Whitman College Top Questions

Rigorous, yet classes and professors facilitate learning in the interest of the student. It's a worthwhile education that you have to work for.

Depending on what classes you take, it may be a manageable or brutal semester. It is a good idea not to overload on classes during your first semester; it'll make the transition from previous schools to Whitman College smoother, But once you get the hang of your classes, take advantage of the vast array of classes Whitman has to offer next semester! Upon entering Whitman, my cousin gave me this advice, "Work hard THEN play hard." And this is true at Whitman. If you work hard, the classes you take won't be bad, and your weekends would be free. As for the academic setting in general--I think I've been really blessed. I've had great professors so far. I know others who did not fare as well, but this is to be expected. Other students are really nice, and the environment is more cooperative than competitive. Moreover, everyone works hard and does their part--it's really different than high school.

I was told Whitman's academics were rigorous. And that's what I got. A rigorous academic experience that has my mind engaged every single day. The professors are excited to talk about what they're talking about. They are excited for class every day (even at 8:00am...its crazy). The students here are happy to be going to class, excited to learn what professors have to say. The topic of conversation at dinner often is centered around something discussed in class earlier that day (though not necessarily always...we talk about other things too, don't worry). Students are not cut throat at Whitman. While we all strive for excellence in our academics, we all have each other's backs too. I was in beginning chemistry my freshman year, and I was struggling a lot. I was meeting with my professor every week and had a tutor (oh wow....Whitman offers free tutoring for any subject!!!) and still wasn't getting it. And some of my friends in my section in my residence hall were taking chemistry too and were understanding it. They would walk by my door and notice I was working on chemistry and offer to help since they knew how much I was struggling. Almost every other night a couple of them would be working with me for hours on end to not only get their homework finished, but also to make sure I got it done and understood it. It is such a great academic environment when all the students work together to succeed. Finally, the Professors are always available for help and are always happy to give you that help! I can't emphasize this enough. Some will invite you to their house, others will go out to coffee with you, and others will simply extend their office hours. They want to make sure each student understands what they are teaching, because they believe that what they are teaching is important and LOVE what they are teaching and want to transmit their passion to their students. Simply, amazing.

I didn't like the Core - thought it was a waste of time. As a result, I didn't put much effort into it. I had a hard time finding a major that interested me and wish I could have taken other classes instead of the Core. The Whitman professors are dedicated teachers. They also like to pile on the work. It won't be easy. You'll learn time management. As I look back, I wish I did a foreign study term.

They provide all the help you might need! The resources are there, all you have to do is seek them!

Every professor knows me and chats with me when I see them at the campus center or on Ankeny field. I can talk to my German professor about Shakespeare, or to my anthro professor about our solar system. This also applies to any Whittie student. My flute partner and I have had extensive discussions on philosophy, physics, theater, and music, of course. Another friend and I are learning Russian from third friend. Intellectual stimulation merely starts in the classroom and extends to the entire atmosphere.

Hard, a lot of work, but very rewarding so far. Teachers are top notch and aren't afraid to give lots of homework. Very good classes that force diverse thinking.

As for academics, Whitman is a very good school with tough classes (and some not-so-tough classes), but there isn't a really competitive atmosphere--it's more laid back and less high strung. Class sizes are on the smaller side (about 15 students) which is excellent. Professors are very attentive and try to learn your name during the first week or two of classes. You can email a professor any time and expect a prompt replay back. Another great aspect of Whitman academics is office hours--professors hold weekly office hours where students can ask questions or just talk. Students here are intelligent so you are definitely exposed to some very intellectual conversations. My group of friends loves just hanging out and talking. I'm a music major and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the department. All of the professors are extremely knowledgeable in there areas (some of my favorite classes at Whitman have been music history courses). Chorale is awesome. It is a 100-person choir directed by Dr. Bode (fabulous). I've heard not-so-great things about the orchestra, but as a singer, Chorale is fun and challenging.

Classes at Whitman can be pretty intense, but not to worry because your professors are your friends. Most class sizes are between 15 to 25, so the professors know who you are. More importantly, they want to get to know you! Example: my Spanish class had about 16 people in it, and I was the only vegan in my class. My professor liked baking things for our class, and so one day she made an amazingly delicous vegan cake for our class! The fact that she remembered that I was vegan just made my day. I've heard countless stories about professors inviting their classes to their house for breakfast/dinner/dessert, or of students babysitting professors' children. The point is that Whitman students really get to know their professors, and vice versa, which proves to be really helpful if you're struggling in a class and need some extra help, or if you want to find an internship for the summer. Another great thing about the professors (and this is probably my favorite fact about Whitman): about 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} (or more) of the professors at Whitman have terminal degrees in their field. To me, that means that I am being taught subjects by people who really love what they're teaching. And that makes a huge difference.

Academics here are good, but like most places you need to make sure that you seek out the best professors. Dormwire.net is a good place for that. Dormwire is where you'll find the harpies that have managed to sink their claws into a faculty position and aren't letting go in a hurry. Watch out for them. I love our professors. I know many of them by first name, and I've always been able to talk to them when I needed it. Take the special topics classes because they may not ever be offered again and because it's a guarantee that the professor is excited about teaching it since they've chosen the subject. The intellectual atmosphere outside of class is fairly good- people often talk over assignments out of class and have good study habits. Intellectual conversation itself can be hard to find in some circles, so it's a good idea to pick your friends carefully. The thoughtful ones are out there.