Knox College

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Students Say - Academics
You can choose your own educational adventure at Knox College, a small school that offers the resources, support, and creative atmosphere students need to get the most out of their college experience. Many students come to Knox for its lauded creative writing major, as well as its "strong pre-medical program." For those still looking for their calling, the good thing about Knox is there are "very minimal requirements for graduation," and students are encouraged to explore a variety of fields. A freshman says, "Even as a science major preparing for medical school, I'm able to take a ton of electives." In this and every way, students can take an active role in planning and executing their educations. At Knox, "if you have an idea or the inkling of an idea, advisers are quick to help your dreams come true," and 80 percent of undergraduates work on independent study projects during college. In a classroom setting, "professors are incredibly informed and enthusiastic about their subject matter," and coursework is rigorous. Of particular note, the academic calendar is divided into three 10-week terms so, in challenging classes like organic chemistry, you may end up "locking yourself in your room and only emerging for food, showers, and class." The upshot is that, "although most classes are pretty challenging academically, it is very easy, and encouraged, to just drop in and ask questions" of your professors. Administrators are likewise available and ready to attend to student concerns. When you've got a question or problem, "there's no shortage of help and making an appointment with anyone in any office is a breeze."

Students Say - Campus Life
Academics are top priority for most Knox undergraduates, but there is much more to life than holing up in the library. A junior explains, "While the academics are very demanding and the expectations are high, it is the life outside of the classroom that truly defines the challenges of a Knox education." With more than 100 student clubs and plenty of administrative support, Knox gives students "the opportunity to create their own atmosphere-everything from creating new clubs and courses to doing independent research and putting up art exhibits." Hometown Galesburg gets a universal thumbs down, so "students usually don't go far outside of the college borders." On the weekends, "most fun consists of attending parties and hanging out with friends on campus." In general, "parties tend to revolve around the frats (sororities don't have their own houses)," and drinking is a popular pastime, though certainly not the only one. A student shares, "As a person who chooses not to drink at Knox, I very rarely feel excluded from activities. I can easily go to a party and refuse alcohol without pressure." For a mellow evening, "Knox is always bringing in political speakers, comedians, performing groups, or individuals to present seminars." To add to the charms, living facilities are top-notch, and "the dorms and suite- style living do wonders for comfort and residential satisfaction."

Students Say - Student Body
Individuality is valued at Knox. On this small campus, you'll find an "entertaining and diverse" student body, represented by a range of styles, pastimes, and interests, as well as "great socio-economic diversity." It isn't uncommon for students to lovingly describe their classmates as "Knox Awkward," and most undergraduates appreciate the fact that their classmates aren't "overly concerned with appearance or name brands." A sophomore agrees, "It is easy to make friends at Knox, because nobody is pretentious. That's something I really valued when I visited, and what continues to make me happy [now] I am here." If your politics lean to the left, you'll feel right at home at Knox, where students "are very politically and socially liberal." A student tells us, "Conservative students can have a hard time fitting in here when political tensions are high, but I have friends on both ends of the spectrum, and they get along fine when not talking politics." Aside from political predilections, "students tend to be very open-minded and accepting of all things-religion, gender, race, sexuality." In fact, "the running joke about Knox is that LGBT students are out and proud, and conservatives are in the closet."

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