Carleton College Top Questions

The Profs at Carleton are fantastic for the most part. Almost all of the professors I've had have been willing to give me as much time with them outside of class that I needed. If I didn't have such close connections with the professors, I think the work would be much less enjoyable. My favorite class so far has been Archaeological Methodology. It is taught by a wonderful professor, Nancy Wilkie, who was the president of the American Institute of Archaeology. She really knew her stuff, and pushed us to really master archaeological techniques. My least favorite class was Calc II. It is by far the most failed class at Carleton. It was a ton of work and the tests were killer. Thank goodness for the Math Skills Center, which was what saved me. One thing that is so great about Carleton is that most students don't compete with one another. The overwhelming majority of my experience is that we all get together and help each other out. One thing I hate about Carleton is that it does not help students who are pre-professional. It's like the school is shying away from the practical side of education. Yes, it is very very important to get a broad based education (which Carleton excels at), but those of us who know we want to be doctors or lawyer or business people get a little screwed because Carleton does barely anything to help us prepare for these paths.

My favorite class was Introduction to Religion with Lewis Newman. Class discussion was always interesting and well-led. I think that leading class discussion is one thing Carleton professors can struggle with - I've been in a lot of classes where professors just ask, "Well, what do you think?" And we sit in silence for a few minutes. It's painful. However, generally speaking, lessons have been good and reading has been interesting and relevant. Students are competitive - not necessarily overtly, but there are a lot of discussions after tests/papers/etc about grades. My Introduction to Modern Indian Fiction class was pretty unique - the professor taught us some history surrounding Indian independence to give us some context for the books we were reading. I learned a lot. I don't really spend time with professors outside of class. I know one or two people who do.

Carleton is a liberal arts school, so we are encouraged to experience a variety of classes. The graduation requirements help to enforce this experience. Professors encourage us to visit their office hours on a regular basis and get to know them well. They are here to be an educational resource both inside and outside of the classroom.

Professors know your name. Class participation is common and I have had many intellectual discussions outside of class. Students take their studies seriously. I once asked my favorite prof if she could suggest some outside reading for me and it eventually turned into an independent study course. We met one on one every week or so for coffee and discussed what I was researching. It was wonderful and epitomizes the level of faculty-student interaction that can take place here.

Last term I took a class entitled "Music and Film", and I am sure it will reside in my top five favorite classes upon graduation. The connections made between visual and aural stimulation as well as associations to the music and film industries as entire aspects of society introduced me to many areas of study I would have never known about. Semiotics and postmodernism are now two areas I explore on my own time and discuss with my former professor.

The classes are small, and you know your profs. Academics are heavily stressed, and it's rigorous, but not unmanageable. If you budget your time, you can do well in school and still participate in sports, have a campus job, and do other extracurriculars. The learning here is definitely not job-oriented, at least in the humanities.

Academics are definitly intense. It's not too unusual to hear that somebody has to study on a friday or saturday night. However, we have lots of fun, you can always find a party if you want or just hang out with friends.

Most professors are quite friendly with students (though not all), and get to know their students on a personal basis. Most of the classes are taught very well (though not all). Most students work a lot, maybe too much. However, this seems to be about grades and studying for a future career. When taken in comparison to their intelligence, the student body doesn't talk about academic or "smart things" outside of class very often. People aren't very competitive however, and are always willing to help other people out.

The professors are awesome. They are very accessible, intelligent, and passionate about teaching. I am amazed by how quickly professors get to know their students and take a personal interest in their academic development. They are tough, but they also provide the resources(including their own knowledge and time) to succeed. Most of all, they are fun! Every Carleton student knows that every other Carleton student is smart, otherwise they wouldn't be there. However, they also recognize that people have different strengths and passions, so there is almost no sense of academic competition. In fact, I find other students(as well as profs) to be quite helpful.

Professors here are fantabulous. They'll know you, they'll go to lunch with you, they'll invite you over for dinner. And they teach well too. They get to know you well too -- I easily got four recommenders for grad school who knew me inside and out, and I could have easily upped that number if I wanted to. A "bad" professor is one who doesn't make you actively enjoy class -- I haven't had any truly objectively bad profs since I've been here, and a lot of fantastic ones. Classes are small -- I've had none with more than 30 people, and at least four with less than six people. The workload isn't too bad (at least outside Math & Science) -- a lot of the weight is put on class discussion, which is good. Grading, on the other hand, is quite difficult -- it's not difficult to get a B, but getting over the hump to an A (or even an A-) requires you to buckle down. But students are not at all competitive here, and they really do enjoy learning.

