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C of O is a huge bubble. It is it's own town, Point Lookout Mo. It looks pretty and perfect on the outside, but once you're there it can feel like a prison because it's so small and closed off from everything around it. Freshmen aren't allowed to drive during the week, their cars are literally locked away. It's like the administration is afraid their students will do something to taint the school name. And that's what's most important, the school's name not the students.

This is a high point for C of O. The professors in the music department are amazing. Dr. Gerlach taught me theory and sight singing three semesters in a row. He got to know me very well. He takes an interest, not only in his students academic well being, but spiritual and even emotional well being, as do most all of the professors. They probably could be teaching at a higher level if they wanted to, but they choose to teach at C of O because they believe in the values of C of O.

There are a LOT of students who would feel out of place at C of O. I'd wager that at least 75% of the student body feels out of place there. It's a VERY conservative campus. 90% of students are below a certain expected family income. So, annoying, boastful rich kids are virtually non-existant. Although, being part of the 10% myself, it's more than a bit odd to suddenly be in a place where wealthiness is almost frowned upon. Probably 85% of the student body are white American lower class, and probably 95% are some form of Christian. Although, there are the occasional black Americans, international, and atheist students. But, the atheists don't usually talk about it.

The dorms are off limits to the opposite sex except for one night a semester each, Men's Open House and Women's Open House. Although, the Deans usually roam the halls on those nights. I made most of my friends in Chapel Choir because we spend almost every Sunday singing at Chapel together. Alcohol is not allowed on campus, or off campus for that matter. And parties usually consist of meeting at a dorm's coed lounge, playing silly games, watching movies, etc. One night a group of my friends even walked to a McDonald's off campus. That has to be the most wild thing I've done at C of O. Oh, and there are many dances and activities like Coffee House put on by Student Senate.

C of O follows very strict standards of behavior. It is a private, non-denominational christian school, but it's very much Presbyterian based. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just wasn't expecting it. The students are expected to follow all of these rules of conduct or face expulsion, and public humiliation. The stereotypical C of O student is perfect, doesn't do anything wrong, and is very appreciative of their school where they work 15 hours a week in addition to school work and their tuition is paid in full.

Absolutely not. I mean, I'm sure there are some students like that, but who actually likes to work? Not many people. Balancing school and work was harder than I thought it would be, plus most students try to do even more by getting a job outside of school. It's hard! There are plenty of students who don't like being required to go to convocations or chapel. There are students who aren't christian at all, their parents just sent them there to be "fixed". There are PLENTY of students who hate the work program, but it's all they can afford. But 95% of them keep their heads down, grin and bear it.

C of O is not a school for everyone. 10% of the people who apply get accepted because admissions is so focused on Character. Then, once you're accepted for your grades and/or good character shown in your interview, they treat you like a ticking time bomb about to burst. And if you do, you're out because there are 9 people waiting to fill your spot. But, if you can get past all that, it's a good school academically and the social life can be what you make of it and the tuition is free. Otherwise, I'd advise a community college. Most offer so many scholarships that it's virtually tuition free and after two years of getting G-E's out of the way, saving, and thinking of a major, you can go to a probably more expensive school and take out a loan if you have to. Because the old adage does ring true, you get what you pay for.