Kenyon College Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Laura

Academics here are extremely important. Everyone takes their classes seriously, there hasn't been a single day that I've been on campus and haven't studied or done homework in some way. We just care a whole lot about learning our subject material and learning it well, not necessarily because we want to do well (which we do, obviously), but because we love it. It is considered cool to be a nerd here, so pretty much everyone is cool. We do have some really awesome extracurriculars, sports, and parties, but if you aren't going to college for the education, then Kenyon probably isn't the place for you.

Madeline

Great! If they have your major you're set.

Gene

Small class sizes mean that your professors all know your name from day one. Some professors know them before you even come to class from the face directory and the community choir prof is known for naming all 100+ students in his class from memory at the beginning of each semester before having met his future students. Professors are one of the best parts of Kenyon, they love you if you show a desire to learn. Office hours allow students to get help out of class and hold intellectual conversations out of class. Students frequently debate topical issues out of class and continue discussions late into the evening. The Kenyon education is definitely geared towards learning for its own sake rather than towards getting a job but the excellent alumni network takes care of that for you in a lot of cases. Students are a lot more collaborative than competitive at Kenyon and often spend time they should be studying helping out friends or classmates that need help with something. All in all, you couldn't ask for a more enriching academic experience than that offered by Kenyon

Jerry

Professors know my name, but keep their distance. My least favorite class has been into to philosophy, but that's a personal opinion (and the teacher was TERRIBLE). class participation is less common than i expected. kenyon students rarely have intellectual conversations outside of class, this has been my experience anyway. the level of intellectualism outside of class has been extremely disappointing for me. not to say that kids aren't smart--they just have other interests that consume their free time when not studying.

Jamie

Kenyon's academics are great. Most of my classes have been challenging and provocative, though there have been a few that have bored me to tears. (Don't take Early African History, for the love of all things sacred.) The professors for the most part are fabulous, I've even become homies with some of them. They're extremely friendly, always remember your name, and I find myself often stopping to chat with some of them when I'm bopping around campus. Kenyon students do have intellectual conversations outside of class that can be interesting. However, because Kenyon is now a new ivy, some students fancy themselves Rhodes scholars and shit can get a little pretentious. ESPECIALLY WITH ENGLISH MAJORS, many of whom feel that they are future Chaucers or Faulkners. Some conversations you overhear, or may be apart of will induce a lot of eye-rolling, but for the most part, people present their arguments in ways that aren't so irritating. Students aren't really competitive.

Laura

I already wrote about this above, but I can elaborate on some things. Yes, all professors know your name, and class participation is very common, and encouraged. Professors office hours are always open and I often see students milling around just chatting and asking questions. Professors and students are friends as much as they are in professional relationships, and I love this so much, because that is what makes it so efficient! When you participate in class and also get to know your professor as a person through conversations out of class, or taking part in an organisation they are involved in, it makes classes so much more fun, and makes it easier for them to grade you I think. Imagine it, they can construct their own syllabus, teach it as they wish, assign the assignments that they think are the most interesting, and give the grades they think people deserve and have worked for. That is freedom that high school teachers generally don't have, which is why I think liberal arts-ness is so perfect for someone like me. There is such a huge list of classes, and mostly all of them are open to anyone (except high level ones with prerequisites). People are SO SO encouraged to take a wide variety of classes (but I think that too many students don't make any huge leaps for fear of not doing well), and it is such a fantastic idea! Really, I took classical mythology, and before I think I knew who Zeus was from the disney movie, but now I read Ovid in my free time. The academics at Kenyon are my favourite part about it. I am raving now, but only because I really want people to know this.

Adrian

At kenyon, it is inconceivable that your teacher may not know your name. The school is small, the classes are small, and the professors give a shit. I have spent time at professor's houses and of course talking to them outside of class about work or not. Since we are in the middle of nowhere, the professors live not more than 10 minutes away so you see quite a lot of them and their families, it's really nice. Of course academics extend beyond the classroom--really what's the point of spending four years at school if you stop caring about your work the second you leave the classroom. But probably you could find some people at Kenyon who disagree with that, it's a very diverse campus and people find a myriad of ways in which to live.

