Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL, USA

Reviews

Illinois College

Sarah from Virginia, IL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Illinois College offers majors in a wide variety of subjects, whether your field be science, art, English, theater, education, etc. Pretty much you name it and they can probably find a way to make it work for you. As a liberal arts school, students are also required to take classes outside their major, which leads to exposure to a great many topics and subject areas that you might never have heard anything about. They also have a convocation program that gives students a quick taste of many different issues and cultural experiences, everything from dance groups and music ensembles, to lectures on current controversial topics, to presentations by various TV hosts. Your professors all know you by name and there's free tutoring for when you need that little extra boost.
Am enjoying being here
I fell in love with the campus the first day I set foot on it. It's really the best of both worlds, having both the physical beauty and networking opportunities of a large state university but with personalization and small size of a rural college. As a general rule, they do an incredible job of matching people to good roommates, and almost everyone is so friendly that it doesn't take long to develop a close circle of friends. Also being so close to Springfield and St. Louis provides ample opportunities for culture and fun.
Bang for the buck
Though small the campus has the beauty usually associated with a large school. A new athletic center was just built a few years ago, which includes not only facilities for the sports teams but also weight rooms, open gym times, and an indoor pool complete with hot tub open to everyone. You get personalized attention not found at a state school coupled with chances to get involved which many small schools simply don't have the resources for.
Tips for prospective students
Your professors will expect A LOT from you. However, they are more than willing to take the extra time to help you; many will even give you their cell phone number. Take advantage of this!

Join clubs on campus. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, but with so many options, their really is something for everyone whether it be intramural sports, choir, a religious life group or something else entirely.
Great for these types of students
IC's teacher education program is one of the best in Illinois. They also have an incredible Biology department and a large Psychology program. Though the art department is small it's a very good program.
Regardless be willing to work.

Alyssa from Galesburg, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
IC is a super welcoming and friendly community and isn't too large. I love the history of the campus and how gorgeous the scenery is too.
Tips for prospective students
I found it amazingly helpful to ask to speak with your admissions counselor for any questions you have.
Academic Rigor
There is such a variety of different majors and minors to explore at IC and if they don't have a specific one for you, they can at least help guide you in the right direction for it.
Dorm Life
The dorms do seem a little dated both on the inside and outside, but some of them have been renovated recently, and there are other homes to live in for freshmen too!
Food and Dining
A buffet style cafeteria is amazing and especially with all the different foods is so cool! There's also even more snack shops on campus so you'll never go hungry.
What to do for fun
Jacksonville seems moderately small, but you're not very far from Springfield or St. Louis, so there's still plenty to do on your down time.
Bang for the buck
Tons of research opportunities, workout facilities, classrooms, and town locations to definitely get the best offering for success!
Great for these types of students
As someone with SAD and GAD, the smaller and more welcoming community at this school really helps make you feel at ease.
Clubs and Activities
Tons of different clubs to do at IC! Band, choir, cheer, football, drama, debate, and a motley more. It's totally amazing.
Campus Safety
There's a ton of emergency phones all around campus and there were several posters in nearly every building that discussed different numbers and staff to call in case of emergencies.

Geeleeyaw from Chicago, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
illinois college is great school, family like environment. lots of help opportunities are offered. very beautiful campus all year round.
Tips for prospective students
have a planner, talk with you teachers, have tutors for every class, go over notes everyday after class and participate in study groups.
Academic Rigor
biggest journey of your life before the real world.
Dorm Life
safe, great to make friends and very open students.
Food and Dining
edible.
What to do for fun
go to every social event on campus and dog walking.
Bang for the buck
student activity is great very, laid back, every one knows everyone on a first name basic. lunch ladies are awesome and sweet.
Clubs and Activities
mostly everything is ran by students.
Campus Safety
easy to locate right on campus located at the bottom of one of the dorms.

