The Evergreen State College is a public liberal arts college located in Olympia, Washington. Founded in 1967, Evergreen is known for its unique approach to education, commitment to social justice, and strong sense of community. In this essay, we will examine the pros and cons of attending The Evergreen State College.
Pros of The Evergreen State College:
- Unique approach to education: Evergreen has a unique approach to education that emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, student-driven learning, and experiential education. This can provide students with a hands-on, personalized learning experience that prepares them for success in their careers and personal lives.
- Strong sense of community: Evergreen has a strong sense of community, with a close-knit group of students and faculty members who share a common commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and social justice. This can be a great advantage for students who are looking for a supportive and challenging learning environment.
- Focus on social justice: Evergreen has a strong commitment to social justice, with a curriculum and campus culture that encourages students to engage with issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. This can provide students with a unique and valuable learning experience that prepares them to be informed and engaged citizens.
- Beautiful campus: Evergreen has a beautiful campus that features natural scenery, modern facilities, and a variety of outdoor spaces. The college is also located in Olympia, which provides students with access to a range of cultural and entertainment options.
- Flexible programs: Evergreen offers flexible academic programs that allow students to design their own course of study and explore their interests across multiple disciplines. This can provide students with a customized and personalized learning experience that meets their unique needs and goals.
Cons of The Evergreen State College:
- Controversial reputation: Evergreen has a controversial reputation, with some critics arguing that the college’s focus on social justice and unique approach to education can be divisive and polarizing. This may be a concern for students who are looking for a more traditional or politically neutral learning environment.
- Limited structure: Evergreen’s flexible academic programs may be a disadvantage for students who prefer a more structured and organized approach to learning. This can make it more difficult for students to navigate their academic requirements and stay on track towards graduation.
- Limited resources: Evergreen is a public college, which means that it may have limited resources compared to private universities. This can affect the quality of facilities, resources, and services that are available to students.
- Limited extracurricular activities: While Evergreen has a strong sense of community, the college may have fewer extracurricular activities than larger universities. This can limit the number of opportunities available to students who are interested in specific hobbies or interests.
- Location: While Olympia provides students with access to a range of cultural and entertainment options, it may not be the right fit for all students. Some students may prefer a more urban or rural college experience.
In conclusion, The Evergreen State College offers a unique and personalized approach to education, a strong sense of community, a focus on social justice, and a beautiful campus. However, the college may not be the best fit for all students, as it has a controversial reputation, limited structure, resources, and extracurricular activities, and location may not be suitable for everyone. Ultimately, students should carefully consider their individual goals and preferences before deciding whether The Evergreen State College is the right choice for them.