transferring

Not the Best

I am in my second semester at Earlham College. I came hoping for small class sizes, and I liked the idea of the two types of classes which all Earlham students have to take, an Earlham Seminar and the Interpretive Practices class. However, my IP class which was supposed to focus on how to write an effective college paper did not do that, and there is no regular English 101 type class, which became overwhelming at times. Also, the IP class which is heavily discussion based was hardly handled well. Almost every day I felt attacked by the other students who did not like that I had a different view then all of them, and the professor never stepped in. Not only was I continually shot down, I was shot down with unfair argument points and non-sequiturs.

I also took a class on the History of Non-Violence that was laid out so poorly, hardly anyone came to class. So much reading was assigned that it was impossible to do, and the reading often seemed irrelevant to the class. Often it was about historical movements in countries that aren't generally covered in regular history classes, but no background information was given so it was nearly impossible to comprehend. The professor never seemed prepared to lecture, but discussion did not work because it had 45+ students.

I have had a good experience in my Calculus class. The professor is good and free tutoring is available.

The registration process was absolutely infuriating as a freshman. We did not register for classes until the day before they started. The advice I was given was pretty much to take what ever I wanted to. When second semester rolled around, online registration opened at mid-night, but many people didn't have appointments with their advisors until the next day and couldn't get into classes.

Because Earlham is so small there is a very limited amount of sections of classes, and what semester they are offered. Many people have to plan their entire study abroad program around whether or not they will be on campus for the one semester out of four that a particular course is offered.

What Transportation?

With the exception of shuttles to 2 airports before breaks, and the shuttle that takes students to work study programs, there is no usable transportation that I have ever seen or heard of.

The campus transportation is not good either. I had a problem where they continually filled a Honda Civic or a Toyota Highlander with way more then could fit, which is a violation of Indiana law.When I complained, I was told that I could wait for the next shuttle. Which would have left me standing outside, alone, on another part of town. Finally after talking to the dean of students, the agreed to tell the student drivers not to do that anymore. My initial response was that they didn't care because students wanted to get to work on time.

Okay

Most people here have a good amount of Financial Aid. I'd highly recommend applying for the Bonner program.

It is unfair though, because as a division 3 school, athletes don't get athletic scholarships, but they do end up with "academic scholarships" that are weaseled in. Someone with a 2.5 gpa is likely to be getting just as much or more money than someone with a 3.5 or higher.