for prospective students

    Elmira College has a high price tag. One of the best ways to trim down that cost is to have a high GPA. A student with 3.2 GPA and 1150 or higher on their SAT's can get a $20,000 a year scholarship. Usually the scholarship provided by the school in combination with Federal and state financial aid usually makes EC's price tag comparable to a community college.

    Great for these types of students

    Ambitious student will thrive here. Academically, having a degree in nursing, business, education, accounting and criminal justice from Elmira College can open doors for you in the future.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Jessica from Elmira, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    elmira college is heavily based on tradition and community. freshman year is intense because of the traditions that students endure, such as the freshman writing program and core program, but they train students to think critically and write efficiently. mostly, students either love ec or leave it.

    Tips for prospective students

    students looking to come to elmira college should know that traditions are very important, and students are expected to participate in them. freshman year is difficult because of the programs that are required, but students learn to work with others to accomplish goals. elmira college is perfect for getting close attention to student issues, because with small class sizes the professors can pay attention to individual students.

    Academic Rigor

    freshman year was difficult, but it prepares students for coursework later on. professors have high standards for students here, and they aren't afraid to express that. even though the course-load is rather heavy, i feel like i'm getting so much out of my classes.

    Dorm Life

    the freshman dorms are split up into social groups and stereotypes for the most part. towers is the loudest building on campus, especially on the lower floors, and dorms like towers tend to run high damage fees. meier, the brand new dorm, is a beautiful building that most upperclassmen try to get into.

    Food and Dining

    dining tries to have options, and there are four dining places that students can choose from. they really try at the beginning of the terms to have interesting food options, but by the end of the term they're serving the same food three nights in a row. they also close earlier than the library closes, and so trying to get food after that time is impossible.

    What to do for fun

    the college tries to sponsor fun events over the weekends, like movies and comedians, and there is also the big event each year with a big-name performer. most weekends students drink and party in the dorms because the surrounding town is too dangerous or boring. if you have a car, horseheads and ithaca are great weekend or day trips.

    Bang for the buck

    elmira college is very expensive, the rates keep going up. they have us pay a whole bunch of fees for activities and events that not everyone participates in. however, and i am satisfied with the level of education that i am receiving, so i will continue to pay for my education here.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    during term i students camp out in front of the president's house and sing to receive mountain day, which is where the president cancels classes for the day and fun events are held. we also have a private, free bowling alley on campus where students can bowl with purple and gold shoes, balls, and pins. the mark twain study was relocated onto campus as a constant reminder of mark twain's roots and history in elmira.

    Great for these types of students

    elmira college is great for nursing majors, english majors, psychology majors, and education majors. many of the requirements are writing based, and there is little emphasis on science and math. students looking for close interactions with their professors and ample study abroad opportunities find elmira college a good place of study.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are many clubs on campus, and they suit a range of needs. senate is the governmental body that allows interaction between clubs, as well as serving as a platform for students to voice their concerns to administrators.

    Greek Life

    other than honor societies, there is no greek life on campus.

    Campus Safety

    elmira college is located between two prisons. elmira is a poorer urban area, and students are not advised to leave campus. the security guards are great, but only about 6 service the entire campus.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Sam from Dunkirk, NY

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Elmira has a beautiful campus, and with a small student body, it's easier to be noticed and to get help if needed. Plus, their scholarships really help to pay for tuition.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Christian from Norwalk, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Blaine from Elmira, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    elmira college is a small institution and is a liberal arts college. students can easily navigate the campus and can pick up on the traditions at elmira very quickly. elmira college, ec, is a nice college for a student to attend if he or she can afford it.

    Tips for prospective students

    1. be aware of which credits are and are not transferable
    2. make sure to ask any and all questions about cost, and budget money wisely
    3. writing, core, community service, and encore are required for freshman
    4. science lab and clark health center are $500 and $300, respectively
    5. a $300 confirmation fee is paid each year to confirm attendance
    6. course books are sold on campus and are a separate cost from tuition
    7. the college will provide students with medical insurance
    8. the campus is almost it's own separate community within the city
    9. free black and white printing and internet use in the library

    Academic Rigor

    1. freshman writing consists of a twenty page research paper, a ten page research paper, and over twenty four-five page papers. all papers correspond to a book read.
    2. encore is a performing arts class in which all students must watch eight performances and then write an essay refering to those performances on a topic provided.
    3. sixty total hours of community service are required of all freshman
    4. core is a literature class and ranges in difficulty by professor
    5. your academic major classes must also be taken while taking the freshman requirements.
    6. twelve credits must be taken per semester to remain a full-time student
    7. a low gpa may result in the loss of a scholarship from the college

    Dorm Life

    the dorms are well-kept by the campus staff and are not in need of serious repairs; however, some small things may be damaged and are replacable.

    Food and Dining

    the food on campus is found in the campus center and there is quite the variety. in the campus center a main dinning hall, a cafe, a restaurant, and a smaller dinning area can be found.

