Academics
University of Puget Sound is “the ideal learning environment with plenty of opportunity for both academic and personal growth.” Students are encouraged to “branch out and go beyond their comfort zone in class and outside of class,” and the school is “all about having involving intellectual exchanges of ideas…in the relaxed but conscientious cultural setting of the Pacific Northwest.” “The academic culture requires a lot of hard work without being competitive,” and the “laid-back culture” belies an “excellent and engaging science program,” “nationally acclaimed” orientation program, good financial aid, and small, discussion-based classes. “Come as you are, work hard, do what you love, and expect the support of the entire student body and staff,” says a student. The professors at Puget Sound are “fantastic, “passionate, engaging, and completely devoted to helping students learn, improve, and achieve.” Most of the professors “are very focused on ensuring that the students are not only able to understand the topics discussed in class, but can also apply them practically in broader and interdisciplinary discussions.” “Going to a small school means that you can learn things about professors from other students ahead of time,” says a student of avoiding the few bad apple teachers. There is “a wide variety of classes” available in a large amount of subject areas, though the smaller ones tend to fill up quickly and it can be a struggle to get into some classes. In this “open, intellectually critical, and socially engaging environment,” academics come first and “it really shows.” “University of Puget Sound is a place to work hard without being miserable,” says a biochemistry major. “It is almost impossible to lose interest when every professor brings their own area of expertise into the classroom and endorses an understanding of real world application,” says another student.
