Merrimack College

 Merrimack College, a liberal arts school located in Andover, Massachusetts, is "a small school with big ideas" that "takes education very seriously." The "very satisfying" academic experience offered here is only enhanced by accessible professors "who genuinely care and give more to the students than needed." "Their office doors are always open," says a student. Though there are some unsatisfactory teachers who "just stand up in the front of the class and lecture," for the most part, the rest do a good job of presenting "interesting material that they learned by doing, not from a textbook." One impressed freshman notes, "The professors here at Merrimack are so passionate about the topic they teach, their passion rubs off on students and motivates them." Importantly, they "work with you to examine your future goals and guide you on the right path." Additionally, undergrads applaud the "intimate classroom sizes," top-of-the-line "interactive class rooms," and "hands-on experience opportunities." While students are quick to praise their time in the lecture halls, opinions are mixed when it comes to the administration. Though some claim that dealing with administration can be a "headache" and a "waste," others think that it "does a great job asking the students what they want or what their complaints are and then adjusts or changes accordingly." Still, the supportive atmosphere never fails to seep through, and Merrimack ends up being 'a community made up entirely of smaller communities."

Many admit that the "small, New England campus" of Merrimack isn't the most diverse, defining the majority as "white, upper-middle-class, and Christian." "We do have a large amount of female students that wear Uggs and North Face fleeces more days than not," says a junior. That said, many undergrads are involved in numerous clubs, since in order "to really fit in and find your place it helps to be involved on campus." Though everyone is "easy to get along with," most everyone "has a group of friends/roommates they always hang out with." Merrimack students like to be active, and "most typical students are former athletes or current athletes." Despite the school maintaining Catholic affiliation, "the average student is not that spiritually involved." The relatively small student population leads to a strong community feeling, and "it strikes you right as you walk onto campus that this is not your average school."

Though Merrimack students must hit the books during the week, they readily push academics aside once the weekend rolls around. The athletic undergrads "love the sports here at Merrimack" and Division I "hockey games are a must for any Merrimack student." "The atmosphere at the games just spreads to the entire campus during big games!" says a student. Social activities tend to focus around dorm life as they are "very conducive to having people over to hang out and have fun, from having a few drinks to sitting around watching TV to having large parties." And one sophomore adds, "On weekends, most people just go to on-campus parties in the senior apartments." The school's Augustinian mission brings to rise "wonderful service opportunities," and there are "many options available from weekly service to fall, winter, and spring mission trips." There are also many school-sponsored activities and events, from comedians and bands to speakers, and the "annual spring concert is a campus-wide event." Students do complain that hometown "North Andover and the surrounding area [are] too quiet for someone looking to have fun after 9 P.M. because everything closes down." There are a number of local (though expensive) dining options, and many people "would rather eat out" when possible. Those in search of some urban action can take advantage of Merrimack's proximity to Boston, and many students do take the occasional weekend trip.