Matt

All classes are taught by brilliant professors who know their stuff and want you instill their knowledge in you. They are so nice and always willing to work with students.

Anna

Professors do get to know your name. One of the things that I like about Kenyon is that I run into my Professors as I am walking down Middle Path, or going to the KAC, or grabbing a bite at Middle Ground. They are definitely part of the community. We always stop and chat for a few minutes when we run into each other. If you take a seminar class (7-15 tudents) there is a good chance that you will go to their house for dinner. I have found that my most intellectual conversations happen at the oddest times: close to MIdnight surrounded by a group of friends.

Ann

The academics are top notch, personal, and challenging. Every professor I've had knows my name, has been available for office hours, and showed a lot of respect for my work. My favorite classes were those in my major--political science-- because they involved great discussion and research of my own choosing. For example my Junior Honors Seminar was discussion based on a number of political theory texts and then an independent research paper of about 30 pages; I chose Hezbollah. For most of my classes there were only 3 grades, midterm, final and a paper--I like it simple. My least favorite class was the intro bio class I took, but it was probably just a bad choice of topic for me personally. It was really easy for me to schedule my classes between 9am - 1pm so I had most of my days free, but like most students did spend a good deal of time studying outside of class (but never on Friday nights or Saturdays). If you want to have intellectual discussions outside of class there is plenty of opportunity to do so. The overall atmosphere of learning is not a competitive one, but a collaborative one, and I never had someone ask what my GPA was. The polisci deptarment is fantastic. The professors are somewhat conservative, especially compared to the students, but it doesn't come across in their teaching. There are a number of activities, like the chili contest, end of the year picnic, and such that really give you a chance to get to know your professors and other students. Its one of the larger majors with about 40 or so in my senior class. There is a very liberal arts feel to the education at Kenyon, with requirements in all the different subjects, but I didn't find it restricting. There is also a strong focus on writing and fundamental philosophies of each area. The education is more for learning's sake than career oriented, but the Career Development Center is getting better at finding jobs and internships for students.

Nina

Kenyon's academic culture revolves around a sort of culture of common pursuit. You aren't sequestered by discipline here--I've had math and music majors in my political theory courses--and if you're looking for a lot of competition in your studying, you're not going to find it. I've found that--with a few exceptions--Kenyon students shy away from talking about how much work they have and tend to frown upon comparing scores. Of course we have our freakout weekends and our all-nighters, but we go through those trying times together, as friends and fellow students. I love my professors. I haven't been as bold about building relationships with them, which has been one of my biggest regrets as a student, because I find that the student-professor relationship is one of the best things about Kenyon. I've gone to professors' houses for dinner and eaten brunch with them at Middle Ground; I see my advisor at the church on campus. Classes are small--I think the biggest course on campus in terms of enrollment is a intro Bio course, and even then I'm pretty sure they split people up into smaller lab groups. As a humanities/social sciences kid, I think my biggest class has been about 40 people. I don't think it's hard at all to complete the diversification requirements. The whole academic culture at Kenyon, which encourages exploration and branching out, lends itself well to completing diversification. Students will take Economics just for fun and find out later that it completed their quantitative reasoning requirement--surprise, you took a math class!

Harper

I have yet to be in a class in which the professor doesn't know my name after a week of classes, which says something, because I'm in Intro Psych, which is one of the largest classes on campus. My teachers care just as much about my education as I do, which lends itself to a wonderful academic environment. It is very common to see people walking or eating with professors. I've certainly done it. The program here is good as well. I'm a Drama major, and will likely pick up Philosophy as well. The drama department is one of the most professional I've seen, and my philosophy teacher is the best teacher I've ever had.

Sophie

Academics are tough, but up to par with some of the best high schools in the nation. College is so different from high school; there is much more unstructured time in which you decide whether or not to use for academics. But class sizes are small and teachers definitely know if you are not keeping up with the reading or the assignments. And they are not afraid to fail you.

Devon

This really depends on the department. As a molecular biology major, pursuing honors research, I'm on a first name basis with every biology and chemistry professor, even if I've never had them for a class. The department is small but manages to do a lot. If research is your thing, Kenyon is the place to be. While our lab facilities don't live up to a Research I university, there are tons of opportunities for students to get involved in research with professors, including a summer fellowship. Most departments are big enough that if you just want to float by semi-anonymously, you can but small enough that if you make any kind of effort you can be really involved.

