Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

McDaniel College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Laura from Middle River, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    McDaniel presents its students with a WIDE array of classes on so many topics. I was able to take a class about the relationship between madness and creativity. There's classes on South Park's take on social commentary, in-depth studies into theatre or science. If you can dream of the class, it will probably be offered at McDaniel at some point.

    Also, the professors are open and willing to help any student who requests it. They love teaching their classes and it really does show.
    Am enjoying being here

    The Hill, a nickname for McDaniel, is a welcoming place. While you have to put yourself out there to meet new people, they are more than kind. That goes for faculty, staff, and students. Anyone you meet at McDaniel, (with few exceptions) will be fantastic.

    The extra-curriculars are also worth mentioning here: there is something for everyone, and I'm not kidding.
    Religious groups, movie groups, environmental, international, gender/sexuality issues groups, varied job opportunities, ROTC, sports, creative visual/performing arts groups. Anything.
    Bang for the buck

    McDaniel College is an expensive place, though they are very generous with their aid and scholarships.

    I think the cost is definitely backed up by the quality of the staff (95% hold the highest degrees in their fields), the education that they offer, the varied opportunities that are available, and in the lifestyle that one has the opportunity to experience.
    Tips for prospective students

    VISIT THE SCHOOL! There is no way around it (and this applies for all schools). When I was searching, there was a gut instinct-type thing involved. Some places just didn't feel right.
    Sit in on a class.
    Talk to students (We're all on facebook).
    Look at the housing and the students. Would you want to live with them?
    Be honest with yourself.
    Foremost, do everything you can to do the best in your semesters prior to applying and keep it up. You want that scholarship.
    Great for these types of students

    I love my school and am not ashamed to admit it, but McDaniel can't be right for everyone

    It is a small campus surrounded by a small town. While the area is rather conservative, the campus is liberal, forward-thinking, young place. To be comfortable with that is a big step to take.

    I would recommend McDaniel to:
    Any prospective teaches (Check out their education minor)
    Anyone who has no idea (So many people to guide you)
    Those who wish to meet a lot of new people and friendly faces
    Anyone who wants an involved faculty
    Anyone who likes the idea of a small, beautiful campus

    And finally, anyone who can walk on the campus, and feel that McDaniel could be their new home.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Hanna from Prince Frederick, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At any college, you're only going to get out of your education what you put into it, but at McDaniel, the possibilities are endless. First-Year Seminar courses like Music and Words as a Quest for Meaning and Horror Fiction help freshmen adapt to college life. The Honors Program allows you to take special courses in topics such as Great Works of the Western World, A Hero's Journey, and Nanotechnology. Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies courses feature topics like September 11 and its Aftermath and South Park and Contemporary Issues. Most professors have the highest degree in their field, and I have never had a professor that was not willing to talk to you in person for extra help or even just friendly conversation. Even outside the classroom, students have so many opportunities that promote skill-building and learning, such as internships, campus employment, and a huge variety of extra-curricular activities.
    Am enjoying being here

    I know that McDaniel is where I was meant to be. The campus is small (you can walk across it in under 10 minutes), but that's what makes it so great. Students are not mere numbers, and there is a strong feeling of community. In addition, I like to keep busy, and it's so easy to get involved that I'm involved in 5 different campus organizations and hold offices in 3 of them. At a larger school, that would be impossible to do as a sophomore.

    McDaniel is located in Westminster, MD, which is a quiet little town a couple hours away from Baltimore and Washington, DC. The College, sponsors movies on Friday nights, campus organizations hold clubrooms (dances) usually at least once a week, tailgating is HUGE, and there is usually something fun going on. When there's not, it's easy enough to find something to do. The game room is now free, you can go swimming in Harlow Pool, or play intramural sports. McDaniel is becoming increasingly diverse, and I think it's awesome that I've gotten to meet so many different people. Everyone is so friendly, too! I'm having so much fun and learning quite a bit.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm not going to lie- Tuition is expensive. However, a huge percentage of students receive financial aid and scholarships, and the education you receive is worth the cost. I can honestly say that if you put time and effort into your studies and get involved on campus, you will receive an education worth as much as or more than the money you paid to attend this college. Furthermore, there are so many opportunities to connect with faculty and staff that will help you not only in your coursework, but also in your job search and future endeavors.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you have a chance to visit camps, DO IT! This is true for ANY college you are considering applying to. I knew after visiting McDaniel that this was the place for me. Even if you don't come to the same conclusion that I did, you'll at least have eliminated an option.

