Hope College Senior Reflects on Why She Chose Hope

“Why Hope?”

A common question throughout my last four years. My answer always danced between a number of responses: a flood of unsolicited Hope propaganda from extended family, a phenomenal admissions rep, or Hope’s Christian-based education. Although all of those answers are true, none of them encapsulate the root of my decision to come to Hope. 

“I wanted so badly to be excited about my next phase of life, but instead I was so sad to leave the hometown I loved.”

The truth is, my college search was not an enjoyable time for me. It consisted of many school visits that all left me fearing an unknown future. I wanted so badly to be excited about my next phase of life, but instead I was so sad to leave the hometown I loved.  

When I stepped on Hope’s campus, I remember longing for confidence that Hope was the right place for me. I had heard so many stories about students’ “I knew this was where I was supposed to be when–” moments, and I wanted that clarity for myself so badly. I never got the clouds-parting, voice from Heaven saying “Kiley, go to Hope College” moment. And yet, as I walked around campus with my mom, we were greeted by so many students that smiled at us, gave us directions, or offered up extra seats at their table in Phelps. I was overwhelmed by how far the students went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. 

Not in one abrupt moment, but as kind interactions accumulated throughout the day, I began to feel a sense of peace and thought, “Wow, I can see myself here.” 

Now, four years later, when I am asked that same question –“Why Hope?”– it takes on new meaning. Why did I stay? What made this school all that it means to me? 

“Hope is a community whose students accentuate empathic listening, faculty engage with students beyond the classroom, and our culture sets an expectation of kindness.”

I am led to reflect on the same community that brought me here. Senior chaplain Trygve Johnson says so often to visiting students, “Choose a people.” The students and faculty are what truly make Hope all that it is. Hope is a community whose students accentuate empathic listening, faculty engage with students beyond the classroom, and our culture sets an expectation of kindness.

My story of my four years at Hope is the story of the people around me. Classmates challenged my perspectives, professors have gone above and beyond to personalized learning, and advisors have walked with me, metaphorically and literally, through my four years. Beyond the classroom, Hope has given me space to cultivate lifelong friendships. 

My freshman year of college, I was assigned two roommates. Quickly, these two strangers I was sharing a room with became my closest friends, and we have been inseparable ever since. Although I understand that being best friends with your Freshman year roommates may be uncommon, I am so grateful for them and for so many of the other friendships Hope has provided. Every year, my community of friends has expanded through bible studies, intramural sports teams, other extracurricular activities, and even just getting to know my classmates. 

So, why Hope? Because Hope has provided me with relationships that will extend far beyond my four years of undergrad. Hope is a place where students are known and can find belonging in a community that cares for them and wills their success.

Why Hope?

I have heard the saying “when you know you know” a lot in my life. I do not think there is any statement that can be as true as that when it came to choosing Hope.

Community

When someone asks about the community aspect of Hope there are no hesitations when saying that it is one of the greatest things to be part of. Everyone that makes up our community comes from different walks of life and when we all come together, this place comes to life! Whether you are heading to Holland State Park to watch the sunset, walking downtown to grab a coffee at Ferris, or just going for a walk around the Pine Grove on campus, there are many ways to be part of the community that Hope offers.

Involvement

There are plenty of ways for you to get actively involved on campus. Here you can find things like Greek Life, Student Congress, Student Activities Committee, TEDx, and more. You also have opportunities to get involved culturally on campus by going to events hosted by the Asian Student Union, Latino Student Organization, Black Student Union, Pan-African Student Association, and more.

Are you interested in tradition? Hope College has long-standing traditions that students have the ability to get involved with each year. One example is The Pull, a 3-hour tug-of-war with a 1,000-pound rope, something you have never seen before. Held annually against the even year and odd year classes, this tradition dates back to 1989 and is the longest-standing college tradition in the nation. You can read more about The Pull here.

