Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA, USA

Reviews

Whitman College

Geneva

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Whitman is well known for its rigorous academics. To start with all freshmen must take an encounters course, which includes the study of texts most people would not have studied in high school (including The Qur'an or The Odyssey). This alone makes it difficult to not learn even during your first semester at Whitman.
Am enjoying being here
I love Whitman. The college constantly has amazing events going on, there's never really a dull moment on campus. From theater productions to quidditch matches to lectures to random craft projects something is always happening.
Bang for the buck
Whitman is an expensive school, yet it's hard to believe how you could expect more from one college. Whitman provides extensive resources including a 24-hour library, technology services, free printing and multiple facilities throughout the campus. If you really take advantage of these resources it is unquestionable that you'll get your money's worth.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus to make sure that Whitman really seems right for you, the academics are tough so if you're looking for an easy college experience or you want to be involved in a lot of activities AND sleep, you might want to discount Whitman.
Great for these types of students
Whitman is great for the academically inclined, liberal/open-minded, athletic, eco-conscious and/or nerdy student.

Natalia from Camas, WA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would highly recommend Whitman College because of the relations and connections you get to establish. I rate this school from a 10 scale a 9.5 and I take the .5 because it is in a very small town, however it does not take away from how great the school really is. In my opinion it is a great school and near to being perfect.
Tips for prospective students
Tips for prospective students:
I would highly recommend to get involved in a number of school activities, they are a lot of fun and in at the same time they help you make friends and learn more about your community and school
Another tip is to time manage and be very organized with school work. If you are organized and make time for everything you wish to accomplish your college experience will be smooth and successful
Lastly another tip is to become very involved in your classes with your professors, here at Whitman we have a great opportunity to get close to our professors due to the size of the college so I would highly encourage new students to attend professors' office hours.
If you are looking for a small academic college Whitman is what you are looking for!
Academic Rigor
Whitman College is know for its high level of academics, having said that it is nothing is impossible. This school is constantly pushing its students to do better and to grow not only intellectually but also morally and enforces relationships. It is a great libera arts college, and it creates great leaders and provides their students with the key life skills to become a successful person. I highly believe that Whitman should be recognized for its prestige through the leaders and great people that graduate from this institution.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is just great! I will say that in the 5 campus dorms and 1 off campus, the college experience is very different but at the same time they share many things. I say they are different because they are known by the kind of people that they accommodate in them. Everyone is different but in a way Whitman unknowingly incorporates all students in the dining halls and in general the campus is so small that we all get to spend time in each others dorms. The dorms are very nice and the structure of organization is very successful for the students to have a great time and enjoy their college experience.
Food and Dining
The food is by far probably the best food I would ever try in a college cafeteria or school campus. We have a great variety of food. You will never get tired of eating on campus. Out dinning halls do a great job to make you high school transition to college easier. Whitman honestly takes care of their students by not only nursing their brains with knowledge but also with good nutritious foods.
What to do for fun
Really I can not stress it enough how great this community is. Whitman and Walla Walla keep surprising me with the amount of activities not only on campus but also off campus that it provides. I personally play a varsity sport here at Whitman and I am very involved with the community. I never have days when I have nothing to do but in a good way. I enjoy being busy in daily activities. There are so many great things to do and if there isn't anything special going on like events or parties, there is always something to do with your close fiends like go to town buy ice cream, or watch a movie together. We have a great balance of activities that involve the outdoors and indoors. Its just a wonderful college that does its best to keep its students happy, and I am living proof that it is working!
Bang for the buck
Although it is pretty expensive, the experience here is unlike most others. Professors truly want you to succeed and will put in a lot of work to see that happen if you want it. Students are very accepting and open and just friendly in general. Faculty puts in countless behind the scene hours to make sure life on campus is enjoyable.
Great for these types of students
If you have a mind set that college is a place where you will gain useful knowledge for life and for your professional career, and that it won't be easy but you are willing to work for it to accomplish you goals then you are the perfect match for Whitman. It is a fun school and mainly focuses on building amazing students that are hungry to always learn more even after they earn their degree.
Clubs and Activities
We have over 70 different clubs, these clubs identify with almost all of the students here at whitman, they are a great way to make friends and get involved in something that you are very passionate about.
Greek Life
We are a small college and a very academic based college so honesty greek life is mostly community service and to make new friends, don't get the idea of a big party school because Whitman is not one. We are very aware of our goals and future and we do party but we party responsibly. If you are looking for a big Greek Life school Whitman would not be your best choice, however if you want to form part of a greek group that is dedicated, smart and responsibly fun then yes! Whitman is a great college for you.
Campus Safety
The campus is very small and very secure. We have a program that students run called Yellow Jacket and this program basically helps students feel safe if its late at night and you want someone to walk you home you give them a call and they will accompany you to your home. This program makes my school feel safer and it is a 24 hour program so at any time you can request an escort.