    Check out the undergraduate admissions website (http://admissions.mcdaniel.edu/). Especially read the student blogs. E-Ambassadors (like myself) update their blogs weekly to give prospective students an idea of what they're in for. Additionally, McDaniel Admissions has Flickr and YouTube accounts that are worth taking a look at.

    If you're worried about getting accepted, relax. It is competitive, but SAT scores and grades are not the primary focus of your application. Put most of your time into your essay, because that is the element of your application that will make you stand out. If you're still worried, talk to your admissions counselor. They're friendly and more than willing to talk to you and answer questions.
    Great for these types of students

    Listed in Colleges that Change Lives and A+ Colleges for B Students, McDaniel is the place for anybody that is looking for an amazing liberal arts education and a welcoming community.

    Slackers beware- This college is not for you. Sure, there are people that skate on by, but you will get the most out of a McDaniel College education if you want to learn.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Katherine from Fallston, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Good school. Good financial aid. Good professors.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring a fan, bring entertainment, and bring bottled water.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on your major you can have a real easy time or a hard time. From my experiences Business and Biology majors have the hardest professors. The classes are all very demanding,
    Dorm Life

    Sucks if you do not like your roommate. Must bring a fan for your first years, you will die from heat! I almost did. Dorm life is also pretty unfair, because you will be charged if your floor makes a mess or such, so even though one person caused damage, everyone is fined for it.
    Food and Dining

    Englar is the dining building. The food there is supplied by Sodexo. best prepare for bad food. Though there was a remodeling, the food itself still is awful.
    What to do for fun

    The campus itself is really pretty and makes a walk even more calming and replenishing. However, other than that, there is not too much to do around the campus unless you join a Greek organization. The college is located in Westminster, a hick town, so do not expect to be entertained.
    Bang for the buck

    McDaniel is expensive, so be sure know what you want to do with your life before you waste money. If you enter not knowing what you want then, at least try to get some of the McDaniel plan classes out of the way.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    At orientation, the president would make a speech and walk the incoming freshman to ring the bell at Red Square.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for any student that wants to learn. However, not so great for students who want to be more socially active since the college is located in a hick town.
    Clubs and Activities

    Clubs are great. There's a lot of clubs so there is alot for students to choose from.
    Greek Life

    Join if you want a social life. it is worth everything if you are at McDaniel College. All the organizations are nice.
    Campus Safety

    Good for people who obey the rules and such, but for those who drink in dorms and smoke near non smoking buildings campo will crack down on you.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Zachary from Cumberland, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved on campus and in the community. Makes for a lot of fun!
    Great for these types of students

    McDaniel is a small school, so it's very easy to meet people and make friends quickly. The small class sizes also creates a good one on one relationship with the professors.

  • Sarah from Keedysville, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    McDaniel is overall a wonderful school. While there are a few issues, mainly concerning internet speed, residence halls, and Campus Safety officers, the professors of McDaniel truly make it a place of learning. I do not regret my decision to come here, as I've learned a great deal in my first year.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take all the AP Courses you possibly can in high school, do the best you can on SATs, and good things (like a lot of financial aide) will come your way!
    Academic Rigor

    As a Freshman, I tested out of the required English course, so I took a 3000-level British Literature course in my first semester. I barely stayed afloat, but the professor and the material covered just absolutely blew my mind. I love the English department here and can't wait for three more years in the English building!
    Dorm Life

    The Freshman Girls' dorm is newly renovated and wonderful. The Boys' dorm, however, should honestly be condemned. Be prepared for one year of living in squalor, gentlemen, but persevere- dorm life gets progressively better each year! By Senior year, you're living in gorgeous apartments or your own house right off campus!
    Food and Dining

    The dining hall, appropriately called GLAR (short for Englar), kind of sums up the dining experience at McDaniel. Honestly, it's all edible....but every day it's kind of a hit-or-miss situation. Deli sandwiches and pizza are always safe back-ups, and the baked goods are generally fantastic!
    What to do for fun

    There are Club Rooms once a month, random little events like Paint Your Own Pottery or a psychic, plays and concerts, and just a lot of cool people to hang around with!
    Bang for the buck

    McDaniel is renowned for its financial aide. While I certainly don't have a full-ride, I know that I am getting an education worth what my parents are paying for.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The McDaniel golf course is great for sledding in the winter! When it snows, the giant hill is crowded with kids on make-shift sleds.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want professors to know them by name should look into McDaniel. It's a small campus, so the student:teacher ratio allows for individual attention in the classroom.
    Clubs and Activities

