Knox College Top Questions

Professor's are so down-to-earth, open, and intuitive. They will definitely know your name and will be there if you want to foster an individual relationship. My favorite class so far has been Beginning Acting which is such a far cry from high school drama class that it doesn't even warrant comparison. In one term I grew exponentially as an actress and my professor was with me, supervising my individual journey every step of the way, even outside of class. I came to Knox because I sat in on a class discussion where students actually had something to /say/. They discussed points that were relevant and interesting, rather than the usual participation grade sort of interaction that took place at other schools I looked at. The discussions continue outside of class, and I can recall specific dialogs with other students that have affected my outlook. Students are really here to learn. Group studying, individual studying, cramming- they all happen. The average student here is devoted to becoming an expert in their area of interest, so competition really is high. The studying here is geared towards learning about what you want to learn, but there are definitely resources that students can take advantage of to get a job.

Education at Knox is without any doubt geared toward learning for its own sake but because of Knox's credentials and the intelligence of the student body people end up becoming qualified for Grad School and careers without any special effort.

Knox students know they are smart...that's why we're all here. There are definitely intellectual conversations outside of the classroom. Students like myself chose Knox because it gives us the opportunity to participate actively in the academic setting. Professors know our names and sometimes our whole life history. Its not uncommon to see Knox students hanging out with professors after class at a restaurant/bar nearby the campus. I'm an International Studies and Chinese double major. I'm a first year student but I am already taking independent study courses and serving as a TA. Thus far, I've really loved all of my classes - statistics, philosophy, economics, chinese, and freshman preceptorial. I've felt challenged in every single one of them. Knox students should definitely take an econ course with Roy Andersen. He comes to class drunk most days and you never know what kind of crazy funny things he'll do.

Knox classes are amazing. They are small and interactive. Unfortunately, many students are not as intellectual and motivated as one might think they would be at this sort of institution. However, this is not across the boards true, and should not detract from the academic appeal of Knox. Most professors are dedicated, fair, and enthusiastic, and you are given ample opportunity to do hands-on lab work and create your own courses of study if you so choose. The workload can be quite rough, but the trimester academic system keeps things manageable and keeps the pace of study moving quickly--a good thing for people who burn out on classes halfway through a semester. In the Biology department, everyone knows my name--I take classes here, I assist with laboratories, and I can drop by a professor's office or the greenhouse just to chat with the staff. I love the familiarity and support this leads to, and the feeling that my professors are not authority figures but peers who respect me in my own academic right.

The Professors are wonderful. Class discussions are always very...interesting. Never a dull moment. You can be in a face to face heated debate with one of them, and they'll probably compliment you on your style or one of your points. I've seen it happen. Group projects, projects on general, or individual research is a big thing. You'll do all of these at some point. If you like getting lost in some obscure topic or idea, you're free (and encouraged) to do it here!

Knox's small size makes it ideal for academics. I know nearly all of my professors pretty well. The classes are small so you get to know your fellow students. There is a great line of communication between faculty and students. It is just a great enviornment to work in.