Hope College
HO L L A N D
•
MICHIGAN
Hope College – for your future.
What makes Hope College
distinctive?
I
n the sea of colleges and universities, Hope is continually recognized for its distinctive blend of exceptional academics, diverse co-curricular programs, and vibrant yet unrestrictive Christian character. The talents and perspectives of our students enrich the campus community and enable every individual to contribute in a meaningful way. What all Hope students have in common is the desire to grow–inside the classroom and beyond.
Points of Distinction • Hope ranks in the top 3 percent nationwide among private four-year colleges whose graduates go on to earn their PhD.
• The Van Wylen Library has been recognized as an excellant academic library by the Association of College and Research Libraries.
• In the past decade, Hope students applying to medical school with a GPA of 3.4 or higher have achieved a 90 percent acceptance rate.
• Hope’s social activities program is consistently ranked first in the Midwest by the Mid America Region of the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).
• Hope is the only private, undergraduate college in the U.S. to be nationally accredited in art, dance, music, and theatre. • Hope consistently attracts more summer research grants from the National Science Foundation’s “Research Experiences for Undergraduates” program than any other liberal arts college in the country–and more than all but a handful of institutions of any type, including research universities. From 2004 to 2007, six science departments at Hope held these grants. • Outside grants to departments and faculty have totaled more than $19.5 million in the past 10 years.
• In the past three years, Hope students have raised over $330,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and DeVos Children’s Hospital during the College’s annual dance marathon. • Men’s and women’s varsity sports teams have a winning tradition and a strong emphasis on the “student” side of the term “student-athlete.” • Hope offers a distinctive, nurturing Christian character with an emphasis on service and mentoring. Faith development occours at one’s own pace without pressure to conform.
Hope is one of 40 schools named in Loren Pope’s book Colleges That Change Lives.
What are Hope
professors like?
F
aculty desire to touch individual lives. All Hope faculty members share a love of teaching – in the classroom, the laboratory, the rehearsal hall, in tutorials, and in private conversations. Long-serving faculty members teach freshmen as well as seniors. They’re happy to spend the time and energy required to help students achieve their full potential. Relations between faculty members and students are characterized by mutual respect, which often develops into lasting friendships. Each of our more than 320 faculty members is an individual with unique talents and perspectives. Hope faculty members pursue a wide range of scholarly and artistic interests and have earned degrees from some 120 universities, many among the nation’s finest. Hope professors are active, engaged scholars who conduct research and regularly publish books and articles. In the past two years, Hope faculty members have published 46 books.
The focus on active scholarship and original research improves the quality of teaching at Hope. Our professors remain up-to-date and productive in their fields of study—and are better able to instill a love and enthusiasm for learning in their students. Collectively, Hope faculty members hold about $12 million in grants that support student research opportunities. Such grants foster Hope’s distinctive culture of collaborative learning, allowing students to work side-byside with their professors.
What are Hope
students like?
H
ope students are friendly, involved, caring, and multitalented. Campus visitors often remark about our students’ eagerness to make strangers feel welcome. Our students come from a wide range of family and financial backgrounds, and bring a diversity of religious perspectives to the campus. They’re diligent students seeking to make the most of their college education. One professor has described Hope students as “young adults who are very serious about their studies, but don’t take themselves too seriously.” About 30 percent of Hope students plan to enroll in graduate or professional schools upon graduation.
Lasting friendships are born at Hope.Although committed to academic success, Hope students strive to make the most of every aspect of college life. Outside the classroom, they take part in a multitude of organizations, activities, and extracurricular pursuits, including athletics, theatre, music, dance, and community service. On a typical weekend, 80 to 90 percent of Hope students stay on campus, a testament to the many opportunities campus life at Hope provides.
What are the objectives
academic programs?
of Hope’s
W
hat good is an idea if you cannot communicate it effectively? How frustrating is it to detect a problem but not know how to approach its solution? Why is it important to be knowledgeable about global issues that may not affect you personally?
Your major will prepare you for advanced study, or for immediate employment after graduation. But the sum total of the Hope academic experience goes far beyond career and academic preparation.You’ll learn how to think clearly, communicate effectively, analyze situations, and seize opportunities.
