DePauw University
Greencastle, IN, USA

Reviews

DePauw University

Kandyce from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DePauw was the best decision I've ever made. What makes this school special is the people, the opportunities for success, and the education. There is no place I would rather be.
Tips for prospective students
Students, take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you. The people on campus, whether they are students or administration, are so willing to help you succeed. Don't be afraid to ask. You will be surprised at the responses you will get. Community is definitely something DePauw prides itself in.
Academic Rigor
DePauw is very challenging. Don't expect to do half the effort and do well in a class. You have to show up and perform to the best of your ability. But if you do that, you will be surprised at all you learn. And you realize that the professor standing in front of you wants you to succeed. They are there because they really wanted to teach you.
Dorm Life
I loved the dorm. I lived in a suite-style dorm, the only one on campus, and I loved living so close to girls that soon became like sisters to me. It was my freshman year and I had a single but I never felt alone. The RAs are really great. Right down the hall, they were both a friend and an advisor.
Food and Dining
The food is good. There are two big dining halls. One has good food that is cooked by a chef and tastes homemade. The other is more of a collection of fast food restaurants. Everything is good but some people tend to get tired of the selections.
What to do for fun
There is always something to do on campus. Whether its organizations that you can join, football and basketball games to go to, or going out to walk around the town square with some friends. You won't ever really be bored.
Bang for the buck
DePauw is an expensive school but the financial aid is wonderful and when you realize the education you are getting, you realize you are getting what you paid for. DePauw's motto is Uncommon Success and that is exactly what you get. The name goes before you in the world.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
DePauw's campus gives you many traditions. There's the DePauw Boulder which is a common place for the first snow boulder run. People streak naked from their dorms to the boulder and back when it first snows. It's a sight to see lol. And then there is also the Marvin's tradition where a real DePauw student will have at least have one late night Marvin's run at 2 in the morning to order a GCB (Garlic Cheese Burger), GCCB (Garlic Chicken Cheese Burger), or Mac Bites before the year is over. You can also spend the night in East College before Halloween just to see if it's really haunted or not. There's many more that I'm just discovering.
Great for these types of students
DePauw's a great place for students who are very driven but have a work hard, play hard mentality. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, if you like the idea of a close community then this is the place for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are soooo many different organizations on campus and the best part is that most of them are student run. If you don't see something that you like, make your own. You will find your niche.
Greek Life
Greek Life is HUGE on campus. It's what we are known for. The good thing is that although it's so big, independent students do not feel left out of anything nor are they singled out for being independent. This is for both the Pan-Hellenic Council and for the Minority Greeks also.
Campus Safety
The campus is pretty much safe. Though a student still needs to be careful, Campus police are very much involved. There is transportation for travel at night. I've felt safe for the year that I've been there.

