Reviews

Austin College is a great school that has a lot to offer and teach the students who attend there. This college is definitely challenging when it comes to academics to ensure that the students are prepared to graduate and be the best in whatever graduate school they plan on attending. During class, the professors make sure that every student is understanding the material. Throughout the years, you learn to use every resource that Austin College offers which include mentors, professors, other staff, and the Academic Skills Center Tutors. All of these people are here to assist you in any way possible. Mentors are there to help you decide what career you are pursuing. The professors are available during office hours and by e-mail at any time to help you or sit with you one-on-one to answer and explain any material that you might have trouble understanding or mastering. The tutors at the Academic Skills Center help you learn material and also teach you how to use the different books they have that are available for use for any subject or field of study. No matter what background of education you have from your high school, Austin College helps you to learn study habits that will be effective throughout the rest of your years attending the school and beyond.

Beyond all of the studying and pressure put on by all of your classes, Austin College knows how to keep students interested and having fun. There is always something going on no matter how big or how small the activity is. Austin College likes to get the students active even if they are not in sports or any organizations. After a long day of studying it's nice to go to the Pub or the lawn and get your mind off of the pressures of classes. They have activities for just having fun as well as activities that raise money for a good cause. Many organizations put on performances or any kinds of programs for entertainment at the auditorium. Theatre puts on plays where students can go and enjoy a show before they go back to working hard. Being a student there, you get to enjoy many cultural experiences. Every month or so, there are dinners from different cultures that students can sign up for. One month there may be a Pakistani dinner, and another month, there is a Japanese dinner. Not only do you have fun in the Pub or auditorium, but you can also have fun in the dormitories. Every hall way has their clusters. Clusters are a group of kids that live on your side of the hallway with an assigned RA, with who you can have dinner with or just go out and do activities with.

Though all colleges are expensive, private schools seem to be a lot more expensive. This is completely true for Austin College costing about $28,000 a year. Even though this college is so expensive, it is definitely worth every penny. Not only do you get the college experience, but the education and expectations are very high. No matter what you are studying, you are sure to learn a lot of material that will help you to be successful in whatever you do. Being an expensive college, you are sure to get a lot more than most other college. This is apparent in the differences in dorm rooms. At other schools, the rooms are very small and may have a desk and a bed with a closet, but at Austin College the dorms are bigger and have movable beds, desks, and drawers where you are able to fix your dorm room however you want. Apart from the high education and good looking dorm rooms, the professors and other tutors are always available to help you in whatever you need. Being a small school, there are many advantages that you would not normally get from a big University. At a big school, you would be just another number and not get all the personal help that you can get at a small school. At Austin College the professors know you by name, and are willing to help with whatever you need.

Some tips that I give to prospective students is to make sure you come ready to work hard and not to slack off no matter how easy you may think a class will be. To be successful in your classes, you must put in many hours of studying and practicing. Of course it is always good to take a break from all the studying, which is why it is a good idea to be involved in sports, or activities whether it be at the Pub or in your dorm hallway. Go out and blow off some steam, by hanging out with friends or by watching a play put on by the drama club. Another tip that I have for you, is to not be shy when you come in. Making friends is crucial to getting the full college experience. Being a loner is not fun especially when you see everybody else hanging out on the lawn, while you are locked in your dorm room. You might also want to make friends with your roommate, because they are going to be there everyday throughout the school year.

Austin College is a wonderful school, especially for those who are well focused in their classes and who have high goals. Students have to be able to put in many hours of studying to make good grades in their classes. This college is also great for students that like small schools. Maybe you're not much of a big University person, or you do not like all the loudness of music constantly playing outside with the fraternities. Austin College is nice and small, and is also a quiet environment for studying or just laying back and reading a book. Students who do not want to drive to every class and love the outdoors, would like it at the college. Because Austin College is so small, cars are to stay parked in the parking lot, and students have to walk to their classes. While on your way to a specific building, you can enjoy the scene with big beautiful trees along with many squirrels running around playing with each other.

The liberal arts curriculum allows, and even forces, each student to take a wide variety of classes. Many classes are geared more to learning through class discussion and readings that don't come from text books. In fact, most teachers enforce attendance policies and class participation as part of your final grade. I'm an art major, but my education is in no way limited academically because of this. I'm a part of the Posey Leadership Institute and have taken three courses specifically on leadership. Required 'janterms allow you to take a crash course in a variety of subjects, and in many cases study abroad. This January I'll be taking a class on blogging and the digital self. Even though I have not studied abroad yet, attending a school where it's almost expected to learn outside of the country has given me a lot of knowledge from my peers.