Hope College helps you address all three questions—communication, problem solving, and living responsibly in the world.With a curriculum designed to enhance both intellectual and personal development, Hope prepares you for a rewarding career and for meaningful involvement in the world.
The academic climate at Hope is challenging and rigorous without being harmfully competitive.There’s a strong sense of cooperation and mutual respect at Hope, and students are willing to offer academic assistance to their peers. In fact, most Hope students compete only against themselves.There’s a widespread commitment to doing one’s best, by making the most of one’s individual gifts and abilities.
The Hope academic experience emphasizes depth and breadth of study. You’ll acquire academic depth through concentrated work in a major field of study. Breadth is gained through the general education curriculum, which exposes you to a broad range of academic fields and ideas.
In what sense is Hope
a Christian college?
H
ope nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We’re interested in your academic success and in your physical health and spiritual development and well-being.
Voluntary chapel services are held three times during the week and every Sunday evening. And you can participate in a Bible study group at almost any time. Chaplains are available for counseling any member of the campus community.
While Hope values its affiliation with the Reformed Church in America, the College’s spiritual climate is not denominational. Your personal convictions will always be respected. At Hope, you’ll be encouraged to examine what it means to be a Christian in today’s world.We honor the historic Christian faith and the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
While Hope College strives to maintain a supportive, caring Christian environment, the atmosphere is not restrictive or overbearing. Hope students are free to choose the extent of their involvement in religious life at the College. People here aren’t afraid to speak their minds and ask the tough questions.
Hope offers many opportunities to get involved in faith and service organizations, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity, and Union of Catholic Students. Students also engage in Christian service projects throughout the greater Holland community and national and international mission trips.
What is the Holland
H
community like?
olland is located on the scenic eastern shore of Lake Michigan, about 150 miles from Chicago, and 175 miles from Detroit.The city of Holland has a population of 32,000, and the greater Holland area has more than 100,000 residents. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second largest city, is about 25 miles east of Holland. Since Hope is situated in a residential section of Holland–two blocks from a charming, award-winning downtown– students can walk to nearby restaurants, shops, and other establishments. You’ll find outdoor recreation of all sorts in and around Holland—swimming, boating (the College has a sailing club), fishing, and beautiful beaches. Bike paths extend miles beyond the city limits. There are also excellent cross-country ski trails in the immediate area.
The people of Holland take great pride in their community – and in Hope College. Holland is alive with diverse cultures, whose influence has crafted an animated, thriving community that has never lost its charm. It celebrates its heritage through two renowned festivals: the Tulip Time Festival in the spring and the Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival held in the fall. Holland is a friendly, welcoming city. It’s a great place to live and a popular tourist destination. The area’s business and industry provide Hope students with rewarding internship and employment opportunities. The open doors of area churches provide opportunities for faith development in addition to Hope’s ministry, and they readily welcome our students.
Hope at a glance History and character: Founded in 1862, Hope is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church of America.
Enrollment: 3,203 students, all undergraduates, who come from approximately 45 states and 31 countries. Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1. Degrees awarded: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
National Honors Organizations: Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. Residence facilities: 11 residence halls (single sex and coed); 18 apartment buildings; and 72 individual cottages housing between four and 17 students.
Activities: Over 80 clubs and organizations, including, intramural and club sports, gospel choir, fraternities, sororities and student radio station.
Athletics: Nine men’s and nine women’s intercollegiate teams; Hope competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and is a member of the NCAA Division III.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; the American Chemical Society; Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (Athletic Training); Council on Social Work Education; National Association of Schools of Art and Design; National Association of Schools of Dance; National Association of Schools of Music; National Association of Schools of Theatre; National League for Nursing; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 800-621-7440
Off-Campus Programs and Internships Domestic. Over 1,800 internships are available locally or through programs in
Philadelphia, Chicago, New York,Washington, D.C., Oak Ridge (Tennessee), and El Paso (Texas). Recent internships have included the Mayor’s Office (Chicago), Late Night with Conan O’Brien (New York), the Philadelphia Eagles, and the American Bar Association (Washington, D.C.).
Study Abroad. Hope offers more than 200 programs in over 60 countries. Countries in which Hope students study and travel include Australia, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, and Spain.