Erin from Greenwood, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A whole new world full of opportunities for personal, academic, and social growth. Everyone on campus is super personable, approachable, and friendly. The school really works to make you happy and keep you here so you can explore academically and discover the world, as well as your place in it.
Tips for prospective students
DePauw is a very strong liberal arts college and this is to your advantage. Take the time to look at the courses available (at any school honestly) and try to choose a broad selection because you don't always know what you want to major in and it can always change. At DePauw they really make you explore every type of class. Ones you would never think to take. Also take advantage of the winter term available. I went to China my freshman year. They even gave me scholarship money to help fund the trip. It was what I thought to be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but now I have the opportunity to return because of DePauw. You also have the chance to have so much spirit here. Everything on campus is pretty much run by the students, so all of the pride and spirit is genuine. Although we are a small school we have just as much opportunity to show spirit. We even have one of the longest running rivalries with Wabash College.
Academic Rigor
It is going to be different moving from high school to college no matter what school one goes to. However, DePauw is a small school with an average class size of about 20. So although the difficulty of the classes is higher there is so much opportunity for personal attention and help. The teachers expect you to try to learn and try to better yourself. However they expect you to be the one to seek the help when needed.
Dorm Life
You have to live on campus all four years, but as you move through the years you get more opportunities for living such as university houses and apartments. They want us to live on campus so that we have a chance to build closer relationships and a stronger sense of community amongst students. Dorm life however is great each dorm and floor bonds and becomes super close. There are 5 dorms for freshmen and each one is great. The one I live in is even over the smaller of two eating facilities.
Food and Dining
Right now there are two main eating establishments, the Hub and the Den. The Hub is the larger of the two and is located in the student union building in the middle of campus. The other is more of a restaurant styled eatery under Longden Hall. There is a wide selection of foods to choose from. Too many to describe but personally it's the best college food I've had. Within the up coming years they plan on building a new hub that is much larger and had even more options! Then there are little local restaurants that get a lot of its business from students. They have a plan and agreement with some of these restaurants that allot an amount of your food money to going to these places.
What to do for fun
There are so many things to do. There is always a play or performance of so kind happening in the performing arts center. There is a lecture series that happens throughout the year too. There are events planned by the Greek houses for their philanthropies, and then there are so many groups to join that they don't all fit at the activities fair. You can see a movie at the local cinema or go to a party on a weekend. There are sports games throughout the year to attend and cheer at. And it may seem we are in the middle of no where but we are very conveniently located in the middle of other colleges like Wabash College, Indiana University and Indiana State university and more that aren't too far away if you wanted to visit friends.
Bang for the buck
DePauw is not the most affordable school for everyone. However, what the money goes to is so beneficial and inevitably comes back to the student in some way, shape, or form. They really try to work with students individually to make it financially more affordable. They have so many opportunities for scholarship, including for winter term trips. No matter how much you pay to go here you receive a top notch education from an increasingly popular liberal arts university that would look good on any job application. On top of it all there are changes coming to the campus in the next few years that are only going to make the expense more worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well there are a lot of traditions, many of which are Greek affiliated. However we do have the huge tradition of The Monon Bell game. A rivalry had with Wabash College for 119 years now that will never end. One interesting tradition is the stealing of the bell. The winning team gets to house the bell and the opposite team tries in many ways to obtain it. One year this process included dressing up as Spanish dignitaries, and another year the bell ended up frozen in the football field.
Great for these types of students
Hardworking, loyal, intelligent students that want to challenge themselves in every aspect of their lives. Students should have a drive for positive changes and should be open to all sorts of new opportunities. If you have an open mind and an open heart you will gain more out of your experience here.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs for just about anything you could possibly imagine. There are also many opportunities for creating more. If we don't already have it, then create it. We have intermurral sports teams too. Then along with the normal clubs we have Greek activities, including alpha phi omega which is a mixed gender fraternity that focuses on community and service.
Greek Life
Greek life is a huge tradition on campus. We are about 70% Greek. However this does not change the education one receives or limits their opportunities in any way. We do take pride in our strong Greek community but that is because of the brother and sisterhood bonds that are created and the charitable way that each chapter behaves itself.
Campus Safety
We have one of the best systems of public safety if I do say so myself. Located on campus the public safety has a force out all day and night looking out for the students. They provide a service called safe ride that should really be taken advantage of when it's dark and you have to walk back to the dorms. They really are nice and are looking out for the safety of the students.

Kari from Willow Springs, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The academic classes are thought-provoking, and will challenge you to think in a new way. Because of the small class sizes, participation in discussions is essential and makes it impossible not to be involved. Professors are approachable and are often very willing to help, whether it be for their class or for outside projects.
Am enjoying being here
Outside the classroom, the sense of community at DePauw is unlike any other school I considered. I believe that I changed completely as a person from my first day of freshman year to now, my junior year, and definitely for the better. The friends I have made here will be for a lifetime, and the alumni network is very connected.
Bang for the buck
DePauw's tuition is as high as any other small private university, but it does have a large endowment, and the majority of students are supported by some kind of financial aid, whether it be merit or need based.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be scared away by the high tuition, merit scholarships are accessible that make going here even if you are not eligible for money through the FAFSA.
Be yourself in the admissions process, and don't try to act like the person you think DePauw is interested in. Our community is very diverse, and your personality will likely be a good fit.
Great for these types of students
Academically minded, creative, driven, willing to be challenged, students who are looking for a very significant sense of community.

