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Hope College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 11 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Dale from Grandville, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to succeed, and will give you any help you might need. Even in some of my largest classes the professors knew everyone's name.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has been everything I hoped for in a college, and more. I sensed from my first visit there that this was THE college for me, and I have not regretted my decision for a second. The people at Hope are wonderful; besides great relationships with my professors, I have become close friends with many of my fellow students. There's almost always something fun and exciting going on, either on campus or in the Holland community. Hope has a number of great traditions as well, like the Pull, the Nykerk Cup, and Dance Marathon. My favorite events are the monthly shows performed by Vanderprov, an improv comedy group made up of Hope Students.
    Bang for the buck

    It's true, Hope is expensive, but that's going to be true of any private college. Hope is actually considerably cheaper than well-known schools like Harvard and Princeton, and academically it's just as solid. Hope is especially strong in the sciences; their chemistry program is one of the best in the country. (For example, Sylvia T. Ceyer, the chair of the chemistry department at MIT, is a Hope graduate.) However, what really makes Hope stand out academically is its undergraduate research program, which is one of the very best in the country. It's very easy to get involved in research with a professor, either as a volunteer or through Hope's summer research program. And besides being a terrific school academically, Hope is also a great place to live. It's an easy walk to charming downtown Holland, and the beach isn't too far from campus either.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come prepared to work hard, but know that you're going to have a lot of fun as well. If you're interested in research, make sure you talk to your professors about it; sometimes all you need to do to get into a research lab is ask.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone interested in science, especially if they want to go on to graduate school.
    Self-motivated people with a good work ethic.
    Outgoing, friendly people who love to make new friends
    Intelligent students who enjoy being challenged academically.

  • 10 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Alison from Portage, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here always offer office hours and are willing to help you in anyway possible. I feel like I'm constantly challenged and involved in my classes
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere at Hope is amazing, and people are consistently nice and supportive. There are many well rounded activities for any individual to become involved in. Also, there is a great balance of social life and academics.
    Bang for the buck

    Although Hope is very expensive, being a private school, they are usually very good about working with financial situations. This was the most expensive option for me, but I don't regret one day spent on campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you spend the night and attend classes to see if this is the right fit for you.
    Talk to students in your similar interests and they can relate their personal opinion on the topic rather than the advisers or professors, although they give great insight too.
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing
    Studious
    Friendly
    Christian

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Robert from Niles, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Professors constantly encourage students to think deeply and investigate fields in areas outside their primary interest.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has brought out the best in me. I've made many new friends and feel that I have a real connection with my classmates and professors.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope provides so many student support services that it is well worth the expense. It offers a first class education tailored to meet the individual needs of the student. The financial aid available makes the price competitive with that of many state universities.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the school at least twice. Spend a day exploring the campus and talking to professors in your fields of interest. Take a walk through down town Holland.
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing/Reserved
    Athletes/ Nonathletic
    Christian/Non-christian
    Studious and Fun-loving....most of all Willing to Learn.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Russell from Delaware, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors at Hope do their best to do whatever they can for the students. Teaching is really their passion and they work hard to take time for each individual student. The education at Hope is a good one, the classes and professors challenge each student individually and strive to see each and every student succeed. Every professor tries to arrange times for any student that needs help to get it either from them personally or a knowledgeable student in the area. To graduate from Hope, you are really going to have to work and learn a lot.
    Am enjoying being here

    The community here at Hope is a great one. There are so many things to do and be a part of. At the beginning of the year there is an activities fair. Every single club or student union has a booth set up for students to come and sign up for information and to be a part of them. Hope does a great job in trying to get as many people actively involved in the community as possible. Hope puts good use to the money you pay by providing a great gym and indoor pool, weekly shows by lots of different people, and great rivalry basketball games. Downtown Holland is only a block away from campus, enabling students to take trips to the stores and restaurants of downtown. I have so much enjoyed my time here at Hope so far and am sure that anyone else will also.
    Bang for the buck