Diana from Walla Walla, WA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I can honestly say I have grown so much in the past year both in and out of the classroom. I am academically stimulated and challenged in my courses but I also enjoy the college lifestyle. I have gained a larger interest in my studies now that I can choose which classes interest me instead of classes I had to take for high school.
Am enjoying being here
Whitman is the only school that I've actually been excited to return to. I miss my friends and learning from extraordinary professors. Everyday I see Facebook posts from my Whitman friends saying how much they miss school and how badly they want to go back.
Bang for the buck
I'm not going to sugar-coat it, Whitman is very expensive but when it comes down to it, I have loved my first year of college and you cannot put a price on that. The key to helping you pay for such an expensive school is preparation including getting your FAFSA done in time and applying for scholarships. If you don't qualify for financial aid, there are many scholarship websites you can use where a simple essay can earn you at least $1000 in scholarship money.
Tips for prospective students
VISIT if you can! I decided on Whitman after my first visit because I just felt that it was a really good fit for me. Wallla Walla was just recently named the friendliest city in America and Whitman definitely lives up to it. Don't be shy, talk to current students and ask them why they chose Whitman. Also keep in mind that Whitman is a small school but there are always events during the weekends.
Great for these types of students
I have met so many different types of people at Whitman. Whether you're a jock, nerd, hipster or whatever is most comfortable for you, you will find a place at Whitman. I do find that a lot of the people at Whitman are very open-minded to different views and life styles and respectful of others,

Daniel from Walla Walla, WA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would describe Whitman as my extended family. Everyone, from the professors to the students to the janitors, have been nothing but supportive since I have been here. I have met some of the most interesting and caring people here.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit! And stay a night with a current student if you can. You really get the feel for the people and the campus.
Academic Rigor
Some students seem to get by fairly easily, but academics are definitely a challenge. One thing that I have noticed is that the atmosphere concerning academics is much more relaxed than other schools I have visited.
Dorm Life
Freshman year in the dorms is one of the most exciting times you will experience. It is so conducive to meeting and getting close to a lot of people.
Food and Dining
Food can get boring and repetitive, but overall the dining services go to great lengths to accomodate everyone and serve tasty and healthy food.
What to do for fun
Many events such as movie screenings, public speakers, student musicians, etc. are put on during the week. Lots of people go to house or frat parties on the weekends, but there is no pressure to be involved in the party scene.
Bang for the buck
Although it is pretty expensive, the experience here is unlike most others. Professors truly want you to succeed and will put in a lot of work to see that happen if you want it. Students are very accepting and open and just friendly in general. Faculty puts in countless behind the scene hours to make sure life on campus is enjoyable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Fountains on hot days!
Great for these types of students
Liberal, hippies
Greek Life
Not for everyone, but if you are involved it can be very fun!

Tanner from Hanover, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Having not attended another college aside from Whitman, my frame of reference is definitely a narrow one. I can still confidently say that my needs as a student are met exceptionally well, and I have been learning very much from some truly great faculty.
Bang for the buck
It's definitely not a cheap school, but I think that the atmosphere of what I would describe as the 'densest population of genuine people I've ever experienced', coupled with great academics, seemingly limitless academic and recreational resources, etc, etc make it well worth the extra cash.
Tips for prospective students
Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with people (even upperclassmen). Have a good time, but make sure to set aside time for academics as procrastination can be a slippery slope and your Whitman classes will probably ask more of you than your high school did.
Great for these types of students
Gee golly... I would say just about anybody would be made to feel welcome by the people at this school, but I would venture a guess that if you're not a fan of the small community feel that Whitman would not be the place for you. To make a wide-sweeping generalization using a few adjectives, Whitman students are: genuine, fun-loving, intellectual, outdoorsy, laid-back, outgoing, and modest (many students have amazing experiences about which you will hear nothing until knowing them for quite some time)