Personally, I love being on a campus where I can't walk outside without knowing half of the people I run into, and liking most of them. Though there is not a lot to do in Sherman, we make our own fun. There is at least one party or social gathering to go to every night of the week, and typically all events are open to all students. I am also an active member in a social sorority and a little sister to a social fraternity. Greek life is far from typical stereotypes in most cases, but there are typical groups for those looking for them. Beyond Greek life there are a wide range of clubs and associations to join. The campus activities board has activities most nights of the week for those who don't enjoy the party scene.

The tuition is expensive, but could be a lot worse. Most people that I know are receiving aid from the school and many jobs are available on campus. The small class sizes and resources available are great. It's generally easy to find professors and other resources for help with classes and preparation for internships and study abroad opportunities. More than the education, the experiences I am having make the money I pay and the debt that I will be in well worth it.

Learn good study habits now! You can't play hard without working hard first, and the classes are much harder than the ones your friends at public schools will endure.
Visit campus. You'll either love it or hate it.

Liberals, pre-meds, those wanting to learn a lot and work hard

I have attained so much here. I enjoy going to classes like A History of Beauty in Art, or a class about Rock and Roll or Magic. There are so many different things to learn here, it is amazing. The liberal arts education makes you get away from your standard major and minor study and into new fields. The Janterms help further this by allowing you the whole month of January to study whatever you want.

I came into this school as a transfer student and the process was very easy for me. I came from a very urban and medium sized university to a semi-urban-suburban and small college. Comparing the two against each other quality wise, Austin College wins ultimately. It is the attention that they pay to the students, the welcoming atmosphere, and the plethora of opportunities that makes it the right choice. As a new student, I was lucky enough to get a roommate that was awesome and open ( i know I struck gold with that one). As far as the students on campus, they were really nice and very open to getting know me. The people that I have meet and the education that I have received, really makes my decision of transferring one of the best that I have made.

Okay, so it is more than true that Austin College is expensive. As a student, you have to work for all that you are paying to go to school for. That means use all the opportunities that attending this college brings you. You could go to a school for half of the amount of this one and just go to class and back home/to your dorm everyday. You wouldn't get all the added programs, international reach, or the personal attention that Austin College bestows you. Austin College will keep you busy and in tune to the world.

If you are interested in attending Austin College, the best advice I can give you is to really define what about you is unique. It could be your curly hair, you ability to speak 5 languages, or where your family is from. Whatever it is, really open yourself up to the admissions department in your application. Don't just rely on what looks good or the standards things that colleges are looking for, Austin College wants individuals. I really recommend showcasing your unique qualities, your abilities or passions, and of course, your intelligence.

Austin College is wonderful for students, who are:
diligent
time management savvy
able to handle work and play
passionate about what they want to study
open minded
ready to travel
friendly
able to appreciate smaller classes
ready to change the world

Austin College offers rigorous courses and a large variety that can suit any one's interests. The basic requirements allow students to explore in a variety of different subjects that may not relate to their field of study, but be applied to their major. Also, if Austin College doesn’t have the major you would like, but has the classes, students can make their own major, such as Japanese. Austin College also has a Jan-term when in January students have an opportunity to explore creative topics and even have opportunities to study abroad. Austin College has a rigorous Pre-Med program and an education program that allows students to graduate in five years. As a small school, students can easily contact their professors during their office hours or by email. The staff is supportive and strives to help you succeed.

The campus is lovely with a lot of lawn space and trees so students can enjoy the outdoors. The area known as the “Couches” in the WCC is a great place to enjoy lunch outside of the cafeteria, hang out with friends, and join together for study groups. There are several clubs and organizations for one to join to keep occupied. Even if one isn’t involved, the Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.) is an organization that schedules events and activities for each week. Some activities include movie nights, bingo, and salsa dance lessons. Students can also go to the Pub for food, a game of pool, or play ping pong. Students can also collect a group of friends to create a team for intramural sports such as volleyball and flag football.

As a private school, Austin College is expensive. However, even as the oldest Texas College, the campus has been nicely restored. Not only does dose it offer rigourous classes, Austin College offers aid to students through the Academic Skills Center which comes at no extra cost to the students. There, students can find tutors, recieve help writing papers, access resources from all subjects, and more. A unique feature for those wanting to excel in languages, Austin College has a language house, a dorm where students that pursue French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Chinese can live in an environment to practice speaking with other students and a native speaker. Austin College is also known for its variety of study abroad programs. If you're lacking a car, it shouldn't be an issue. Austin College recently started a bus system that takes students to stores and restaurants for free. Using the bus also gives students discounts to stores like Best Buy.