Classes are small, intimate, professors know my name, and I address them by their first names. I hang out with them in their office hours, we go out to coffee, we have parties at their houses. Carleton students love academics. You can spend 12 hours in "The Libe" on a Saturday, and be in great company the entire time. Social life at Carleton revolves around the The Libe. If you want to hang out, or are looking for someone, good chances are you'll find them there. Carleton students love to discuss. We discuss politics, religion, race, sex, gender, everything and anything. When we're in class, out of class, sober or drunk, you can always count on a Carleton student for an intellectual conversation. We know how to have a solid intellectual conversation, but we also know how to let loose and have fun. Students are not too competitive, and always help each other out. Not doing to well in a class? There are about 5million options of where to receive help. Ranging from tutors, to professors, to other students, to the "Write Place", to the Math Skills Center - there's always someone more than willing to help you figure out your classes and learn all you can.

Do professors know your name: yes. How often do students study: rather often; Carleton has a somewhat heavy workload, but the students here are crazy and love being busy, which is why they stack extracurriculars on top of work as much as they do. Is class participation common: depends on the class. Are students competitive: yes, but in a non-destructive way. Most unique class: History of Jazz. Major: computer science. The department and its majors know each other well, and manage to carry a "teacher-but-buddies-too" attitude without being unprofessional. Time with profs outside of class: not usually. Academic requirements: currently under review and about to change, so the point is moot.

Professors are incredibly friendly, and they pretty much all like to be called by their first names. All of my profs so far have been accessible after class, and there seems to be plenty of academic assistance available for anyone in need. There's a good combination of lecture and discussion courses, but no matter which class you're in, you're encouraged to ask questions and probe deeper into the subject. I've heard great things about all the departments at Carleton, and signing up for classes is usually pretty easy (if you get stuck with a bad draw number, plan to take lots of intro classes).

Yes, professors always know your name. A lot of classes here are very, very small (my smallest so far was 8 people) and some classes are very discussion based while others aren't. I've taken 2 philosophy classes here and those are all discussion and people in the class frequently continue arguing about philosophy after class is over (for like 20 minutes). Things like biology and chemistry, however, are really not discussion based at all. A lot of humanities classes have participation as a large part of your grade (like {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}30). Academics here are typically pretty tough. I'm told we have one of the highest GPA modifiers in the country for grad schools and I believe it. Nobody here has a 4.0. Its pretty much impossible. If you are the type of person who will pull their hair out if you don't get straight As, just don't even come here - you'll be miserable. Despite the amount of work, its not competitive here at all. Science classes, for instance, frequently give take home quizzes that we are allowed to do in groups (and are typically so hard that you'll fail it if you don't do it in a group). I work in the chem dept, so I spend a lot of time with my professors outside of class. Professors are very accessible. Not everybody chooses to see them outside of class though. Carleton has a fantastic academic reputation among those in the know. Our grad school acceptances speak for themselves: Carleton has one of the best academic reputations in the country, the only problem is that normal people (people not working for the law school or grad school acceptance office) doesn't know that. A lot of people come to Carleton with dreams of working in academia (going to grad school and being a prof). Without a doubt, Carleton is geared towards learning for learning's sake and not for getting a job.

Profs are generally really friendly, available, and willing to help you out if you are willing to ask them. Classes range from small discussion-sized (9-20 students) to huge (100 students is big for Carleton) lecture-sized. You're expected to work hard and participate, which is easy to do when you pick classes that interest you. The distribution requirements aren't very hard to fill during your first and second years, and they give you the chance to take classes in departments and fields with which you have little contact otherwise. Academics is an important component of life at Carleton, and there are plenty of opportunities outside of class for students to learn.

Here professors know your name, and often remember you long after you've taken their class. What is interesting about academics here is that in a nutshell, students who are used to being the top of their class in high-school are all together. It is incredibly challenging and stressful at times, but after a term ends there is certainly a sense of accomplishment and actual learning that happened. The best classes I've had are the ones where I've really been able to learn how to learn - how to write better, read better, make stronger conclusions. Professors here are incredibly wonderful and down to earth - they have high expectations, but encourage and help students to meet them. As students we're welcomed into their offices and even their homes, usually with a plate of brownies to satiate us. Carleton academics is geared at creating an environment where students learn how to approach ANY problem - one that they are familiar with or haven't ever seen before - and access the resources needed to come up with a solution.

The professors here a great. They know our names, the are always available to help, and they invite us over to their houses. They are really what makes this such a great academic environment - you never feel like you have to go it alone, they create a great support system while being realistic about what they can expect from you, for the most part.