Noemi from Chicago, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Depauw University is a small school with huge opportunities. Out of five stars I would give it five stars. They show that they want to create a great environment that will help develop their students in having a good career future.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be afraid to stand out in this school and to ask for help if you are having trouble. Make sure that this school gives you what you want and that it makes you feel like home.
Academic Rigor
Academics are challenging. The programs are rigorous and show that a student needs to try hard to achieve what they want. The professors and other staff are very helpful and kind. The class sizes make it easier to communicate and connect better with other students and teachers.
Dorm Life
Each dorm hall is different. Good sized rooms. One has the choice of choosing a roommate or living solo. Communal bathrooms are cleaned daily. Great surrounding ambiance and good time frames for talking/ sleeping hours ( it helps because everyone has different sleeping/studying schedules).
Food and Dining
Several of the prospective students that come really enjoy the food at the dining hall. There is a variety of foods for meat eaters and vegetarians. The food is good and they have good dining services and times. One gets to choose a planning meal for the semester which is very helpful.
What to do for fun
Several things to do for fun. There are several sports, activities and dances in which one can participate in. The gym,workout area, and swimming pool are available. There are several clubs one can join in just for fun, such as yoga, zumba, intramural sports etc.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A great tradition is Monon weekend. Every year Depauw goes against its rival school, Wabash. There is a football game in which they fight for the bell. That weekend, students celebrate the win or the loss by having activities that brings every student closer.
Great for these types of students
Great for any type of student, you get to make your own choice on how much you want to be involved in the college. The school is small with an average class size.
Clubs and Activities
Several clubs and activities that one can make or join.
Greek Life
Greek life is big in Depauw, around 70%+ students go Greek.
Campus Safety
Very safe. One will be fine walking at 1 or 2 at night from the library or to the dorm. People respect your things and no huge incidents have happened that involved an increase in safety. the college police or public safety do a great job.

David from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DePauw University is absolutely amazing. The academic world is insanely rigorous, and is an entire 100 steps up from high school academics. It's also a small community, and there is a ton of support offered to the students on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Learn time management. Learn time management. Learn time management. Learn time management. Learn time management. Learn time management.
Academic Rigor
If somebody told me that this school was as hard as it was, I may have not applied, but I am happy that I did.
Dorm Life
The dorms allow you to make friends who you will carry for the 4 years on campus. They can get a little loud on the weekends when students want to go out and party, but other than that, it's a great environment.
Food and Dining
The meal plan used to be decent, but now they changed it up to much of the student body's disapproval. The food also got worse from last year :(
What to do for fun
There are a lot of sporting events that go on daily, and different clubs travel together (outdoors club/rock climbing clubs)
Bang for the buck
It's a small community, so you make a ton of friends for life, and the professors that you have have the chance to get to know you personally.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The boulder run is the biggest tradition on campus. The first snow signals when people will go streaking throughout campus to get to the boulder from their dorm, touch it, and run back.
Great for these types of students
There are a ton of athletes on campus, so even if you were an athlete in high school, but don't plan to compete in college, you'll be right at home.
Clubs and Activities
There are literally clubs for anybody on campus, and if there isn't a club that you want to participate in, you can find people who are interested in the activity, and create one.
Greek Life
Most of the campus goes Greek, whether is be the mainstream frats and sororities, or the divine 9
Campus Safety
Public Safety and Greencastle police are constantly roaming campus so that the students can feel safe and they are quick to respond.

Taylor from Mooresville, IN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DePauw will create so many opportunities for you and help you even after college! There are so many options for students here from course selections to study abroad opportunities! If you like to have options this is the university for you too!
Tips for prospective students
Visit first and try to plan a overnight visit, and do research on all colleges you are considering!
Academic Rigor
There are a TON of classes to choose from, and all of the classes I have taken have very involved professors who are always willing to help.
Dorm Life
My Resident Assistants have been minimally involved but are always there if i give them a call or stop by their room! I am in a suite and I love it!
Food and Dining
The food here is always fresh and the cooks take pride in cooking food from local farmers! There isn't any trans fats here and all the food is so healthy!