Academics

Hope College provides a Liberal Arts curriculum with accredited programs and hands-on learning from your very first year here. There are over 90 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs offered here. There are opportunities to study abroad for a semester or even take a May term away from home! If you do not come into your first year knowing what you want to do for sure, that is okay! You will be paired with one of our fantastic academic advisors who will assist you in finding what you are meant to do and guide you through every step of the process when it comes to applying to your program of choice!

Athletics

Here at Hope, we have impressive sports teams to cheer for along with rivalries that run deep. Anytime that team from GR comes to town, students always have a great game to look forward to. Whether it’s volleyball, basketball, or hockey, our students unite for a rivalry game. There is a wide variety of athletic opportunities that you can explore at Hope, check out their website for more information!

Not interested in making the athletic commitment but still interested in playing a sport? Every semester we offer two seasons of intramural sports! You can get a team of your friends together to play soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, and more! Each season ends with a playoff and it is always a fun thing to be part of. This is one of the many ways to get involved and meet new people here at Hope.

Hope = Home.

There is not one clear-cut definition of home. In fact, when you look it up it just defines the place you live, but Hope makes it more than that. With a close-knit living community and a downtown with all the comfort factors, you truly cannot go wrong. When I came to Holland for my visit at Hope I had others lined up to attend, but as soon as I left I canceled them and fully committed to coming here. To this day, I will tell anyone that asks me that it was the best decision I could have ever made for myself and I truly do love it here. I hope this place can become as much of a home for you as it has for me.

Academics at Hope as a Business and Communication Major

The First Step

I vividly remember how nervous I was about college classes as a high school student. I tend to be a perfectionist so I was concerned with not succeeding academically at Hope College when I had made my decision to attend. Thankfully, my high school prepared me extremely well, and the deeper I got into my major the more I became interested in the subject matter, which made papers and studying a lot more enjoyable. 

Hope College Baker Scholars pictured with Hope Alumni Jordan Fuller ’10 and Chris Harrison ’10 to learn about the non-profit sector and best practices when working in sales.

More than Test Scores

Hope is a lot different than big universities when it comes to academics. Because of its size, student’s grade are made up of more than just their test scores. My friends from my hometown who go to larger institutions (especially in the 100 and 200 level courses) would tell me that their grade was based on a couple of exams and maybe one large paper that were often graded by TAs. This is a scary thought considering that some students are simply not good test takers. Most Hope courses are based on exams, papers, assignments (including problem sets/case studies), and participation. I love the participation piece because it gives professors the opportunity to boost a student’s grade because they see that they are truly putting effort into learning. The small assignments given between class periods I also find extremely helpful. It breaks down the content into bite size pieces, making it easier to retain and also holding the student accountable. I know at least for me, I would not be able to get myself to study knowing that the first time I will get a grade for my knowledge would be for an exam two months away. 

Personalized Academics

My favorite aspect of Hope academics, however, is how personalized it is. Yes, at times it can definitely be challenging, but professors are not only available to help, but genuinely love it when students take initiative to come and talk to them. I’ve been able to grow sustainable relationships with professors that have resulted in mentorships as I work to discover my vocation post graduation. The professors at Hope offer to take you out to coffee to genuinely make an effort to know about your life. I have been offered research opportunities and internships they knew I would be interested in as well as baby sitting jobs with their kids. My ministry professor has set aside time to help me through personal struggles and lined up a mentor relationship for me with his wife, Laurel. Laurel and I will grab coffee, go on hikes, and sometimes I’ll even go over to their house for breakfast just to play with their dog! I also have a couple professors that know me so well, they can tell I have a question just by looking at me. Although it can be hard to be away from home for months at a time and grappling with upper-level college courses, having adult role models that genuinely care about you and your learning experience has made it a lot easier. 

Outside of the Classroom

At Hope, I am a Business and Communication double major and a Ministry minor. What sets Business majors at Hope apart in the job market is all the things that they participate in outside of the classroom. Something that has been very impactful for me and my time in the Business department has been my involvement in Baker Scholars. Baker Scholars is a leadership development program for upperclassmen in the Business & Economic Department. The application process includes multiple essays and two days of interviews. The only schools who still offer the program are Hope College and Georgetown. Currently, I am one of twelve total Baker Scholars. Because of the small group size, I have been able to make deep connections within the department. The program has given me priceless opportunities to travel, network with Hope College alumni/executives, and participate in workshops that focus on conflict management, design thinking and more. This spring, Baker Scholars are going to Amsterdam and Paris! 

