VERGE A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN UNIVERSITY | FALL 2019
M A J O R
misconceptions 7 FRESH WAYS TO THINK ABOUT YOUR MAJOR
OWN YOUR ADVENTURE The world belongs to God, and you’re invited to explore. Practice faith, build connections, expand your comfort zone, and seek restoration. You’re bound to find a journey that intrigues you.
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calvin.edu/off-campus
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VERGE FALL 2019
A Calvin University publication for prospective students and parents. Verge—the edge, rim, or margin; the brink. The point beyond which an act, state, or condition is likely to start or happen—as in “on the verge.” The verge is a place where you’re finally able to see everything that’s in front of you—a place where you can say, “I can get there from here.” At Calvin, you’ll find yourself on the verge of more than you can imagine—new ideas, unexpected opportunities, and new territory in your life, your studies, and your faith. From the verge, you’ll catch a vision of how to live. And Calvin will take you there.
CONTACT To submit a question or a letter: info@calvin.edu To change your address: info@calvin.edu PRODUCTION VERGE is produced by Calvin’s admissions and financial aid office. EDITORIAL AND CREATIVE TEAM Sarah Johnson ’00, head writer Jeanne Nienhuis ’80, editor Erin Petty ’05, writer Erin Elders ’16, designer
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CALVIN UNIVERSITY Throughout Calvin’s history, academic excellence and Christian conviction have shaped everything we do. We believe in Christ’s bold promise to make all things new, and our community has lived into that promise for decades. That is both our legacy and our future—and when you join us, it becomes yours, too.
CALVIN UNIVERSITY EQUIPS STUDENTS TO THINK DEEPLY, TO ACT JUSTLY, AND TO LIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY AS CHRIST’S AGENTS OF RENEWAL IN THE WORLD. —Calvin University, Mission Statement
“What are you going to major in?” When you’re headed to college, that question comes up a lot. It’s a daunting question—a more serious version of “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question that feels too big to mess up. Almost like it’s really asking, “Well, who are you anyway?”
Here’s some good news: God already knows exactly who you are. You were created in the image of a brilliant God who loves you and who gave you a purpose in this world. At Calvin, your education is about much, much more than your major. It’s about discovering that God-given purpose. Inside this issue of VERGE, you’ll meet students and alumni who are living into that purpose and embracing the best things about their major. We hope you’ll be inspired by their stories. You’re also invited to see Calvin for yourself, in action. When you visit Calvin, you’ll explore our beautiful campus, sit in on world-changing classes, and meet some remarkable Calvin students. Whoever you are, whoever you are becoming, you will find a place at Calvin where you can be who God created you to be. VERGE 5
#1 “I have no idea what I want to major in, so maybe I should hold off on college until I figure that out.” Calvin is a great place to discover the best major for you. Why? Our curriculum is designed to educate you broadly. Start off by taking a wide variety of classes in subjects that interest you, and you might discover what you want to major in. Even if you don’t, those classes can count toward graduation. Plus, at Calvin, you’ll have access to resources like the Career Center, which can help identify your Godgiven gifts and future career path.
“My profs challenged me, mentored me, and prayed for me—they helped me believe I could do it.” —Therese Hounakey ’19 Organizational development specialist at Spectrum Health
FROM: Grand Rapids, MI MAJOR: B usiness, human resources MINOR: Psychology
As a first-generation college student,
be interesting at all,” she said. But she
Therese had many hurdles to jump over
talked to a professor, took some classes
just to get to college. “Honestly, I was
(she loved them), and ended up landing
mainly concerned about the money.
an internship at Spectrum Health.
I wanted to make enough money to give back to my family,” she said.
After she graduated, they offered her a position. “Calvin provided me
She went to the Career Center and
with the tools I needed to succeed,”
took a career assessment, which
Therese said. “My colleagues all have
scientifically measures your interests
advanced degrees, and I’m able to work
and recommends career paths. “It
alongside them, as a fresh grad, and
showed that human resources was my
fully contribute.”
highest score, and I didn’t think that’d
READY TO LEAD
Like all Calvin students, Therese took classes both inside and outside of her major. Calvin’s core curriculum is designed to give you the big picture. Through carefully selected courses, you’ll grow as a student, develop marketable leadership skills, and discover new things about God. 6 VERGE
WHEN YOU VISIT
There’s a panel discussion just for students—it’s a great place to ask about internships, getting connected, and picking classes for your first semester.