    What to do for fun

    many events are held every weekend in which the students can escape their studies and participate in activities. there is a fitness center and poll and many various clubs on campus as well. parties are occasionally held on campus.

    Bang for the buck

    elmira is a more expensive college and scholarships or any kind of funds is helpful for a students attendence. the college keeps an individual very busy on and off of campus; although, the quality of campus life and certain requirements could use improvement, in my opinion.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    elmira college has the candle light ceremony for all incoming freshman and there are a few songs that the college students learn that are sung at events and ceremonies. each dorm has its own lounge area and the campus center and library can also be places to hang out and study with friends.

    Great for these types of students

    elmira college is very big for majors in biology, chemistry, and teaching. it also offers political science, and theatre, and other majors and minors as well. students looking for a challenge and a more personal college experience with their professors would enjoy attending elmira college.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are a variety of different clubs and activities on campus. generally, clubs meet once a week and host activities for students to paticipate in on weekends. two to three weekend events are usually offered.l

    Greek Life

    none.

    Campus Safety

    the campus has its own security staff that watches the activity of poeple both on and off campus. campus security are readily available and respond to calls from students who feel uncomfortable even if it is simply to escort the student at night.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Celida from Bronx, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this school was my first choice since i was a junior in high school. for me to get accepted here is an great honor. even though the classes are sometime hard theres alway tutoring and office hours from your professor willing to help you all the way through the term.

    Tips for prospective students

    be prepare to read and write a lot.

    Academic Rigor

    study a lot, read read read. it might be stressful at first but is manageable to handle.

    Dorm Life

    dorm life is very fun, you meet the friends you going to spend your four years with. everyone is very friendly. one tip be outgoing.

    Food and Dining

    great food, something new everyday day.

    What to do for fun

    theres always something to do for fun like bowling, movie night, concerts, parties, ects. this campus is full of entertainment. i guarantee you will have fun in all the events in elmira.

    Bang for the buck

    definitely, every dollar is worth in elmira. elmira college is a breath taking school, as soon as you step foot on campus you see beauty. also elmira is very dedicate to their school color purple and gold, there no other school who is dedicate to their color as this school.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    unusual tradition in elmira is that they never change their tradition as a freshman is enrolled in their first term they have to wear a purple and gold beanie hat for the first week. their also mountain day, is rewarded to the school as a day off classes, if we the student sing the school song loud enough to show our school spirits.

    Great for these types of students

    great for all majors.

    Clubs and Activities

    a lot of activities and club there's always something to do on campus.

    Greek Life

    none

    Campus Safety

    campus security is very helpful. they're always there when you need them.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive.

    Jordan from NORWICH, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Nursing/Science Majors, Business, and Speech & Hearing.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Tirene from Syracuse, NY

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • Lisa from Elmira, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to visit and talk to the students. Everyone is very helpful and willing to give you advice and information.

    Academic Rigor

    The classes are definitely tough, but you learn so much every day.

    Dorm Life

    There's a dorm for everybody. Having to live on campus can have its monetary downsides, but it's a great way to stay involved.

    Food and Dining

    There's no excuse for going hungry. There are four places to eat on campus, but if you really can't find the right food for you, they will help you to spend your meal money at the local grocery store instead.

    Greek Life

    None, which really helps make the school feel more friendly and less clique-y.

    Campus Safety

    The city isn't very safe or pretty, but campus security is very good, and they are always available with student escorts at night.

  • Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Good for education and nursing, but noticeably weak for science majors looking to move into a PhD program. The science major offered is not very rigorous and lacks the experience opportunities.

    Academic Rigor

    Some classes are very challenging others are not. Ultimately it depends on your major and professors.

    Dorm Life

    Very good. The new dorm has nice facilities and all the dorms on campus are maintained well.

    Food and Dining

    I am a picky eater, so I do not care for the food, but for cooking for so many students day in and day out, the food is not that bad. The hours of food places being open are bad though.

    What to do for fun

    SAB events every weekend. If you take advantage of the free events planned by the Student Activities Board it can be fun, but otherwise there is not much to do.

    Bang for the buck

    This school has great scholarships on tuition, but charges excessively for everything else.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Mountain Day-day off from school in the fall after singing for it several days in advance.

    Great for these types of students

    Students used to a small school or interested in a small school.

    Clubs and Activities

    Tons of different types of clubs and ample opportunity to start your own.

    Greek Life

    ?

    Campus Safety

    Security officers are visible on campus, friendly, and available on call.

  • Christopher from Elmira, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Elmira is a great place to make friends.
    Elmira is a very very small school.
    Invest too much money in foolish things.

    Tips for prospective students

    Be very careful if your going to select Elmira College.

    What to do for fun

    there is nothing to do for fun at Elmira. You have to make your own fun.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Induction is a colt too many traditions

    Great for these types of students

    Very Low Achieving Student.
    Students who do not like to drink or smoke

    Greek Life

    0 greek life which sucks