VERGE A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN COLLEGE | 2017
THIS COULD BE YOUR MOMENT
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FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF
calvin.edu/visit
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VERGE FALL 2017
A Calvin College 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, 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: verge@calvin.edu To change your address: verge@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 Joy’l Ver Heul ’04, creative director
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CALVIN COLLEGE EQUIPS STUDENTS TO THINK DEEPLY, TO ACT JUSTLY, AND TO LIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY AS CHRIST’S AGENTS OF RENEWAL IN THE WORLD. —Calvin College, Mission Statement
U O E Y R E H H S I W WERE
WILDERNESS ORIENTATION Start your Calvin experience right with an unforgettable orientation experience. Learn more about adventure trips at calvin.edu/go/wilderness.
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Life is made up of moments.
And you want to make the most of every one. At Calvin, you’ll find a community that’s ready to cheer you on. That means that you can go beyond what you thought you could learn, step way outside of your comfort zone and honor God through it all. Calvin’s vision for you is a big one— and our students and grads are living it out in every moment.
calvin.edu/everymoment 6 VERGE
Whatever she’s doing, Kaitlyn wants to dig deeper. She always wants to know more. At Calvin, she has the freedom and support to be all-in, all the time.
Kaitlyn Farris
Biochemistry Major International Development Studies Minor
“I’ve been overwhelmingly grateful for how Calvin delights in curiosity. Growing up, I was the student who’d always ask “Why?” and teachers would shut me down. At Calvin, professors invite you into “the why.” Calvin doesn’t tell you what to think, but gives you all the parts of the conversation and lets you investigate and figure out what you believe. There’s so much freedom in that—freedom to grow.”
“My life would be so dull without dreams that involve making this earth more like heaven.”
Dario just finished his first year here, and for him, Calvin has already been full of opportunities and open doors. But he knows he’s just getting started.
Dario Lirio
Business Major
“I applied to 23 different colleges and universities all over the U.S. and the U.K. Calvin stood out because of its solid liberal arts foundation along with its community of students, great study abroad programs and opportunities for internships and jobs in Grand Rapids.”
Check out Dario’s vlog at calvinblogs.com/dario
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If we had to describe Reitsma with one word, we’d pick determined. But he’s far more complex than that, because at Calvin, he’s using his determination to invest in others.
Reitsma Mpindi
Organizational Communication Major Business Minor
“I’ve gotten to know myself a lot better, which brings me peace. I’m a lot more comfortable going outside of what I know.”
Keilahna’s biggest college dream has already come true: an NCAA National Championship. But for this volleyball star, Calvin isn’t just about athletic achievement; it’s about discovering who she is.
Keilahna Castillo
Recreational Therapy Major Psychology Minor
“When I came here, I didn’t have that close of a relationship with God. My professors would read the Bible at the beginning of class and talk about their faith—that was definitely something I wasn’t used to, coming from a public high school. My roommate would read devotions every night, and I was curious about that. We eventually started doing devotions together, praying together and going to church together. My team has also had a huge impact on my faith. Right from the start of my freshman year season, our coach had an ongoing theme of playing for each other but, most importantly, playing for God.”
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“I’ve always been deeply invested in other people, but I wasn’t sure how to take that passion beyond my own friendships and late night talks. Now, that same passion for people means that I’m thinking about how policy shifts have an effect on education and youth. I’m thinking about how shaping an office environment affects how employees perform at the office and also who they are at home.”
Cotter didn’t want his college to be a safe haven from the world. At Calvin, he found a place where he could freely explore all his interests—and be challenged to do something with them.
Cotter Koopman
Computer Science Major
“Calvin is a place that took me seriously. There’s a freedom to create yourself.”
“I came to college to construct some kind of identity. I needed a lot of space to try things out and not just get prepared for the workforce. The things I wanted to experiment with were all over the map in terms of disciplines and subjects. At Calvin, I knew I could legitimately try a lot of different things without being confined to a major, a group or a label.”
calvin.edu/everymoment Ryan knows great design and cutting-edge fashion. He knows what it takes to turn a small business into a global success. Thanks to his Calvin education, he also knows it’s about more than profits.
Ryan Roff
Business, ’09 Co-Owner of boldSOCKS
“I knew I had passion, but Calvin helped turn that passion into a process of thinking that allowed me to explore the values that I wanted to hold for the rest of my life.”