Hope College Baker Scholars in Boulder, CO focusing on team building through climbing.

I have been incredibly happy with my academic experience at Hope College. Professors and peers are always willing to help, creating an extremely supportive and collaborative environment. I have felt genuinely cared for yet challenged, which I believe created the ultimate environment for success.

My Experience in the Nykerk Even Year Play

This past Saturday, Hope hosted its 88th annual Nykerk competition. Freshman and sophomore (a.k.a. even and odd year) girls competed in song, play, and oration, to take home the coveted Nykerk Cup. Those with keen eyes may have spotted me in the even year play as the totally tubular Jennifer Nicole-Heather Johnson, a student trapped in the Kruizenga Museum since 1986. But how did I end up there? Well, it started with…

The Rally

About a month before Nykerk, the even and odd year coaches, along with the Nykerk board, host a rally to get people pumped for the upcoming competition. Each area gets to advertise themselves with a short, action-packed presentation. In total, the rally lasts about an hour. But the night isn’t finished, because after that is…

The Auditions

Both play and oration require an audition. I can’t speak for oration, but the play audition was an absolute blast. We played improv games, read some lines, and generally had a great time. The next day, it was time for callbacks. This time around, they asked us to prepare a “two minute something” beforehand. It could be a song, monologue, dance, anything! I deliberated for a while about what to do, and eventually settled on a monologue from “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie”. After we performed what we prepared, it was back to more line readings. But once the callback was over, it was time for…

The Results

After a few days, each girl casted in the play got an email notifying them of the decision. The email also contained details of our first meeting, along with a line that I heard a lot throughout Nykerk…

This is a Secret!

Since its conception in 1935, Nykerk has developed a ton of rituals and traditions, all of which are only known to the Nykerk participants. One of the most important secrets was the play itself. Not even our morale boys could know what our play was about for most of rehearsals. Not telling anyone may sound hard, but having so many Nykerk secrets strengthened the bond between the play girls as we continued with…

The even year cast acts out a scene from The Pull, a long-standing Hope tradition.
One of the many even year traditions is a scene referencing the Pull. Characters briefly portray pullers, moralers, callers, and even the rope.

The Rehearsals

Rehearsals were Monday-Friday nights and Saturday mornings. That may sound like a lot, but they were at times that usually didn’t conflict with schedules. When there were conflicts, the coaches were more than accommodating. While we did run the play at every rehearsal, that wasn’t the only thing we did. There are a lot more (secret) things that happened at rehearsals, which helped us to get to know each other and our characters. Once the three weeks of rehearsal were up, it was finally time for…

Group photo of the even year play cast.
Group picture after our very last rehearsal.

The Performance

Excitement was in the air when Saturday rolled around. In the morning we had one last run-through of the show just to make sure all our set changes and sound cues were going well. Then, around 5 p.m., it was time for us to get on our costumes and makeup. While we had about two hours to wait, it didn’t feel very long. We had a fun time in the dressing room singing along to Veggie Tales songs and taking pictures to commemorate our last time performing. Before we knew it, show time came around. Our play was first up, so we didn’t have much time to get nervous. The lights came on and we performed. Although we didn’t win, we still celebrated our hard work and the community we built after the event. Nykerk may be a competition, but I think the real Nykerk was finding the friends we made along the way.

The even year play cast in costume before the performance.
Less than an hour until showtime!

Want To Get Involved Next Year?

It’s super easy to get involved in Nykerk. Just go to the rally! Even if you can’t make it, you’ll still be able to audition for the play by reaching out to the coaches. But if play isn’t for you, no problem! There’s also song, which requires no audition, and oration, which rehearses according to your schedule instead of a set one. And it’s not just girls that can get involved, too. Song and play always need moralers. So next year, be sure to check it out. I’ll see you there!

