The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH, USA

Reviews

The College of Wooster

Katie

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I think the most notable aspect of the curriculum is its inter-disciplinary qualities. I can think of numerous occasions in which information from one class has connected to what I am learning in another class. Wooster is not merely about giving students the facts and then testing them on names and dates. Instead, the College is dedicated to teaching students how to apply knowledge to all areas of college life.
Am enjoying being here
Any time someone asks me why I picked the College of Wooster, I always mention the instant comfort that I felt when visiting. I could really see myself as a student here and I knew that I wouldn't have any trouble fitting in. I can easily say that I have met some of the greatest people during my time here. I love being with my college friends and now, two weeks into summer break, we are already talking about coming back to school in the fall.
Bang for the buck
Wooster has a pretty hefty price tag; that is true. But the good news is that the College gives out an abundance of scholarships. In fact, I'd venture to say that everyone on campus is receiving some kind of financial aid package. The Financial Aid department is excellent at assisting families with this process. When I was applying for scholarships, my mom or I spoke on the phone with the department nearly every day, making sure that I could receive as much money as possible. Financial Aid recognized that I was a student who wanted to be here so they did everything they could do get me a substantial financial aid package.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus! It really is beautiful and there's no better way to know if you'll fit in then by visiting for yourself. And don't be afraid to ask questions to anyone on campus, either. One of our greatest attributes is our friendliness and students, faculty and staff are always more than willing to tell you about their experiences.
Great for these types of students
Curious. Our liberal arts curriculum makes it extremely possible for students to explore disciplines that they may be interested in or want to learn more about. Students will rarely feel restrained by their major because they will have so many opportunities to learn about other subjects.

Bob from Winter Park, FL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Learning at the College of Wooster becomes a 24 hour experience. Students often take what they have learned in class and start the very same discussion again in the dorm room and in the dinning halls
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy the people. The people here is what makes the school. Wooster has a welcoming community.
Bang for the buck
Wooster does have a large price tag, but the admissions counselors do a great job of turning students on to scholarships. Also the financial aid office really works hard to make it affordable for students to come to Wooster.
Tips for prospective students
If you come on a visit don't be afraid to walk around by yourself and get a real feel of the campus and the people. The tour guide will do a good job of showing that, but going out on your own will truly show the College.
Great for these types of students
Students that wish to take advantage of all of their resources. The College has so many different organizations and centers that get behind and fund student ideas to allow them to become reality.

Matthew from Delaware, OH

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At the College of Wooster, you get what you put in. If you are actively engaged in class and willing to learn, then you can learn a lot. The learning does not stop in the classroom either; their are many opportunities to engage in research to further your learning experience.
Am enjoying being here
The college has a great atmosphere about it. The students are very friendly and I have had no problems thus far. The professors are extremely helpful and will do whatever they can to help.
Bang for the buck
The College of Wooster is pretty expensive, but the college is good about giving financial aid and scholarships to those that need it. My experience has been great and I think that I am being well prepared for graduate school, as well as my future career.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you talk to financial aid office if you need the help. If you do chose Wooster, or any other school for that matter, make sure you get involved in a variety of activities. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and experience new things.
Great for these types of students
Students wanting to learn and conduct research: as I said before, there are so many research opportunities that you probably would not get at a larger school.

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes are challenging, but professors are always available to help. This ensured that I always kept up with the class, and therefore did quite well and learned a lot.
Am enjoying being here
Wooster has a great relaxed feel to the campus. You can get involved in as much or as little as you choose outside of classes, and if you're looking for it, there is plenty to do in the small town.
Bang for the buck
It's pricey, as are the other comparable small colleges, but financial aid is readily available. Even if it still runs a higher price tag after financial aid, the quality of education and personal attention students receive makes it worth the extra money.
Great for these types of students
Most of the students at Wooster love the diversity on campus. There are many different countries and religions represented, but the great thing is how accepting everyone is of these differences. Come ready to learn!