“At boldSOCKS, we believe in three things. Quality, cool, unique designs; providing clean water through a social enterprise model; and partnering with the right manufacturer to provide an ethical model to manufacture our socks. For me, the process of learning what it means to run an ethical, smart business began at Calvin, where I had an opportunity to think about problem solving in a different way.”
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100+ ACADEMIC OPTIONS SOCIAL SCIENCES
BUSINESS
FINE ARTS
RELIGION
Accounting - BSA, MAcc Business Business Entrepreneurship Business Operations Business & Mathematics Finance Global Management Accounting Human Resources Marketing Sport Management Public Accounting
Art Art Education Art History Dance Graphic Design Instrumental Music Music Music Education Music History Music in Worship Music Theory & Composition Theatre Vocal Music
Biblical Studies Church-Based Community Development Congregational Studies Ministry Leadership Missions Religious Studies Pastoral Ministry Youth Ministry Worship Ministry
Economics International Development Studies International Relations Pre-Law Political Science Politics, Governments & Globalization Social Science Social Work Sociology Urban Studies
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS
WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURAL STUDIES
HEALTH SCIENCES
Actuarial Science Astronomy Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Computer Science Data Analytics Data Science Engineering - BSE Chemical Civil & Environmental Electrical & Computer Mechanical Environmental Geology Environmental Sciences Environmental Studies Geography Geology Information Systems Integrated Science Studies Mathematics Mathematics & Economics Physics Physics & Computer Science Psychology Scientific Computation & Modeling Statistics Sustainability Studies
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES Communications Digital Communications Film and Media Journalism Organizational Communication Speech Pathology & Audiology - BA, MA Strategic Communication
EDUCATION Bilingual Spanish Education Early Childhood Education Earth/Space Science Educ. Education - BA, BS, MEd Elementary Education English as a Second Language Fine Arts Health Education Language Arts Kinesiology (Physical Educ.) Secondary Education Social Studies Special Education (cognitive impairment)
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Exercise Science Neuroscience Nursing Optics Pre-Dentistry Pre-Medicine Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Podiatry Pre-Veterinary Public Health Therapeutic Recreation
HUMANITIES Archaeology English Gender Studies History Interdisciplinary Studies Linguistics Literature Medieval Studies Philosophy Writing
African Studies Asian Studies Chinese Classical Studies Dutch French German Global Studies Greek Japanese Korean Latin Latin American Studies Spanish
STILL DECIDING?
calvin.edu/academics
FIND YOUR NICHE
UNIQUE PROGRAMS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
THE HONORS PROGRAM
RESEARCH FELLOWS
Experience a thriving academic community
Fellows work on a research project with either
full of other passionate scholars in the Honors
a Calvin professor or one of Calvin’s research
Program. To graduate with honors, you’ll get to
centers for a summer or academic year in exchange
craft a capstone project or thesis on a topic of
for living and travel stipends.
TURN YOUR CURIOSITY INTO CREDIT HOURS.
your choice. Students with a solid academic record or strong self-motivation may apply. WHERE DO I APPLY?
DO REAL WORK WITH REAL PROFESSIONALS.
The competitive selection process will include a series of interviews, out of which 20 fellows will be selected. WHERE DO I APPLY? calvin.edu/honors/research-fellows
calvin.edu/honors
THE ARTIST COLLABORATIVE CREATE AND STUDY ART, WITH OTHER ARTISTS.
Explore what you’re capable of with collaborative projects, and at the end of it all, present your final work in a student showcase. Anyone with an interest in the arts can apply, but hurry; there are only 25 open spots each year. WHERE DO I APPLY?
PERKINS LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PREPARE TO ADDRESS BIG ISSUES.