Rebecca from Seattle, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Students simply love to be here. The passion for what they're doing inside and out of the classroom is contagious. It is a truly unique feeling on campus.
Tips for prospective students
The acceptance rate is reasonably high, but acceptances can seem fairly random. Many similar students from my high school received different responses, and scholarships also varied widely. This seems to mean that essays and the general feel of your application is very important, as there wasn't a lot of consistency with test scores/grades/etc. Spend a lot of time on your essays, don't slack on tests (because they do matter, they just won't seal the deal), and have backup options because it can seem pretty random.
Academic Rigor
I don't have a lot to compare it to, but it was definitely a big step up from high school level work, even in the most rigorous high school classes. The professors are very helpful and knowledgeable, and expect students to respect the subject and put in the necessary work.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice, and the social atmosphere on campus is great which obviously carries over into the dorms. Roommate issues seem very rare and the residence life staff are well-prepared for any problems that do arise.
Food and Dining
Tasty, healthy, and varied food every meal. Weekend brunch is a masterpiece.
What to do for fun
Frisbee, soccer, anything outside! The Outdoor Program leads trips almost every weekend, with everything from rafting to rock climbing to birding. Every student gets an OP Scholarship fund to help cut down on the (already reasonable) costs of the trips, so hopefully every student can participate in at least 1 trip if they're interested. Community service is also very popular, with many weekly activities to join.

Bellevue, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Whitman is a great place if you consider yourself to be unique and intellectual, as well as having interests in many academic fields. From the moment you arrive, you are thrown straight into a place filled with sharing, thinking and learning. You might not get along with everyone you meet there, but you'll at least have some very intellectual, and often passionate, arguments with them.
Tips for prospective students
As a prospective student, be sure to visit the campus. It's almost impossible to get a feel for a place without actually going there. If getting to Walla Walla presents difficulties, talk to someone from Admissions and they can usually help you get there.
Academic Rigor
Courses can be as easy or as difficult as you want them to be. The professors have high expectations and students often struggle to meet them. That being said, there are certainly easier courses that you can take alongside some of the more challenging ones to balance out your course load.
Dorm Life
The dorms are all great places to hang out, each with its own feel. All of the dorms put on regular events and students are welcome to go attend events put on in any of the dorms. Some dorms might get louder than others, but everyone is considerate and if there is a problem you can always talk to one of the wonderful RA's in your building.
Food and Dining
The food is always good and varied. Some students complain about the quality of the food, but often that is simply due to a compulsive need to complain about something. Obviously, some meals are better than others to the individual, but on the whole, the cooks do a wonderful job. For a change of pace, Walla Walla has many fantastic restaurants.
What to do for fun
Undoubtedly you have heard how small and rural Walla Walla is. While it may not have many clichéd hotspots for college students, anyone who complains that there is nothing to do either hates the outdoors, ignores all the college sponsored events, or is not taking enough classes.
Bang for the buck
Whitman is certainly expensive, but it is also a fantastic school and wonderful place to live. I don't know anyone who truly regrets going here, even with the large price tag.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are some truly fantastic climbing trees around and outside of campus.
Great for these types of students
It's a great school for anyone who loves to be outside after a day of class, is more interested in playing an IM sport that watching a football game, and likes all of the things they learn to fit together like a big puzzle.
Campus Safety
There are some wonderful security staff members on campus, as well as many emergency call stations, but everyone is under the impression that security is bored which is why security members have been found to have philosophical conversations with students at 1:00 am.

