What Students Think About Dickinson

I was fascinated to read comments about the "Prep" in an online college guide, the College Prowler which professes to be "The ONLY college guides written by students for students". I'm posting that information here for others to consume as well. Can you relate??

Overall Experience:

Student Editorial

“It’s too crowded.” “DPS is too strict.” “It rains all the time.” “There aren’t enough places to eat.” “Greek life is too important.” These kinds of mediocre complaints by students on this campus are a constant. However, if you read the quotes given by random Dickinsonians, you’ll notice that not one of them have complained about the overall experience here so far. You see, like every college, this school has its faults, and kids are certainly quick to be able to rattle them off. Yet on the whole, Dickinson is generally remembered by alumni as a place that provided some of the most incredible opportunities in their lives. It’s remembered as a starting-off point not only to career success, but to lifetime happiness as well.

Kids come to school here because they are serious about their futures. Academics are always the top priority, and everything else comes second to classes and coursework. Skipping lectures is not an option for students who want to do well, and likewise neither is partying on weeknights. While these things do happen, they are not a habit of successful Dickinson students and are definitely not the norm. College is the success you make of it, and Dickinson is no exception to this rule. Thus, be prepared for Dickinson to push you to your limits academically. In addition, you’ll learn to expand your social horizons and to indulge the international community whether you study in a foreign country or not. Our motto is “Engage the World,” and nothing is more focused and concentrated on here than the importance of being able to envision the world outside of Carlisle. The liberal arts education that students receive teaches an appreciation for all aspects of academia, while at the same time allowing a person to be liberated from all previous personal ignorance and inhibitions. A Dickinson College diploma is more than just a degree—it’s a way of life. You can rest assured that after graduating from Dickinson, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be successful in whatever walk of life you should choose.

Students Speak Out

"Overall, I really enjoy being here. You can find the right groups of friends very easily. The atmosphere is friendly, and the majority of kids are very social. The academics are intense, but very worthwhile. I think this is a great school."

"I have loved my time at Dickinson. Going to study abroad was one of the most incredible opportunities I have ever experienced in my life; we have an amazing global education program. I want my kids to go here someday."

"My freshman year, I wanted to transfer to be honest, but now I am a sophomore, and I simply love it here. I think it is such a great school. It sometimes takes awhile to find your social niche, but once you find that, you are able to see all the other great things about this institution. We have an awesome academic program and terrific study abroad opportunities. I would recommend Dickinson College to anyone who wants to get a good education and have an incredible college experience."

"Overall, I have had a great experience here so far. If I had to choose a college all over again, I would still pick Dickinson. It was my number one choice and always will be. It is a great liberal arts school, and you receive an excellent education that is respected around the world."

"My overall experience has been really good. The positive things about this school definitely override the negative ones. Going abroad, the friends I have made, and the education I am receiving have made college incredible for me. Dickinson College is a good school."

Report Card
B+ Academics
B- Athletics
B+ Campus Dining
B- Campus Housing
C- Campus Strictness
B Computers
D Diversity
B Drug Scene
B+ Facilities
A- Girls
B+ Greek Life
B- Guys
C Local Atmosphere
C+ Nightlife
B- Off-Campus Dining
B Off-Campus Housing
D+ Parking
A Safety & Security
C+ Transportation
C+ Weather