YOUR FIRST YEAR AT CALVIN HERE’S SOME GOOD NEWS: AT CALVIN, YOU CAN MEET FRIENDS, HAVE FUN, AND START BUILDING YOUR RÉSUMÉ WITH EXPERIENCES THAT SET YOU APART. AND YOU CAN DO ALL THOSE THINGS AT THE SAME TIME DURING YOUR VERY FIRST YEAR. HOW? WITH FIRST-YEAR OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO EXPAND YOUR GIFTS AND INTERESTS.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP COHORT This cohort of students is enthusiastic about participating in the life of the church. Take courses together, go on retreats, and take an expenses-
Honors Scholars is a
Join a community that
Cultivate your leadership
selective program where
thinks deeply about how
skills with a small group
you’ll work closely with
art can transform lives,
of your peers. This group
faculty across academic
inspire justice, and improve
is open to all, and first-
disciplines. Collegiate
the world around us.
generation college
to interdisciplinary upperlevel classes while having
Unique opportunity: Tuition-free summer course
Express interest by:
PERKINS LEADERSHIP FELLOWS
Scholars gives you access
paid pilgrimage.
and ministry internship
HONORS AND ARTIST COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS COLLABORATIVE
the flexibility to pursue your interests outside of the classroom.
Unique opportunity: Arts-related travel abroad, with expenses paid Express interest by:
students are encouraged to join. Courses, conferences, and other opportunities will prepare you to address big issues like poverty,
February 1, 2020
injustice, and racism.
CALVIN.EDU/ ARTIST-COLLABORATIVE
Unique opportunity:
December 1, 2019
Unique opportunity:
CALVIN.EDU/ MINISTRY-COHORT
interdisciplinary courses
full-tuition scholarships
Express interest by:
Express interest by:
December 1, 2019
December 1, 2019
CALVIN.EDU/HONORS
CALVIN.EDU/ LEADERSHIP-FELLOWS
Team-taught
Two students receive
MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE: Phage Research Tutoring and Coaching First-Year Research in Earth Sciences Dance Guild Calvin Theatre Company Calvin Adventure Club Living-Learning Floors
Multicultural Student Development International Student Development Bible Studies First-Year Seminar Music Ensembles Intramurals
Sound intriguing? Explore more at calvin.edu/academics/opportunities.
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#2 “Calvin might not even have what I want to study.�
Calvin is big enough to give you a lot of choices (more than 100) and small enough to give you a close intellectual community with a great student-to-faculty ratio (13:1). Not convinced? Our programs are exceptional, our professors are top-notch, and our students have incredible opportunities. In any major, you will be a part of one of the most amazing academic experiences around.
WHEN YOU VISIT
Meet the world-class professors who are invested in teaching you as an undergrad. Be sure to ask about their particular area of research or particular areas of interest. 8 VERGE
ACADEMIC OPTIONS BUSINESS
ARTS
Accounting (BSA) Master of Accounting (MAcc) Business Entrepreneurship Finance Human Resources Marketing Sport Management Supply Chain Management
Art Art History Ceramics Dance Drawing and Painting Filmmaking Fine Arts (BFA) Graphic Design Instrumental Music Music Music Composition Photography Theatre Music Performance
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES Communication Digital Communication Film and Media Studies Journalism Organizational Communication Strategic Communication
HEALTH SCIENCES
Exercise Science Health Communication Kinesiology Nursing One Health Education (BA, BS) Pre-Dentistry Elementary (K–5th grade) Pre-Medicine Secondary (6th–12th grade) Pre-Occupational Therapy Many specializations, including: Pre-Optometry Art Education Pre-Pharmacy Bilingual Education Pre-Physical Therapy Early Childhood Education Pre-Physician Assistant English as a Second Language Pre-Podiatry Health Education Pre-Veterinary Integrated Science Education Public Health Mathematics Education Recreation Leadership Physical Education Speech Pathology & Audiology Social Studies Master of Speech Pathology Special Education & Audiology (MA) Special Education Studies Therapeutic Recreation Urban Studies in Education World Languages (Spanish, Archaeology Chinese, and more) English 20+ other certifiable areas Gender Studies Master of Education (MEd) History
EDUCATION
HUMANITIES
Interdisciplinary—Politics, Philosophy, Economics Interdisciplinary Studies Linguistics Literature Medieval Studies Philosophy Religion Writing
MINISTRY Church-Based Community Development Congregational Studies Missions Music in Worship Pastoral Ministry Pre-Seminary Worship Youth Ministry
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATHEMATICS Actuarial Science Astronomy Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Computer Science Data Analytics Data Science Engineering (BSE) Chemical Civil & Environmental Electrical & Computer Mechanical Ecology and Conservation Environmental Health and Conservation Environmental Sciences Environmental Studies
