Berea College

Berea College is a place I was very fortunate to study at. I met some incredibly smart people, had great professors, and the academics are just outstanding. It is a college that stands out because it is unlike the typical college you hear about. It is a work-study school, so students are able to pay for college while in college and it prepares students with labor experience for the real-world workforce. Overall, Berea College is a great college to be a part of.

When I first enrolled at Berea as a freshman I didn't enjoy it as much. However, Berea has really come through for me especially right now when we need all the help we can get. I've learned so much there, about life, people, diversity, Appalachian culture, and a fair bit about U.S-Japan politics. Berea College taught me that just because you're poor or disadvantaged, that doesn't mean you can't have nice things and be successful.

Berea College has a lot to offer. From convocations, to the variety of clubs on campus there is something for every student there. Most of the professors care deeply for the students as well as the mission of the college, which provides a wonderful learning environment for students. However, Berea college is extremely rigorous. Due to the 'no-tuition promise' pioneered by the school, all students are required to work at a labor position ten hours a week. The labor positions include maintenance, dining, childcare, and other jobs on campus. A student needs to be willing to work hard to accomplish both labor and school requirements each week. Student-athletes have almost no free time between accomplishing academics, labor, and sports. While all the required work is manageable, the stress induced from all the required activities is extremely high. If a student is planning on attending Berea College they must be mentally and physically prepared to take on all the challenges that come with attending the school. However, the major benefit that comes from attending this school is the 'no-tuition promise'. Students are only required to pay thier Expected Family Contribution towards room and board, tuition is completely covered by the school and outside grants. If a student can handle the added work from the labor program and the rigourus academics, they will receive quite a 'bang for their buck'.

Berea College is a wonderful school with amazing faculty and rigorous, but useful and enjoyable curriculum. The small class sizes can’t be beat at around 11 students per professor, and the campus is dry so there is little to no drinking. There are a few cute stores and restaurants, including an amazing noodle place, delicious bagel stop with excellent coffee, and a cute crafts village run mostly by students. Berea is huge on environmental friendliness and acceptance of all peoples. The culture is amazing, but focused primarily on academics, as there is not much outside of the campus, no Greek life and a fairly small athletic program. Overall, the campus is beautiful, the people are kind and driven, and the school supports it’s students without a fault. Come to Berea to learn, and the school will reward you.

Berea College is an okay college. The academics are very competitive and we have some of the BEST professors... however the student life lacks They also lack empathy for students who are depressed and have no friends on campus. They tell them to ''suck it up'' and to focus on their academics.

This is my first year at Berea College. For right now, I feel that the community is great for anyone who wants to further their academic career. The classes are challenging, and the professors challenge all students in whatever course someone is taking. Socially, I believe that campus is doing a good job. There are some places where it could be better, but overall, everyone seems to be doing fine. Food on campus is adequate. From my first semester, the food was great. I feel that as the year progresses, the food has its ups and downs. I found that I enjoy cooking food more than going to dining, but people say otherwise. Housing is good. I find no problems with it. Overall, I find Berea College a good institution where a person can come from whatever background to further their educational career.

I think it’s a wonderful place to be. The people are nice and friendly, overall it has a great atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to attend college. If anyone wants to known anyone else’s opinion about this place, I would be more than happy to share mine.

I have really enjoyed my time at Berea. The small classrooms offer a nice feeling and plenty of time to interact with professors and other students when needed. Berea also provides students with a job to help pay with tuition. It also helps that you do not have to declare your major until your Sophomore year, so if you change your mind it's okay!

Berea College is a great college that focuses on helping those in the minority, whether it is because of racial background, sexual orientation, or poverty. The course work is intense no matter what major, sometimes too much so. However, the faculty and professors here are extremely supportive because they know how difficult it is. There is support to be found no matter where one is, and that's one of the best things about Berea College.

My personal opinion of Berea is mixed. I come from a town where academics, arts and sports are a really big deal. Moving to Berea I realized that only two of those aspects really mattered. Berea really pushes for academics and the arts. Berea is committed to serve equal opportunity education to poorer students. That's great! However, Berea is really hard. We wear many hats at this institution. We all have a minimum of 10 hours of work with less than minimum wage pay. We all are involved in a sport or club or organization. Finally, we all go to class and the class load is extremely heavy. But, I know that I am being prepared for the next step in my life and my name will be at the top of the list of applicants. Berea prepares you for whatever life throws your way and they have all the resources to help you get anything you need. There is a lot of support in the Berea College community and the commitments, values and beliefs we have, I wish all colleges and universities had. Berea is a great college.

When I first applied to colleges I was terrified of the stadium classroom, one professor for 100 students trope. That isn't here. Once you're in your major the class size is often ten or less per professor and anxiety drops significantly .The college gives you a job so you don't have to worry about anything here but school work which there will be plenty of!