Mikel from Cambridge, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Illinois College is a small Liberal Arts College that is dedicated to getting its students a broad educational experience. The faculty here are exceptional not just because of their skills in their field, but they also make a personal effort to get to know every single student they teach. Here at Illinois College the teacher and overall campus environment make it exceptionally easy for anyone to succeed academically.
Tips for prospective students
To best prepare for college all you have to do is have to ability to manage your time. Your are able to have fun and do all the things you want all long as you factor in some time to finish all of your academic obligations.
Academic Rigor
Here at Illinois College all the classes that are offered challenge the students in different way. There are classes that require you to give speeches or participate in debates. In other classes such as Genetics, we had to read multiple medical documents and then write a paper that explained specific details of diseases and research we had learned. All classes challenge the students to use their minds to their full extent, without overtaxing the workload given to the students.
Dorm Life
I live in a coed dorm that is separated by floor. On my floor there are all guys and we are like a family. There isn't a day that has gone by that we haven't checked to see what everyone was doing. Other dorms on campus include dorms that are designated all male or all female, and there is even a dorm that has males and female on the same floor. This campus also provides actual houses that a group of people can live in if they so choose.
Food and Dining
Here we have a buffet style cafeteria that is open every day of the week. We also have two other places to eat. One is The Grill, where you can get pizzas, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and multiple other grilled and fried foods. The other option is the Coffee Shop, which is pretty much like a Starbucks. You can also get freshly made salads and deli sandwiches here.
What to do for fun
There are many events that are put on by different organization at the school every week. We have concerts, comedians, plays, dances, and other activities that are hosted by the school. This doesn't include all of the activities that you can do in town. Our town is very large with multiple restaurants and other places for you and friends to hang out and have fun.
Bang for the buck
I love this school. The best part for me is that if I ever need any assistance I can always contact my professors. They give you their phone numbers and home addresses. This is a smaller school so everyone here is like family making it really easy to get help with any problems that you are having.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Here at Illinois College, every year we have a big competition between the freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior class. We have obstacle courses and puzzles that each class tries to solve to see who is the winning class of the year.
Great for these types of students
This college is right for almost all types of student because we have such a well rounded curriculum. I am a biology/pre-med major and I am getting exceptional help.
Clubs and Activities
There are about 100 different clubs that you can get involved in at Illinois College and if there isn't one that interests you, then the school gives you the option of creating your own club and recruiting members. This gives everyone the chance to be active in something they are passionate in. These activities don't include all of the sports teams that are available at Illinois College.
Greek Life
There are multiple fraternities on campus. If you want to be a frat boy or girl, or if you just want to join a service fraternity we have a variety of choices.
Campus Safety
This campus has never had any accidents or injuries since I have been here. It is a small campus and everyone is really close, and crime is almost non-existent here.

Hailie from Genoa, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are fantastic to learn from! They really want you to succeed in their classes, and if you put in the effort in your classes, it will totally be worth it!
Am enjoying being here
I've learned so much in three years, and I can't wait to start my senior year! I've taken a wide variety of classes to earn a liberal arts degree, and although my classes are varied in subject, professors here frequently make connections between them. Also, I think we have one of the best Health Services here on campus, just saying.
Bang for the buck
Illinois College can be a bit on the pricey side, but I feel like I'm getting all the possible bang for the buck out of my college experience. Also, there are a lot of merit-based scholarships that help students meet their financial needs!
Tips for prospective students
You're welcome to visit classes on campus during the school year, and to chat with current students about their experiences at IC. Also, I recommend applying as early as possible, because IC offers a lot of merit-based scholarships, and the earlier you apply the better!
Great for these types of students
IC is great for visual learners and people who like hands-on activities. Teachers will make an effort to teach their subject to you, and if you want more help on top of that, fantastic tutors are nearly always available to help you out!

grace from earlville, il

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
ic has a beautiful campus. it seems they have great professors that truly care, and love what they are doing. the students all seem very kind and welcoming.
Tips for prospective students
sports are not #1 here. academics are.
Academic Rigor
i think the classes will require a good amount of work. i will be attending in the fall and already have a big assignment to work on.
Dorm Life
the dorms smelled, and looked way better than a lot of the dorms i have seen. they also all have ac now!
Food and Dining
so far, all the food i have had at ic has been amazing!
What to do for fun
i have heard there are a lot of events at the college, and they send busses out to springfield on the weekends for shopping!