Geology Mathematics Natural Resources and Naturalist Studies Neuroscience Optics Physics Scientific Computation & Modeling Statistics
SOCIAL SCIENCES Economics Geography International Development Studies International Relations Pre-Law Political Science Psychology Social Science Social Work Sociology Urban Studies
WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURAL STUDIES African Studies Asian Studies Chinese Chinese Studies Classical Studies Dutch French German Studies Global Studies Greek Japanese Japanese Studies Korean Latin Latin American Studies Spanish
STILL DECIDING? calvin.edu/academics
INTERDISCIPLINARY COMBOS
With over 100 academic options, it’s easy to mix and match majors, minors, and programs. But some fields of study don’t fit exactly into a certain category, and that’s where interdisciplinary majors come in.
CONSIDER THESE COMBINATIONS: Sociology + Social Work + Music Writing + Religion + Business Chemistry + Philosophy + Gender Studies History + Public Health + Studio Art VERGE 9
Q&A
Kali Reese
Finding community in the lab By Kali Reese Biochemistry and vocal music double major Biology Professor Amy Wilstermann
Kali has been named a Goldwater Scholar for 2019–2020 based on her research with Prof. Wilstermann.
Why is collaborative research important?
How do you model humility in the lab and the classroom?
Professor Amy Wilstermann: So much
AW: Sometimes students assume that
of our lives as Christians are based in
I know everything. To admit that I
community, in caring for family and
don’t know how something works can
neighbors and loving them well. In a
encourage students to say, “I don’t know
research setting, we can think carefully
either. Let’s learn together.” And I have
The summer after my
about community and what kinds of
to be willing to admit mistakes. In the
first year, I worked with
things help those communities thrive
lab, you try things, and they don’t work.
and be productive and healthy. As
Mistakes help us learn how to analyze
faculty and students, thinking about
and do things differently in the future.
biology professor Amy Wilstermann on a research project alongside another student and professor Rachael Baker. We made
those pieces and developing those skills will be valuable in the lab and in life.
So, like a holistic perspective?
Why choose rare disease research? AW: It’s an area that isn’t heavily
AW: In Christianity, we have such a rich
studied. That makes it move a bit
history of people living and working
more slowly, so the pace is especially
a lot of progress with rare
together in community. So, now being
reasonable for doing research with
disease research, but what
in a Christian campus and Christian lab
undergraduate students. And even
really changed my heart was
working together, we can pull some
though not a lot of people work in
of those insights that people have
these fields, there is a lot of need for
developed over centuries and see how
the research. It fits well with Calvin’s
we can apply those to our space here.
mission to “act justly,” to be “agents
how we did that research. My professors weren’t just interested in my performance, they really wanted to know me as a person and as a believer. We shared meals together and had a support group where we talked about our successes and struggles.
of renewal,” and to be “stewards of
How do we know that this approach works?
get overlooked.
AW: Well, we’re collecting data to see if we are as productive as we would be in a non team-based setting and not using these Christian principles and practices. But we also think about other outputs from our laboratory experience. What about the well-being of the people who are involved in the project? If you don’t have happy and healthy people on your team, you won’t have long-term success.
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all people,” even those who often
WHEN YOU VISIT
Go on a tour that’s focused on your area of academic interest, and be sure to ask how faith and learning are integrated.
#3 “As a Christian, I am motivated because my work could impact foreign policymakers to make choices that lead to a more peaceful, just, and orderly world. I also want students to understand how challenging foreign policy is and the importance of praying for policymakers to make good choices.” — Professor Joel Westra Political science and pre-law
“I want to serve God with my life, so I should probably major in missions.” God is at work in every sphere: the classroom, the boardroom, the lab, the gallery … everywhere. At Calvin, you’ll learn to listen to God’s call and launch a bold life that’s centered on following Christ wherever he might lead. Faith is integrated into every single subject because you’ll need your faith in every single aspect of your life.