Phan

Kenyon students are not competitive in general. However, that does not mean that we don't strive for the highest grade. It's just that we work with one another, together. Kenyon classes are challenging, even with non-science classes. I got to spend time with many professor outside of class. I would meet them for questions in class or just seeing them outside of class and talk. Kenyon's education does not prepare you for a job, just for the sake of learning many different things. That's the best part.

Kristy

Amazing...wonderful...some classes are way eaiser than expected, but given that other are insanely challenging in the best ohmygosh-i-would-have-never-thought-of-that-but-thats-so-true-and-brillient way, its a nice balence.

Maria

I know professors by name. Although since I am still used to calling my elders by their last names, that has still stuck with me. But once a professor is comfortable, as I know it will happen, then they will speak to you as friend. But don't get the idea that all the professor will speak down to you, not here at Kenyon.

Sarah

Every professor knows my name, even some whose classes I have never taken. Kenyon students sometimes have intellectual conversations outside of class; it does exist, but gossip is more prevalent than political discussions. Learning at Kenyon is very liberal arts in nature, almost to an extreme. The president especially has expressed contempt for career-oriented education, and for this perceived elitism she has received much criticism from alumni.

Cassidy

Professors are very friendly and hardly stand-offish at all here. Every student has a faculty adviser--I have nothing but praise for mine. In terms of classes, they're generally very good, given that you're actually interested in the topic. I've made a couple of mistakes by taking some classes that it turns out, I have no interest in. Class discussions are generally very laid-back, and not heated at all, as can be conversations outside of class. We're very much a "learning for learning's sake" campus--although if that turns you away from the school, know that most companies are looking for trainable graduates, not necessarily people who already have a degree pertinent to their field.

Laura

I love the academics here at Kenyon... and the fact that students actually care about their classes! In high school my friends would give me a hard time for putting so much work into my homework assignments, but here that's expected of you. That being said, classes are challenging, but definitely not overbearing. They're doable. Class sizes are very small. Even as a freshman, my largest class size is an Intro Psych class with about 25 students. Classes are interactive and engaging. In high school I had problems paying attention to teachers lecture, but at Kenyon I have no problem with that. All of my professors know me by name, even in the classes that I don't participate in as often. Kenyon's requirements are very easy to work with. There are a few general requirements, but they're very flexible! For instance, I'll probably never take an English class here (even though Kenyon is known for it's English department!), because Spanish fulfills my humanities requirement.

Melissa

Academics are really challenging, but that is the main reason why I came here. I enjoy the classes and professors. I have really been able to get to know my professors personally, which I do not think I could have done at a larger school.

nate

academics are of utmost importance at kenyon. the professors push every student to reach their potential. this also results in heavy work loads. the classes can sometimes become so intense learning is not fun anymore, and becomes a burden. the competitiveness of the students depends on the class. some classes work together to become better acquainted with the information while other classes have students who gloat at others' misfortunes.

Robert

There is no better place for academics. You won't really appreciate how outstanding the teaching really is unless you have taken classes at other universities. The professors are excellent teachers, as well as enthusiastic about their subjects and their students. There is a lot of discussion in class, which can make the classroom experience laid back and enjoyable. Even in the lecture classes questions and discussion is encouraged, and the classes are small enough to let every student voice an opinion or question. Professors are readily available outside of class and encourage you to go see them. They love to speak to students and I couldn't write of them more sycophantically if I tried. Basically, I am currently studying abroad and greatly miss Kenyon professors. Only by taking classes away from Kenyon can I truly appreciate how amazing are Kenyon classes. Many of them are especially interesting as well- from critiques of Roussea to problems with renewable energy.

Quinn

I'd say education here is geared more towards learning for its own sake and to become and more well rounded and intelligent person. Professors definitely know your name, and usually they know it by the end of week one, even in a lecture class. The professors are extremely nice and helpful in office hours. It's just dumb not to go to them and get help on papers or studying for finals. IPHS is a really sweet department. Some Faculty will have students over to their houses, but that only happens with small seminars usually.