    Just like any other private college, Hope does require a good deal of money to attend. However, they are very helpful in providing financial aid for those students that truly need it and are willing to help as much as possible. The undergrad programs that Hope has are all great and some of the best around. Hope is one of the only private schools that offer dance as a major, and have a great and heavy dance program. Apart from that, they also have great science and pre-med programs. All of the professors at Hope are very qualified in their fields. Most professors have written their own books. Professor Matt DeJongh received the Fulbright and National Science Foundation awards for some of his bioinformatic research.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just like any other private college, Hope does require a good deal of money to attend. However, they are very helpful in providing financial aid for those students that truly need it and are willing to help as much as possible. The undergrad programs that Hope has are all great and some of the best around. Hope is one of the only private schools that offer dance as a major, and have a great and heavy dance program. Apart from that, they also have great science and pre-med programs. All of the professors at Hope are very qualified in their fields. Most professors have written their own books. Professor Matt DeJongh received the Fulbright and National Science Foundation awards for some of his bioinformatic research.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is a great place for just about any type of student. The professors are all great and open minded to listening to new ideas and views. Anyone with a good attitude and prepared for getting a great education and having fun while doing it should come to Hope. Hope is also a great place for anybody who doesn't want to go to school in the middle of nowhere, downtown is just a block away and there are lots of places to go close.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Lindsey from Holland, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The academics at Hope College are demanding, but well worth the time studying. Each professor takes his or her time to make sure all students are understanding the concepts of the class.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the christian atmosphere at Hope. What made me choose Hope was how genuinely nice and happy all the students, professors, and staff were at Hope. Between the Hope College Basketball games and Movies on campus, there is always something to do on the weekends. There are also many clubs and events to get involved with.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope is a rather expensive school seeing as it is a private institution, but it is well worth it. Each professor makes a point to meet his or her students, and get to know them on a more casual level. The class sizes are small, which make for easy classroom learning and a nice environment.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would definitely consider Hope College if you like the home town setting of a town. Holland is a beautiful city, with a wonderful downtown which is only about a 4 minute walk from campus. Hope is a rather small school, which makes it easier to get to know people, and faculty.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for religious students. But not necessarily. Yes, we do have chapel on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but it is by no means required, nor do all students participate. If you are looking for a smaller school, with amazing academic and undergraduate research programs, this is the place for you!

  • 8 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Livonia, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There's a lot of interaction between you and the professor.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope has such a great atmosphere! I didn't even want to come home this summer!
    Tips for prospective students

    Hope's small size helps you meet new people who'll be your friends for life.
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is great for students who want a small school and hands-on experience. It's also great if you want to have one-on-one time with your professor.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Julia from Bowling Green, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am finally get to learn about topics that will impact me today. Inside and outside of class there are opportunities for me to learn.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the campus it is very beautiful. Hope is not too far from Lake Michigan, which is gorgeous. I am on the cross country team and love it when our workouts would end at the beach.
    Bang for the buck

    I am not sure how I will be paying for this education but believe God has it all under control. There is helpful scholarships but they don't cover May terms and Summer classes.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring warm clothes, Michigan gets cold quick! Also, get involved there are so many events going on, and lectures outside of class that are really impressive. It may seem weird to go to educational events, but they are totally worth it.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want a broad range education in a small friendly community.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Hannah

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    You will learn so much in every class you take at Hope. Because it is a liberal arts school, part of the graduation requirements include a wide variety of classes ranging from art to science to religion and everything in between. Even the extra curricular classes will teach you a lot, and I have never heard of a “blow off” class. This may sound like a negative thing, but the best part about it is Hope is a very accredited school and people know that. With a degree from Hope, you have an up on job or grad school applications compared to people from other schools. People know that Hope College will not let you slack with blow off classes.
    Am enjoying being here

    Because Hope is small, it gives you a tight community to live in, but not so tight you feel like you are on top of each other. Professors know you on a first name basis as opposed to a number in the network, and they are so willing to help you as a person, and not just as a member of their class. There are so many different small groups or programs that you can join, and there is always something you can do.
    Bang for the buck

    Hope College is a private school, so tuition is a bit pricy, but it also has a great Financial AID system that barely anyone pays ticketed price. Hope also is known for its accreditation so a higher tuition will pay off when you have the up on job applications or grad school applications.
    Tips for prospective students

    It seems that prospective students are here every weekend, so if you are interested in Hope, absolutely contact them for a prospective weekend or for a tour. You can stay with current students in their dorms and go on a tour of the campus. If you live far away from the campus, you may be eligible for different programs that help you pay to get to the campus.
    Great for these types of students

    If you are used to a small town feeling and want to be known by your name and not your number, Hope will be perfect. If religion is also a big part of your life, or you would like it to be more, than Hope is another great place. Chapel meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 20 minutes and The Gathering meets every Sunday night for about an hour and a half. The best part is that it is not required so every person there is there because they want to be.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kelsey from Sycamore, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Oh, where to start? My French teacher and the assistant teacher are actually from France, my English/Lit class gets so caught up in discussing the short stories we read that we are now two days behind schedule (and it's okay), and my First Year Seminar involves walking the streets of Holland and learning about the history of the buildings.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope is, put simply, a lot of fun. But beware lest ye become too caught up in all the clubs and events and forget to do thine homework (for example, I should be doing my French homework right now).
    Also, Chapel is awesome, and they schedule your classes around it.
    Bang for the buck

