Evergreen State College (Evergreen)

“Keeping education in its purest form alive and well in the heart of the Northwest,” The Evergreen State College offers “a unique approach” to academics. The school provides an “interactive environment—with a diverse, enriching learning method,” which allows students “to focus on [their] passions and explore them in detail.” Everyone creates their own educational paths and directs the pace of their own learning. As a few students say admiringly, “I feel a sense of freedom with the academics at Evergreen.” “I have more power as a student.” Greatly appreciated is the flexibility found within the curriculum. “I was excited about building my own major.” “No self-motivated student will leave Evergreen unsatisfied.” Students work collaboratively here and support one another in their endeavors. “It’s not about grades or competition; it’s about self-improvement and personal fulfillment.” Evaluations are used to view student progress, with “interdisciplinary education over declared majors” being the focus. “Your classes are all interconnected, so it’s easy to link what you’re doing into a defined path.” “My transcript says more about me than A’s, B’s, and C’s possibly could.” “The philosophy...definitely lowers the stress I experience around academics.” Professors assist students in innumerable ways and are “very intimately involved in the education of their students.” “At Evergreen, in order to have a great experience, you need to be able to talk to your professors and engage with them.” “I have not met a professor yet who was not willing to rework their mode of teaching to better serve the class.” The educational atmosphere is highly interactive. Almost every student “actively engages the material with field work, undergraduate research, and extended trips.” “Class time is spent doing workshops, seminars, or a led discussion where everyone participates.” “Even the science programs involve large portions of discussion and peer collaboration.” As one undergraduate describes slyly, “My professors have been A++, if Evergreen assigned grades.”

The “kindness and awareness of the community” is frequently said by students to be one of the most valued aspects of their experience here. “Articulate” and “inquisitive” undergraduates are evident in large numbers. “Students tend to be very politically aware and active with very liberal points of view” and are “mostly peaceful relaxed people” amidst an “openminded social environment.” The dorms are divided into different themes, and “the residential staff is professional and keeps the housing community functioning and safe.” “The campus police are pretty awesome people,” as well. Evergreen is respected by students throughout the college for its “forward-thinking” administration and faculty, with a “dedication to sustainability” being clearly evident around the campus.

Evergreen has a “booming extracurricular life”; students enjoy the “thriving local art and music scene, very hip and fresh,” in Olympia as well as easily accessible Seattle or Portland. “The Flaming Eggplant, the student-run cafe, is simply the cheapest and most delicious place on the planet,” as well as a very popular hangout. The Student Activities office has no shortage of options for undergraduates here, with “more than 50 different clubs and student groups.” Physical activity is popular, and the recreational center has racquetball, a pool, a rock-climbing wall, and various places to exercise. There is “no shortage of local hiking, backpacking, and biking opportunities.” “Hikes in the woods, down to the beach, or up to the bluff are very common as well as late-night stargazing.” The physical surroundings are viewed with much admiration at Evergreen. “Our campus is set back in this magical forest with these winding paths down to the beach. There are tree forts, giant sculptures, dream catchers in the trees, hidden drum circles, and music everywhere.” As one student describes fondly, “To me, it is reminiscent of Thoreau’s solitude in nature.”