Alex

The academics are great!!! They're what originally attracted me to the school and out of 19 professors, I've only had 1 I didn't get along with. Even classes I had to take for requirements weren't bad at all because the professors are so knowledeable about their field that they really try to make the students excited to learn about what they're interested in. The 18 professors I've gotten along with have always been willing to help me out when needed. I recommend any class by Tazewell for drama, and I've heard Kramer is excellent as well. Lester and Reinhert are also very enjoyable and knowledgeable!! For English, I've had Mason, Matz, and Mankoff, and they're all been incredible. Some people get competitive about grades, but no more than at other schools. I'd say the most competetive aspect of Kenyon is getting into the classes you want. English and Art can be difficult (unless you're a major). Also, music groups and plays are competetive to get into, but if you're persistent and get your face out there it's totally possible to do.

Chris

Classes are small. I've yet to have a class with more than 22 students, and many classes are much smaller. The professors are great; they all have lots of office hours which students are encouraged to come to. The atmosphere is probably not as competitive at comparable colleges; student work hard for the sole purpose of learning. The difficulty of the grading varies a lot from major to major and professor to professor. Some classes are an easy A-, while others require a lot of hard work just to get a B. Sciences tend to be harder than humanities and fine arts.

Pete

Professors Know your name. Even in intro classes, just a small effort can go a long way to getting to know a professor. You don't have to put up with bullshit professors, usually you can transfer classes easily and most teachers have their reputations so picking classes is pretty simple. Lots of participation, even lecture classes become participation grounds, and most teachers have at least 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the grade riding on participation. Students are competitive, but no overly zealous. There are those few cut throats, but generally if you want to find someone to study with or get some info from it is possible. Political Science is a great department, lots of neo-conservative opinions within the teachers, but for a very liberal college, this supports a lot of political dialog.

Tristan

It is important to know that Kenyon is an intellectually challenging school. The teacher are very personable and love to get to know their students. The teachers also hold you to a high standard too. They know what you are capable of and they expect you to accomplish it.

Devin

Great academically, one of the best. English major may be TOO hard. Professors are great, take you out sometimes. Definitely liberal "learn for learning's sake" pedagogy.

Bevan

Also, I have to say that I have gotten along very well with all the professors I've had. I am also in two majors (PSCI and MLL) where the classes are usually smaller. However, I have found professors here to be exceptionally approachable and encouraging. And of course, it is always nice to meet people who actually care if you study or not (again home-trauma...) I love all of my PSCI classes. I feel very lucky that I could take political science at Kenyon. I had no idea of the fantastic professors when I applied, but I guess I lucked out. I am also pretty impressed with the number of intelligent conversations among students that I've heard. It is definitely not uncool here to be smart and to like your classes. From this point of view, I think Kenyon is a special place and is doing a good job of maintaining academic standards, as well as creating an environment where learning is important.

Phil

Kenyon has great academics. One can find joke courses or less-than-par teachers who seem uninspired or of the same or a less level of education the the average student; but, if you care about what you study, you will rarely fail to find something great.

Charlie

The English department, our largest and most well respected department, is highly overrated. The creative writing program is particularly bad. Visiting writer positions (visiting writers are the lifeblood of any small program) are handed out for political reasons. The staff poets are not especially accomplished, either as poets or as pedagogues. The students like to think of themselves as writers, but, on the whole, are not well read and not very talented.

Will

The small school size allows for small class sizes. Professors know all their students' names (except for intro level lecture courses). Most students study a lot, and in general the academics are difficult, but manageable. Students are not very competitive. Also, it's fairly easy to get into the classes that one wants. The requirements are acceptable by my standards.

Katy

Professors here are great. The majority of the classes here are twenty people or under, but even in the larger classes the professors make an effort to know your name. And they all have office hours where you can go in to talk about an assignment, a test, or just to chat. One time I went into my creative writing professor's office and he ended up pulling out journals he had from when he was a little kid and we swapped tales about the ridiculous stories we'd written as kids. Pair that with my /Paradise Lost/ teacher, a class with about 70 people in it, who knew my name when I went into his office and said to me as I was leaving, "Ms. Day, please forgive me for poking fun at you, it's all in good spirits." Almost every professor I've ever taken a class with still remembers me and says hello to me around campus. They probably know their students so well because class participation is a big focus here--teachers often don't lecture all the time, but instead insist on students adding their opinion and occasionally engaging in debate.

