Inside View: Ripon College

With just under 1,000 students, Ripon College in Wisconsin may not be on the radar of most college shoppers, but it is a hidden gem worthy of a look for any student seeking an intimate and supportive college experience. It's also a financial bargain, with a relatively low price tag and generous merit scholarship opportunities. Ripon's most popular majors are English, biology, business, history and psychology, but the school's other departments are solid as well. I asked Angela Olivas, a junior environmental studies major at Ripon, for an insider's view of campus life.

When you were looking at colleges, what were the three most important things you were looking for?

Proximity to home, cost, class size

What other schools did you consider or apply to?

I applied to Ripon, Lawrence, Beloit, UW-Madison, and Northland College.

What were the main reasons you finally decided on Ripon?

After visiting Ripon I didn't even visit any other schools. The atmosphere and the people are so inviting, and I was treated like I was already a part of the College. It made my decision even easier once Ripon gave me the best financial aid package.

What has been your biggest surprise about Ripon - something you expected that didn’t prove true, or something you didn’t expect that surprised you?

I expected large classes in college. I have a class with 8 people in it. Also, my Ripon friends have become my second family, closer than any friends I will ever have.

How would you describe the "typical" Ripon student?

Although there are so many different kinds of people here a "typical" Ripon student is generous, goal-oriented, active on campus, inspired and inspiring.

How would you describe the academic climate at Ripon? How tough is the coursework?

Coursework is what you make it, some classes are more challenging than others, but since professors want to help their students, I have never been given an assignment I could not handle. There are so many people and resources on campus to help the students here, such as SSS (Student Support Services) and the CLC (Colaborative Learning Center) which is actually a house on campus.

How are Ripon's dorms? What was your dorm like Freshman year? How do you find the food?

Ripon has 4 different types of dorms, all of them are nice. Most First-Years are able to live in a suite, which has two bedrooms and a common middle room shared by 4 people. This year, Ripon has newly built senior apartments. There are 3 different places to eat, all good and nice to have since I am always in the mood for something different.

What is your favorite place on campus? What's the worst part of campus? How would you describe the surrounding community?

My favorite part of campus is anywhere outside. The landscape and architecture are so beautiful. I guess the worst part of campus is that the longest walk to class is about 15 minutes or less. The surrounding community is small, but there is a really cool downtown with shops and places to eat within walking distance of campus. I don't have a car, and no, one is not necessary.

What do people do at Ripon for fun on the weekends? Where do people hang out, both on and off campus?

There is the occasional weekend where people who live close enough will go home. Otherwise, there is always a campus event, athletic event or place to hang out. If we go off campus it is to go out to eat or to see a movie. There are a lot of people who are in a sorority/fraternity, however there are also plenty who are not. It doesn't matter if you are not a part of Greek life, it is all about personal preference.

What do you like best about Ripon? What would you change?

What I like best is how close everyone here is. If I could change something it would be that Ripon College would cancel classes when the near-by schools cancel school for cold weather :)

Do you have any advice for high school juniors and seniors trying to decide where to apply or where to attend?

I would advise to visit the campuses and talk with people from the colleges.