A group of even year play girls.
A very fashionable group picture at the Nykerk wrap-up event

An International Student Explores Different Sides of America

For an international student from Nigeria who moved six thousand miles to study at Hope College, the idea of leaving Michigan to go off campus might seem puzzling. However, once you understand the drive that propelled me across the Atlantic, you can appreciate why I wanted to experience more parts of the United States during my undergraduate education. 

For my first off-campus experience, I was fortunate enough to have been recommended to the Washington D.C. Honors program run by the political science department at Hope College. During these four months in the nation’s capital, students get to learn by completing various internships. The internship experience is complemented by Hope faculty taught classes and informational sessions with Hope Alumni deeply entrenched in America’s Federal City.  

At the White House for an Official Tour
At the White House for an Official Tour

Through this program my junior year, I worked in the office of Senator Gary Peters as a Legislative Intern. This role allowed me to get a more intimate understanding of the American government, especially in the area of constituent correspondence. I was fortunate to work with two Legislative Assistants during my internship; one assistant worked on economic issues, and the other thought through foreign affairs and security concerns. I got to assist both individuals with their decision-making processes by attending Senate briefings and compiling summaries & analyses. This experience allowed me to think more critically about policy issues while applying many of the concepts I had picked up during my classes at Hope. 

2022 Washington D.C Cohort
2022 Washington D.C Cohort

It’s important not to miss one of the best parts of an off-campus study program, which is getting to learn in a brand-new environment. For me, Washington D.C. was full of so much promise and allowed me to lean into its international nature. Whether it was trying Pakistani food, connecting with my fellow Nigerians, discussing the economic impacts of refugee displacement, or giving tours of the Capitol building to Spanish tourists, I loved it. I enjoyed every single ride on the metro, even though I got lost a couple of times. And, I enjoyed learning how to budget as a young adult, even if there were some moments of financial anxiety. 

Marvellous at The Hart Senate Building
Marvellous at The Hart Senate Building

In all, Washington D.C. provided an opportunity I could not afford to pass up. Seeing how people with my specific degree were operating in the nation’s capital has given me more clarity about my future. Hence, when a second opportunity for off-campus study presented itself, I jumped right on it. 

New York City is my home for this semester, and so, while I cannot fully evaluate the program until it is over, I can say that I am glad I took the leap of faith in this direction. Like my home city, Lagos, NYC is densely populated and bursting with energy. The vibrancy that moves through the city is, thus, infectious and is allowing for a great semester. While here, I am taking writing classes with The New York Arts Program and serving as a Policy and Engagement Intern at The Africa Center. While different from my first internship, this work also allows me to apply the knowledge I picked up from my Philosophy and Political Science program at Hope. With the helpful guidance of my supervisor, I am working on establishing relationships with African consulates and embassies in New York while developing policy proposals for The Afreximbank Diaspora Institute, which is looking to understand and support Africans like myself living in the United States. 

At The New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street
At The New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street

This opportunity through Hope’s off-campus study office, to live in one of the world’s most iconic cities while working on skills that are relevant to my emerging career, is one I am extremely grateful for. Unlike many other undergraduate students around the world, I am able to leave my campus and travel for two semesters. Additionally, Hope’s program is different because it allows individuals to move their financial aid packages towards off-campus semesters, which allows for more financial accessibility. This policy allowed me to make this year of travel possible. 

Marvellous Ogudoro in New York City
Times Square

In closing, as someone who moved continents in search of an educational opportunity, I understand the value that being away from home can provide. While such a semester abroad can be stretching, it is also a time for immense growth in multiple areas. I know this because I have already taken that adventurous leap into the unknown three times. Hence, the question becomes, when will you be joining me at Hope to study off campus? 

Residential Life Experiences as an RA

In my time at Hope College, my experience with Residential Life has been the most impactful. Reflecting on my senior year, and the third year being a Resident Assistant, my path at Hope has been uniquely shaped because of my time in ResLife. The programming, values, and core mission of Residential Life at Hope College bring light to this campus and overall value to the college experience.