Sara

Academics at Kenyon are close-knit and very important. Everyone at Kenyon has some kind of academic pursuit that they care about, and you do find kids having conversations about classes at dinner tables or even parties - discussing the Civil Rights Movement or the merits of a stream-of-conscience narrative over beers. Professors are laid-back and honestly care about getting to know students, especially in upper-level classes. I've found them all to be very helpful during office hours, even if you're a non-major, if you put work and time into the class. Participation if very common, but the academic atmosphere is friendly. My favorite classes have been in the history department - Roman history and African American history, and also Creative Fiction (short story writing). The education is the part of Kenyon that I value the most (and the reason I haven't transferred) - it's a true, classic liberal arts education that is not pre-professionally geared, but for the sake of learning itself. That said, I would NOT recommend the freshmen IPHS class.

Caroline

The distribution requirements can be tricky to follow--read the course book carefully. Also, if you want to major in certain fields (Bio, Chem, maybe Eng), you just about need to take an intro level class as a freshman. Some of the classes that are meant to help people get distribution requirements done (Intro Psych, Art History) can be bad or good, depending on the prof...try and talk to people about it! All of that aside, I've loved most of my classes. Most professors really enjoy thier subjects and are willing to discuss points of interest. Class participation really depends on the class and the professor (and the time slot!). Several of my profs give daily reading quizzes to make sure that everyone's done the reading, which is really good in a seminar class--it means everyone is prepared!

Peter

The academics of Kenyon are top quality. The professors here take time to get to know you and will look as you as peers. As a result, the typical Kenyon professor is dynamic and and wants to see you improve as a student. The students here are (generally) not competitve.

Terry

The professors know who you are very quickly, since many of the classes are small. There's a lot of studying that goes on here since the level of academic excellence they expect you to be at is high. The academic advisers for the most part are helpful as well, though I have heard stories from people whose advisers are unhelpful. Class participation is very common, especially in seminars. In a way, most people are competitive, but it's never verbally discussed, as are grades. Intellectual conversations take place anywhere at anytime. There's never a dull moment when it comes to talking politics or philosophy. I love my seminar on the Black Public Sphere this semester because it takes a topic people rarely hear of and looks at it from different angles. The writing portion is hard, but it's a skill we need to learn. Kenyon's academic requirements aren't too bad. I don't have to take math or English or chemistry anymore. I plan to major in International Studies and Sociology. The Sociology program is awesome, but I don't like that you cannot focus on an established area of the world (i.e. Western Europe) for International Studies, so I've had to work my way around that. I wish they would offer minors in languages such as Spanish or French or in Political Science. The education is geared towards more education as well as getting a job.

Karen

The professors know their students well. Classes are small and supportive. Some professors can even tell how a student is feeling based on the work that student turns in. Of course, that kind of knowledge depends on class, how much you interact with a professor, and in some cases, the department. I'm an English major, and despite the fact that it is one of the largest departments in the school, class sizes are still pretty small- small enough that all the professors know the kids in their classes and remember them from year to year. We're not a very competitive school. No one knows their class rank until graduation, and it doesn't matter. Academic support can be found in a number of different places, and the first place most people start is with their friends. Kenyon is definitely about learning for its own sake, to the extent that some departments discourage professors from talking about practical job hunting skills or career opportunities. It can be stressful when you're an English major with no direction.

Chris

The relationship between professors and students is one that is very intimate. I have been over to multiple of my professor's houses whether it was just as a visit, or to eat dinner with the class. The classes are generally challenging although there are certain classes which are harder than others. I have learned a great deal, and have been able to reach out to many areas of academia which I may have not been able to at a different school.