Sarah from OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The College of Wooster is a rigorous institution that prepares students for graduate-level schoolwork. While the classes can be difficult, classes are small and teachers are typically more than willing to answer questions and help you find a way to make the class suit your needs. If you have aspirations and a willingness to think outside the box, this school is probably a good choice.
Tips for prospective students
*Be prepared for rigorous work.
*Don't be afraid to ask questions! Whether it be your professors, advisers, or even fellow students.
*It's a small school where you'll encounter the same people often. Smile and make conversation--you'd be surprised how far that will get you.
*98% of the student body lives on campus, so the chances of a snow day will be slim to none. Filling the Kauke Arch with snow doesn't change that, no matter what they'll tell you when you visit
*Unless you plan on eating in the dining hall 3 times a day, Plan A on the meal plan will be your friend. It allows for roughly two meals in the dining hall per day, and also has the most flex dollars (a currency that can be used in the dining halls, as well as the coffee shop, convenience store, a small restaurant in downstairs Lowry, etc). Most people don't even use all the swipes in this plan, and if you do then you can always use the flex towards meals.
Academic Rigor
Wooster is a very rigorous institution. You have to petition to take more than 4 courses at any given time, which leaves many people wondering how hard could this actually be, but it's done this way because all classes have high expectations and large amounts of in-class and home work. It all accumulates into Junior and Senior IS, which is essentially an undergraduate independent project or thesis. The difficulty is balanced my the professors, however, because they are always willing to help if you ask.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is a rather mixed basket, especially freshmen year, when you're placed in dormitories and with room mates based solely on the answers you place in an application form (for example, my entire floor my freshmen year was very music oriented, and consisted of mostly music majors or people who noted high interest in music). After that, though, you have at least some choice in where you want to live, especially in regards to content-specific dorms and houses. These are divided by studies and general interests: clubs can petition for a house across campus, and certain dorms are designed specifically for language majors, etc. That's usually where you'll find a more enjoyable experience, but freshmen year definitely acts as a process of learning how to get along with others you don't necessarily know.
Food and Dining
I will say this much: it is a lot better than what you would find in a lot of schools across the US. There are two main dining areas: Lowry and Kittredge. The former is the main dining area with a wide variety of foods available, whereas Kittredge is smaller and more focused on having healthier options. As with all schools, the dining menu can become repetitive, and while gluten free and vegetarian/vegan options are available they're also limited.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs and activities to keep you active throughout the week, as well as a gym that is open every day. Parties are usually small, but happen on weekends and Wednesdays. There are usually plenty of events throughout the week put together by many clubs and organizations. Off campus, there's a gorgeous library, a bunch of fun shops to lurk through, movie theaters and the occasional event going on in downtown Wooster. Plus there's always fun to be had with friends--since the campus is small it's easy to coordinate a video game night with friends out of the blue :)
Bang for the buck
Plain and simple, Wooster is expensive. I cry inside when I look at my loans estimate. However, if you're from an average household you're probably paying about the same amount at Wooster as you are anywhere else, if not probably a little more. I'm paying for about $2.5k more per year than my other choice college, but given the rigorous coursework, the opportunities I've been given and my ability to turn just a major into my major, it's been a wonderful experience that I wouldn't give up for the world.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
*As anyone will mention, there is the filling the Arch tradition. According to Wooster lore, a group of students filled the inside of Kauke, which is a giant archway, with snow, and they got a day off of classes for their efforts. While the latter isn't true, and you will be congratulated for your efforts via email and assured that classes will resume as normal, at the very least it's fun to put together.
Great for these types of students
People who like rigorous classwork and aren't afraid to think outside of the box.
Clubs and Activities
There are a wide variety of clubs and activities for people to participate in. They range from your typical clubs, like sports and dance, to slightly unusual ones, like quidditch (yes, quidditch is a thing. No, there's no flying).
Greek Life
Greek life plays a big role on campus when it chooses to. Meaning, on a typical day you won't hardly notice it, but when they're doing something big (like pulling for new recruits) it seems like it's everywhere.
Campus Safety
While there has been an increase in hazards that are slightly worrisome, there's usually a pretty quick account of warnings and information spread across the board when there's something to be watching out for.