First Visit

On my first official visit to Hope College during my senior year of high school, I fell in love with the Residential Life experience, which influenced my decision to come to Hope. I was particularly interested in visiting Durfee Hall, where I had heard rumors of a great community from other prospective students. Deciding to find out for ourselves, seventeen-year-old me and my future roommate Ethan stepped foot into the building that we would call home the following year. Though only planning on spending 15 minutes in the residence hall, we walked in and stayed for hours. The students in Durfee took us in as if we lived there and let us know all the ins and outs of their time at Hope. They helped us understand the value and meaning of a Hope College experience.

Endless Adventures

Hope College offers the deepest community I have ever known. If you are willing to lean into the experiences Hope has to offer, Hope will supply you with endless adventures. I think about the all-hall events that are put on by the staff, and how many of my lasting friends I’ve met at these events. An example was “Club Durf” my Freshman year.  This is a recurring event during the Halloween season where everyone at Hope is invited to come dressed up for an evening of music at Durfee Hall.  This is just one of the countless experiences I’ve had in the residence halls that have made lasting memories for me at Hope. 

Lasting Memories

My sophomore year, I was an RA in Durfee – where I had lived the year before. This gave me a new perspective on the community, as I was now in the shoes of the event planning crew.  The role of RA was one that I felt called to and had a significant monetary impact on helping me pay my room and board.  The community in Durfee was so responsive to the planned events, that the residents I had two years ago are all still in one large friend group.  These are friendships that will last a lifetime, and are found within the walls of the residential hall. Other friendships across various residential halls were made through more ResLife sponsored events, like pumpkin carving and movie nights.

Overall, being a part of Hope’s Residential Life for all 4 years was something that I know has made me a better person. I have learned so much from my time within the residential halls, and would encourage anyone looking for that same belonging to find it in ResLife.

My Faith Journey at Hope

My time at Hope college has been transformative for my faith. Growing up, I was enrolled in public school so my spiritual intake for the most part was limited to church on Sundays. I had a desire for a personal relationship with the God I heard about in church, but I did not understand how to obtain it. I did not know anyone my age who had been able to develop that relationship. It seemed a personal relationship with God was impossible to grasp, like water vapor. 

A cloudy sunset at Lake Michigan
Views at Camp Geneva during individual prayer time at the Campus Ministries Leadership Retreat

I arrived at Hope for my freshman year, and had a roommate named Natalie. Natalie and I met over “Hope Connect” and had never seen each other in person. As soon as we assessed each other as “normal enough,” we put each other down on the housing form. 

Natalie intrigued me because God was her best friend. I would come back from class to Natalie telling me what God had told her on her run that day. She would sprawl out over the three feet of floor space in Dykstra 352 to pray a blessing over our room. Natalie cracked open her Bible multiple times a week and would constantly remind me to “speak biblical truth” over any lies I was telling myself. The Holy Spirit was at work in Natalie, and I knew I wanted to strive toward a relationship with God the way she did. 

That year I truly began my faith journey. Thankfully, for anyone wanting to pursue their faith, Hope offers a multitude of resources. I talked to Chaplains, signed up for Bible study, declared a Ministry minor, attended Chapel and began to take the personal steps to get to know God’s character. All of these things were blessings that filled me up, but I wanted more. Something was still missing from my relationship with God. 

It was not until the second semester of my sophomore year, that I believe I let the Holy Spirit into my heart. That time was a hard season of life for me. A group of RAs I worked with all decided to do Exodus 90 together through the St. Benedict Institute. Although I am not Catholic, all who are interested in growing their faith are encouraged to participate. Exodus 90 is a spiritual challenge that consists of giving up TV, sweets, social media and more for 90 days. In addition, making the commitment to pray for at least 20 minutes each day. 

