John Carroll University
University Heights, OH, USA

Reviews

John Carroll University

brad

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
jcu is rigorous depending on the classes/major you study, but overall it is challenging to a degree that helps you learn, but it's not so challenging that finals are impossible.
Dorm Life
i live off campus, but i lived in the dorms for orientation. they are a good size and have plenty of floor room, at least from where i was staying.
Food and Dining
there are places around in beachwood and university heights for food.
Great for these types of students
jcu is great for those that want to make an impact on their college and leave it better than it was when they were freshmen, there are many opportunities to do so.

who like learning more about other cultures and religions.

who enjoy getting to know people more than it is possible with a large population of students. jcu's a medium-sized private school.
Clubs and Activities
there are many clubs and activities to do. the only thing i would say that is lacking slightly is the campus ministry program for catholics. the program is very nondemonimational, and it's at a jesuit catholic university.
Greek Life
i do not participate in gl.
Campus Safety
as far as i know the campus is somewhat safe. it has its own area in its namesake, university heights.

Megan from Pemberville, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small Jesuit school with a great academic environment, caring professors, and friendly students. Big emphasis on community service and experiential learning. A great school if you're looking for personal attention from professors, a community feel, a good reputation, and a great education.
Tips for prospective students
Schedule a personalized visit to meet with professors and eat lunch with current students. It will give you a great idea of what life is like in and out of the classroom at JCU.
Academic Rigor
Professors expect the best from students - this is not a school where you can slack off and still pull As. That said, the professors are really supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to help a struggling student. They really care about students' success and education. There's also a big emphasis on experiential learning, so many courses/majors have required internships or community service.
Dorm Life
Some residence halls are newer, some are older. Recently the administration has been pushing to renovate some of the older ones, so that situation is improving. People are really friendly and generally there aren't big issues with cleanliness or disruptive people.
Food and Dining
Only one actual cafeteria on campus, but lots of different stations (including a dessert station manned by a full-time pastry chef). A few other places on campus (grill, bagel shop, coffee/pastry shop). The food has gotten pretty decent since my freshman year and the dining staff are really friendly.
What to do for fun
Two major malls within 10 minutes (Legacy and Beachwood) accessible by campus shuttle on weekends. Movie theater nearby. Lots to do downtown (accessible by public transportation within about 20 minutes), both in terms of nightlife and cultural events like the orchestra, museums, ethnic neighborhoods, etc.
Bang for the buck
A little more expensive, as it's a private school, but definitely worth it. The only reason you wouldn't be happy at JCU is if you don't get involved in campus life. The education environment is personalized, rigorous, and experience-based. The student body is friendly and involved. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained, and Cleveland is a great city.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
- Not sure if this is grounded in fact, but there's a rumor going around that JCU has the highest rate of marriage between alumni.
- Don't step on the university seal on the floor of the atrium of Dolan Science Center or you'll fail your next exam.
- Don't cross the quad - use the sidewalks.
- Don't use a tray in the cafeteria
Great for these types of students
- Students committed to community service
- You do NOT have to be Catholic to attend here even though we are a Jesuit school. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with your faith if you're religious (even if you're not Catholic), but if you don't want to participate in those activities or go to mass, there's no pressure.
Clubs and Activities
Over 100 different clubs and organizations, really easy to get involved and really easy to make a new club if you want to see something new.
Greek Life
About 10-15% Greek. Five sororities and four fraternities. Greek organizations don't have their own houses, but have locked floors in regular residence halls, allowing them to have their own space but still be integrated with the rest of the community. Very service based, friendly, and involved, not at all like you see in the movies. You don't have to be Greek to have fun and make friends, though - Greek life at JCU is not really exclusive like it is at some universities.
Campus Safety
Campus is about 20 minutes from downtown in an upper-middle-class residential area. Primarily families and a large Hasidic Jewish community nearby - would definitely feel safe walking around after dark, even by myself. We also have campus police and EMS on call.

Megan from Willoughby, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love John Carroll University. Professors are always willing to help you and the dorms are very comfortable. My fellow students are very welcoming and I have made some wonderful friends at John Carroll.
Tips for prospective students
One of the most important things is to get involved, but not over involved. Be prepared to work if you want good grades because classes are challenging. Be yourself and do not be afraid to meet new people.
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging, but professors are always willing to help you.
Dorm Life
The rooms are very comfortable. I have one roommate and my room is a comfortable size. I love the little study area and common room on my floor. My Resident Assistant is a great person to talk to and the people I live with are amazing.
What to do for fun
On campus there are a lot of fun activities from movies to sports. There is always something happening.
Great for these types of students
John Carroll is great for quieter and studious students. The small campus creates an intimate and academic setting. It is also great for religious students. Campus ministry allows students to become involved in masses, retreats, and small Christian Life Communities.
Clubs and Activities
There are several clubs on campus, such as club sports and many service organizations. There is a group for every interest. If a group you would like is not on campus, you can start one yourself.
Greek Life
There are several sororities and fraternities to choose from.
Campus Safety
John Carroll University is located in a safe community. Emergency phones are located on campus and there is a special emergency number.