Alma College
Alma, MI, USA

Reviews

Alma College

Kristin from Charlotte, MI

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here are VERY intense. Be prepared to study A LOT. But also, be prepared to be intelligent and actually have something knowledgeable to contribute to conversations. I like being able to talk about something meaningful with my parents now like politics (Political Science major! lol).
Am enjoying being here
The people at Alma are so friendly and its easy to make close friends because of the size. I see the same people everyday and on my way to class I see at least 10 people I know that i get a smile and wave from. A small school is really the way to go.
Bang for the buck
I do think that Alma College is quite expensive, but after weighing the pros and cons it is easy to see that in the end it is worth it. When I graduate with a meaningful degree and I am on to the next thing - such as a career or grad school of your choice - I know how much it really did help me and honestly was worth all of the money. Plus the great thing about Alma College is that they give very nice scholarships for academics, so make sure you apply for those!
Tips for prospective students
The tips I have for you are to come prepared to challenge yourself. This college really focuses on academics and taking you places. There are always people to talk to and ask questions if you are unsure of what you intend to do or just have simple questions about classes. The advisers here are wonderful and are always available for all of your needs, I know this from personal experience! One time I sat in my professors office for three hours discussing my career path, and class choices. This is something that is really hard to find in a college - people who are willing to set their work aside and answer everyone of your questions no matter how small they seem. Also, be ready for a world of opportunity. Alma College offers many traveling spring terms and opportunity to research or even take a semester abroad. I might go to Scotland next summer and internship in parliament while doing research there for my senior thesis. Be prepared to have one on one contact with your professors and have study groups with your classmates often. They are there to help you and can be contacted easily. This is a small college, which is great for getting to know new friends, classmates, and professors one on one. This will help you immensely when you graduate and apply to grad schools or a career, their personal experience with you will make it easy to write you an amazing letter of reference. My biggest tip for you would be to be ready to work hard, but know you have a world of opportunities waiting for you at the end.
Great for these types of students
The types of students that should go here are any students who wish to graduate with a bright future and a meaningful degree. This college really does push you as hard as it can academically, but please don't think that it is all academics. There are many fun things to do here. There are the fraternities and sororities than anyone can pledge to, just make sure your grades are above a 2.5 or you will not be eligible! Also, there are activities going on all of the time for different things such as charities, sporting events, or academic meetings. There is also a nice recreation center on campus in which it is free for students to work out or just get some people together and play tennis, ping pong, tennis or take a workout class! Since Alma College is so small you will get to know the people within your major quite well and most likely will end up being good friends with most of them! Since I am majoring in Political Science i know there is a Poly Sci Club to join but that is just one of the many academic clubs in your reach.

Logan from Laingsburg, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Small school with big opportunities, there is many academic and extracurricular activities on campus such as Greek life, Model UN, and over 50 different organizations to chose from. The faculty and staff are more than happy to answer questions and help whenever. Friendly, simple, and joyful are the best words to describe it.
Tips for prospective students
The price tag may seem high, but the quality of the education will be far better than a public university in regards to undergraduate programs. The faculty will challenge you and help you to become a better person on top of being a better student.
Academic Rigor
Challenging to the point where you love and live for it, the faculty want you to get better, but at the same time don't wish to burn you out. It's a happy medium.
Dorm Life
Not the best dorms offered, but if you wish to join a fraternity or sorority the housing is very homely. They have re-done part of one of the dorms on campus.
Food and Dining
Not the best around, it's what you would expect with a staff of 10 feeding over 1,00 kids. Joe's Place will usually offer a little bit better food.
What to do for fun
Many organizations such as Model UN, Entrepreneurs in Action, Ultimate Frisbee, etc.. Very good opportunities offered.
Bang for the buck
Great courses, great professors, great campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The school has a Scottish association to it so the marching band wears kilts instead of standard marching uniforms, you'll hear bagpipes coming out of the music building sometimes if you walk past it.
Great for these types of students
Athletes wanting to play a college sport, medical or hard science majors. Good Business program.
Clubs and Activities
Rated the top college by Cappex for organizations offered, and it does not disappoint.
Greek Life
A plethora of Frats and Sororities for those who wish to go Greek.
Campus Safety
Security is around whenever you need them, and the I.D.'s now include the campus security phone number in case you need to call at all.