Emmy

Yes, my profs know my name. Even last semester, when I was in a 70-student physics lecture (one of the largest classes on campus), my professor knew my name. It's so cool. Almost every class is under 30 students, and under 20 is even more common. Class participation is a must. Sometimes it's frustrating that profs often factor in attendance as part of your grade--it feels very high school, and it's kind of a blow to the independence that college represents--but if you think about it, it's really cool that they put such a high premium on the classroom experience. In the true spirit of liberal arts, a Kenyon education is predominantly geared toward learning for its own sake, but there are definitely resources and support systems (the Career Development Center is very accessible and helpful). Kenyon isn't stupid, they know that even graduates of liberal arts college have to get a job someday. Oh, and as far as how much people study? OFTEN. Academics at Kenyon are intense, no lie. Even the kid who was doing keg stands on Saturday night will be in the library Sunday afternoon along with the rest of us.

Alex

It's really easy to have professors know who you are if you want them to. It's also easy to just slide by without forming relationships with any. But they do care a whole lot about what and who they're teaching. I think the only bad classes I had in 4 years were the intro psychology classes and econ 101. My favorite class was a religion course I took senior year. Changed my world. Students study a lot, but they also have a lot of fun. Its not at all uncommon to have a straight-A student also be a huge partier. Class participation is a must, you really can't get away with not participating, since classes are so small. Students aren't at all competitive. I never heard someone ask about another students grades. Seriously, never. I definitely spent time with professors outside of class, often having dinner with my Russian professors and my English professors. It wasn't uncommon for our newspaper adviser to buy us pizza or drink at the Cove with us. The English department at Kenyon gets a lot of hype, and there are definitely some really strong professors, but there are also a bunch of lousy ones, too. I think it's a little overrated, but I wouldn't have majored in anything else. Kenyon's education is definitely NOT geared towards getting a job (and the career center sucks). The academic requirements are pretty standard and definitely reasonable, though I still wish I hadn't had to take econ.

Austin

The physics department is absolutely amazing. I routinely meet with professors outside of class to discuss both academic issues and hold leisurely conversations. The faculty is committed to providing an academic environment that students can feel both comfortable and challenged.

Alex

Kenyon academics can be summed up quite simply: rigorous but not cut-throat. If you want to come to a school and dominate and compete academically, Kenyon is not the place for you; there's too much of a spirit of commraderie. It's about learning, not about getting higher marks than the guy sitting next to you. You'll get a well-rounded liberal arts education (including a math class, whether you want it or not!) in classes with no more than 50 students. And in every class I've been in, the professor has known everyone's name.

Harper

Professors do seem to know my name; I wish I was less memorable. My favorite class was my smallest: Mystic Philosophy, 7 students. My least favorite was also philosophy, with 20 students. Class participation depends on the attitude of the students, the professors, the courseloads, the time of day, lot of stuff. It's certainly encouraged by most professors. They don't want to talk the whole class. My department is a pain, I really hate it. The teachers are kind and brilliant and wonderful when you talk to them in office hours. I just wish their office hours were the only parts of them I were exposed to. I wish Kenyon made it's academic requirements more visible from the beginning of our studying here, or at least that all of it was available online. It seems like cheating for it not to be on the registrar's site.

Anna

I absolutely adore my professors. They all know me by name and have made conscious efforts to interact with me outside the classroom as well as in. I've had dinner with several professors since my first year and, in going abroad, got very close to one of the English professors and her family who accompanied the 2006/07 Kenyon-Exeter group. I've met professors to do odd jobs, get coffee, get recommendations for graduate school and just to shoot the breeze. Kenyon professors are by and large truly wonderful human beings: kind, compassionate, wise and brilliant. I'm very happy and grateful to have had them as my teachers.

