Davidson College Top Questions

Davidson has a rigorous academic program. But it is also the most rewarding experience. You learn a lot, are challenged, and get to show your knowledge. The liberal arts curriculum lets you learn about a lot of different things and prepares you for experiences down the road.

Davidson classes are extremely rigorous. The teachers push us beyond what we have ever experienced. I feel like everyone at Davidson was used to being top of their class. A's were easy to achieve and studying was optional. Davidson opens those people's eyes. The library is always filled with students studying, researching and working on group projects. Students write papers and study for hours. Yet there is still a balance between social and academic lives. Success takes work, but everyone here is capable of handling the challenges brought by Davidson. The professors really do want to see us succeed. They are always available and so welcoming. They know every student by name and take the time to get to know each student as a person. It is not uncommon for teachers to invite classes to their homes for a home-cooked meal. They respect us and in turn we respect them. One occurrence that I had never experienced before coming to Davidson is real class discussions. Everyone in class has something to say and discussions keep going. When you throw so many bright minds together conversation flows. And even outside class one can find intellectual conversations going on all over campus. I have spoken to classmates about topics such as religion, murder, abortion, evolution, violence, and so much more. I have learned so much about other countries simply by talking with friends here. It is impossible to go through Davidson without having several of these conversations. They are spontaneous and contagious. Davidson shapes men and women for the real world.

At davidson class sizes are small enough for professors to know each student's name which i think is really unique for most college institutions. my favorite classes are those in history and similar classes like it that are based mostly on discussion. i do not like the sciences here at davidson or the pre-med track because i think that the professors are too strict and grade oriented. grade deflation is one of the biggest and most important academic issues at davidson. in the long run, i think lowering grades just to make a testament of davidson's academic integrity ruins the opportunity of students who wish to be competitive in future school applications (like medical or law schools).

Professors know your name but you do have to make an effort to talk to them. They won't necessarily seek you out. My favorite class was my writing course - Serious Play: writing about toys. My professor was amazing, caring, and knew what she was talking about. I learned so much while having fun. My least favorite was Calculus II. We study a good bit, but it depends on your classes and your own motivation. Participation depends on the class size - some students take over and some just sit in the back. It depends. There are always intellectual conversations outside of class. That's a typical Davidson thing. Students are pretty competitive, but I think it's just with themselves. Everyone is smart and will succeed so it's more about how you yourself are doing. I don't spend much time with professors outside of class, but I see them around campus a lot. They're all friendly.

Davidson is unique in that class size is very small, professors know their students' names, hometown, and random facts. Professors are always around to help. They want to challenge you and push you to your limit. Students are NOT competitive with one another, they are only person you are competing with is your self...how hard can you push yourself. Professors love their jobs and their students...they welcome you into their homes and lives and genuinely want you to succeed. Davidson is a serious grade deflator...often frustrating to hear about the 4.0s your friends back home get, but you get over it soon. A Davidson degree takes you places!

Professors always know your name, and generally classes are under 20 students. I have had classes of 4 students before, and my largest ever was 28. The relationship with professors is great, and most of them are in their offices with the doors open all of the time- whether or not it is their office hours. Students are generall very hard working and it is very hard to get As, but people seem to be more competitve with themselves than with anyone else. because there are no scales, no one is unhappy if you are the one student who did well on a test. The classes are very good, but there is very strong grade deflation, which can be disheartening.

My favorite class was Issues in Reproductive Medicine. Despite the fact that I am a Spanish major, the class really opened my eyes to some incredibly fascinating issues. As I prepare for law school, I hope to go into reproductive and healthcare law in order to pursue the interest sparked by this particular course.

Classes are very small (30 or under), participation and attendance is required to do well because your professors know you and value your participation. Intellectual conversations are common outside class and most people aren't that competitive. I'm not sure about upper level classes though. The core requirements challenge you to take classes that you would have otherwise avoided. Definitely geared toward an education for the sake of learning.

Very tough Know professors small class sizes students study very often

Professors are very available for their friendship and guidance if you seek them out. I am closest to those with whom I spend the most amount of time, and what a valuable resource that is. The art department is so small it's like a little family; it gives you perspective. Students here are focused on both getting a job and learning for its own sake. I don't think you would last long here if you didn't love learning and expanding. This can be a high pressure/high stress environment, but it's doable. You just have to step back and breathe.