Beloit College
Beloit, WI, USA

Reviews

Beloit College

Marlee from Lincoln Univ, PA

a current student here
28 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here at Beloit are experts in their field and want to share their knowledge with you. Classes are interactive and fun and often relaxed, but you learn an enormous amount of information while enjoying yourself. I was surpised by how much I learned my first semester and how much FUN I had learning it. Students are on a first name basis with their teachers and the informal relationship is very conducive towards learning.
Am enjoying being here
I love Beloit. The campus has a fun and very unique atmosphere. Students are original in terms of style and pastimes. When the weather is nice it's usual to find someone playing ukulele on the steps outside of a dorm, a group of people playing frisbee in the field, and lots of individuals reading in the sun. I've never been happier anywhere else.
Bang for the buck
There's no getting around the fact that Beloit is an expensive school, but Beloit definitely does its best to offer financial aid to every student who needs it. I don't know anyone at the school who doesn't get some sort of aid. Plus, the education you get at Beloit and the friends that you make are absolutely worth the hefty price tag
Tips for prospective students
When interviewing or writing your essay, BE YOURSELF! Beloit loves unique students with interesting things to say. Be involved and active and excited. Beloit is a fun place to be, and you shouldn't be stressed about applying or being accepted there.
Great for these types of students
Students who have started their own clubs/groups in high school or are looking to do so at college, students who are interested in the environment, students who feel out of place in mainstream society, students who want a comprehensive liberal arts education at a small and welcoming school

Matthew from Beloit, WI

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Beloit College is small, and does not have the funding of other colleges. Even so, its programs are shaped to encourage students to pursue their passions, and the personalized interaction students get with its talented and enthusiastic teachers give them what they need to meet their goals. It's also a community with a place for everyone, no matter how strange or plain, scientific or artistic, ambitious or laid-back.
Tips for prospective students
Put yourself out there as soon as you can, and sample a little bit of everything. Beloit College is made for that, and when you find that one thing you never knew how much you loved, you'll be set for life.
Academic Rigor
Not a school filled with teachers who hand out easy A's, not even in the English department. However, it's also not a school that will prevent you from attending clubs, events, or pursuing personal goals by loading you with extraneous amounts of homework. You can even turn a personal project (creative, entrepreneurial, whatever) into class credit, and get help from expert faculty and access to school resources.
Dorm Life
Every dorm has its own charm, but even the worst dorms are forgivable when you have good friends to hang out with.
Food and Dining
Bon Appetit recently took over food service, and they're doing an amazing job. You can eat pizza, burgers and french fries every single day if you want...but healthy, delicious alternatives are always available, as are options for vegan and vegetarian students, as well as students with food allergies.
What to do for fun
Gaming, craft, and hobby clubs, playing video games in the lounges, taking a walk to the poetry garden, seeing school and independent student plays, walking down to the bar or Bushel & Peck's for some locally-raised burgers or cheese sandwiches, playing ultimate Frisbee with some friends on the quad, having spontaneous silent raves in front of Commons just before dinner, wrestling in swimming pools full of Jell-o, making snow fortresses using recycling bins to make snow bricks, watching movies while playing the Mustache Game, kicking apart pieces of wood at the Beloit Martial Arts Club, drinking wine inside of a pillow fort, or whatever else comes to your mind or those of your friends'.
Bang for the buck
Coming to Beloit was the most profitable experience of my life. It's expensive, but I changed as a person absolutely for the better. I'm happier than I've ever been thanks to the people I met and the things I learned at Beloit.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A Bell Run is a practice in which a student takes full advantage of the school's strictly situational clothing optional policy, in which they strip themselves bare, run from The Wall (a cement space between two dorms with a raised garden which some consider the social heart of campus) to a deactivated bell located at the Morse-Ingersol building, and then back to The Wall to retrieve their clothes. Campus tradition dicatates everyone must do this at least once before they graduate.
Great for these types of students
Creative, intuitive, inquisitive, entrepreneurial, open-minded, passionate students of all kinds, and all interests.
Clubs and Activities
These are what put Beloit on the map. There are clubs for all kinds of things from fencing to martial arts, from cooking to physical health. If none of the clubs offer what you want, the college even encourages you to start your own club, and will help you in the process of doing so.
Greek Life
Something for everybody here, even if you don't fancy yourself a fraternity or sorority kind of guy/girl. If you love Anime and video games, there is at least one fraternity and sorority that you may want to look in to. Otherwise, the conventional, stereotypical frat life exists in the other organizations on campus. If you're into that.
Campus Safety
There have been fewer incidents in recent years, but most of the danger of the school comes not from campus, but the high-crime areas outside of it.

