More words of warning to prospective Wheaton College students: Wheaton's campus is unfortunately very homophobic. The school's Community Covenant that every student signs before enrolling condemns homosexuality and outlines specific consequences for students who "practice homosexuality". While there is some level of discussion among both students and staff about homosexuality, it is usually misinformed, judgemental, and lacks empathy for the unknown student who may be questioning his or her sexuality.
It is difficult to come up with a worst thing about Wheaton College, but perhaps it would be the seculsion that it unintentionally embodies at times. To expound, sometimes we do not have a healthy Christian community, sometimes it feels too small, too academically constrained, too much like high school, too removed from the city or nature, too much of everyone doing there own thing because there are a lot of great things going on!
there is alot pressure to be perfect at Wheaton. Pressure to have perfect grades, religious life, and social life. This is not healthy on the students at Wheaton, it is something that alot of the students need to work through.
Students at Wheaton College tend to place their identity and self-worth on how busy and involved they are within the campus community and extra-curricular activities in addition to coursework. This results in students being so concerned with their crazy schedules that they do not give their full attention in class, social activities, and chapel. If more students gave themselves margins and boundaries instead of taking on too many responsibilities, the atmosphere would be more peaceful.
I think the academic advising system leaves something to be desired. I've rarely felt well-advised on the requirements for graduation and my direction. I would advise incoming students to be very intentional about seeking out a good advisor.
Not enough diversity
Too high expectations
There are a lot of false preconceptions and ideas going into school, and if you are unprepared to sort through these issues, it is easy to believe in them.
The worst part about this school is the pressure to be the best at everything. Everyone here has always been top of the class and involved with a ton of extra-cirriculars. So everyone tries to be the best now that we're all together, but not everyone can be the best! It's bad how much stress it causes people.
somewhat small, sheltered
The rigorous atmosphere that seems to cut students off from other aspects other than academics. The weekends are dead, I feel that they may do that on purpose to encourage studies. Way too many students are very burnt out and tired. Lots of depression on the campus, and 3 suicides in the last 2 years. That's a lot for a school that small.
The community can be somewhat too conservative. Most people who attend Wheaton are fairly conservative Christians. That's not a bad thing, but people tend to be a little naive about what the real world is actually like.
Too many students are here under false pretenses; they say they love God but their actions say the opposite.
The wosrt thing about Wheaton is that it is a very expensive school and the Financial aide office isn't looking to do you any favors. Unless you were born a Missionarie's child you probably are not going to recieve any help.
the cynicism on campus and the high-pressure to "have it together"
Being surrounded by upper middle class suburbia. We are at least a 30 minute drive from any natural open areas.
The lack of diversity of opinions. It is the weakness of all private institutions that have "requirements" for the type of student and staff that fits within a set system of beliefs and expectations. Wheaton is often percieved as elitist, conservative or discriminatory. This doesn't have to be apologized for necessarily since it very blatantly expresses its expectations of its community. But because of this it is difficult to feel that there is a value of original thought or exploration of alternative options. It is a weakness because it can easily turn into the a negativity or cynacism.
Please read the above statements.
Sponsored Meaning Explained
EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Ad” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. Your trust is our priority. We at EducationDynamics believe you should make decisions about your education with confidence. that’s why EducationDynamicsis also proud to offer free information on its websites, which has been used by millions of prospective students to explore their education goals and interests. close