Kenyon College
Gambier, OH, USA

Reviews

Kenyon College

Valerie from Eastlake, OH

accepted here and planning to attend soon
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
It has one of the top programs in English in the country. Kenyon is truly a prestigious liberal arts college.
Will enjoy being here
When I stepped on the campus I fell in love. It seems as if you're stepping into a completely different world. The people were helpful and the atmosphere was overwhelmingly pleasant. There are plenty of clubs, events, and musical concerts that come through every weekend.
Bang for the buck
This school is on the high end, but it is well worth it. The financial aid office gives incredible grants and scholarships to many of their students. Don't knock off a more expensive school until you see what money they are willing to give you. They may give you more than the state schools.
Tips for prospective students
Keep your ACT scores high. Take as many AP classes as your school offers. If you do take classes at a community college to earn credit, they will not transfer. I made this mistake and wasted two years on college classes only to have them not transfer. This school is small and rural but busy and full of community. Be prepared to be away from the big city life.
Great for these types of students
Hardworking and quirky artistic students will enjoy this school. There is a large nature preserve on the campus and a beautiful athletic center. I believe that all types of studious individuals will appreciate what Kenyon has to offer.

Ryan from St. Louis, MO

a past student here
23 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The college creates a community atmosphere that is inviting to everyone. The courses are tough, but you do not take them alone and there is no sense of competition between students. Also, one of the most beautiful campuses in world.
Tips for prospective students
Applying early decision is a great idea. Do not be intimidated by the course material and don't be afraid to go to the professor's office hours. The professor's are really friendly and willing to help.
Academic Rigor
The classes presented a challenge to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. They do not just give you knowledge, rather they teach you how to think.
Dorm Life
Not the best dorms. The majority of them are small, but I think they are comfortable.
Food and Dining
I liked the food a lot. However, I am not a picky eater. The dining hall focuses on local foods and the holiday set ups melt your heart. They are also starting to get more food options after midnight. Not many places are open after midnight.
What to do for fun
Join clubs and organizations, hang out, go to acapella concerts, theater productions, guest lectures, and sports games. Their are many events and parties planned throughout the year as well.
Bang for the buck
You can take as many classes as you want and do as many things as you want to do. You get out what you put into it.
Clubs and Activities
Favorite club was the Ballroom Dance Club. One of my Best decisions at Kenyon. Also, the Christian organizations recently merged into one super group known as BE: Very friendly people and the campus ministers are great.
Campus Safety
You'll love these guys. Really. They take good care of you.

Alex, CA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Kenyon College is a phenomenal leading liberal arts college renowned for its tradition of literary study, but also known for it's strength in the humanities and sciences. It is located in a small village in rural Ohio, Gambier. It's a small school which allows for personalized teaching and a strong sense of community.
Tips for prospective students
Know the Location: Visit campus, it was rated one of America's most beautiful colleges. It's an incredible place. Take a campus tour, get a feel for Kenyon's vibe and see if it's right for you.

Talk to current students and faculty - go sit in on a class, talk to the professors and students about your interests and what they like and dislike about the school.
Academic Rigor
Kenyon is very much a work-hard-play-hard environment. Students buckle down during the week and work hard, then on weekends relax. It's academically rigorous, but allows enough time for other aspects of student life!
Dorm Life
The dorm buildings for freshman are not nearly as incredible as those for upperclassmen, but the dorms are comfortable and large all the same. Many of the upperclass housing are in old, beautiful historical buildings!
Food and Dining
Peirce Hall is the only dining hall on campus, they place heavy importance on the use of local produce. They do a good job, and cater to a wide variety of palates and dietary needs. Kenyon also doesn't have a meal plan which means that everything is buffet style!
What to do for fun
There are lots of things to do for fun!
On a normal weekend there are accapella concerts, lots of parties, movies, talks, concerts etc. Also right outside is the Brown Environmental Center which has many hiking trails and a river (the Kokosing)
Bang for the buck
I think that Kenyon College is definitely worth it! I've had a fantastic experience here, and really recommend it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
FIRST-YEAR SING

It sounds hokey, but it's a great bonding experience. It's also an initiation into Kenyon vocabulary, where you discover words like Kokosing and asphodel. Read the lyrics to Kenyon's songs here.

OPENING CONVOCATION

This is your first official march down Middle Path, between rows of gown-clad professors. Four years later, you do it again at Commencement.

THE MATRICULATION BOOK

Future president Rutherford B. Hayes signed it. So did future novelist E.L. Doctorow and future film star Paul Newman. Every October, after the Founders' Day Convocation, the newly settled first-years page through this remarkable book, then add their own names.

HONORS DAY

In April, the whole Kenyon community gathers to celebrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership, with the awarding of departmental and College-wide prizes. A time to cheer for hard work and good works.

FRIDAY CAFE

Every week closes with this lunchtime gathering, open to all. Ingredients: friendly conversation, a mingling of faculty, students, and village residents, a gourmet entree, an exquisite dessert.

SENIOR SOIREE

A long-standing celebration of what has been and what is to come. Each year, the members of the Senior Class invite the faculty and administrators who have been such an important part of their time at Kenyon to a semi-formal reception marking 100 days until Commencement. Typically falling on the second Friday in February, the Soiree is a bright spot on the calendar during a dreary time of the year and the first of many celebrations for the Senior Class.

SENIOR SING

You haven't graduated until you've sung the songs again. Yes, the same ones you sang as a first-year student, four short years ago. Warning: Your parents will cry. You might, too.
Great for these types of students
-Motivated
-Diversity of Interests
-Hardworking
-Interest in Academics
-Openminded
-Interested in having a GREAT college experience.
Clubs and Activities
Wide range from charity organisations, outdoors clubs, greek life, varsity and club sports, academic clubs etc.
Greek Life
Present and fun! Greek Life here is not overwhelming, about 30% of the campus is involved.
Campus Safety
It's a small town and EXTREMELY SAFE.