Emma from Minneapolis, MN

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At Beloit, you'll find a wide variety of study opportunities and all-around great professors. Since it is a smaller school, you can get as much one-on-one time with your professors as you want or need, something that isn't as available in high school or larger schools. You can also pursue a lot of great majors and minors, as Beloit as an excellent sciences program and great liberal arts programs.
Am enjoying being here
There are so many great people here! Though there are some people that you might not get along with all the time, college is like its own, separate world. You only really have to be around the people you enjoy spending your time with. Also, it's not difficult at all to find new people. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, especially a wide variety of clubs and organizations.
Bang for the buck
Beloit is a pretty expensive school. However, you will definitely get what you pay for. Beloit gives out a lot of need-based and merit-based scholarships, which has helped me a lot. It also has a lot of work opportunities if you qualify. Don't be afraid to apply to small, more expensive schools. They will give you the personal help you need to get the most out of your college experience.
Tips for prospective students
Don't worry about impressing your admissions counselor or interviewer. No matter what, it will help you find the best school for you.

Also, visit all the colleges you want to apply to! Looking at pictures online is completely different than visiting the actual schools. Remember, it will be the place that you will be spending the next 2 or 4 years at, and it should fit what you want in a school.
Great for these types of students
Students who didn't always fit in among high school.
Students who are dedicated to learning, but still want to have fun.
Students who can handle Midwest winters.
Students who want to learn, but not just in classrooms.
Students who want to broaden their horizons, challenge the norms, and learn as much about what lies ahead as possible.

Mel

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Beloit is without a doubt the type of college that gets its students excited about their education. Courses are challenging and thought provoking and the majority of the professors are enthusiastic and willing to help you at every turn.
Tips for prospective students
Balance your time, talk with your advisor if you're having problems, make friends with upperclassmen, talk to housekeeping and JOIN CLUBS!!
Academic Rigor
Classes are pretty writing intensive but don't let that put you off. Professor across all disciplines are willing to listen and help with your concerns. If you're falling behind, talk to them about it or see about getting a tutor in that class or starting a study group.
Dorm Life
Dorm Life is a bit of a hit or miss for some people (like it is at most colleges). Luckily, as a freshman if you don't like your roommate or the dorm in general you can apply for housing in the many specialty houses we have on campus. All freshman dorms (609 & 840) are normally pretty close knit. If that's not your thing ask around. The nicest dorms are those closest to the Common dining hall.
Food and Dining
Commons has experienced a change recently and depending on who you ask around campus, students either hate it or love it. Food at commons can sometimes be really great and sometimes you may wonder why you decided to eat there at all. Fortunately though their is always something pretty good to eat at least 80% of the time.
What to do for fun
Hang with friends. There's something to do almost every weekend on campus once school starts up but off campus life is pretty barren unless you or a friend has a car to travel in Rockford. Beloit has a movie theater and a bowling alley and all other town necessities but the appeal or the need to leave campus just isn't their most of the time. Clubs and Greeks life provide pretty good entertainment much of the time.
Bang for the buck
Infidelity a great school for the amount it costs. Even with it's big surface price tag, majority of students receive substantial financial aid.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Science Center and the Poetry Garden (in the warmer months) are the best places to study, or just hang out in my opinion.
Great for these types of students
The kids who always wanted to try something new in class. The ones who spoke out, who were a little bit different and didn't really care.
Clubs and Activities
Over 100 clubs and organizations on campus, there's something for everyone and if you somehow don't find what you're looking for start a club yourself.
Greek Life
Not apart of Greek life, but from the friends that I have in it and from what I've heard Beloit Greek life is very welcoming and offers a variety Sors and Frats for the versatile student body.
Campus Safety
I'm pleased with campus safety. Security is pretty prompt and takes concerns seriously and are very nice and accommodating.