Jeff from Parker, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wooster has incredible professors that are always available and willing to help students. The students are smart and hard working individuals that know where and what they would like to be doing in life. The campus is social enough to be fun however education is always first with the students.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to visit and see if it is for you, its a small school.
Academic Rigor
The classes you take here are not intended to be east, be prepared to work but also be rewarded accordingly. I rarely have any busy work and most of the homework is very stimulating and helpful.
Dorm Life
The dorms are fun and Wooster does an excellent job pairing up roommates. They are a little dated and you wont find the suites that you find at larger universities.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good especially as you learn your way around Lowery, the dinning hall, however the on campus options for food are limited.
What to do for fun
There are parties on the Weekends and the campus is pretty friendly overall.
Bang for the buck
It is a private school, they all are expensive.
Great for these types of students
Hard working, motivated and have a passion to learn more.
Clubs and Activities
There are ton of clubs and activities to get involved in on campus.
Greek Life
There is a non-national greek life here and it is pretty large.
Campus Safety
Security is everywhere, even to the point of being in the way, however you are very safe on campus.

Leigh from NE Ohio

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This campus inspires learning, both in and out of the classroom. The small size of the classes really encourages and enables everyone to speak their mind. I was a shy student in high school, but the atmosphere here has definitely been a positive one. It's been fun making connections across disciplines as many departments tackle the same issues, but always in a fresh vein. Also, Independent Study is an intense but highly rewarding process. Your four years here help you to better define yourself and speak out. IS, for myself at least, is both the culmination of your college life at Wooster and very cathartic, as well as being an inspiration and boon to you after you graduate.
Am enjoying being here
It’s true that what you give of yourself, in education and in recreation, you will receive in return. If you become involved in things that you loved in high school and if you test the waters of a new activity, you will make new friends and create great experiences. I know for myself I have made several very close friends that I will have for years to come. Wooster has over 100 clubs to choose from, intramural sports as well as collegiate teams, international opportunities, Greek life, awesome literary outlets like The Goliard, The Artful Dodge, and Year One, and a unique marching band, bag pipers and Highland dancers included. Many interesting writers, speakers, musicians, and visiting professors come to Wooster, making our campus life pretty exciting. I also love the wide range of housing options, from dorm life to program houses to major-specific suites. I definitely feel at home at Wooster and enjoy many of the opportunities the college offers.
Bang for the buck
Wooster is a private school, so yes, tuition is steep. The Financial Aid Office is very accommodating and helpful. If you really want to go to college, they will help you find a way. The opportunities and connections to be had at Wooster are worth putting in some time with Financial Aid and in hunting down other scholarships.
Tips for prospective students
Before you decide on Wooster: Take a student-led tour. Ask questions and talk to Financial Aid. Take a tour on your own and enjoy the beauty of the campus. Get a sense of if you would feel at home at Wooster for four years. Once you decide on Wooster: Get involved. Join clubs you know you'll love and try a new one each semester if possible. Talk to your professors outside class; build a rapport with them so when choosing your Senior Independent Study advisor comes around, you’ll know your first choice and they’ll know you. Utilize the reusable mug program when you buy your daily coffee. Listen to the school radio, Woo 91, especially when they start interviewing current seniors about their I.S. successes and mishaps. Go to the writing center if you need help with that final edit, or to the math center if, like me, you have avoided it since high school. Take archery or scuba diving or bowling or table tennis or yoga for an interesting athletic experience. If you’re applying for a campus job, e-mail the connections provided in the Student Employment Office directly instead of waiting for an interview call. Go to the Underground (the campus club) to dance or to Common Grounds (a chem-free program house) to enjoy cheap milkshakes and free video games. Have fun!
Great for these types of students
Students who love learning and being challenged. Students who like the close interactions small classrooms can bring. Students who want to thrive and debate and bond and create. Also, anyone who loves, or can survive, moderately harsh winters.

Wooster14 from Canton, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot in this challenging academic atmosphere. All of the professors take the time to learn each one of their students personally and are always willing to help. You can also tell that all of these professors are very passionate about their area of study and truly want their students to succeed. I can say that everyday I am being challenged and pushed to learn more than before. While the work load can sometimes be frustrating, I know I am going to be better off in the long run.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love being at Wooster. I must admit that at first I wasn't sure that I made the right decision and often thought that I would be more successful at another school. After spending a year on campus and learning so much, I can't imagine going to school anywhere else. I love the comfort that I feel on campus and in the classroom. It is always nice to see familiar faces as well, instead of just being one in a million.
Bang for the buck
While tuition is so high, Wooster definitely makes it affordable for any student that wants to attend. I can honestly say that I am receiving an exceptional education for the cost of attendance.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know people and don't be afraid to get involved on campus. The earlier you do so, the easier the transition to college will be.
Great for these types of students
Wooster is definitely a diverse campus. I think that any type of student can attend and fit right in. There are many different types of people that all live and get along in the same environment. Although Wooster is definitely not for you if you are looking to party a lot and not spend very much time studying.