Academic Programs Degrees Awarded:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor or Science (BS) Bachelor of Music (BMus) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Accounting Art & Art History** Athletic training Biology* Chemistry* Biochemistry Classics (Greek, Latin) Communication Computer Science Creative Writing Dance** Economics* Education and Special Education Engineering Biochemical Emphasis Chemical Emphasis Civil Emphasis Computer Science Emphasis Electrical Emphasis Environmental Emphasis Mechanical Emphasis English Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies Exercise Science French* Geological and Environmental Sciences* German* History* Interdisciplinary Studies International Studies Japanese Kinesiology Management Mathematics** Ministry Modern & Classical Languages
Music** Education-Instrumental Education-Vocal Jazz Studies Emphasis Performance Neuroscience Nursing Philosophy Physical Education** Physics* Political Science* Psychology* Religion* Social Work Sociology Criminal Justice Emphasis Spanish* Special Education Emotionally Impaired Learning Disabilities Theatre Women’s Studies *Secondary teaching certification available **Secondary and/or elementary teaching certification available
Pre-Professional Programs: Dance Therapy Dentistry Law Library Science Medicine Optometry Physical Therapy Seminary Veterinary
Admissions Information High School Preparation. While the College does not have strict curricular minimums for entering freshmen, it is strongly encouraged that students take rigorous college preparatory classes in high school. A typical admitted student will present 4 years of high school English, 3 years of mathematics, 3 years of science, 3 years of social sciences, and 2 years of foreign language. When available and appropriate, Advanced Placement classes are encouraged, and students can attain college credit for qualifying scores on the AP tests.
Entrance Exams. Either ACT or SAT; subject and writing tests are not required. Decisions. There is no deadline for filing an application for admission. The Office of Admissions will begin considering your application as soon as all your credentials are received.The first admission decision letters are sent each year beginning in mid-December. Incoming freshman and transfer students applying for financial aid and scholarships should be aware of important dates for filing financial aid documents. See below under “Need-based Financial Aid” and “Merit-based Scholarships.”
Financial Information Cost Academic Year 2008-2009 Tuition: $24,780 Room: $3,490 Board (21 meals per week): $4,160 Activity Fee: $140 Total: $32,570
Need-based financial aid. We believe no student should rule out Hope College for reasons of cost.The College’s financial aid program provides qualified students with funds to help make up the difference between what their families can pay and the total cost of attendance. Eligibility is determined by analysis of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Supplemental Application Form (SAF). For more information visit www.hope.edu/admin/finaid/. We recommend that the required forms (FAFSA and SAF) and the application for admission be submitted by March 1 for freshman and transfer students.
Merit-based scholarships. Hope also makes awards that are not based on family financial circumstances. Academic scholarships, for example, are based on the student’s academic performance in high school and standardized test results. Qualified students must have their applications completed and recceived by the Office of Admissions by February 16 to be assured consideration for scholarships. Also, distinguished Artist Awards are offered in Art, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Theatre. For more information visit www.hope.edu/admissions/scholarship.
Visit Day We encourage you and your family to visit Hope College.Tour our facilities, meet students and professors, attend classes, and stay overnight in a residence hall if you’d like.You can arrange a personal visit to the campus at almost any time. Scheduled group visitation days are held from late September to April.
For more information or to schedule a visit, call, email or visit our website. Office of Admissions Phone (616) 395-7850 Toll-free (800) 968-7850 E-mail admissions@hope.edu Website www.hope.edu/admissions/visit
Visitation Days Fall 2008 Friday, September 26, 2008 Friday, October 3, 2008 Friday, October 17, 2008 Friday, October 24, 2008 Friday, November 7, 2008 Friday, November 14, 2008 Friday, November 21, 2008
Spring 2009 Monday, January 19, 2009 Friday, January 30, 2009 Monday, February 16, 2009 Friday, February 27, 2009 Junior Days Friday, March 27, 2009 Friday, April 3, 2009 Friday, April 17, 2009
HOPE COLLEGE
Office of Admissions • 69 E. 10th Street • P.O. Box 9000 • Holland, Michigan 49422-9000 Phone (616) 395-7850 • Toll free (800) 968-7850 • Fax (616) 395-7130 Website http://www.hope.edu • E-mail admissions@hope.edu