Amanda from Dearborn Heights, MI

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Beloit is one of the best schools in the country to learn a lot from - but you still have to utilize your resources. Sure, you can go to class, learn some stuff, and then go home, but you get much, much more out of the experience if you actually stay five minutes after class to talk to the professor, sign up for a free student tutor, go to TA sessions, and study with your classmates. The potential is here to learn an extraordinary amount, you just have to take the initiative.
Am enjoying being here
I may be a little biased because I technically wasn't supposed to go to Beloit, and yet I ended up here anyway. You can find virtually any type of person on campus, despite there being only 1200 kids. The atmosphere is, for the most part, great - however Beloit does have some flaws that you have to be willing to look past to make the most out of your experience here. Alcohol is very prevalent, the surrounding town is a very big let-down, there's no air in some of the dorms, no wireless in the dorms, and the food can be pretty bad at times - however, if you are able to look past the surface scratches you'll find that everyone here is unique (plenty of International students hanging around - I have a friend from Afghanistan and my roommate is from Senegal), and everyone is very willing to help you.

Oh, and 99% of the professors go by their first name, despite the fact that almost all of them are doctors. It's weird to think of them as Professor Smith or Dr. Smith and not simply just John.
Bang for the buck
Beloit is expensive.

That being said, Beloit has a tradition of giving out extensive financial aid packages. There are plenty of opportunities to get scholarships and aid, if you correctly demonstrate your need.

One interesitign fact is that the total of your tuition, room and board - though about $42,000 in 2010 - is only 75% of the cost of your education. Funds from alumni and other donors go to covering the extra 25%. So in terms of making the most for your dollar, it's all rather subjective, but Beloit is one of the better expensive schools to do so at, but only if you involve yourself in the campus and community. If you take advantage of opportunities such as clubs, sports, music/theater groups, study abroad, internships then you will definitely come away feeling as if it was worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Beloit has a historically high acceptance rate, but with the growing number of applicants, it's sure to decline. But, that being said, most of you reading this will probably get in to Beloit.

I know you've heard it a million times, but come visit the college before deciding to go here. There's only so much you can learn about from the website or the magazine - your own eyes can take in so much more.

Make sure you get your applications in early enough to apply for scholarships - such as the Presidential, or the Eaton - which can be life-savers.

Most of all, get in contact with the people here on campus. Talk to students, professors, admissions counselors - they all want to talk to you (or convince you to come here, like Olga - the Russian professor). We're a friendly bunch.
Great for these types of students
If you're liberal (or at least not closed minded), internationally conscious, interested in anthropology/archaeology (have you heard about the Indian burial mounds on campus, or the Anthropology museum?), a little crazy, and a hard worker who knows how to party (or just relax if you don't like parties so much), then you'll fit in great here. Most kids end up studying a language and going abroad, and the International Relations department if phenomenal. Potential Creative Writing majors are highly encouraged (The Mackey Chair professor is a unique addition to campus), and for the most part the science majors have wonderful programs to choose from.

Mostly, though, if you're just a little odd in some way you'll fit in. Honestly, I'd warn anyone who thinks their straight up normal to think twice. There's a lot of weirdos here, but in a good way.

