Alma College Head Start

My experience at Alma College was defined by a toxic environment that failed students on every level—academically, culturally, and morally. Prospective students should be fully aware of what lies beneath the glossy surface of this institution. 1. Failure of Academic Integrity and Faculty Discrimination: The official 4-year graduation rate for my cohort was alarmingly low, near 33%, symptomatic of poor curriculum and advising. The academic environment was compromised by a prevalent, unchecked cheating culture (via Greek test banks) that rewarded connections over merit. More personally, I experienced overt classism and gender bias from faculty. I was told by one professor that I "did not belong" in an advanced STEM course because of my gender, and was criticized for wearing simple clothing due to my low socioeconomic background. Other faculty displayed shocking ignorance of life below the poverty line, forcing students to educate them on basic survival economics. The environment is actively hostile toward students who do not fit the college's expected profile of wealth and privilege. 2. Profound Failure in Student Safety and Administration: The most grievous failure of this institution is its neglect of student safety. After reporting instances of sexual assault, I was institutionally discredited and actively silenced by the administration—essentially told to "sit down and shut up." This created a known environment of impunity, where my aggressors and others were aware that nothing would happen to them. This institutional negligence resulted in further victimization. Conclusion: Alma College Was Wrong. I am now a highly successful academic, holding a Master's Degree in Statistics (3.8 GPA) and having first-authored 17 academic papers. The faculty and administration at Alma College systematically underestimated, judged, and endangered me based on bias and prejudice. The college's judgment of me was categorically incorrect, proving that its culture is fundamentally flawed and incapable of accurately recognizing or supporting capable students. I strongly caution anyone considering attendance here. Alma College is an institution where your safety will be compromised and your academic potential will be actively discouraged if you do not fit their privileged mold.

Class of 2016. Don't go here. Dorms are terrible. The food is bad. If you are able to find a way to live off campus or get out of the meal plan, they cut your financial aid. They treat their most loyal community members poorly. I just found out they are no longer allowing Mr. Trent to take photos at live events anymore. If you've graduated from Alma in the past few decades, you probably have a Mr. Trent picture framed in your home. He would take photos for no charge for the broke college kids. SAD.

As an Alma alum, the student and faculty ratio was a greatest benefit to my learning experience. You’re able to forge relationships that will last a lifetime given the small community atmosphere on campus. If larger colleges aren’t your style and you want a liberal arts education, consider attending Alma College. Feast your ears for bagpipes and prepare to randomly shout “Go Scots” and “Plaid Works”!

The cafeteria crew has been an absolute pleasure working with whether there were 100 or 500 students they adjusted and did what they needed to do with a smile.

I'm a sophomore, and I absolutely love this college. They have provided me with every opportunity I was looking for in a college, such as travel, good academics, and professional experience, all while the support from the faculty has helped me be successful and actually be able to receive said opportunities. I couldn't imagine going to any other college, Alma is truly my home away from home!