“During my first year, I was undecided about what I wanted to major in, but I knew that I wanted to serve God. My first semester, I took a class with Professor Westra, who taught me to think critically about international systems, which fascinated me and motivated me to further explore international relations. International relations at Calvin continues to offer me a broad and Christ-centered perspective. After I graduate, I hope to serve God by doing relief work with refugees in southern Europe and the Middle East.” —Purun Yeo FROM: Cairo, Egypt MAJORS: International relations and business with a concentration in marketing
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U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
NO. 3 MIDWEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITY
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FORBES
AMERICA’S TOP COLLEGES
PRINCETON REVIEW
BEST 385 COLLEGES
MONEY MAGAZINE
BEST VALUE COLLEGES
SIERRA CLUB
COOL SCHOOLS
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
NO. 5 IN UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
APPLY calvin.edu/apply
HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION 1. Complete the Common Application or the Calvin Application at calvin.edu/apply. 2. A sk your high school to send Calvin a copy of your transcript. 3. Send us your ACT/SAT scores. VERGE 13
To remind me of friends studying abroad
“I love Jesus, language, blueberries, trees, and laughter. Mostly, I just love to hear people’s stories.” —Lyric Floria FROM:
Austin, TX
MAJOR: Linguistics and international development studies
See snapshots of life at Calvin at instagram.com/calvinuniversity 14 VERGE
Snapshots of my semester
Glorious coffee
Notes from my floor Bible study
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#4
85%
of students have at least one internship during their time at Calvin.
“I won’t do anything ‘real’ with my major until I graduate.” We want to get you out in the field as soon as possible. Calvin’s Career Center is ready to prepare you for an internship related to your major. In the education department, you’ll receive practical classroom experience during your first semester. In the sciences, you’ll have opportunities during your first year to do research in the lab. Student organizations also offer plenty of opportunities for you to do meaningful real-life work.
KNIGHT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Build that résumé Investing with imaginary money is so …
and money management in a non-
boosted my confidence, and it’s a skill
high school. If you’re looking for real-
intimidating, somewhat low risk way.”
that is easily transferable to life beyond
world experience with stock portfolios,
Calvin. It’s already been helpful at career
Calvin’s Knight Investment Management
The club isn’t exclusive to business
(KIM) can take your passion for business
students. “We have members with
to the next level.
majors in engineering, computer science, and biology areas as well,” said Lucas
events and interviews.”
“It’s an extremely unique
KIM is a student-led organization
Holcombe. “Having a diverse group
experience. Investing
that gives students practical, real-life
of majors brings people with different
Calvin’s $2 million
investing experience. Members of KIM
ways of thinking and areas of expertise
engage in real-time analysis, asset
together to grow everyone’s knowledge.”
portfolio is an incredible
allocation, and stock picking to beat the market.
Brandon Tieng, a junior majoring in accounting and economics, always had
opportunity that I don’t take for granted. Most people won’t ever have
Junior finance major Colin Swaim joined
an interest in investing and joined KIM
KIM to gain investing experience. “It’s an
his first year. “I wanted to get involved
a chance to invest that
extremely unique experience,” he said.
with the Calvin community and connect
“Investing Calvin’s $2 million portfolio
with students who had similar interests,”
kind of capital.”
is an incredible opportunity that I don’t
said Brandon.
take for granted. Most people won’t ever have a chance to invest that kind
Although students learn the ins and outs
of capital.”
of investing, being a member of KIM is about more than evaluating stock picks.
Jen-Lyn Sin, a recent graduate, served
“The most valuable thing I’ve taken from
as KIM’s chief development officer.
KIM is becoming more comfortable
“It’s a great way to learn about stocks
with public speaking,” said Lucas. “It’s
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“I’m learning how to collaborate and what it means to analyze and evaluate a company,” Brandon said. “I learn something new at every meeting, which makes KIM a good return on investment.”