Katherine from Mokena, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My first semester here was a joke [my roommate that semester, Sylvia, also wrote a review]. But the semester after that, and the semester I'm currently working on have delivered on Beloit's promise to expand my thinking and have really captured my interest. I think it really depends on the classes that you're taking. I love that classes focus on opinions and discussions rather than being talked at by the professor for an hour or two. There is no pressure to compete with other students for the best grades. Professors know you by name, not your ID number.
Am enjoying being here
True, it's a small town and a small school. We party hard on weekends and study even harder during the week. There are still lots of opportunities during the week for movies and talks, and on the weekend there are parties [open to anyone, a great perk compared to other schools I've heard of], improv shows, adventuring [as my friends like to call it] to parks, movies, etc. If you're not into drinking/partying, there are other people here that feel the same! I am still very close with the people I lived with last year and am a lot more involved in a few of the ton of clubs we have here. Over all, it's a great place to form close bonds and explore different interests with unique people.
Bang for the buck
The professors are all top-notch, and are really excited about what they teach. They all are interested in your opinions, and want to help you succeed in not only their class, but also connect what they're teaching to the outside world by helping you with research and internship opportunities.
Don't be afraid of the price tag! When I first looked, I nearly wrote off applying because of it. I'm so glad I didn't. Because of my good grades and lots of extracurriculars, I got nearly 2/3 off in tuition in scholarships [as in, money I don't have to pay back]! If you're not the best student, don't worry- Beloit Admissions is less concerned with your academic record than your involvement and potential for success.
Tips for prospective students
One thing that has really made my experience here so far was living in one of the all freshman dorms last year. I would highly recommend that option if it's available wherever you ultimately decide to go. In the dorm there were 40 people, and while some people of course only had friends outside our group and weren't connected to our dorm life, the others were very solid. It was a great support base to deal with transitioning to college. The 10 or so people that really formed the core of our cult [as it was referred to] are still my best friends here. Another tip is to don't go home right away. Sunday dinner isn't offered, but it's a great way to bond with new friends by having a big pizza party or potluck. Join a bunch of clubs, then narrow it down to a few you really care about. Volunteering is super rewarding as well!
Great for these types of students
If you didn't quite fit in with the high school sheep. We have our share of seemingly popular-type kids, but everyone here is awkward in their own special way.
If you're independent. Coming from a school that was fairly restrictive, it was unnerving at first that no one was telling me what I should or shouldn't do academically. There are so many unique and life-changing opportunities here, and everyone truly does want you to have those, but ultimately it's up to you to arrange things and get everything in motion.
Liberal, or at least open-minded. We have a big international focus in the classroom, and the student body.
Laid-back. Basically every professor and all workers go by their first name. You're treated like an adult, and they hope by treating you as an equal, you are accepting of the responsibilities.

Hannah from Colonial Beach, VA

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love it here. It is one of the top schools that I will apply to when it's time. It's absolutely wonderful to have such a great community around you, both in the class and out!
Academic Rigor
The professors are great.! Since it is such a small school, the professors are able to get to know you and you are on a first name base with almost all of them. All the classes are hands-on classes which is exactly what I love.
Dorm Life
I stayed in Whitney Hall for three weeks for a program and it was a blast!
Food and Dining
Very good food.! New dining service that provides amazing options.
Campus Safety
The security guards are so friendly and they are alwaysd walking around campus making sure everything is alright. They definitly make you feel like you are in a safe environment