Maricela from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, Washington. Whitman College challenges you in every way possible: from academics to sports to the meaning of life. Whitman makes you question everything you know and on top of that expects the very best of you.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for a welcoming environment Whitman would be it! Whitman College has many friendly students, advisers, professors and faculty ready to help you in every way possible. Whitman College also offers fly in programs so you can come and check out the campus for yourself!
Academic Rigor
Whitman College is a liberal arts institution. It allows students to experience different classes even if it is not a course required for your major; through that students are able to try new things that may change your minors and majors. There is a required class called Encounters that all first years have to take to ease the transition from high school to college and help you improve on your writing and analytical skills.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is amazing. Resident life is separated into sections to help you bond easier with other students. First year dorms are Jewett, Prentiss (all girl dorm), Lyman, Anderson, and North. Usually, sections tend to dress up for section dinners and have section meetings.There are also interest houses that you can apply after your first year. You will have an SA your first semester of college to guide you and your RA to help you in anything.
Food and Dining
Bon Appetit is where you would get most of your food in Whitman. Most of the food tastes fantastic. If you are a vegetarian do not worry because there is always a lot of choices for you as well. You do not always have to go to the dining halls you can go to Reid or go into town.
What to do for fun
At Whitman there is always something to do whether it is joining clubs, going to parties during the weekend, taking strolls, getting athletically fit at the Rock Climbing Wall, or simply going into town.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
An unusual tradition that Whitman has is Beer Mile. During the Spring semester students run a mile around Ankeny Field naked. There is also a fish statue that if you stand two feet away and speak you can hear yourself!
Great for these types of students
Whitman is for you if you want to get academically provoked, interested in living in a small town, being part of a community, and having small classes, attention from your professors and having easy access to all of the offices (Financial Aid, Student Engagement Center etc.).
Clubs and Activities
At Whitman you will never get bored, everything happens on campus. There are many clubs here from GLBTQ, First Generation Working Class to Fencing. If there isn't any particular club you fancy you can always form your own!
Greek Life
Whitman has four sororities and four fraternities. The sororities on campus are Alpha Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Gamma, and Kappa Alpha Theta. The fraternities are Beta Theta Phi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. You do not necessarily need to be part of the greek life to have a good time at Whitman; Indies also have loads of fun.
Campus Safety
At Whitman there is something called Green Dot. It allows other Whitties to help you when you may find yourself in an awkward situation. There is always security around. Also, there is an app that you can download on your smart phone and with a click on a button it sends a message to your friends and security to help you if you are in any trouble and it gives them your exact location.

Alaska

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The curriculum is rigorous, but not overwhelming. The Encounters program is a good introduction to the Whitman experience, as it coaches college writing and seminar skills. Most professors are extremely helpful at providing extra help, constructive comments, and direction for starting your career.
Am enjoying being here
My freshman year at Whitman was the best year of my life. The people are open-minded, friendly, and stimulating, and I've been counting down the days until I can go back. The school has high expectations of your performance, but it also allows you more personal freedom than many other schools (read: lenient alcohol policies/very chill staff).
Bang for the buck
Whitman is a very expensive school to attend. However, they're good at providing financial aid, and the opportunities your money buys are endless and unparalleled by comparably-sized schools. Not many people have heard of Whitman outside of the region, so if you're looking for a school with prestige, it's no Harvard or Princeton.
Tips for prospective students
Visiting Whitman was what sold me. It's difficult to get the full feel of any school without visiting it, and Whitman is no different. Sitting in on classes gave me an idea of the learning environment there, and I would definitely recommend that to any prospective student - the students and faculty are very friendly and welcoming to prospies.
Great for these types of students
Even shy people will find their niche at Whitman - people form close-knit groups, but no one is exclusive or unkind. Anyone with a lot of motivation and personality will fit right in.

Ethan from Littleton, CO

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Learning occurs nonstop here. It's never tedious, unless you are taking a subject that absolutely bores you (I don't recommend doing that), but comes with a price. That price is the willingness to actively participate and enjoy what you're learning. If those steps can be followed, you will collect a vast amount of knowledge during your time here.
Will enjoy being here
The campus is gorgeous and there is an unlimited supply of activities to be occupied with on and off campus.
Bang for the buck
The school is quite expensive at $50,000 a year, but if you work hard in high school they are very willing to help you out in your expenses. It also helps to not be Caucasian. Plus, college is an investment in yourself. I'm willing to pay that much to lead a happy career the rest of my life and a great education is what you'll find at Whitman.
Tips for prospective students
Come and sit-in on a class. I never had the change but I wish I did. The class sizes are quite small, very engaging, and the professor has a personal connection with every student. It's the only way to learn well in my opinion.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to work hard, learn, exercise, and love the outdoors will be right at home.