Does Anyone Know Anything About Hillsdale?

<p>My d did not get into Hillsdale and, in retrospect, knows she would have been unhappy there. She is intellectually gifted (145 IQ - blame her dad) and, like most people at and above this measure of intelligence, she is quiet, introspective, and quirky. She wanted nothing more than to go to Hillsdale and study the founding principles of our great Nation, but she wasn’t much for the emphasis on sororities/fraternities. Although she graduated with highest honors from an IB Program and exceeded all the “averages” (SAT/ACT/etc) quoted by Hillsdale admissions, they didn’t want her. She is now enjoying her contrarian, “token conservative” role at highly selective small liberal arts university where diversity of thought is much more actively valued. My experience is that Hillsdale is neither a diverse, nor highly intellectual community. Well above average - yes; “weird smart” - no. Maybe I’m just bitter because they didn’t “let my little darling in,” but what I’m saying is that this school is not for everyone and if it’s not for you, then you are pretty isolated sitting out in the middle of bucolic Michigan.</p>

<p>One post? And its bashing Hillsdale?</p>

<p>There isn’t an “empahsis” on Greek. 40% of the campus is Greek, but its not like people are urged to go join. My tour guide didn’t rush and said he doesn’t feel like he’s missed out. The Greeks aren’t exclusive either.</p>

<p>In terms of student body, there isn’t a ton of political diversity. However, from the classes I sat in there were challenging questions that didn’t exclusively lead down a path towards conservatism. If a school only taught one way of thought, how would its graduates be able to succeed like Hillsdale’s alumni have? They wouldn’t.</p>

<p>Finally, Hillsdale doesn’t just look for smart kids, they look for active kids, kids that want to make a difference in the world and around Hillsdale. And don’t say it’s a bad school just because it’s in a town of 8,000 people.</p>

<p>Agree 100 pct with oneofthree. I think the previous poster is misinformed in some significant ways about HC.</p>

<p>Almost none of the points made are consistent with our impressions and understanding of the school after much research, 4 visits, interviews, music auditions, and in-depth conversations with faculty and students, including a friend of my d’s who just completed her freshman year at HC.</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: my D will attend HC in the fall.)</p>

<p>I would never consider Hillsdale a “safety school”. They have denied admission to kids with pretty impressive stats. If it appeals to you, by all means apply, but pick another safety school.</p>

<p>A few quick notes just because I dropped by: (current student)

  1. Hillsdale is looking for students who can both CONTRIBUTE to campus and EXCELL academically. We have brilliant students here, but brilliance is nothing if it can’t be communicated. Our community is very near and dear to our hearts here, and while we may have different interests, ideas, passions, etc, our friendly, outgoing nature helps keep us who we are. Try walking around Hillsdale and have someone NOT open the door, smile, or say hi to you (as a student or complete stranger)…it just won’t happen</p>

<p>2) We don’t have ROTC, because we do not take state or federal funding. It is as simple and unfortunate as that. Strings are always attached to money. Thankfully our Marine OCS program does get a good amount of attention. As of this year, there was no ROTC program implemented. Captain Peterson (Asst. Dean of Men reference earlier) is taking another job elsewhere and will be replaced. Never heard anything about this ROTC possibility and it really doesn’t seem feasible given the circumstances</p>

<p>3) I turned down West Point and Air Force Academy to come to Hillsdale. While it was the most difficult decision I have ever made, it was also the best. Take your time, visit, talk, understand. Figure out if you are ready to commit your life until about 30 or so, right now. Otherwise, there are many ways to be commissioned after college (with training during or following your degree)…such as OCS</p>

<p>Hey Academy_Girl, I turned down West Point for Hillsdale too! And like you said, it was the hardest decision I’ve ever made.</p>

<p>MSNBC is not “hate”" TV???</p>

<p>They advertise on Rush Limbaugh’s radio program. Enough said on Hillsdale</p>

<p>He aimlessly trolls and selectively punctuates; enough said on Mikesurf.</p>

<p>Oh, Mikesurf. If only it were that simple. </p>

<p>I once felt the same way, and boy was I wrong.</p>

<p>Hillsdale has been endorsed by Rush Limbaugh. It is a wonderful, private school, well known across the country.</p>

<p>I don’t know much about them, what bothered me is I received a letter soliciting funds and they said they were the #1 school in Michigan and the #60 in the US according to Forbes. I checked Forbes for 2012 and 2013, years and they were #194 one and #196 the other, Michigan was #30 in both. I filed a complaint with the BBB but only mentioned the 2013 numbers since I wanted to keep it short. They then responded saying, “Oh the letter was from the 2012 figures” but I knew the 2012 figures were about the same. That bothered me for a college that has a motto about pursuing truth.</p>

<p>Gnosis02,</p>

<p>It was actually the 2011 Forbes list.</p>