That year, Exodus 90 took place in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was isolated in a single dorm as an RA, with heartbreak seeping into my personal life at school and family life at home. For the first time, I felt things were completely out of my control. It was in this time of prayer that I opened my heart and surrendered to God because I realized just how deeply I needed Him in my life. It was through the 20 minutes of prayer for 90 days that I built the foundation that led me to deep friendship with Him. 

There is no list of tasks you have to do in order to have a relationship with God. You just need to spend time talking to Him. He’s right there with you, waiting for you to lean on Him. He desires to listen and respond, to the funny stuff, the dumb stuff, the victories and the defeats. Prayer sounds easy until the semester begins and all of a sudden your Google calendar is lit up like a Christmas tree.  But like in any relationship, friendship with God requires time and intentionality. Prayer is extremely simple, but it is not easy and requires patience and practice. 

Worship on the beach at the Campus Ministries Leadership Retreat

Reflecting on my faith journey as a senior at Hope College, I feel so blessed to have had so many resources provided by Campus Ministries and the St. Benedict Institute. What will always be special to me about Hope is the fact that all of these resources are just that, resources. Although Hope is a Christian college, one does not have to be pursuing spirituality to be a student here. Chapel, prayer team, etc. are never required and are accepting of anyone who just simply wants to “check it out” and never go back again. College is the time where many people are searching for identity and purpose. I greatly appreciate that Hope allows students to freely decide how they will participate. This allows students to take ownership of their own relationship with God.  As students seek spiritual guidance, Hope provides the tools needed to grow spiritually. The last step is to utilize these resources and pursue learning experiences and spiritual growth.

Life in Holland

Among the many attributes of Hope’s location that set it apart from other schools in my college search, one particular attribute caught my attention: Hope is exactly 13 minutes from the beach. 

And boy, have my friends utilized this asset. From last-minute runs to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan to a quick beach day on a rare, hot September or October day, the beach is one of the places where students can escape the pressures of everyday life and refresh.

Growing up in Petoskey, Michigan, I am truly a lake town girl at heart. Not only does the Lake Michigan lakeshore remind me of home, but it has also made Holland home in and of itself. 

Small Town, Big Possibilities

Aside from the beach, Holland holds so many avenues for students to engage with the community. Only two blocks from campus, 8th Street is great for grabbing coffee with a friend, shopping local small businesses, picking up lunch, or even catching a movie! One of my friends’ favorite things to do on Saturday or Wednesday mornings is go to the Holland Farmers Market and grab a loaf of homemade bread or a bouquet of flowers for our cottage. Holland provides so many fun opportunities for students outside of Hope’s campus to engage with the community and make college memories memorable.

Holland is a town that embraces all of the seasons Michigan has to offer. Beaches and an abundance of ice cream places rule the summer. Followed closely by apple-picking, cider mills, and the changing colors in fall. Downtown fireplaces, heated sidewalks, and Christmas lights make Holland feel like a Hallmark movie town in the winter. And, of course, tulips bring new life to Holland every spring. 

Holland’s proximity to other towns gives students even more things to do in the area. Saugatuck to the south and Grand Haven to the north provide awesome places to hike down to the water, visit different beaches, or explore new downtown areas. Holland is also just 40 minutes away from Grand Rapids, giving it all the advantages of a big city without compromising Holland’s small town charm. 

Community Involvement

Another way my friends and I have engaged with the Holland community is by visiting local churches. I have visited over six of the churches in the area, and every single one of them was excited to welcome Hope students and made us feel like we were part of their community. 

One of my favorite ways I have interacted with the Holland community is by volunteering at a local nursing home. Volunteering has allowed me to build strong relationships with the people of Holland in a way I wouldn’t get to do on a college campus. Many of my friends have also pursued volunteering opportunities in Holland with organizations such as Community Action House, Holland Free Health Clinic, and Young Life programs at local high schools.

It’s Always a Good Time

So much of college is about the unpredictable and unplanned events that make it memorable. The late-night Good Time Donut runs, frequent Target trips, weekly (or nightly) Chick-Fil-A meals, or sitting in the car at the beach talking to your mom – Holland is a place for real-life memories. It’s a place where students can build a community outside of school and where they can find a home away from home.