Calvin
calvin.edu/lifework
Everyone’s telling you that your college education should lead to a job. We believe that your Calvin education will lead to a job—but it should also lead to more. Calvin LifeWork starts with your passion and launches your career path, all while teaching you about the value of living well.
VOCATION Discover what God is calling you to do and who he is calling you to be. Realize you have gifts that will transcend your career—gifts that you can use at all times for God’s kingdom.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND LIFE SKILLS Bills, rent, budgeting. Relationships, conflict resolution, making a big move. No matter what intimidates you about the adult world, we’ll equip you to thrive in these areas.
CAREER READINESS
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Most of us will spend much of our adult life working. Whether you are planning to go to grad school or get hired right after college, we’ll help you pursue your career path with both passion and purpose.
Be a leader in your field of work and study and in your church and community. Your voice matters, and we’ll make sure you know how to use it to lead with conviction.
Calvin Lifework is a low-pressure path to a solid future. All first-year students are invited to join!
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#5 “I love music and art, but there will be no time for that in college because I’m majoring in something different.” You won’t want to miss out on the astonishingly creative community in the arts at Calvin—and you don’t have to. You’ll find psychology majors in the theater productions, business finance majors adding a studio art major, and mathematics majors leading worship. Calvin’s community isn’t one that limits; it’s one that gives permission to step outside your comfort zone and try something unexpected.
READY TO DANCE “Dancing is a way that I’m able to express myself and release my emotions and stress. And I love getting to build beautiful relationships through dancing with others.” —Jewel Chung FROM: Los Angeles, CA
South Korea
Grand Rapids, MI
MAJOR: Social work Jewel is passionate about people who the world considers “the least of these.” That’s why she’s majoring in social work. But during her first year at Calvin, she discovered another love—dancing—and hasn’t looked back. She found a deep joy and confidence in dancing within community. Since then, she’s performed in Rangeela and Dance Guild and helped coordinate this year’s Dance Marathon.
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calvin.edu/arts
READY TO MAKE MUSIC “Music is something that speaks to people in ways that words often can’t. The beauty of music ties directly into the beauty of God’s creation.” —Josiah Enos FROM:
Warwick, RI
READY TO CREATE “I like seeing what ideas people come up with. Seeing others bring something to the table that I never could fascinates me. It’s inspiring.” —Caitlyn Taylor FROM: Englewood, NJ MAJOR: Digital communication
MAJORS: B usiness and political science (pre-law)
Josiah has a packed class schedule, an on-campus job,
Caitlyn wanted to dive deeper into the arts, and the Artist Collaborative provided the perfect artistic outlet. As part
an active social life, and a
of this unique cohort, Caitlyn
passion for singing. He was
was able to travel to Northern
in three campus music
Ireland during a recent interim.
ensembles, where he was singing everything from Justin Bieber to Monteverdi.
See which music ensemble is right for you at calvin.edu/go/ ensembles.
Learn more about this first-year program (including the travel voucher to study abroad) at calvin.edu/ artist-collaborative.
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#6 “I should major in something ‘practical.’” Whatever your major, you’ll be prepared for a bold life after graduation. In fact, the class of 2018 had a 99-percent graduate placement rate. Our alumni are entrepreneurs, researchers, stage managers, pastors, professors, storytellers, artists, lawyers, social workers, musicians, computer programmers ... you get the idea. The critical thinking and analytic skills you will develop in our broad academic programs are exactly the practical skills you need to succeed in any field.
“I wanted to go to a big state school because I thought I’d have more opportunities, but the opportunities I’ve had at Calvin have been incredible.” —Josh Maher FROM: Troy, MI MAJORS: Linguistics, Spanish, and German Yes, Josh has a plan for his triple major in linguistics, Spanish, and German: He wants to help government ambassadors understand language. He’s well on his way to meeting that goal; he already spent time teaching English in China. At Calvin, he’s learned that language is more than a marketable way to communicate his own ideas. “For me, language is primarily about listening well,” Josh said. “I can learn so much by just being quiet and hearing what others have to say.”
READY TO EXCEL
Josh loved living on the Honors Floor, a tight-knit community that may also be right for you. To be considered for the Honors Scholars program, you need to be admitted to Calvin and complete a Honors Scholars application.
