Academics
“Individual attention” is the name of the game at Austin College. Indeed, the small size of the school allows for a lot of “one-on-one interaction” and provides students with “many opportunities to get involved on campus.” Additionally, students are grateful that Austin seems to maintain a healthy financial aid office. A psychology major concurs stating, “This college was very generous in helping fund my education.” Undergrads are also excited about Austin’s “excellent study abroad program.” As one thrilled biology major brags, “I have already traveled to Trinidad for three weeks and I am planning to study in Cuba for three weeks as well as a semester abroad in Australia.” Students also rave about the college’s “GREAT pre-medicine program,” “strong Japanese program” and excellent five year education program. Importantly, undergrads find their professors to be “very accessible.” They are generally “willing to help and give us opportunities to advance ourselves outside the classroom as well as inside the classroom.” Moreover, professors are “devoted to teaching their students how to think, not memorize.” Finally, they “encourage their students to engage the material and ask meaningful questions.”
Student Body
Undergrads here emphatically insist that “there is no typical student at AC.” As one biology major explains, “Personalities range from frat-tastic jock to the gothic president of the English Country Dancing club.” Fortunately, most everyone is “very welcoming.” Indeed, “the environment here is so warm and friendly that the students easily fit in.” Nevertheless, despite the reported uniqueness of the student body, there are some commonalities to be found. For starters, most undergrads here are “motivated in their studies” as well as “engaged in other extracurricular activities.” Many students also describe their peers as “laid back,” “pretty liberal” and “open minded.” Of course, Austin does net “a lot of local Texas kids.” However, there are definitely “some foreign students thrown in [there]” and students appreciate the diversity they bring to campus. And if you’re still wary, this junior is moved to assuage your fears: “After coming to campus it doesn’t take long to realize that even though most of us call Texas home, we are in no way defined by the Texas stereotype. Don’t be deceived; the differences in socio-economic status, religion, political beliefs, and general perspective on life could not be more varied.”
Campus Life
Despite its small size, Austin College is certainly a hotbed of activity. Truly, there are a myriad of clubs and events from which to choose. As one amazed senior shares, “I have played in a woodwind ensemble, done swing dancing and English country dancing, [attended] theater performances, art displays, choir, band and symphony concerts.” She continues gushing, “There [have even been] mini carnivals with rock walls, live music, food, and inflatable race courses.” And undergrads here are quick to tip their (metaphorical) hats to the Campus Activities Board (CAB) which “[throws] events almost every day.” These might include “making wax hands...
[and] pumpkin painting.” Additionally, “CAB also hosts bigger events such as Kangapalooza where the college brings in three bands to play for the student body.” While there are plenty of school events, a handful of students feel that “house parties sponsored by Greek groups are usually what encompass social life at Austin.” Some students itching to get off campus are dismayed by hometown Sherman which doesn’t seem to offer much beyond “Target and a few book stores.” However, others insist there is more than meets the eye. As an optimistic international relations major sums up, “At first, Sherman seemed really small to a big city girl like me. But it really grows on you and now I love it! There are lots of great little hole in-the-wall restaurants with awesome food. And if you need some city time, Dallas is about an hour away!”
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