Admissions Advice From a Freshman

The college admissions process felt daunting as I began my senior year of high school. It was what my entire life and education had been leading up to. Plus, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’m the oldest child, so nobody in my family had gone through the process since 1997. I also came from an average public school and didn’t have the same resources as my friends who went to college prep schools. If this is you, you’re not alone! Myself and many others have gone through senior year feeling woefully unprepared for the admissions process. While everyone’s admissions timeline looks different, this is the one I followed:

Junior/Senior Year – SATs and AP Classes

Hope College is currently test-optional, meaning you don’t need to submit an SAT or ACT score to apply. Also, plenty of people get in without taking a single AP class. That being said, I recommend doing both. Your standardized testing score will only help you, and it can even get you a scholarship. AP test scores can also allow you to skip taking some of the required gen eds. My school only offered AP Computer Science Principles, but my score on the exam fulfilled the equivalent of a science class. So, while neither is absolutely necessary to be admitted to Hope, I highly recommend doing both as they can only help you in the long run. 

August-September – The App and Essay

If you’re applying to more than one college, the Common Application is 100% the way to go. The Common App essay is required, and gives the college insight into who you are and why you would be a good fit. Though a short essay (650 words maximum), it is best to get started as early as possible. Hope also offers its own application that is separate from the Common App. The information they have on file from you will be pre-populated in your app, so this is a good option if Hope is the only application you’re submitting. Another option is to apply through the Apply Coalition, Powered by SCOIR. All three options work great so it’s just a matter of personal preference.

The early application deadline is November 1, and applications after November 1 are considered on a rolling basis. I recommend having your application done by October to give time for editing. Be sure to have at least one person look it over, whether it’s a parent, a teacher, or a friend. They’ll be able to catch errors that you might not notice otherwise. Once you have a final product you are happy with, submit it along with your transcripts and application.

Also, be sure to add Hope to your FAFSA (available in December) to receive priority consideration for scholarships. Hope’s Office of Financial Aid starts sending financial aid packages to admitted students in early to mid-February, and the priority date for the FAFSA is March 1.

August-November – Apply to Hope Forward

As you’re applying to Hope College, you also have the opportunity to apply to Hope Forward – a new way of thinking about funding college. Hope Forward is an innovative model for higher education where students fund their education through gifts after graduation rather than paying for college through tuition and debt up front. Through the Hope Forward cohort, the program will provide experiences for learning, reflection and growth focused on the three pillars of Hope Forward — community, access and generosity. All application requirements must be submitted by December 18, 2023, for consideration.

October – Campus Visit

Hope encourages students to apply by November 1 to receive early notification of their admission, which is mailed in early December. While you wait, why not schedule a visit? You can come for an Anchor Day or schedule an individual tour. If you can’t visit campus in person, Hope’s virtual tours are also a great option to see campus up close.

Visiting campus is a great way to learn more about your prospective colleges and get a feel for what it would be like to go there. I did both a tour and an Anchor Day, and I had a great time at both. It was a great experience seeing the Hope campus and talking to the students.

Early December – Decision Day!!!

Hope starts sending out early decisions in December to students who submitted their application by November 1. The wait was agonizing but worth it. The email was sent out in the evening, so I was able to have my family with me as I opened it. Needless to say, I got in! While getting your admission notice isn’t the end of the process, be sure to take some time to rest and celebrate your accomplishments. You’ve earned it!

December – Program Applications

Once admitted to Hope, consider applying to one of the extra programs offered. In December, I submitted my application to be a Phelps Scholar, and many students apply for pre-orientation programs like Day1 Research Communities or the Summer Bridge program. All are great opportunities to join a vibrant academic community on campus. There is also the Step2Success program (invite only), which gives students of color the chance to arrive a day before orientation and build a community. Students with creative abilities in the visual arts can also apply for the Distinguished Artist Award.