    Ohh yes. As noted elsewhere, Hope costs A LOT, but they pour it right back into their students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit first- and make sure to attend classes while you're there.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who can manage their time well and has a generally positive outlook.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Monica from Brooklyn Center, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classroom situation at Hope is stellar! Because of the small class sizes, I can get personal help from any one of my professors. Several of them have given the class their personal cell phone numbers! In addition, the classes are academically rigorous, and while that makes them challenging at times, it's worth it for a good education.
    Am enjoying being here

    The only thing I don't like about Hope is the winter. :) The community, however, is great! There are a lot of quirky people here, so fun/strange things happen, like the boys in Durfee hall parading around campus banging out beats on whatever they can find, or the chapel band dressing up for Halloween. Everyone is open and friendly, too!
    Bang for the buck

    Hope is pretty expensive, but as they like to remind us, no one pays the full price for a Hope education. I would say considering the quality of education and the atmosphere on campus, the pricing is decent. I think that meal plans cost more than they're worth, though, but then again what other options does a college student without time or a kitchen have?
    Tips for prospective students

    I believe Hope looks at ACT scores more than SAT scores, so put more effort into ACTs! Also, for international students - the admissions office is super lenient for you! I applied while living in Africa, and my application messed up in just about every way possible, but admissions was willing to work with me, even giving me an extension.
    Great for these types of students

    Friendly
    Personable
    Artistic
    Musical
    Studious

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Raelene

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors expect so much from the students, but it helps tremendously. I am learning more from my classes than I ever did in high school because they are more challenging.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hope provides so many activities to get it's students involved! We have some wonderful traditions here, like The Pull, Nykerk, the Hope and Calvin Rivalry, and more! There is something for everyone to be involved in!
    Bang for the buck

    The education at Hope is very expensive, but it is worth every penny. The professors and programs that Hope has are wonderful. The worship and experience of being at Hope College is definitely worth spending the extra money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely research all of your options, and come for a visit if you are thinking about Hope! It is important for you to also come and sit in at least one class. Then, you can see the environment of the college and if that is really what you want in a school. And check out our Chapel or Gathering services! They are FANTASTIC!
    Great for these types of students

    Hope is a great place for any student, but especially for those that want to have an awesome college experience, get a great education, and are willing to work hard. :)

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Gwendolyn from Detroit, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Jessica from Oakland, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Hope College is in a quiet conservative little town. It is not diverse at all. Extremely cold winters.
    Tips for prospective students

    be prepared for the lack of diversity, cold whether and anti gay community.
    Academic Rigor

    Proffessors and the amount of help you receive from all the staff is outstanding teacher really do care about you.
    Dorm Life

    Their is all types of dorms here at Hope College, the all girl dorms, quiet dorms, party and loud dorms just depends what type of environment you best fit in.
    Food and Dining

    The food like in any college institution is not the best many times it is over cooked but the selection of the food always varies.
    What to do for fun

    The beach is not to far from school and downtown Holland has a lot of little interesting stores.

  • Amanda from Holland, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Hope College is an amazing school that provides a great education. The class room environment is small and personalized and all the teachers are more than willing to help.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit campus! Everyone in admissions does a great job of setting up a personalized campus visit that allows you to check out all of the programs you are interested in.
    Academic Rigor

    The academics at Hope College are great, you learn so much! Just don't come into it expecting it to be easy.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is good, but the cost of housing is really high.
    Food and Dining

    There's several options for places to eat on campus and they provide lots of options. Not too mention the campus is located right by downtown which offers a huge variety of off campus dining as well.
    What to do for fun

    There are a ton of fun clubs to join. Campus is located with in walking distance of downtown which has lots of stores, bars, and restaurants, and its only a short drive to the beach.
    Bang for the buck

    This school is pricey, but that's expected from a private college.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The biggest tradition at Hope College is the annual Pull. This is an event in which odd and even year classes play tug of war. It's serious business around here!
    Great for these types of students

    If you excel academically and want a school that isn't going to bore you then Hope College is the right place for you.
    Clubs and Activities

    Ballet club is a lot of fun, and every year we put on a student directed, choreographed, and performed version of the Nutcracker.
    Campus Safety

    I feel so safe on campus, even at night.