Amanda from Middleburg Heights, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Professors at this college are amazing. All of the professors I have had know a lot about the subject they are teaching, are really interested, and still are researching on the subject. It is great to have professors that really challenge you, but will help you in very way they can. They want their students to be successful, and all seem to care a lot about their students as people, and pre professionals.
Am enjoying being here
I have made amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. Due to there only being about 2000 students on campus, you get to know almost everyone. It is great to walk to class and receive a lot of hellos and smiles. It is wonderful to know a lot of peoples names and always be able to talk to someone at anytime. Everyone is very nice and always willing to help others. There are tons of opportunities to join many different clubs, groups, and get involved in different activities. The campus is beautiful, all year long, it is small and very personable. Every student has the opportunity to grow as a student and as a person at this college.
Bang for the buck
Although the tuition is very high, the college offers many opportunities for grants, scholarships, and other financial help. It is one of the top rated colleges for providing financial aid to its students.
Tips for prospective students
If you come to The College of Wooster and immediately feel as if you were at home, it is meant to be! This college is not for everyone, especially because it has such a small student body. Once you move in and meet your roommate and hall mates, you will feel at home, and the years will fly by, before you know it, you will be graduating.
Great for these types of students
The College of Wooster is great for students who want to go to a small college, who want to be challenged, who want to make life long friendships, who want to volunteer and be involved in the community, and want to have a great college experience.

Scott from Wooster, OH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my friends from high school, and indeed, all of the people I've talked to on the subject agree that The College of Wooster has by far the most challenging and interesting course load of any school they are aware of. The combination of small classes, high standards, and personal attention from professors means that students at Wooster are challenged, on a day-to-day basis, to push themselves academically. The true jewel in Wooster's academic crown is the Independent Study capstone project. Students replace a class both semester Senior year with this project that is completely self-directed. Under the mentorship and watchful eye of a Professor chosen as their adviser, students can really delve into a topic that interests them. The things that students can do in this time period is truly amazing. If challenge is what you want, Wooster is the place for you.
Am enjoying being here
This college is a great place to spend four years. The community is lively, warm, and close-knit. But the surrounding community can be found a little lacking by those from larger metro areas. That said, Wooster goes out of its way to bring in activities and cultural events for students to participate in. The local town may not have a huge diversity of restaurants, but it is a particularly beautiful part of Ohio. Personally, I have only now spent time going off of campus to explore the surrounding areas and I have been pleasantly surprised with what I've found.

It is hard to find a reason to leave the College sometimes, as the community and campus environment is so lively and busy. It is painfully easy to over-schedule yourself with all of the opportunities that you are presented with here on campus. Overall, if students find themselves liking Wooster when they visit, they will find themselves loving every moment they spend here as a student.
Bang for the buck
The College of Wooster has a beautiful campus, excellent facilities, wonderful teachers, and a small, personal class structure. The necessary downside of this high quality is high cost. The College of Wooster's Tuition and Fees cost pushes $40,000 and the overall cost with room and board is almost $50,000. Realistically, this will not be the amount many families actually pay. The financial aid office is generally very flexible and willing to deal with any number of family circumstances and financial problems. That said, sometimes aid will be given to students based on not who they are as students, but what they can give to the college in statistics or sports performance.
Tips for prospective students
Visit. It's that simple. The thing that I like most about this campus day-to-day is the environment and the general feeling of community. Spend some time on campus, talk to students and see if you fit in. It can be tough for some to travel to Wooster, but I suspect a number of you will find it well worth the trip.
Great for these types of students
Students who have always wanted a challenge in their studies, but have struggled to find things that interest them in High School (sometimes to the detriment of their grades). The College of Wooster looks for kids who will fit into the community before all else. This is not a Numbers Only kind of College.