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“I took English 101 my first semester, and my professor encouraged me to become an English major. I did, and I loved it!” —Isabelle Selles ’19 Teaching assistant in Toulon, France FROM:
Grand Rapids, MI
MAJORS: English literature and French For Isabelle, becoming an English major was a total surprise. She came into college with a list of what she wanted to study, and English literature certainly wasn’t on her radar. “I realized over my time at Calvin that I wasn’t just getting ready for a future career but also for being a good citizen in whatever community I live in,” she said. What changed? She met Calvin’s stellar professors. “I was surprised by the level of care and intentionality that the faculty put into helping students develop as persons.” Isabelle’s professors also connected her to amazing opportunities. She studied in the French Alps and landed a job as managing editor of Pedagogy, an academic journal focused on language and literature. And she has a lot more planned. She’ll be spending this year teaching at secondary schools in the south of France and plans to apply to graduate programs in English literature. “Calvin helped me develop a skill set and willingness to continue to explore the opportunities available to me. I’m excited for my year in France and for whatever comes after.”
READY TO RESEARCH Isabelle hiking in the Chartreuse Mountains
Here’s something else that’s unique about Calvin: outstanding undergrad research opportunities. Isabelle spent a summer getting paid to research in the humanities, and you can, too.
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#7 “Sports was a big part of my high school life, but I probably won’t have time for college athletics.” At Calvin, you can do both. The great part about being an NCAA DIII school is that our athletes are scholars first. Your coaches understand the pressures of a student schedule. You might even find that as you arrange study sessions around your practice time, your teammates are your best study buddies.
NCAA DIVISION III TEAMS MEN’S VARSITY Baseball Basketball* Cross country* Golf Indoor track and field Lacrosse Outdoor track and field Soccer* Swimming and diving Tennis Hockey (ACHA DI and DIII) *includes JV teams also
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WOMEN’S VARSITY Basketball* Cross country* Golf Indoor Track and field Lacrosse Outdoor track and field Soccer* Softball Swimming and diving Tennis Triathlon Volleyball
“I always wanted to get a great education, and I love everything Calvin has to offer in terms of environment, culture, and a great soccer program.” —Sam Twigg FROM: Auckland, New Zealand MAJOR: Mechanical engineering Soccer has always been a driving force in Sam’s life. So when he started looking at colleges, an exceptional soccer program was a priority. He also wanted a place that would give him an excellent education and prepare him for a successful career. Once he found Calvin, all the pieces seemed to fall into place. His mechanical engineering major is rigorous, but he still has time for a social life and the sport he loves. “Playing soccer here requires a high level of commitment throughout the season but not at the expense of your learning—our coaches constantly remind us of that. I’m very grateful for that sense of balance here at Calvin,” Sam said.
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What is there to do on the weekends? There’s always something to do! Cheer on the Knights at a game or attend a concert, movie, or performance on campus. Or you can bike or take the bus to Grand Rapids’ thriving downtown and visit local restaurants and shops.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities do Calvin students have? Calvin students strongly believe in investing in their communities, and they serve in Grand Rapids neighborhoods in many ways— including through the ServiceLearning Center on campus. Whether it’s tutoring a fourthgrader in math or helping out at a local food pantry, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED What kind of student clubs does Calvin have? You can discover so many opportunities—more than 75 to be specific. Dance Marathon, Knight Investment Management, Running Club, and Food Recovery Network are just a few. There’s a club for whatever you’re interested in whether it’s a hobby, something you’re passionate about, or related to your future career.
Is study abroad feasible with Calvin’s academic programs? Absolutely. The world is wide, and here you’ll be prepared to engage with every part of it. Calvin offers 11 off-campus programs—semesters in Spain, Ghana, England, China, Honduras, and more. Don’t want to be gone that long? We also have three-week interim classes taught by Calvin profs in even more destinations around the globe.
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What are the dorms like? At Cavin, you don’t just get a roommate—you get suitemates too! Each suite consists of two bedrooms with a shared bathroom in between (so no having to trek down the hall for a shower). Every room has closet space, a huge window, and fully stackable furniture (bed, dresser, and desk) for you to customize.
How can I grow in my faith? Faith is woven into every class you’ll take. You can also join the Calvin community for daily chapel or a Sunday evening LOFT service. Want more? Lead a Bible study on your floor, or be part of groups like the Worship Apprentices, Barnabas team, or Ministry Leadership Cohort.