FRANK from Evansville, IN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DePauw is a great school with a great community around it. The professors are very approachable. They are always willing to help and help you succeed
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your professors and go visit them during their office hours! Also, don't cram for test.
Dorm Life
All of the RA are nice and helpful. The dorm rules aren't too strict, but you still feel safe.
Food and Dining
Great food all over campus.
What to do for fun
There is always something going on, at least something every two weeks. Just get involved as much as you can. There are many different clubs and organizations you can join.
Bang for the buck
I wouldn't rather be at any other college. Great professor, campus, and community.
Great for these types of students
DePauw is great for any type of student!
Greek Life
Greek life is a big thing at DePauw and its great.
Campus Safety
I feel safe no matter what time of day it is.

Felicia from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
DePauw University is the perfect place to learn. A University or College (especially a residential campus) should provide the opportunity to learn both inside and outside of the classroom in both social and academic realms. Not only is the hands on education in the classroom a liberal arts curriculum that broadens your horizons, it is also very diverse. The things I learn an education class can apply to my women studies class and theatre classes. The ability to apply what I learned and further grow and solidify my knowledge gain is true academic learning. Socially, DePauw is a microcosm of the real world. It is a great place to make mistakes, learn from it and become a leader both on campus and within the local community. The opportunities to do an off campus study only further learning. Professors and faculty here believe that studying off campus enhances learning and everyone should engage in it at least one point in their lifetime. Why not do it with your time at DePauw, where you have financial, multicultural support and networking?
Am enjoying being here
Like anything in life, DePauw is what you make of it. However, this is the place to make your own. The faculty and staff love new ideas and working with students on diverse projects whether it is a new club, a research study, staging a protest. You name it, you can do it! You just have to look for the opportunity and networking chances, which are definitely there.
Bang for the buck
The education, food, dorming, experiences and opportunities are worth it. I have met people in high places in media companies and other fields who may have not even studied their career field in college. That just shows you that a DePauw education is diverse and applicable. Many of our graduates have high level job entry or excel in their field rather quickly.
Tips for prospective students
Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open. This is a great place to become who ever you want to be, take advantage of that and your resources. The professors can be a bit challenging but it helps you think critically, be on time and ready for anything that comes next, grad shool, work force, travel, etc.
Great for these types of students
People who are:
Activists,
Greek Affiliates,
Leaders,
People who stretch themselves thin doing everything,
Like a small campus,
Undecided Major,
Want to be challenged

Kaitlyn from New Palestine, IN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have only just completed my first semester at DePauw University and thus am still exploring different fields. The courses I have taken heavily rely upon class discussion and forming the mindset one will need while continuing in college. This enables me to learn on my own, and shows me how to do so.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful and quiet when I prefer it to be, and fun when I need it to be. There is always something going on, but there is always a place to go if you need quiet study time. Although the campus is small, I still have yet to meet a great majority of the population. Also, I enjoy figuring out the links we each have with one another through classes, extra-curricular activities, groups and clubs, friends, high schools, etc.
Bang for the buck
The college gives away free things throughout the year which is nice, and the money is definitely worth it for the education, nice campus, and future endeavors provided.
Great for these types of students
This campus is great for students looking to major in music. The School of Music is one of few, and it is incredible. However, the College of Liberal Arts also does a fine job as well. The School of Music is just a uniquely wonderful part of campus.

Courtney from Fort Wayne, IN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers really push you hard to think about what is happening in required readings, and in the world.
Am enjoying being here
DePauw is a wonderful college, filled with great opportunities for everybody willing to take advantage of them! Because of DePauw I will be departing for Italy on my Winter Term Trip!
Bang for the buck
Amazing school!
Tips for prospective students
Greek life is a huge part of DePauw's atmosphere, but I am not greek and I have many friends that are, and many friends that aren't. My advice is that you really get out there your freshman year and meet as many people as you possibly can! Making friends is a big part of any college experience! and its always nice to have study parties with your friends (:
Great for these types of students
DePauw is great for all types of students! Give DePauw a try! I think that you will be glad that you did.