Ripon College
Ripon, WI, USA

Reviews

Ripon College

Kyla from Oshkosh, WI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors help me and want me to get every piece of information I can get out of the class that I am enrolled in. They try to do anything they can to make sure I am learning everything possible
Am enjoying being here
The campus is small so everyone knows everyone and because of that people are kind and become close friends. There is always something to do and the college has different events ever week that students can participate in so you never have a chance to be bored.
Bang for the buck
Every penny I spend is worth it. The professors are always there to help and make sure I graduate and will be able to continue to be successful in the future
Tips for prospective students
If you are a freshman live in the tri dorms and get a suit because you will be able to meet many people all at one time. Try new things but be safe
Great for these types of students
Students who like one on one time with professors and want to me a science major.

Lauren from Manitowoc, WI

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I graduated 1.5 years ago, I was accepted to Medical School (MD) right out of college, but as a back-up, I had applied to jobs during my senior year and received 2 high paying offers (greater than 55k plus benefits) within 2 weeks. Ripon really prepared me for Medical School and the job market. What really makes Ripon stand out is in connecting students with opportunities to build ones resume in college so they become excellent applicants for post-grad education and in the job market.
Tips for prospective students
If you take advantage of your opportunities (of which there are many), Ripon offers high quality education and a competitive price (generous financial aid and scholarships are offered). If you are going to college and want the experience of a big state school go there. However, if you want great education at a great value, that helps prepare you for life after college and good contacts, Ripon is an excellent choice.
Academic Rigor
Speaking particularly in terms of the science department, you definitely have to put in the time and effort to learn the material. Most of the tests are short answer, essay, or problem based, so you cannot skate by on multiple choice tests. Additionally, classes require significant lab time. During Undergrad, I spent a summer at a research internship at the University of Pennsylvania (an Ivy league school) and I was the only summer research student who did not attend an Ivy league University; however, I was definitely more prepared to write and critique science literature than the other students in my program.
Dorm Life
The dorms are not the greatest, but they are decently sized compared to other colleges in the area. But they are not very new, and are not the nicest; however, the apartments are really nice. The campus is very safe and its easy to talk to your RA if you have issues.
Food and Dining
Everyone complains about the food, I don't think its that bad. Its just cafeteria food, it is what is. There are fast food options around campus as well.
What to do for fun
Lots of people are involved in sports and Greek life. There are defiantly dorm parties every weekend and people will hit the local bars, typical college stuff. There are also student groups that people become involved in and find their group of people.
Bang for the buck
The fact that I and several of my classmates were accepted into Medical School right out of college is significant. This is becoming increasing difficult to build a sufficient resume to be a competitive applicant after just 4 years of college. The vast majority of 1st year medical students are 2 years post-college, often with additional post-graduate degrees. But Ripon is small enough to give you those opportunities to build your resume in just 4 years and this saves money.
Great for these types of students
If you are interested in Grad school or professional school, Ripon will give you the opportunity to build an excellent resume in just 4 years and if you apply yourself, you can be a competitive applicant for the top programs in the country.

Many students, including the students that really excel at Ripon are first generation college students. I think Ripon provides great support systems to these students and allows students to grow and not get academically lost and left behind. One of the reasons for this is the accessibility of professors and their care for students.
Greek Life
Greek life is pretty popular, but the greek houses are on campus so they are not really separate from the rest of the students, which is nice.
Campus Safety
Really it is hard to imagine a safer college.

Samantha from North Fond du Lac, WI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ripon College has a fun enjoyable atmosphere with teachers that make learning fun. The advisers are very understanding and knowledgeable about all majors. All buildings on campus are within walking distance and the grounds are always very well taken care of.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to get out there. College life can be pretty scary at first but once you meet with an amazing group of people, time flies by.
Academic Rigor
The academic prospect of college is very important, but don't get overloaded. Allow some down time for your mind between papers and reports but make sure they are all done when needed.
Dorm Life
Most of the dorms are normally quiet during the day and after 10 o'clock at night. On weekends there is obviously more noise but it quiets down on Sundays. The dorms are cleaned every week day and it is easy to get a hold of any cleaning supplies needed.
Food and Dining
The food is edible but can get tiring after a while. Don't be afraid to check out the other places around campus. All the dining areas are cleaned and well maintained.
What to do for fun
Downtown Ripon is basically connected to the college, everything is within walking distance. There are so many clubs on campus and there are often a lot of dances hosted by the school and other organizations.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ripon actually has a Pub that used to serve beverages before the drinking age was made official and is still being used today as a place to get food.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who enjoys focusing on school during the week and partying on the weekend would love it here. There are still things to during the week if you join clubs!!
Clubs and Activities
There are so many different clubs it's hard to keep track of them all. Every Tuesday the school has a Golden Hour which usually has fun activities that help develop the learning experience.
Campus Safety
The campus is super safe. Every night Ripon College vans can be seen driving around the campus making sure everyone is safe and they can even be called if you don't feel safe.

