Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA, USA

Reviews

Westminster College

Rebecca from New Castle, PA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At Westminster College, there is a 12:1 student/faculty ratio. This provides students with the opportunity to have one on one time with the professors. The professors are always in their offices waiting to give academic advice, proofread a paper, or to simply talk. In fact, most of my professors requested a one on one meeting just to get to know the students better. While some colleges have student professors, Westminster’s professors are all highly acclaimed in their field, and they are extremely knowledgeable and capable of teaching students what they know. There are also free tutors on campus who are willing to proofread papers, help you understand a concept, or answer your questions. Knowing professors and peers are there to help makes it easy to succeed even in tough courses. This is probably why 98% of Westminster Graduates have a job or are enrolled in Grad School within a year of graduating.
Am enjoying being here
Over my breaks and few weekends home, I cannot wait to get back on campus! There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus and 5 national fraternities and sororities. With so much to do, you are bound to find an activity that you will love! Since it is a small campus, once you meet someone new, you see them frequently enough to become friends, so having a good group of friends is easy to come by for even the shyest person. The buildings are close together, so it’s not too difficult to brave the winter winds. From my dorm, I can see everywhere I need to go. Also, off campus fun isn’t far away. While there are only a few places to eat and hang out within walking distance, there are dozens of places to eat, shop, and have a good time within ten miles. On campus, there is a fitness center, gym, sports, and nature courses/labs. Overall, I love being on campus because of the ability to make friends quickly, the accessibility of everything on campus, and the numerous fun activities.
Bang for the buck
Although Westminster is expensive, it is actually one of the most affordable liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. It is a quality education; every class is worth the tuition due to the resources available and value of the lessons. There is also a free movie theater on campus that plays movies that were recently in theaters. Free popcorn and drinks accompanies these movies! Overall, the room and board is worth the price. While some of the freshman dorms aren’t very big, they are still nice. On the other hand, the upper class dorms are very spacious and nice. Also, although the price seems expensive, the college offers many scholarships that are worth over $10,000. The financial aid office is always willing to help if you need another scholarship along the line.
Tips for prospective students
If Westminster College is the right choice for you, give it everything you have! Be sure to get involved. With so much to do, you are bound to find an activity that you will love! Also, take advantage of the course help available on campus. Professors and free tutors are almost always available to help you understand your course material more!
Great for these types of students
Westminster College is an excellent campus for students who enjoy a friendly, exciting, and safe environment. Whether it's the students, professors, or faculty, everyone on campus will greet you with a warm smile. The college is also perfect for students who prefer a small campus. It is easy to know more people and to be known, and it's nearly impossible to get lost! There are many activities available on campus, whether you enjoy sports, music, or nature. In addition, it is also great for students who enjoy serving their community. The fraternities, sororities, and many of the other clubs provide students with opportunities to go out in the community and make a difference. The largest of these is the Habitat for Humanity group which renovates local homes. Since it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, there are many opportunities to get involved in Bible studies and worship groups; however, all of these are optional, so there is no pressure! Also, campus security enhances your experience at Westminster since you always feel safe on the small campus. Overall, almost anyone can find something to love about Westminster, whether it's the academics, activities, or environment.

Morgan from New Concord, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a liberal arts school, Westminster College exemplifies everything one would expect from such. The College gives students a well rounded learning experience. It includes required Intellectual Perspectives courses. Regardless of major, all students must take IP courses covering Scientific Discovery, Social Thought and Tradition, Foriegn Language, Visual and Performing Art, History and Culture, Quantitative Reasoning, and Religious Perspectives.
Am enjoying being here
Westminster's campus is small. Enrollment is small enough that it allows students to become familiar with each other. Casual greetings while walking through campus are the norm. There are an abundance of student organizations to get involved with, and most of the student population partakes in the opportunities provided by involvement in these organizations. If there aren't any organizations that suit your taste, it is easy to start one. The staff are supportive and more than willing to help out with anything. Professors regularly meet with students outside of class, not only to discuss coursework, but simply because they sincerely care about the students and forge close bonds with them. Greek life has tremendous support, and serves as a major service vehicle for college students to get involved in community service. Many students are also athelets and enjoy student support at their sporting events.
Bang for the buck
Westminster has a high sticker price, but awards nice financial aid packages. The College has strong alumni support, and therefore, is able to award scholarship aid to most students whom attend. Many alumni have said, once you have a degree from Westminster, you won't have to worry about finding a job. So, in this struggling economy more than ever, every penny spent at Westminster College is worth it because employers know that it is a good school with students of high integrity. The tuition paid by students now will definitely pay off in the long run.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that you spend time on the essay for your application. Students that are accepted to Westminster are well rounded and academically diverse. If you are still in high school, don't let senioritis deter your good grades. Contrary to popular belief, colleges do look at end of senior year grades. If you let the ball drop, it's not going to look good to the admissions team. Also, should you be accepted and choose to attend Westminster, make sure you do your summer reading and write your essay before you come to college; you need to start your academic college experience off on a positive note, and professors expect students to have all of their work accomplished on time and in compliance with the Academic Integrity guidelines.
Great for these types of students
Students that enjoy small town life migrate to Westminster. Many athletes that also highly value academics attend Westminster as well. Also, students that enjoy getting involved or have a cause that is close to their heart enjoy being at Westminster because of the abounding opportunities to participate in service activities and make a direct impact.

Jennifer from PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Westminster College is a great place that takes pride in its sense of community. Professors know your name and are willing to help. It is a great school that feels like home.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for any available scholarships here.
Academic Rigor
Westminster has very rigorous STEM programs. We are number one for women in STEM. It is a manageable workload with time management skills. That being said it is college so there is more work required.
Dorm Life
Freshmen dorms are the bottom of our dorm totem pole. Next year the dorms will be made co-ed. The school is currently working out logistics such as leaving one dorm for just girls and one for just guys, coed by floor or wing, etc. All colleges have relatively small dorms. Community bathrooms but there's never any real issues.
What to do for fun
On weekends they offer viewings of 1-2 different movies that were in theaters recently, but they may not yet be available on DVD. There are also frat parties almost every weekend. There are lots of fun clubs and sports on campus to be involved in.
Bang for the buck
Yes, Westminster is not the cheapest school in the world. However, they do offer a generous amount of aid compared to other schools in that price range.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Different sports teams or clubs paint the rock by the lake.
Great for these types of students
Westminster is great for students who like to get one on one help from their professors. In the first semester as a freshmen, the biggest class i had was around 25 people.
Clubs and Activities
There are lots of activities to get involved in considering how small the school is. There are academic groups, theatre productions, science clubs, marching band, football, etc. There is so much to do here!
Greek Life
We have 5 sororities and 4 fraternities that most people are involved in

Debra from Pittsburgh, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every class gives me a great experience. The professors care greatly about their student and go out of their way to make sure you know and understand the material.
Am enjoying being here
I campus and community are an amazing place to be. Everyone is warm and welcoming to the college students.
Bang for the buck
Everyone I have talked to in my graduate degree search has had great thing to say about the Westminster Graduates. I they just know their stuff. The education is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus. You will fall in love.