About

See what students say:

Academics

Large, "highly affordable" Western Michigan University offers some 140 majors and a "wide range of courses." The aviation program is among the largest in the country. The education program is "very good." "We have our own engineering campus," adds a computer engineering major. Overall, the academic amenities here are pretty modern. "The newer buildings are amazing, comfortable, pleasant," and they have "a lot of the latest technology." While the honors college here is small and intimate, "large lecture halls" are common for students in ordinary lower-level courses. Like at pretty much every big state school, "the professors are hit-and-miss." "You just have to cross your fingers and hope you get lucky." Without questions, there are "some really awesome ones" who "work extremely hard to get students to be energized about the material" and are "available outside of class." "There are plenty" of "pretty bland" or just "completely unintelligible" professors as well. A big complaint among students is the fact that many teaching assistants "have an extremely hard time speaking clear English." Also, the "out of touch" administration has few fans.

Student Body

These undergrads hail overwhelmingly from the state of Michigan. Many choose Western because it is "close to home." There are also "tons of people here from other states in the Midwest." "I see a lot of license plates from Illinois," observes a junior. Beyond geography, this school is "extremely diverse." "We have all types of people," declares a senior. You'll find "your average 18to 25-year-old." "There are a lot of nontraditional students," too. "Some people are extremely into their majors; some people are more relaxed about school. There are people who party all the time, and there are people who would never touch drugs or alcohol." "Some are athletic; some are creative." "Everyone finds their own niche." "It just takes a little initiative to find where and what suits you." Once students find their element, though, they often "don't socialize much outside their formed groups of friends."

Campus Life

The main campus "is beautiful enough to warrant taking a leisurely walk around," "especially during the fall." You will see a lot of "brutalist architecture" on your tour, though. Also, students almost universally agree that "parking is the worst." Social life at WMU is basically what you make it. "There are more than 300 registered organizations on campus, so finding something to do isn't really difficult," says a junior. "It really just comes down to what your interests are." Musical and theatrical performances happen all the time. Sporting events are popular, and there is "wonderful school spirit" despite the fact that the teams sometimes aren't very good. "The gym facilities are good" and "always full." "Quite a few people" pledge fraternities and sororities. Many students tell us that "there's a huge partying crowd" at Western. They say this place is "a big drinking school especially on the weekends." According to other students, "WMU's reputation as a party school is overstated." "It does not define us," insists a junior. "Yes, we do like to party and have a good time," acknowledges another junior. "Who doesn't in college?" Defenders of the surrounding town of Kalamazoo call it "cozy" and a "nice place to live." They also note that the downtown area "has some pretty cool restaurants and shops." Critics contend that Kalamazoo "should be a college town" but really isn't.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Scott Hennessy
Associate Director of Admissions

Address
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211

Phone
269-387-2000

Email
scott.hennessy@wmich.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Student Center
Sangren Mall
Student Recreation Center
Miller Plaza
Valley Dining Center
Waldo Library. Lawson Ice Arena and Gabel Natatorium provide swimming and skating facilities including lessons and family activities.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Kalamazoo Farmer's Market
Kalamzoo Nature Center
Lake Michigan is 35 miles away

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am to 5pm
269-387-2000

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Monday-Friday / 9:30am & 2pm
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
By appointment

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Taxi, bus, train, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

Driving Instructions to Campus
I-94 to US-131 North to Stadium Drive, turn East.

Admissions

Applicants: 20,100
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average HS GPA: 3.53







Academics








Careers



Tuition & Aid






Student Body



Campus Life













Articles & Advice