Miranda from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Beloit College is really into conceptual concepts over computation. In other words, Beloit wants you to know why you use the formulas you use and why it is your hold the opinion you hold. They help you with your critical thinking and reasoning skills, forcing you to develop and defend your own opinion, right in the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love Beloit College. I spend more time talking to my Beloit friends than I do my friends from High School. I almost, almost hate going on breaks because I'm away from school for an extended period of time and I don't like it.
Bang for the buck
Beloit College does a really nice job at bringing in outside entertainment and nightly activities. The only complaint I have has to do with the meal plans. Right now there are no guest plans and all food services close after seven, leaving nothing open on campus after seven. However, this is in the process of being reformed.
Tips for prospective students
Spend the night at Beloit. You will get a perspective of the school from the students, not what admissions counselors want you to see. Not that horrible things happen on overnights, but you get a more realistic perspective and all the questions you'd want to ask, but can't, can be asked of your overnight host.
Great for these types of students
For anyone who likes to have their opinion heard, go to Beloit College. Beloit professors are about their students, not themselves. They want you to be able to develop your own opinions and defend that position. Beloit College is good for those students who like to to know the why behind their education. Beloit says, 'This is why you use this formula' not, 'use this formula and move on.' It's a nice change, going from being told what to believe to being asked what it is you believe.

taryn from berrien springs, mi

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
beloit college is an amazing place full of fantastic people, unbelievable opportunities, and professors that care. the campus environment is friendly, and people are enthusiastic about what they are involved in. beloit is a place for students who want to explore many different academic, and extracurricular interests during four absolutely outstanding years.
Tips for prospective students
i visited 14 colleges between my junior and senior year of high school. i think for me, the second visits that i took to my top 5 schools really helped influence my decision. this was especially true for overnight visits. go on as many overnights as you can for your top 5 schools before you decide. also, keep a small check list of the things that you want to do/want to have during your college experience. i had about 10 things on my list, and every time i visited or looked at a college i would go through the check list. it doesn't have to be 10 things, but just keep in mind what are important experiences, or traits of the college you envision yourself going to.
Academic Rigor
the student to teacher ratio here at beloit is 11:1. i'm sorry to start off with a statistic, but it was one of the things on my check-list when i was looking at colleges. i wanted a school where there were smaller classes so that i could get to know my professors, and have more discussion based classes as opposed to large lectures. the smallest class i have ever been in here at beloit was 5 and the largest was 22.
i think that the classes here at beloit are fantastic. the professors really care and really want you to succeed. they are also very passionate about what they are teaching, and that in turn gets you very passionate and excited about what you are reading and the projects you are doing in their classes. there is a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking in the classes here at beloit. it's a lot of work, but i am not having a mental break down because of stress, anxiety, or being overwhelmed by all the homework. the work is enough to challenge me and keep me busy, which is better than it being so easy i'm done in five minutes (at least in my opinion).
Dorm Life
the dorms here are lovely! we have a whole lot of housing options too, so you don't have to live in a dorm after your first semester if you get into a special interest house. we also have 3 apartment style housing options which are all well furnished and cozy. it also doesn't cost more to live in a single room, a special interest house, or an apartment style living.
Food and Dining
we are catered by bon appetite which is currently in the list of leading college food providers. it's cafeteria food, but it's good cafeteria food. i'm also a vegetarian, which could be a potential problem but it's not here at beloit. there are always lots of options for me, which is really nice.
What to do for fun
there is actually a lot to do here! some prospective students may be concerned about moving to a small town in wisconsin, but we have over 100 clubs and organizations that are all throwing different events during the week and on weekends. in a single week you could go to a history club murder mystery party on monday, a sugary cereal taste-testing event with spiel (the substance-free programming and innovative entertainment league) on tuesday, play board games with bsffa (beloit science fiction and fantasy association) on thursday, put a team together and do trivia on wednesday night at chaus and then go to an art house party on saturday night. you will absolutely never be bored here. there are also lots of parks to explore, and turtle creek is just a short drive away and it's great to swim in and relax by.there are always live bands at chaus (student weekend hangout place/on campus bar - have to be 21 to purchase), and our improv group voodoo barbie also performs regularly. we also have the van galder buses that can take you to madison or chicago if you want to spend a weekend hanging out and sight-seeing in a big city. there are a surprisingly large amount of fun and exciting activities to participate in.
Bang for the buck
i personally got a really amazing financial aid package. we have lots of scholarship options, including merit based scholarships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
we have two music festivals that happen, one in the fall called folk and blues, and one in the spring called mayfest. we also have an event around halloween called "the haunted woods" where one of our dorm buildings named wood is turned into a giant haunted house and it's a ton of fun! we also have spring day, where on the first day of nice weather in the spring we cancel classes and the campus becomes a carnival with bouncy castles, cotton candy, and other really fun activities (this year we had those giant blow up human hamster ball things)! we also do the rocky horror picture show around halloween too, where everyone gets dressed up and we project it in our big auditorium, and we have a cast who performs it live along side the movie (as one should!).
Great for these types of students
beloit is really great for students interested in being involved in a wide variety of things, and pursuing a lot of interests. if you're someone who really wants to take advantage of opportunities that are given to you, make amazing life long friendships, have stellar relationships with your professors, and really love learning this is the place for you!
Clubs and Activities
we have over 100! and they are all student run, and absolutely fantastic. they are extraordinarily active, and host a lot of really wonderful events.
Greek Life
about 20% of students are involved in greek life here at beloit, and it is unlike what you may have seen on movies and tv. we all have to sign a no hazing form, and we don't have a "formal" recruitment (i'm in a sorority). basically recruitment is a series of open houses, picnics, craft nights, barbecues, and other hanging out activities for potential new members to see if they are interested in spending four years hanging out with the people in that particular greek organization. it's a lot more academic, community, and campus focused as well.
Campus Safety
security is wonderful! they are always available, very approachable, and friendly.