If it’s your first time being away from home, Austin College helps students with the transition by organizing freshmen into clusters in the dorms where students can first meet their friends and seek guidance from their RA. There are also information sessions that are held through Project FLOOR to help with the transition. Bring things like a blanket and a soccer ball. The weather is often nice enough to be outside and surely you’ll meet people who are willing to play a game.

If students are looking for a small college, Austin College is an excellent choice. Students can find their niche through on campus activities, organizations, and classes.

It is a private school so it does cost a lot but the education and experience is well worth it

Relax and don't worry about getting lost on campus. Join clubs and have fun

Weird, smart and for people who want a challenge.

Austin College has great opportunities for studying abroad. The faculty are great and very attentive to students, they allow you to have lots of hands on work to prepare you for the future. There are a wide range of courses to take along with a very diverse amount of students.

Don't procrastinate work. This is the most sure fire way to do poorly here, and don't go out partying every night, remember that this is still a school and you do have classes every day. Make sure you go to class, because theres usually an attendance or participation grade.

The classes can sometimes be tough but the teachers are always fair, and if you study and put forth effort, they'll never fail you.

I don't live on campus, so I couldn't give you an accurate rating. But everyone tells me that they love living on campus and so close to everyone and their classes.

Great food.

Were only an hour north of dallas/fort worth and ten minutes south of the oklahoma border, so there is always something to do that isn't too far away.

You will definitely learn a lot at Austin College. The work can be difficult, but the college's reputation will make it worth it later on. The professors have a tremendous amount of knowledge and are ready to pass it along. At times, it can be very overwhelming, but if you study and do the work, it will all work out. The college tries to ensure a broad range of study with each student through January terms, C/I courses, etc.

I'm only in my first semester, so I'm still getting a feel for things. I am living off campus, which makes being involved and forming friendships more difficult. There are many things regarding course requirements which I was not aware of before enrolling, which I wish I had known. I think I will enjoy it more after I have been here longer and become more accustomed to everything.

As a private school, AC is quite expensive. If you apply early, you can get scholarships which help tremendously. Living at home has helped me save a lot. One negative was a $2000 increase in tuition made this summer after I had already committed.

If you have taken courses for college credit, find out how they transfer. My dual credit classes transferred as three hours and AC's course credits are four hours. So, my four courses at community college only count as three at AC.
Take a look at what all courses are required before committing. January terms, foreign language, lifetime sports, etc. Do not just look at what is required for certain degrees, but also what the general requirements are.
Living off campus saves a lot, but I have found it's a bit harder to be involved. Determine which is more important to you.
Study, Study, Study.

People who are up to a challenge.
Pre-Med students.
Students who want to study abroad.

The pretty decent thing about Austin College is the environment. The people, professors, and the overall aesthetic of the campus is very welcoming. It's a reasonably small campus which makes it easier to make it to certain destinations when needed. The classes are also average, but not too big, which makes it better for me as a student especially when I need a one on one session with a professor. The professors will absolutely take out time for their students. They set up office hours on the first day of their class and let you know that you are free to walk in or schedule a meeting. Financial Aid is also very easy to get hold to as well when you have any questions about scholarships, grants, or loan opportunities.

Again, very excellent academically since the classes aren't too big. The professors make an effort to see you when they see if your performance is declining or enhancing. For the courses, some maybe be a little more intense than others. However, to prevent the course load from feeling overwhelming, get to know your peers. If the class is a decent size, its easier to get to know each other well, and that can help form study groups. Those study groups can go a long way in helping complete assignments. Of course, go to the professor for help if something is misunderstood.

Being a sophomore, I have and am currently living in two of my personal favorite dorms on campus. My experience has been decent, since the dorms I chose were very spacious and clean most of the time. Of course, there's always problems when living with other people, especially when it comes to the cleanliness of community bathrooms and the kitchen. It is more based on your first time experience with those places. Some dorm rooms are smaller than others, which can result in you contacting your future roommate and asking what each other will bring that may take up some room. Communication is always key. If you have a problem, either with your roommate or the building itself, the campus always have people to contact to make your life a little easier.

The cafeteria on campus is a very nice dining hall with the option to eat wherever you want. The food is made by employees who have worked their for a good amount of time. For work study opportunities, you can work in the cafeteria. Over the years, the school has been trying to improve on their food items to the students desires and fix complaints as quickly as possible.

