I was wondering if anyone has any information on Juanita College. I’ve read previous comments about this school, but was wondering if anyone has any updated information? What are students like? Does the school still carry on traditions like mountain day and storming the arch? How is the school academically? Socially? My daughter is interested in Geology. Any opinions/perspectives would be appreciated!
Hi. My son is about to begin his sophomore year at Juniata. I can vouch for the traditions still being there and still being a big part of the school’s culture. Last year, my son participated in Storming the Arch, Lobsterfest, Family Weekend and Mountain Day. Madrigal dinner, Mr. Juniata and Physics Phun Night were also held for sure (can’t vouch for the pig roast but I assume it happened also).
Socially, the campus does seem to be very inclusive and friendly; it’s not just lip service or marketing. He had no trouble making friends last year at all. Students – at least all of the ones I’ve met – seem “normal” and down to earth. I don’t know what else to say about them. The student body isn’t dominated by one group. The Inbound program for freshmen (and I presume transfers) does a great job of quickly acclimating new students.
Academically, Juniata is strongest in the sciences, especially the biological sciences. They also have more business options than a typical liberal arts college, as well as some less often seen undergraduate offerings like museum studies, and peace & conflict studies. Like many LACs, it offers the ability to create a custom major. Study abroad options are encouraged. Rigor seemed to be about “as advertised.”
So far, the alumni network seems small but active and helpful.
Administratively, the school is very responsive and accessible. In resolving issues, you normally speak to real people who actually want to help you sort things out. One of his professors really went above & beyond to help him out in resolving a situation. On the downside, the highly touted “two adviser system” was a bit of a let down, or at least in his case. One adviser turned out to be unhelpful to the point of uselessness.
Overall, it was definitely the right fit for him and he felt at home there very, very quickly.
Thank you! We just came home from visiting Juniata today. It seemed like a lovely, warm and pretty place. I had a good feeling about it.