Madison from St. Johns, MI

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alma College has amazing professors. It also has so many opportunities to travel and further your education which most schools I looked at while applying did not. At Alma College you are not just a number. The faculty knows you and cares about you. The only bad thing is the food is not the greatest.
Tips for prospective students
Alma requires a lot more work than most colleges. My friends that attend Michigan State and Central Michigan average about an hour of homework a night where as I average 3. Also do not be afraid to talk to teachers, one time I went in for help and a teacher raised my grade for that reason.
Academic Rigor
I for once love to learn.
Dorm Life
The dorms are actually really nice and you have a lot more space then you'd think but community bathrooms are kind of a bummer.
Food and Dining
Saga, our cafeteria is very hit or miss. Some days it is fabulous sometimes I want to cry. We also have a place called Joes where you order your food so that is nice.
What to do for fun
I like to go out with my friends on the weekends to the Greek or Sports houses. There is a movie theater in town and a place for bowling. Also we are a short drive from Mount Pleasant which offers a lot more things.
Bang for the buck
Alma is very expensive college but in all honesty it is worth it. You have so many opportunities here and you are basically guaranteed a job once you graduate with an Alma College degree.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The health and wellness center is kind of far from the dorms. If you live on South Campus it is a long walk to Saga.
Great for these types of students
Alma is great for students who I would say are intense. That really love what they're going into and are willing to put in extra work to be great at their job.
Clubs and Activities
Alma offers a club for anything and all the clubs put on tons of activities.
Greek Life
Greek life is big at Alma. They aren't your stereotypical Greek lives though. aren't snooty or anything they hang out with just as many non-greeks that they do Greeks.
Campus Safety
Alma has security everywhere. They are super nice. They are not looking to ruin fun they just make sure everyone is safe.

Opal from Howard City, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Alma is a very pretty little campus. Everything is fairly close and within walking distance. I love the classroom size, they are about twenty to thirty students per class and the professors know everyone by name.
Tips for prospective students
When looking at colleges look at everything the school has to offer. Don't just look at the food and dorm room size, you want to make sure you like the campus life, and also that the college is for you and not your parents or a friend that you want to be with.
Academic Rigor
When scheduling for classes and getting ready to attend Alma the admissions counselors were a great help. They showed me what classes I would need, but they also pushed me to take harder classes.
Dorm Life
Alma has many different types of dorms, and I loved almost all of them. They are a really good size with two beds, and depending on the dorm they are close to the food.
Food and Dining
The food on campus is good. They have one big cafeteria almost in the middle of campus that has a buffet bar which changes everyday. The food they serve isn't the same as yesterday, it changes each day. Very great food, always enough.