January-April – Make Your Decision

The deadline for committing to a college by submitting a deposit is May 1. Personally, I recommend committing sometime in March or April. If you submitted your FAFSA early, you should receive your financial aid package by this time. Making your college choice early gives you time to weigh your options but not be down to the wire.

A lot of factors went into my decision to go to Hope, but the biggest one was simply the feeling being on campus gave me. I loved seeing the brick buildings, hearing the chapel bell chime the hour, and having people smile at me as I walked by. I’m happy to report that the charm hasn’t worn off, and I haven’t regretted my decision to go to Hope for a second. 

May-August – Odds and Ends

Once you decide, there is still a lot to do before heading to college (register for housing, submit health information and insurance, etc.). Be sure to check your email regularly because Hope will send plenty of reminders on what needs to happen. Plus, stay in contact with your admissions representative. They’re super helpful and can answer any questions you may have.

Take a deep breath!

You got this! Applying for college is a scary time, but follow this timeline, and you’ll be fine. I hope (pun intended) that Hope ends up being the school for you!

Information updated October 2023

Summer Internship Experience

Working in Chicago

This summer, I spent ten weeks at UScellular, where I was able to work and live in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. I was a Marketing Strategy intern, and this experience will stick with me as I take my first career steps. The summer between your junior and senior year is a great time for an internship; I felt that this summer gave me new tools and a lens I would not have had without the internship experience.

Finding an Internship

In the fall of my junior year, I started applying for internships by submitting applications to many companies in the Chicagoland area via LinkedIn. LinkedIn was a great place to apply for internships, and I created a spreadsheet to keep the applications organized. After applying, I heard from a recruiter at UScellular to set up a time for a preliminary interview. This interview covered my relevant experience and my fit within the team. From there, I received a second interview to discuss more about my fit in the company. Following the second interview, I heard from the original recruiter that I was offered the position and had 48 hours to decide my course of action.

Try Everything

Throughout my summer, I had two main goals. The first was to participate in everything possible and make the most of my location and job in Chicago; try new food, see astounding sights, and enjoy unique experiences. I would go out and try a new restaurant in the area everyday. The first day of my internship, I remember I went to the nearest cafe, and had the classic Chicago style hot dog. Lunch at the cafe became a tradition with the other interns, and a staple food in the office. Our office was close enough to anything I could’ve ever needed – a perfect location that made going to work another small adventure.

Make Lasting Connections

The second goal was to meet everyone I could, meaning I would try and meet all of the people in my office and see how high up the corporate ladder I could make connections. Being typically extroverted, I found myself naturally inclined to have conversations with people outside of my immediate work bubble. Working cross-departmentally comes with some perks, too!

By meeting people beyond my immediate team, I understood how important and expansive the corporate structure was. The workflow was crucial at our company, and having the right hands on the right projects was necessary to accomplish work within a timetable.

The company offered networking experiences that allowed me to network with upper management and the executive team. From the management team, I learned that everyone has expertise and value in their field, and we should trust them to do that work well. I had a chance to meet the Chief Marketing Officer and ask him how it was possible to have such a well-oiled machine! He let me know just how important everyone was in their individual roles and how a manager needs to be on a first-name basis with all of their employees.

Meeting the CEO

In my final week, I had the privilege of having lunch with the CEO – and pick his brain as much as possible. The CEO, L.T. Therivel, is someone who leads with strength and compassion. L.T. was on Undercover Boss and Thirty Minute Mentor’s recently – both of which I had watched/listened to before meeting. Sitting down with the CEO to better understand the company and its functions was something that shaped my summer. Because I had spent 9+ weeks already working, I found myself slipping right into conversations about the culture and work environment.

The US Cellular CEO and the summer interns standing for a photo.
Josh (second from the left) pictured with the CEO of USCellular and fellow interns.

My two goals kept me entertained and motivated me to do the best work that I could for UScellular. This role brought me conversations with people currently doing my “dream job,” and I was able to ask them directly about their work. My time in Chicago and at UScellular was invaluable, and I will keep these connections well into my career.