CALVIN QUESTIONS Can I play sports if I’m not an athlete? Yes! More than half of all Calvin students are involved in the friendly competition of intramural sports. And it’s FREE! Join a recreational or advanced league and choose from more than 20 sports, including: badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, dodge ball, flag football, floor hockey, ping-pong, soccer, and more.
WANT TO VISIT?
Fridays at Calvin is the perfect way to see campus. See calvin.edu/visit for more details. VERGE 25
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT STAY OVERNIGHT IN THE DORMS Choose a Fridays at Calvin
1 23 4 5 6 7 8
WORSHIP WITH STUDENTS
PLUS visit and get the whole
If you’re coming for Fridays
experience. Your host will
at Calvin, get LOUD with us
introduce you to their friends
at songfest chapel! If you’re
and show you what it’s like
staying overnight, you might
to live on campus.
EXPLORE THE ECOSYSTEM PRESERVE AND NATIVE GARDENS These 100+ acres right on Calvin’s campus have beautiful, well-maintained walking trails.
CHEER ON THE KNIGHTS! Check the sports schedule at calvinknights.com, dig out your favorite maroon or gold gear, and experience college athletics.
EXPERIENCE ACADEMIC LIFE You can be the fly on the wall in a Calvin class. See for yourself how Calvin professors empower students to integrate their faith into all things.
be able to sit in on a dorm Bible study or join us for LOFT on Sunday evenings.
GET A FEEL FOR THE CITY Eat in local restaurants, like breakfast at Wolfgang’s, macarons at Le Bon, or sushi at the Downtown Market. Or explore Grand Rapids’ walkable neighborhoods.
ASK QUESTIONS You’ll be able to connect with admissions counselors, tour guides, students, faculty, professors, and others.
BE INSPIRED BY ARTS AT CALVIN Before your visit, check out calvin.edu/calendar to see what’s happening in theater, music, and other fine arts.
calvin.edu/visit
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SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID Calvin’s deep and daring pursuit of excellence begins with our commitment to student success. Through a variety of scholarships and need-based financial aid programs, Calvin launches high achievers into bright futures. Take a close look at our scholarship program that features generous awards for students starting in the fall of 2020.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Academic scholarships are determined based on the student’s academic performance in high school and standardized test score. These academic scholarships are guaranteed through your sophomore year and are renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years with a cumulative Calvin GPA of 3.0. GPAs and test score updates are accepted through March 1. Average GPAs and test scores shown below are not guaranteed specific scholarship levels. AMOUNT
SCHOLARSHIP
AVERAGE SCORES OF RECIPIENTS WEIGHTED GPA
$20,000 NATIONAL MERIT
SAT
ACT
SELECTION DETERMINED BY NATIONAL MERIT CORPORATION
$18,000 TRUSTEE’S
4.2
1420
31
$16,000 PRESIDENT’S
3.9
1280
27
$14,000 PROVOST’S
3.7
1180
24
$12,000 DEAN’S
3.5
1120
22
3.0–3.3
1040
20
$10,000 FACULTY’S
99%
OF NEW CALVIN STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR GRANTS USE OUR NET PRICE CALCULATOR FOR AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID CALVIN.EDU/GO/CALCULATOR
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
These awards are available for up to five undergraduate years.
$2,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000
FIRST GENERATION AWARD LEGACY AWARD MOSAIC AWARD ENTRADA SCHOLARSHIP
Students whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree Child of Calvin alumni or Christian Reformed North American ethnic minority students or students with significant cross-cultural experience A competitive scholarship for students who successfully complete the Entrada Scholars program, guaranteed through your sophomore year and renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years with a cumulative Calvin GPA of 2.5
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS Calvin awards named scholarships based on a variety of criteria. Admitted students can apply from December 1 to February 1 at calvin.edu/go/scholarshipsearch.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS Calvin students received $1.7 million in outside scholarships last year. Search for outside scholarships at calvin.edu/go/morescholarships.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW GUARANTEED THROUGH YOUR SOPHOMORE YEAR! VERGE 27
NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT #552
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388 calvin.edu #calvinuniversity social.calvin.edu
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
NO. 3 MIDWEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITY
READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CALVIN ADVENTURE? SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY! CALVIN.EDU/VISIT