Gustavus Adolphus College
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Academics at Gustavus vary, depending on the student and the department. While some students rejoice in the silence of the third floor library and love to waste away in a book on a Thursday afternoon, some (most) students are more likely to study a bit and then speak their mind in discussion the next day. Depending on your major, classes can be small (sometimes with you being the only student) to large (where there are 40 other students in the lecture hall). The 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio is nice if you're looking for individualized attention, but if you didn't do the assigned reading for that day, you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Resources that students can easily turn to are professors, reference librarians, TAs (for labs only), and an academic counseling center. Double majoring can be tricky, but it works well depending on your major and how many incoming credits with which you enter.

Gustavus is unique because most students honestly are not fervent believers in grades. They understand that while the person who gets the "A" will earn recognition from the College and maybe from the employer, they know it's the "B" students who can hold meaningful conversations and understand truly how to interact with people who will be able to stand on the stage of "world citizens." Gustavus' strongest academic departments include the traditional liberal arts disciplines such as those found in the humanities, but also biology, chemistry, physics, Scandinavian studies, nursing, and health fitness. Gustavus is filled with excellent professors and some not-so-excellent professors, but almost all push their students and are grateful for the student who sticks out and tries to get the most out of his or her education. 

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

ChelseaFarr

Philosophy '15

5.0

A+

Double Major in Humanities

The departments that lay claim to me are filled with the most amazing professors you could ever hope to meet. They are enchantingly witty and eccentric, and I have an absurdly easy time learning from them. The workload is perfect for me - not extremely easy, but not extremely hard either. I work well under stress, but what level of stress we're talking about it here is what's key. The facilities aren't necessarily state-of-the-art, but then again, it's an old building. The atmosphere for my two departments are charming and cozy, if not a little bit old-school (college-wise). The opportunities for internships, study abroad, TA positions - virtually limitless. I'm very satisfied with my two departments. If I wasn't, I probably would have majored in another area of the humanities

Apr 15, 2012

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

bbartelt

Accounting '14

4.6

A

Great College Choice

Gustavus has challenging academics with dedicated professors. There are small class sizes and all of the professors learn your name. They want you to succeed and do their best to help you. The work load it pretty tough. There isn't much free time during the week, but you have to remember you are in college and this is supposed to be your job. Gustavus was the right choice for me, and I think it could be the right choice for you too!

Apr 09, 2012

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

nsonderg

Molecular Biology '15

4.6

A

Bio Major at GAC

The science programs at Gustavus are really impressive. The professors are mostly all involved with their own research, opening up opportunities for students to assist in that research. The classes, overall, are small (my largest being less than 50), so it's easy to get one on one time with professors. The lab TA's are all experienced in the sciences and very able to help with any questions concerning lab.

Jan 16, 2012

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