    There's a good bit to do, despite McDaniel's rural location! The college takes our free time into account, so they provide a lot of new, different, fun events and activities throughout the year (which are generally free to students, which is always a plus)!
    Greek Life

    There are a lot of fraternities and sororities on campus. Though Greek Life isn't for me, persay, I know a lot of girls who are just absolutely ecstatic about pledging and have found a home with their new Sisters.
    Campus Safety

    The only issues surrounding Campus Safety are that for every polite, professional, considerate, and genuinely good Campus Safety Officer, there is also one who just seems to be out to get you. One officer, for example, apparently hid in a tree and jumped out at some students he believed her smoking illegal substances.

  • Myeisha from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    McDaniel is a great small, liberal arts school. The small size of the school makes each student feel comfortable and welcome. The professors are able to interact with students personally when needed.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you don;t know what career choice you desire, don't worry. You'll have to take several courses in different subjects so this will expose you to different areas of study. If you need help with anything, feel free to ask the staff of the school.
    Academic Rigor

    The academics are really good. The professors are usually always over qualified for their positions and can teach several courses. The work will be challenging but the professors are there to help.
    Dorm Life

    Living in a dorm is fun, especially when students live with friends. Be sure to take care of the furniture placed in the dorms so residents won't get charged for damages. Also, students should get to know their roommate(s) before deciding to live together.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria food is mediocre. It's not the best but some days it has really good food. This is usually when there is a theme like Wing Night or Asian Cuisine. The Green Terrace has really good sandwiches and I recommend students visit it.
    What to do for fun

    The best thing to do is hang out with friends. There are some parties on campus and we have events like Movie Night and Spring Fling and it's good to attend those. We also have a game room with X-Box and Wii games systems, Pool and Ping-Pong for students to enjoy.

  • Tasha from Westminster, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The school is very diverse and works to meet everyone's needs. The campus is beautiful and I love the students. There is a plethora of opportunities available to meet new people and learn new things.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for the small amount of students, there aren't very many so its easy to know everyone, and sometimes more than you want to know about them. The teachers care about you, so don't think you can just stop going to class and not have them look into it.
    Academic Rigor

    There are some classes that are easier than others, but they take education very seriously.
    Dorm Life

    The girls can be extremely obnoxious, but the dorms are nice. The rooms are a lot bigger than most school's dorm rooms.
    Food and Dining

    I LOVE CHICKEN TENDER THURSDAY! Also, the dining hall does theme nights, where they will have southern food, or Asian food, etc.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out in the dorms. Also, there are a few shops around in the area, which people can go to. My friends and I mostly watch movies together on the weekends.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are all the clubs you could possibly imagine! There's a belly dancing club, an improvisation club, a dog training club, Hispanic Latino Alliance, Allies club, all kinds of things!
    Campus Safety

    I love Campus Safety, they take really good care of us.

  • Charisma from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    McDaniel is listed as one of the top forty colleges that changes lives. I have only been here a short time, and that is an understatement to describe it. McDaniel has even changed me.
    Tips for prospective students

    Never procrastinate. Be friends with your professors and study as often as possible, even during breaks if you can.
    Academic Rigor

    All the classes are challenging but well worth the challenge.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are very cool. Typical but with its own style. Each is equipped with carpet and a mircofridge.
    Food and Dining

    The food is typical. It has good days and bad days.
    What to do for fun

    There is always something to do on this campus. Although it is in a rural area, I am always intrigued by what I find to explore.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition is pricey BUT financial aid is what draws every single student to McDaniel. They help a lot.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Ringing the bell as a new student
    Great for these types of students

    Students who can adapt to any environment, not recommended for the typical city girl or boy type.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are over 50 clubs on this campus, maybe even more....I am not sure.
    Greek Life

    Greek life is okay. I am pledging a national service sorority.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is always alert and very helpful. This is a very safe, calm campus for the most part.