Roger from Lomita, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I was born and raise in sunny Southern California and have embraced all the Californian stereotypes my whole life, but Illinois College feels like home. IC is an open school that provides a myriad of opportunities for its students. The students, administration and faculty are welcoming and genuine.
Tips for prospective students
Join a literary society (kind of like a frat, but not) because you will make life long friends. Get involved in APO. It is the only service fraternity on campus and it is one of the best ways to meet people and develop your leadership skills. Getting involved as soon as possible will asure the perfect college experience.
Academic Rigor
The classes are difficult, but anywhere you go they will be. The only difference is that at IC the professors get to know the students on a more personal level which allows students to excel more in the class. The school also encourages students to venture off and try something new, so any class can change your life.
Dorm Life
The dorms here are nice and there are always people planning events in the dorms so that you can really get to know other students living in the same building as you as well as those that live in other buildings.
Food and Dining
There are three options on campus, the cafeteria, the grill, and the coffee shop. They all offer healthy options and a variety of food. The town also has various options such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, and various other chain and non-chain restaurants.
What to do for fun
For fun we usually go to friends rooms and spend time together because we are all so close. There are always events going on on campus and the student activities board always plans off campus events like skiing and paintballing. The recreation center is open till 11 nearly every day where you can swim or play basketball and there is a park nearby the school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On campus we have a tire swing on a tree in front of the library where people tend to hang out. There are also recreation rooms in all the dorms with ping-pong and other fun things.
Great for these types of students
IC is great for students that want a homey feel to their college experience. You will get to know a ton of people because it is such a small campus.
Clubs and Activities
Literary Societies- kind of like frats but they help you develop your public speaking skills as well as your leadership.
Alpha Phi Omega- Service frat on campus
Student Activities Board- Plans campus activities
Investment Club- Helps you handle finances
There are always helpful workshops for making resumés and preparing for jobs. Also there are various other groups to get involved with.
Greek Life
Literary societies- Sigma Pi, Phi Alpha, Gamma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Fraternity- Alpha Phi Omega: One of the largest national service fraternities in the country.
Campus Safety
There are security call phones all over campus and they respond very quickly. Since I got here, i have not experienced any kind of harassment nor have i heard of anything happening.