Anonymous from Eaton Rapids, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a small, close-knit school, which is good because everyone (including professors) knows you, but bad because everyone knows you. Classes are not going to be easy, which is a good thing because it makes you more prepared in the long run. I am very happy with my decision to become a Scot!
Tips for prospective students
Be conscientious; sleep, eat right, study, go to (and pay attention during) class. Work hard. Also, if you're going to be in Marching Band, do not fear the kilt. Alma in general is not as scary as it may seem.
Academic Rigor
You're going to work. Hard. Get over it.
Dorm Life
Each hall has it's own people, and so does each hall. I got into Bruske, which has strict no drugs policies. The rooms aren't five-star hotel quality, but not usually a dump either. They also have a questionnaire to pick the right roommate for you. Didn't work out for me, but I know two guys that were MADE to be roommates.
Food and Dining
The main dining hall, SAGA is often made fun of for sub-par food. It's really not that bad -about high school cafeteria quality. If it does mess with your stomach, just drink some Vernor's (ginger ale) and it's be fine.
What to do for fun
In small towns, it's easy to say that there's nothing going on. On campus, this is NOT true. With all of the clubs and organizations, there is NEVER a weekend without something going on; in fact, sometimes these events bleed into weekdays during busy spells.
Bang for the buck
Yes, you're going to pay through the nose, but it's for a really good education. By the end, you will be well-rounded, since this is a Liberal Arts college and you have to take every subject. It's definitely worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You'll have to join us to learn our traditions =3, but there's no weird area on campus. Currently they're making SAGA (cafeteria) bigger.
Great for these types of students
Hard workers, people who like the smaller type of school, people who like actually talking to their professors, but really, anybody.
Clubs and Activities
There is literally a club for pretty much every hobby there is. We even have a Squirrel-Watching Club. I think it's kind of weird. I am currently in the Alma College Otaku and Gaming club (ACOG), which is for nerdy people who like reading manga, watching anime, and playing video games. But there's really something for everybody.
Greek Life
I don't know much about this. I know a bunch of people in Greek Life, and stereotypes do exist about each Sorority and Fraternity (which are kind of true). They have their parties every week, but I've only been to Theta Chi (Fraternity). They're pretty chill and accepting. I like them.
Campus Safety
Apparently theft is a problem in certain dorms, but otherwise I've never felt scared walking around campus alone at night. It goes against common sense to attack someone where everyone knows everyone, you know?

Rachel from Stevensville, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The academic programs at Alma College are very rigorous. It is important that each student realize the level of commitment necessary to succeed at Alma College. It is a place for serious scholars who are committed to the future. Alma College is also committed to service learning, and the betterment of the Alma community and communities around the world.
Am enjoying being here
Alma College balances its rigorous academic schedules with great student support programs, not only academically but also socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The campus becomes home to its students, and it's hard not to love it there.
Bang for the buck
Although Alma College is currently $38,000+ per year, it is important to realize that a degree from Alma College will set you apart as a prospective employee. The financial aid office is also very committed to assisting students in any way possible.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to dedicate the majority of your time to studying, and remember that because Alma College is a smaller school, your professors are always pleased to see you and be of assistance in the study process.
Great for these types of students
Alma College is perfect for students looking for a smaller school where they can stand out and their unique achievements be recognized. It is a place for students who are ready to find a home away from home, and truly enthrall themselves in their college career.

Maygen from Webberville, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school is a very academically challenging institution. They are well known for their academics and stand up to it in every aspect imaginable. Alma challenges your way of thinking and makes you become a more well rounded thinker. Critical thinking becomes a main component on campus, whether in class or with your residential life. The classes you take will help you become that critical thinker you need to be in life and the lifestyle on this campus helps challenge your new found abilities.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone on this campus is really nice and is willing to help everyone. Whether you know the person really well or not, you are guaranteed to receive a smile while walking to class or just taking a stroll around campus. It is very easy to find friends you enjoy being around with the size of the campus.
Bang for the buck
I know the initial sight of the tuition might be a little shocking, but trust me it is worth it. From the education you receive in the classes, the extracurricular activities available on campus, to the lifetime bonds you will make with new friends, every aspect of life on campus is worth the money. The college also offers many scholarships; take advantage of them.
Tips for prospective students
No matter what your intended major is, come here with an open mind. You will need to be prepared to study quite a bit. The 4 hours outside of class for every hour in class rule definitely does apply here. Some weeks you might not have to study as much, but there will be weeks where you have to study more. You do have time for friends and having fun though. There is always something to do on campus, whether playing beach volleyball with Mitchell Hall or watching a movie while swimming in the pool. You are sure to have a great time at Alma.
Great for these types of students
This school is very good for the people who are determined to get a great education. If you are very driven and focused, this is a great school. No matter if you are an athlete or a studier, you will fit in just perfect on this campus.