Isn’t it a great feeling to be on break, everyone? Just sitting and relaxing, not doing anything? By the end of exam week, my brain was fried, and it needed to recover. I can safely say that my brain is at optimum functioning. Anyways, seeing as many students from the Class of 2018 are receiving their acceptance letters, I wanted to share why I chose Hope College. If you are admitted student, I hope you find some inspiration in this. If you are a current Hope College student, maybe you can reflect back on why you chose this wonderful institution. I actually had some help from admitted students; here is a shoutout to the three of them. Thank you so much for some inspiration for this blog post Christy, Mariah, and Sara E.! I hope you enjoy the read, and find some inspiration and excitement in it!
Senior Year: Around August, college applications were my life. Well, more like throughout the first half of my senior year, preparing for college was my life. To be honest, my high school did not a very good job of helping me with the college process, so it was definitely a learning experience. But I’m glad I taught my self, because look at where I am now. Anyways, I applied to many schools, specifically to have a variety of options. Although the options part of it was good, the fees and time was draining. So, if you’re still applying for schools, prioritize. Which schools truly appeal to you?
I had family (my uncle and two cousins) that went to Hope. I actually had the mindset that Hope was the last place I would go, merely because my family has been there. I wanted to be different, I wanted to veer off the “common” path. Soon enough, I found myself on Hope College’s campus on the first visit day during the fall of 2010 (holy moly, 3 years ago!). I thought to myself, “Here we go, let’s just get this done quickly.” First stop, Schaap Science Center. There, I observed a chemistry class. And let me tell you, it was the coolest thing! I was in AP Chemistry during this time, and what the college students were doing in class – I ACTUALLY KNEW! What a cool experience for me. I wanted to go to school for something science-related, and this chemistry class definitely affirmed that belief. Next stop, Chapel.
As cheesy as this may sound, this is definitely the turning point in my college decisions. Although I had other schools to visit, my heart was immediately set on this school. A bunch of students let us sit in their pew with them, and they welcomed me to Hope. Where else can you find a community like that? (Right, Mariah?!) I clearly remember Josh Banner, the Music Worship Leader welcoming the students to Hope, and I heard so much excitement from the crowd! Not to mention, that chapel was so packed! That was definitely a good sign. Then, the whole congregation started singing. THIS WAS IT. I knew. God definitely told me, “Welcome to your new home.” I had the chills, because of how exciting it was!!! I already knew this is where I belong, but there was just so much more to do!
After Chapel, I ate lunch at Phelps, and met with some faculty members from the different departments. Here, I felt like I was interrogating them with questions. Why Hope? Why should I go here? As I asked these questions, I found myself answering them, and this was definitely a sign that I belong here. Soon enough, my visit day was complete. I did not want to leave, I wanted to jump right in and stay, but I had to graduate first! Although my visit was over, I requested more literature. And after reading through the many brochures my admissions representative, (ANDREW MEYERS!) had sent me, I literally said out loud, “I’M HOPE BOUND!”
If you’re reading this, that was a “long-story-short” version. This blog post would go on and on if I included every detail, but I made it short and sweet for you all. But before I sign-off, I want to share some important Hope facts with you that I learned from the literature.
Student-Faculty Ratio:Â Yep, Hope college is proud to have student-faculty ratio at 13:1. This was so important to me. I wanted my professors to know me on a first name basis, and I wanted to have a personal relationship with them. I was definitely right in choosing Hope because I have established so many relationships with my professors. This has allowed me to use them as references, or just people to talk to!
Vibrantly Christian:Â Hope College incorporates Christianity within its mission statement, which means it is intertwined with student life and academics. I went to a large public high school, so going to a Christian school was such a great change for me. My faith continues to evolve, and all of my friendships are Christ-based.
Nationally Ranked:Â Hope College has many national rankings and honors. One of the most important (to me), and the most significant was its excellence in undergraduate research. I knew that I would want to pursue research someday, so this was a great factor. This college truly does a magnificent job in undergraduate research. Hope College does it so well that it is ranked with the most elite large universities. Hope is truly special.
Financial Aid Packages:Â Okay, the thing that worried me the most was, “Can I afford Hope?” Although the tuition price may scare many of you, don’t fret. Hope gives excellent financial packages as well as grants and scholarships! Just do well in high school, and you can get a large sum of money in scholarships. Financial aid along with scholarships really made Hope College affordable!
Campus:Â And at last, the campus and the community itself. As Christy explained, Hope College is very beautiful, in all four seasons! The architecture is picturesque, the people are friendly, and it contains so much history! For many, the campus is the selling point for students, and if you’re looking for a beautiful campus, try Hope!
Yes, it’s December. But before you know it, January, February, March, and April will just zoom by, When May comes along, and that deposit is due, that’s the moment of truth! I hope you find what I have shared with you inspiring and helpful as you make your college choices. Hope is simply an amazing place, it fosters my academic, social, and spiritual growth. Hope is ready for you; are you ready for Hope!?
Follow me on twitter: @HopeMarvin15
Feel free to also read some of my other blog posts! There’s a great variety to choose from!