Martha from Winthrop Harbor, IL

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small, liberal arts college, such as Illinois College (IC), allows students to participate in activities and programs that are just not possible when attending a larger university. A student can try out for a sports team, participate in various clubs, and even assist professors in research. Everyone, including faculty, staff, and even the president of the college, has a connection, making the IC campus more like a family than a school.
Tips for prospective students
Jump in! Illinois College allowed me to participate in activities I would not have been able to had I attended a larger college/university. I always had an interest in playing tennis. After never having played on a tennis team previously, I joined my college's team and worked my way up. I also joined Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, which allowed me to help people in the community via service projects. Chemistry Club allowed me to teach younger students in the community the importance of science and the environment. This and more is available to any student.
Academic Rigor
Having earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology, adding Chemistry and Mathematics minors, playing for the women's tennis team, and participating in several clubs, I know what it's like to be busy! The Biological Science route (alone) forces students to learn how to manage their time, which is a necessity. Even with the business of school, students will connect with each other in a way where they can work together and help each other learn.
Dorm Life
There are several dorms on campus, including all male, all female, and co-ed. Students sign up each spring semester and can rank where they prefer to live. Each dorm has a Resident's Assistant (RA), on each floor, who arranges different activities. College apartments are also offered as on-campus dorms, which allow students to cook in their rooms. Each dorm is a little different. The freshman dorms are a great way for first years to get to know their fellow classmates and be introduced to college life.
Food and Dining
There are several dining options on campus, giving students more variety. There is a cafeteria that serves more homestyle foods open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Common Grounds coffee shop offers a great lunch selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, chips, and fruit that is easily accessible while running between classes. The Uncommons offers more fast food, like burgers, pizza, and fries. Each student purchases a meal plan that they feel fits more with their eating habits.
What to do for fun
IC is set in Jacksonville, IL. While not a very well-known city, it is certainly rich in history, having a few historical buildings to visit downtown. Movie theaters, a bowling alley, and a roller skating rink are just a few minutes away. For more of a night life, Springfield, IL, is only 30 minutes away from campus, offering a larger movie theater, shopping mall, and various restaurants.
Bang for the buck
While no education is cheap, the price of a liberal arts education is a little more than a larger university, mainly because it is a private institution. The educational value, however, is incomparable. I firmly believe that my education was more well-rounded and in-depth than any state school. There are also more opportunities for scholarships and grants (i.e. that don't need to be paid back!) at a smaller school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Illinois College, where Abraham Lincoln attended, is said to be the most haunted campus in the midwest! Several legends claim that ghosts pass through various buildings and dorms. Also interesting, Beecher Hall, now house to two male literary societies, was the first medical building in Illinois, where students were able to witness medical practices and autopsies.
Great for these types of students
Illinois College is a great campus for various types of people. I knew students who lived 20 minutes away, several hours away, as well as students from different states and countries!
Clubs and Activities
Countless! Illinois College offers clubs for the sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics), foreign languages, varsity sports, intramurals, literary societies, and many more. Plus, six or more students can propose an idea for a new club and get it approved through the dean.
Greek Life
At Illinois College, Greek Life is known as Literary Societies. They are not sororities or fraternities because the students do not live in a house together, and they must perform at least one literary production per month. The only labeled fraternity is Alpha Phi Omega because it is a national co-ed service fraternity. Each group goes through a process of selecting students to become part of their society, and each organizes a set of campus and community service projects throughout the year.
Campus Safety
There is always a security officer on duty 24/7 at Illinois College. If there are any problems in the dorms or in one of the buildings, the security office can be notified.

Samuel from Brighton, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
illinois college is a great campus with lots of history and nice small classes. the teachers i have had for class are great--they really care and do all they can to help you. it is very easy to get extra help and tutors when needed for classes. i love the music department and have joined wind ensemble, jazz band and concert choir. i just got back from a week long trip to disney with the band and it was great. i am so glad that i chose ic.
Tips for prospective students
come and see the campus and you will feel right at home. if you are interested, apply even though the cost may be high. they do give good financial aid and there are jobs available on campus. check out a preview day.
Academic Rigor
classes are a challenge in the science department but much help is available. other than the first biology class, all my classes have been very small. teachers are concerned and very helpful.
Dorm Life
the freshman dorms are a little noisy but their location on campus is great. the older dorms are not completely air conditioned but are being updated and air conditioned right now. freshman dorms are standard twp bed rooms but upperclass dorms feature suites.
Food and Dining
the food is mediocre definetely not moms home cooking. the main dining hall is buffet style and there is also a coffeeshop and a grill to choose from.
What to do for fun
there are many clubs on campus for just about anything. there are also movie theatres and a bowling alley in town. many fast food restaraunts can be found blocks away. the student group also brings in many speakers and music groups and offers bingo several times each sememster. there is also a great fitness center and pool available for student use.
Bang for the buck
i feel that i am getting a great education and lots of experieces for my money. the cost is high but financial aid is very available.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there are many great old buildings on campus, including beecher hall the oldest college building in illinois. the college has a great orientation program for first year students which leaves them feeling very comfortable and ready to start school. each 1st year student gets an invitation to attend a dinner at the president's house with a group of about 14 other new students in their first semester on campus.
Great for these types of students
ic is a great school for anyone who wants a very well balanced education and a chance to develop close relationships with other students and even the faculty. it is possilbe for students to even assist teachers with research opportunities.
Clubs and Activities
clubs for just about anything: religious groups like newman club and fca, an environmental club, an outdoor club, ic theatreworks which offers 3 productions each year. groups are small and opportunities for leadership are there.
Greek Life
illinois college has literary societies which do literary productions, community service activities, and are great opportunities to form friendships for life.
Campus Safety
campus is small, close together and very safe. security officers are on duty 24 hours a day and the campus is very well lit at night.