Erin

Kenyon is small by national standards--about 1,600 students when I attended--but it's just the right size for its students. Classes are usually no larger than 20 students, which allows the professors to develop personal relationships with each of their students. You'll get invited over to your professor's house for dinner at least once during your college career, and most likely get invited even more often than that. Students babysit their professors' children and are often on a first name basis with everyone from the maintenance staff to the bookstore employees. You are an individual at Kenyon, not a number, and most faculty find a way to respect every student's individual strengths and help them with their weaknesses. Students aren't competitive with each other, instead pushing one another to learn more and helping when some fall behind. Class discussions are entirely what the students make them--the professors won't guide you or give you the answer straight out to make things easier. The classes are challenging and sometimes feel like more than you can handle, but the professors are always there to help. The English department is far and away the biggest and most well-known of Kenyon's departments. Some of the department's most famous alumni include John Crowe Ransom, Laura Hillenbrand, Robert Lowell, James Wright, and E. L. Doctorow. It's also home to The Kenyon Review, one of the America's foremost literary magazines. Since it has such a stellar reputation as a writing school, all the professors are very accomplished and articulate and expect you to be the same. My professor for a genetics lab regularly commented on the grammar, organization, and literary style of our lab reports in addition to the science. You won't leave Kenyon without learning how to write, that's for sure! The Drama department, where I spent most of my "free" time, is also nationally renowned--listed as one of The Fifteen Best Colleges for the Aspiring Actor by The College Finder. The Playwright in Residence is Wendy MacLeod, one of the foremost American woman playwrights living today. Paul Newman and Alison Janney both graduated from Kenyon's Drama program as well. As for the academic requirements, Kenyon is not a college for lazy students. In order to graduate with your intended major(s), every student is required to pass the Senior Exercise, which differs by department. In most cases, the student is required both to present a project (often to outside examiners) that serves as the capstone to their undergraduate career and pass a written exam encompassing the entire body of knowledge he/she has learned while studying for their major. Very few colleges do this in America as it's a more European tradition, but such a rigorous requirement for graduation ensures that each Kenyon student leaves with a comprehensive understanding of their subject(s).

Heather

All of my professors know my name and have had long conversations with me at one point in time. My favorite class was Quest for Justice (a freshman class) because it allowd me to agrue and explore a plethera of different subjects politically. My least favorite class was economics with Longbreak. I love econ, but he was a mediocre teacher at best. Don't worry, hes gone. Students study a good amount, especially during finals and midterms. Aka the library is packed. Students have intellectual conversaitons out side of class if they want to. Especially in the spring. And yes, most Kenyon students are driven which tends to imply competative. But not in a mean or bad way, just push each other to do well. Class participation is expected and required. My major is political science and they are the most interesting and thought provoking classes in my opinion. But I am biased. I have gone out to coffee with my professors before and its not uncommon for them to throw parties at the end of the semesters with the students. Kenyons academic requirements are challenging and difficult. Don't apply if yu want an easy ride. Kenyon is more geared for learnng for its own sake.

Jamie

The promotional materials market Kenyon as "a unique academic community where collaboration rather than competition is the guiding spirit." This is more or less true; the overall feel is both diligent and casual. "I've got a thesis and outline due tomorrow morning! Ahk!" "Hey, so do I. How's about a smoke?" While the faculty run the usual gamut from dull to eccentric, most are more than willing to spend time with students outside of the classroom. Just be aware that these things don't always happen on their own. Show a little more interest or dedication from the start if this is the type of academic relationship you wish to foster.

Michael

Academics really are the most important thing at Kenyon. A lot of big schools tend to lose sight of the fact that their purpose is to educate undergraduates. Sports, research, and extracurriculars may become more important at some schools, but definitely not at Kenyon. Class sizes tend to be rather small. The largest class I've ever had was an introductory Psychology class with around 60-70 people. On average, I'd say the classes range from 15-30 people. The professors always know your name. One of the many things I love about classes at Kenyon is the fact that, since the size is relatively small, the teacher calls on you a lot during the period. Kenyon isn't the type of school where you sit and watch a professor talk at you for an hour. You have to do the work, because the teacher will call on you. Classes tend to be much more discussion-based, which I feel is a much better teaching style than simple lecture. The professors at Kenyon are absolutely amazing. Kenyon students tend to be incredibly motivated, intelligent people. However, I don't think we're ultra-competitive grade-grabbers. Most of us are motivated simply because the stuff we're studying is interesting and we want to know about it. I'm a Japanese Area Studies Major, which is under the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. Kenyon's language program is fantastic. I meet with my faculty adviser a lot to discuss my courses, post-graduation plans, and even my general life. The faculty are incredibly open and keep easy office hours to help students stay in contact with them.