The police department on campus is of course open 24 hours and has emergency posts all over the campus area. They can be called for emergencies, can lead you to where you need to go, and if you are locked out of your room and can't contact your roommate (I've done this). If you've lost a personal belonging or your campus ID or Key, they are typically the ones to have probably retrieved it (since they have a lost and found).

Austin College is an amazing liberal arts school for students studying pre-med, psychology, or international relations. However, if you are not from a rich family, affording this school is very difficult and you will quickly find yourself accumulating more debt than you ever thought possible. If money isn't a huge issue, I highly recommend this school for its amazing atmosphere and academic programs.

Make sure you apply for every scholarship possible before enrolling. Join every club you can because there are a lot of different options for every type of person and being in clubs really helps you to get involved on campus. Also, don't miss out on any of the school sponsored activities that AC hosts regularly.

You will constantly find yourself challenged at Austin College. There is hardly a dull moment or weekend where you won't find yourself needing to study or get caught up on homework. It's tough, but you will learn so much that it makes it very worthwhile.

Everyone should live in the dorms because it really helps you stay involved with your fellow students. Tons of activites happen on campus every single night. If you're not there for them, then you're really missing out.

The food is kind of awful and horribly overpriced, but they are supposedly changing it so that it is better this year.

Students are constantly getting together to play games of capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, hide and seek, and lots of other things. Don't feel shy and miss out on all this because it's the best part of Austin College. There is also some kind of activity hosted by the school practically every weekend.

You do pay a lot of money at AC, but the school is so unique from any other that the experience you will get is really worth every cent.

You will get thrown into one of the fountains on campus on your birthday, that is inevitable.

If you are artsy, quirky, maybe didn't fit in in high school, or were considered a weird kid, Austin College should be perfect for you because basically everyone has some of those qualities.

The school works hard to make sure everyone is as involved as possible. There is a club for EVERYTHING, and if you find something you're interested in that there isn't a club for, you can make one. The school is very open to new ideas.

I didn't join a sorority, but I have lots of friends that did. There isn't an awkward tension between Greeks and non-Greeks like there is at some larger schools. Our Greeks are very blended with everyone else and there isn't a lot of pressure to join a sorority/fraternity.

Campus Police patrol the campus 24/7 and all of the buildings are accessed by key-card only, so the security and safety is very high. I would never worry about that at Austin College.

The classes offered at this school are phenomenal--despite the small size, there are a wide range of available subjects, including Japanese. The pre-med and educational departments stand out in particular, as well as a special residence hall/immersion program for language students--the Language House. The small class sizes also help with the learning experience--the classes are challenging, but the professors are willing to help, and they actively encourage questions! Also, there is a January semester (known as Jan Term) which allows for more learning opportunities; many of these classes are special courses not offered at any other time, such as courses on space westerns and (I'm not kidding) the history of swear words.

As a student originally from Houston, I'm not going to lie; Sherman is a very small, quiet town, and your college experience will be greatly improved if you know or are someone with a car. If you aren't, don't worry! The campus is small, with under 2000 students, so you're practically guaranteed to meet someone with driving abilities! The residence halls are conveniently located close to the academic buildings, and it's possible to cross the entire campus on foot in under 10 minutes. Also, we have a variety of extracurricular organizations, as well as an on-campus coffee shop and a fantastic library. Moreover, if you're worried about staying in Sherman for four straight years, don't! Study Abroad programs are readily available, and about 70% of the students go abroad at least once.

Anyone looking at Austin College as a potential school has no doubt noticed the enormous price tag. Fear not! The campus itself offers many opportunities to lessen your financial burden, including scholarships, leadership programs, and work-study programs. Not to mention, the benefits of attending this college make the price understandable and worthwhile. Not only is the campus technologically up-to-date, but additions are constantly being made in order to improve the campus experience; we recently added two more residence areas to account for an increase in enrollment.

Be ready to study; the classes here are rewarding, but also incredibly challenging. Also, the professors all have on-campus office hours. They are there to help you. If you have any trouble in your classes, PLEASE go to them. They can help you. Also, you're going to want to look for scholarships before you get here and while you're here. One more thing: Be outgoing! Talk to people! The college experience is much more enjoyable when you have friends to spend time with!

If you love studying, reading, learning languages, and hope to study abroad, you should definitely consider coming to AC. ESPECIALLY language-learners. This is probably the best school in Texas to work on your fluency!