Dylan from Ripon, WI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very small, private college. A lot of one on one with the Professors, very friendly atmosphere. Unlimited help everywhere you go. One of the best colleges in my opinion.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask anyone for help. Whether it be a student or Staff, they will help you, or at least point you to someone who can. Also don't be afraid to talk to Professors, they are extremely helpful and they will never treat you as a number. Most professors I have know my name.
Academic Rigor
Professors are strict on completed work, but if you ask them questions, they will always help. If you need an extension on an assignment, most are flexible and will work with you.
Dorm Life
For the most part the dorm life is pretty decent. Not a whole lot of trouble, but if something does happen, the residence assistants are on it.
Food and Dining
The food is not equivalent to home cooking, but is definitely not as bad as it could be. Most of it is pretty decent.
What to do for fun
There is a lot to do. There are always activities going on on campus. There are plays, games, sports and clubs, and if that doesn't interest you, there is always something to do with your friends.
Bang for the buck
Ripon is expensive, but they always offer amazing scholarships. They will help you make it very affordable.
Great for these types of students
All types of students will fit in at Ripon. Ripon is very accepting and there is no separation between students.
Clubs and Activities
Many different clubs. From volunteer work, to club sports, theater and cultural activities, endless activities to do.
Greek Life
Many different Greek life. All Greek life live in dorms so that they are more involved with other students.
Campus Safety
VERY seldom does anything bad happen on campus. I've been here for 4 months now and I have never seen anything serious happen.

Emelia from Forest Lake, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
A visit to the campus is definitely a must, you'll know for sure if it's the right school for you the moment you step on campus. Also, make an appointment with the financial aid office and/or the head professors of your prospective major, for more information on whether Ripon fits you and your budget.
Academic Rigor
The academic setting at Ripon is non-competitive and professors are very open and friendly. One on one time isn't hard to come by. The freshman classes aren't overwhelming, especially because class sizes are kept small. There is a stringent academic honesty policy as well.
Dorm Life
At Ripon, living on campus is mandatory unless you petition the dean and housing director to live off campus. The dorms are not incredibly new or up to date, but are very well kept and are a pretty good size. There are quiet hours every night as well. Parties do happen, but nothing crazy.
Food and Dining
The food on campus is pretty varied- there are three places to eat. The Pub serves fast food, the Terrace serves pizza and sandwiches, and the Commons is a basic all you can eat cafeteria, that's open for all three meals, every day.
Bang for the buck
Ripon is expensive but there is a lot of financial aid available on campus. There are a lot of resources on campus, as well as a close knit community because the student body is only 1000. The beautiful grounds and buildings, friendly professors and numerous resources and events are definitely worth the expense if you want a liberal arts education.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for every interest you could want, and if there isn't than there is definitely room to create one.
Campus Safety
Campus is very safe. Security will escort you anywhere on campus if needed. There is also a lot of trust among students- backpacks can be left almost anywhere without fear of theft.

Kaitlyn from Twin Lakes, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Ripon College is an incredible place, and I am honored to be a student here. The atmosphere here is unbeatable; everyone is friendly and willing to help others. Our motto is: More Together, and we do just that as a college community.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit Ripon. If it is the right college for you, you will fall in love with it almost immediately. When you visit, take a tour and see about sitting in on a class; that's how you can really get a feel for this place.
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging, but not impossible. Professors are approachable and encourage colaboration among students. It takes work, but it is entirely possible to get good grades here and learn important lessons in the process.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorms is awesome since almost all students live on campus. There are 7 dorm buildings, and offer something for everyone. Some of the buildings are older and the kitchens aren't the best though.
Food and Dining
There are 4 places to eat on campus, including Starbucks. The main dining area, the Commons, is all-you-can-eat which is fantastic, and there are other dining locations where you can snack or grab food during hours when the Commons is closed. The hours of the dining areas aren't as long as at a larger university, but the quality and caring staff can't be beat.
What to do for fun
There's not too many things to do in the town of Ripon beside going somewhere to eat, but that lack is made up for by the activity on campus. Students here are involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities and most students are involved in multiple activities every semester. Play intramurals or join a club or volunteer in the Ripon community if you have some free time.
Bang for the buck
It's an expensive school when you just look at the proce tag, but it's worth it. Generous cholarships and grants make tuition affordable, and even though it may still cost more than some other schools, you won't find a better education for the price anywhere. Students are taught by knowledgeable and caring professors who are available to help. There is a student help center, including a place where students can have their papers proof read and receive help revising them.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The best part of campus is the Ceresco Prarie, which is a nature conservancy that the college owns and maintains. It is beautiful and a good place to escape from campus for awhile.
Great for these types of students
Ripon College is great for students who want the small college experience; when they want to be taught by a professor who will know his or her name because of the small class sizes. It is a college for those who want all the opportunites of a big school, but with more indvidualized attention. It's also a great place for students who prefer a small town feel and a close-knit community.
Clubs and Activities
There are almost too many clubs on campus, but if one doesn't exist that a student thinks should, it can be easily created. There are intramural sports, volunteer groups, outdoor clubs, and those for every type of special interest activity.
Greek Life
Greek life on campus is active, and a productive part of campus life without causing the disturbances stereotypically define greek life on college campuses. Our sororities and fraternities support charities with their events and provide a second family to students who decide to join a greek organization.
Campus Safety
I always feel safe on campus, even while walking alone at night. Campus security is always around if they're needed, but that isn't often.