  • Britany from Lancaster, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    if you're looking for the opportunity to discuss intellectual topics with diverse groups of students—this is not the place. the majority of the population do not care about school. the professors in my major however, are actually really great.
    Tips for prospective students

    do not go greek. the greek system at mcdaniel is horribly brainwashing and do not have any moral code whatsoever. do not buy your textbooks or school supplies from the bookstore, they're way overprices. as soon as you're eligible to live in housing with a kitchen, do so. campus dining options are awful. though on tours and in ads mcdaniel raves about the small college town it's actually incredible shady. people (college students) are getting attacked in westminster all the time. and by small town they mean, there is nothing to do.
    Dorm Life

    first year females get a great experience in whiteford. first year males, get the worst experience in rouzer. anw has tiny rooms, outdated furnishings, and is always overheated. blanche is nice. mcdaniel hall isn't so bad. north village is awesome. gardens are decent.
    Food and Dining

    horrendous. the absolute worst. they do not encourage healthy dining at all.
    What to do for fun

    let me know if you find out.
    pretty much everything costs money, which most college students don't have.
    Bang for the buck

    as far as education goes, it really depends on which department your in. the psychology program here is awesome. the professors are excellent and they really want to see you succeed. i feel like i do get my money's worth as far as classes goes. additional expenses however, mcdaniel is all off. they charge you for random things all the time. there are always mistakes. money seems to disappear from my (and everyone's) account a lot.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    -you ring the bell in red square on your first day of orientation and when you graduate.
    -we have a lot of fun sledding on our golf course in the winter.
    -spring fling (although i think a lot of schools have that)
    Great for these types of students

    students whose parents really want them to go to college, but they really don't want to. not all that interested in school, and not really motivated to continue working hard after high school. students who don't mind towns in the middle of nowhere. students who like to make their own fun. students who are a little…strange.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are clubs but none of them are really cool or fun or interesting. you join them to beef up your resume, but ultimately, you find yourself not really having much involvement in it. activities…rare.
    Greek Life

    the absolute worst. i was in a sorority for a year and it was the absolute worst experience of my life. you shouldn't have to pay for your friends.
    Campus Safety

    eh…they're okay. sometimes they lack common sense.

  • Susan

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the campus overall is very welcoming and inviting. it is a small, close-knit liberal arts college that offers a variety of classes and organizations. for the most part, professors are dedicated and very helpful.
    Tips for prospective students

    college experience is what you make of it. join clubs, meet people and get involved. stepping outside your comfort zone is rewarding.
    Academic Rigor

    academic rigor is pretty high for most colleges. it depends on the classes you are taking and how much work you are willing to put in.
    Food and Dining

    there are a lot of choices for food in the dining hall, so you can usually find something you like. there are also two restaurants on campus which are both delicious.
    What to do for fun

    there are always a variety of events happening on campus. at any given day there are likely to either be films being shown, interesting guest lectures, comedians, music, or any other kind of fun activities.
    Bang for the buck

    it is an expensive school being that it is small and liberal arts, but large scholarships are offered.
    Great for these types of students

    all types of students fit in here.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are really a lot of interesting clubs to choose from on campus: radio club, anime, animal welfare, volunteer clubs, humans vs. zombies, sororities, and advocacy team just to name a few.
    Campus Safety

    campus safety is always very helpful and there are boxes located to call.

  • Monay from Providence, RI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Professors here are usually nice and knowledgeable, and are good at teaching. There are bad apples, though.
    Am enjoying being here

    Not much to do, surrounding town is bleak, sketchy, and boring, and not much access to the outside world unless you have a car, or know someone with a car who is also willing to take you places
    Bang for the buck

    Over expensive for no real reason. Food sucks, administration is mostly unhelpful, only concerned about appearance, I could go on for days..
    Tips for prospective students

    Not really good for low-income students.
    Great for these types of students

    Preppy, lax, white, middle to upper class, obsessed with disney, loves shitty greek life.

  • Eleanor from Woodlyn, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    all my classes are small which makes it easy for the teachers and professors to get to know you. they are all friendly and available to help you when ever you need it. i know i have learned something new from all of my classes and it is good to know that my money is going to good use
    Am enjoying being here

    i love being on the small campus. it is easy to get to anywhere in a short amount of time. people are friendly no matter where you go and off campus there are many places to go for food/shopping and anything you want to do within walking distance (although you may have to walk a bit)
    Bang for the buck

    i get a lot of financial aid but it makes it easy for me to afford to go to school here. i know that i am always learning in my classes and it makes it worth it to go to school here
    Great for these types of students

    this is a great school if you are shy at first, most of the people will be just like you which makes it easy to make friends. the party life exsists at McDaniel but it is not over the top. you never have to see a party if you don't want to. there is always things going on on campus which makes it fun to be at McDaniel