They are amazing. Professors always know your name unless they are one of the two on campus that hit their academic peak back when boys and girls still lived in separate buildings. The class sizes are generally very small, so there is almost always discussion or at least the option. Classes are hard. Professors expect a level of commitment and involvement that I imagine is nearly unparalleled at any institution. It's completely normal and encouraged to have "intellectual" conversations outside of class. Generally, academic matters and social concerns permeate any conversation. Lastly, Carleton students are astonishingly uncompetitive with each other. Grades are a highly taboo topic. In this way, Carleton is at its highest level of utopianism. We all work together to be the best we can be.

All my professors have known my name and continue to say hi to me when we pass each other on the side walk. Students study pretty much all the time. Even after class, you'll hear students talk about politics or some crazy fact they've learning in class.

The professors know my name even a year after taking the course! My favorite class was multi-variable calculus because the professor was really nice-Sam Patterson-and the material interested me. The students are not competitive, all I've seen is a lot of group work. I'm an economics major and I love the economics building-the environment just makes me want to sit on a couch and take a newspaper off its wooden dowel and read and bask in the comfort. I have gone to office hours and all of my professors have been extremely willing to help although some are slightly intimidating.

I have the privilege of developing close relationships with some of my professors, though none of them are in my major. Professors tend to know student names, as classes are small enough that this is possible and expected. I enjoy some Educational studies classes; I really loved the Philosophy of Law; the only art class I've taken was a great exercise in developing multiple perspectives; writing parts of my own autobiography in French was a wonderful way to practice, explore and improve my language skills. 'Race and Ethnicity' was a waste of my time; several classes that students take to fulfill the requirements of a liberal arts mentality end up being meaningless for them (for me, these classes were Ethics in Biology and Astronomy). Students study daily, for several hours a day ... or, I should say, they work on academics that much. Studying is reserved for hours after readings, caucus postings, blog development, problem sets, papers, etc are finished. Class participation is variable - some students like to talk a lot, others have less vocal contributions, some don't come to class on a regular basis. Intellectual conversations take place outside of the classroom, usually among close friends. Uncomfortable conversations are best conducted with close friends, as well, as the fears and anxieties of each are better respected. Students are not competitive - in or out of class. Grades are a personal property, to be shared only by choice. Most won't ask about GPA, test scores, etc. The only place that competition comes out is in who asks for help, how, how often, and from whom. I've taken strange classes while traveling abroad - the relationship of spatial organization to city 'personality' and traditional Malian dance.

The academics are far and away the best thing about Carleton. Not to down play anything else at the school; everything is great. It's simply that the academics are so, so good. Any professor you have for a class will make a concerted effort to learn your name in the first week; some even learn every name in each of their classes before the term begins. Beyond that, every professor is ridiculously accessible. Most professors are available for advice probably ten hours a week, or more. And not just academic advice-anything. They're not just teachers, they're life mentors, and they're great. Classes focus on creative thinking-it's not simply about learning the facts, it's about sitting in small groups and discussing how the facts can be used in a novel way. Math classes, usually were participation and fun go to die, are instead lively, fun discussions. In all classes professors want to students to take a proactive part of their education, and try to make learning the names of the 20 amino acids or all the kings of England enjoyable-however impossible that may sound, it can (and does) happen. The faculty are also incredibly diverse. Some are academics, and want nothing more than for all of their students to go to grad school for degrees in 13th century Chinese literature or algebraic topology; others though encourage you to explore your options, see what's beyond academia, and live. The only warning I would give is this: the education in the majority of the departments is very classical. It's a liberal arts school, and so one doesn't come here to specialize. One comes to explore and get a very, very strong foundation in a wide variety of disciplines. The faculty are knowledgeable about modern advancements in their fields (and are often active researchers or authors), but they'll still insist on teaching you the basics through and through. Not to say there's no chance in learning about more recent advancements, it's just that it will be done through independant readings, research with faculty, and senior seminars; all of which are readily available for anyone who wants to find it. Whatever you want to do with your life, I believe Carleton's academics can and will deliver, if you're willing to put in the time and effort.

One thing that any student interested in Carleton needs to know is that the workload at Carleton College is as great or greater than any institution in the United States. Yet, what I find amazing about Carleton academics are that the students here are not overly competitive. There is very little grade-grubbing. Students don't "freak out" about every paper grade. However, my favorite part of Carleton academics is the openness of Carleton professors. It is not uncommon to have class at a professor's house or to meet their families.

The students take academics seriously, but not to the level of an unhealthy obsession. Frequent studying, intellectual conversations both inside and outside of class, and late-night paper-writing frenzies are common. Cutthroat competition, nervous breakdowns, and antisocial absorption are not.