kat from riverside, ri

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
as many have said, beloit college is an excellent place to learn. while beloit lacks the "city life", its charm and inner/outer community charm is what draws you in. i ended up leaving beloit for a vacation term to sort out my homesick issues and actually really missed the place. especially post-grad, you don't realize how much a place can positively change you.
Tips for prospective students
1. be open to new things.
2. join clubs, explore greek life, get to know the town and community of beloit, don't limit yourself to the "bubble". i don't care if you hate it from the get go, attend a few meetings/recruitment events/whatever, you might like what you see.
3. utilize your fyi advisor throughout the duration of your 4 years.
Academic Rigor
i beat myself up sometimes, because if i had actually fully applied myself while at beloit i could have left there with a 4.0 instead of a 3.4. many of the teachers are academically challenging, and it's going to suck, but you'll make it!
Dorm Life
your freshman assignments can often confine you to a certain friend group that predetermines your social situation for the next four years. this is why i stress getting out there on campus and trying clubs/going to events/work study.

avoid the 64 halls, lol.
Food and Dining
i graduated the year that bon appetit came to beloit; they really changed the game and made it better.
What to do for fun
there is a lot do in the town of beloit, such as a pool hall, local bar, gay club, walks along the river. also pretty easy to take the van galder bus to chicago or madison and do something with more university appeal.
Bang for the buck
i mean, i got a fabulous financial aid package, but i'm definitely still suffering/paying off the remaining balance. it is what it is. wouldn't trade my beloit experience for the world, however. totally worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
spring day!!!! apple day!!!! our obsession with president scott bierman ;)
Great for these types of students
intelligent, kind, unique, creative, artsy, stable.
Clubs and Activities
lots of terrific opportunities to join some great clubs and even start one. wbcr was probably my favorite. "safe harbor" hours are after 10pm and you can play music with cursing.
Greek Life
like i said before, go to recruitment events. i was super anti-greek when i came to beloit. hell, while looking at college, i pretty much completely avoided the topic. ended up going to a recruitment event for kd and fell in love with the women. greek life gets a lot of flack at beloit college and we fought really hard to change that. it's hard to remember that a group of people is not defined by one characteristic, that's why it's a goddamn group. everyone is different and looking for something unique in greek life.

it's also not a requirement, so you really don't have to do it if that's a big turn off.
Campus Safety
security is there when you need it.