Professors: Know my name and that is so key. Favorite class: Intro to Art...and I CAN NOT draw. Least: Harry William's freshman year: but an experience of a lifetime. How often do students study: depends. Some are always studying, others never. Participation in class: depends on the student and class. Can go either way. Intellectual conversation outside of class: yes. Students competitive: not with each other, with themselves. That's one of the most attractive things about Carleton. Unique class: Intro to Latino Studies (worked with the community for service learning) Professors out of class: a lot are supportive of our athletic events. Academic requirements: no problems. I like the language requirement. Carleton ed: geared a learning for its own sake, but that can be one of the most useful traits for getting and being successful at a job later in life.

Professors absolutely know your name. The classes are very small, almost as small as my high school's classes. Class participation is terrific and very well spread out - it's not just a few kids talking, everyone contributes at some point. The professors are great - I took an intro biology course first term and my professor co-wrote the textbook! I haven't decided a major yet, but I'm leaning towards psychology or environmental science, which they may make into a major when the administration reviews the curriculum this summer. Education at Carleton is all about learning for its own sake.

Yes! Favorite class was English 110 with George Shuffelton- insightful discussions, charismatic professor... an overall really fun and fulfilling class least favorite- astronomy? but i'm not a science person... class participation is VERY common- i was surprised at how enthusiastic carleton students are to voice their opinions or ask questions- there's lots of curiosity that goes on here Intellectual conversations outside of class: it depends on your group of friends. i overhear intellectual conversations all the time, but personally my group of friends tends to talk less about that kind of thing... unique class: faces of marginality- francophone culture in quebec and louisiana education geared more towards learning for its own sake! it's all about discovery, curiosity, and having a fulfilling liberal arts experience. not that you can't get a good job with a degree from carleton...

My professors know my name. My favorite class is Intro to Music Composition. My least favorite is Microeconomics. Students study fairly often. Class participation is fairly common. Students have intellectual conversations outside of class sometimes, not as much as Id like. Students arent competitive. I do not like Carleton's academic requirements-they make it impossible for me to take courses I like while making me take some courses I dont want to take. I would take some science/stats courses anyways, but probably not 3, and that stops me from taking another course like intro to acting.

1. Yes. 2. Cinema and Media Studies/Computer Science. 3. Too much. 4. Sometimes. 5. Yes. 6. Students do not tend to be competitive, and usually don't mind helping one another. 7. The most unique class I've taken is introduction to Astronomy. 8. Economics. 9. I occasionally see professors outside of class. 10. The academic requirements are fine. 11. Learning

Professors in smaller classes know your name. In larger classes, it's less likely, but I had a prof who worked hard in memorizing all the names and faces in our psychology class of about 40 people. I hear intellectual conversations fairly frequently and also partake outside of class. Most students aren't openly competitive, but most still want to get the good grade too. Most people cooperate in groups but others try to go at it themselves. The most unique class I've taken is Global Problems, a philosophy class that looks at all the issues in the world. The classics department is very laid-back. They understand that if you put in the effort, you won't necessarily be perfect. I've had brunch with my Greek 101 prof, and lunch with my Latin prof, and had interesting conversations with each. There is definitely an attempt to get to know the students. The Carleton education primarily focuses on learning for learning.

my professors know my name. my favorite classes are those in my major because they're the most interesting for me, clearly. least favorite, math and science because i just don't like math. students study all the time. participation is necessary. lots of intellectual convos out of class. competition slightly, but usually it's very friendly. the political science/international relations department is great and all the profs have really interesting backgrounds. i have not spent time with professors out of class, but that depends on your personality. academic requirements are good. learning for learning's sake is important.

For the most part, Carleton goes by a first name basis, everyone calls each other by first name, including professors. I would have to say that Carleton professors are very engaging, as most classes are not lectures, but actually discussion base, and everyone is encouraged to participate in discussions.

I know all my professors by name. I know the names of my professors children and pets as well. My favorite class was Animal Developmental Biology, an upper level Biology class with 10 or 13 students. I got to know the professor very well and now she is my adviser.We designed our own experiments to answer questions to which the answer was not already known, meaning we did not repeat a procedure with a know outcome, we really practiced the scientific method. Class participation is very common, even in big classes. Carleton students are very good at asking questions and pushing the professors to clarify the tough points. The Biology department has Thursday nights at the Cow were you can go grab a beer and chat with the professors in the department. We could donate money and pie a prof at the picnic last spring. Carleton students definitely have intellectual conversations outside of class, there is always a sense of seeking to challenge and clarify your personal perspective. Carleton is very geared towards learning for the sake of learning, not simply to get a job. Though the career center is very active and sends out scholar's programs on breaks to provide students with good post-graduation connections Carleton students are usually here because they love to learn.