This small group meets for two years and is all about leadership development. Courses, conferences and other opportunities will prepare you to address big issues like poverty, injustice, racism and materialism. Bonus: Two students will be selected for a full-tuition scholarship. WHERE DO I APPLY? calvin.edu/leadership-fellows
calvin.edu/arts/artist-collaborative
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TOP
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ON CAMPUS Explore the 100-acre Ecosystem Preserve with a camera or a friend Learn a dance and perform at a sold-out Dance Guild show Watch the latest films on the auditorium big screen—for free String a hammock between two of the thousands of campus trees Compete in Chaos Day, an epic dorm showdown Join a student organization dedicated to your interests Swim laps in the Olympicsized swimming pool Play volleyball, wiffle ball or floor hockey with an intramural team Worship, study and play with your floor or residence hall Celebrate the world during the International Treasure culture festival
OFF CAMPUS
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Ride the carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum See world-class sculptures at Meijer Gardens Enjoy sushi and juice at the Downtown Market Visit the lakeshore
Swing dance in the heart of downtown at Rosa Parks Circle Watch films in the park Decide where to find the best coffee: Madcap, Rowster or The Sparrows Ski, tube or snowboard at Cannonsburg Ski Area Hear your favorite band at one of 100+ live music venues Cheer on one of four local minor league sports teams 13
INTRAMURALS A NEW LEVEL OF FUN
INTRAMURALS & STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Flag football
Rock climbing
Basketball
Beach volleyball
Backpacking
Volleyball
demanding athletic program, intramural teams might
Ultimate Frisbee
Martial arts
Road cycling
satisfy your need for serious competition. For example,
Equestrian
Badminton
Futsal
the guys on this 5x5 basketball team manage to balance
Rugby
Rowing
Softball
intense competition with just the right amount of good
Yoga
Wiffle ball
Tennis
Water polo
Dodgeball
Running
Ping pong
Floor hockey
Snow sports
Pilates
Soccer
If you love the game but just can’t commit to Calvin’s
times amidst their busy class schedules. Dozens of teams form each season, so you don’t even have to commit to something for the long-haul.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT ATHLETICS AND RECREATION AT CALVIN CALVIN.EDU/ATHLETICS
INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS
DIII ATHLETICS
Baseball Basketball* Cross country* Golf Hockey (ACHA DI and ACHA DIII)* Lacrosse Soccer* Softball Swimming and diving Tennis Track and field Volleyball * Expanded to include JV teams in 2017
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THE LifeWork DIFFERENCE
Everyone’s telling you 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.
$3,000
COMPLETE THE LIFEWORK PROGRAM AND YOU’LL RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUR FINAL YEAR AT CALVIN.
Calvin LifeWork starts with your passion and unleashes your career path, all while teaching you about the value of living well.
Here's how it works: YEAR 1 Your introduction to what “calling” can mean to you. Take a career assessment, look at majors and create an initial resume.
YEAR 2 Your chance to get ready for what’s ahead. Develop your elevator pitch, presentation prowess and interview skills.
John Kim MAJOR: international
YEAR 3 Get hands-on experience through an internship or a research project. Take a fresh look at both faith and professionalism in the workplace.
development HOMETOWN: Bucheon City, South Korea INTERNSHIP: Atlanta Dream Center WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE
YEAR 4 Your launch pad into the postgrad world. Network in your field, get financial advice and join professional organizations.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT INTERNSHIPS? I don’t think you can go wrong when it comes to internships. No experience is going to be wasted. If anything, it will build character, so enjoy!
calvin.edu/go/lifework 16 VERGE
Take a few applications, try them out, ask mentors and people you trust, and go for it!
Financial Aid: Making It Work Check out the first building block of your financial aid package—academic scholarships—here. Then explore information about other forms of financial aid at calvin.edu/finaid.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
NO SEPARATE APPLICATION REQUIRED
$18,000
NATIONAL MERIT
National Merit Finalists (See National Merit guidelines)
$18,000
TRUSTEE’S
3.90 GPA and 33 ACT or 1490 NEW SAT
$15,000
PRESIDENT’S
3.90 GPA and 30 ACT or 1390 NEW SAT
$12,000
PROVOST’S
3.80 GPA and 27 ACT or 1280 NEW SAT
$10,000
DEAN’S
3.40 GPA and 23 ACT or 1130 NEW SAT
$8,000
FACULTY’S
3.00 GPA and 20 ACT or 1020 NEW SAT
The above scholarships are available for up to 5 years with a cumulative Calvin GPA of 3.0.
MORE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $4,000 $4,000 $2,000 $4,000
LEGACY AWARD MOSAIC AWARD FIRST GENERATION AWARD ENTRADA SCHOLARSHIP
$23,000 AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE
99% OF CALVIN STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS
Child of Calvin alumni or Christian Reformed North American ethnic minority students or students with significant cross-cultural experience Students whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree A competitive scholarship for those who successfully complete the Entrada Scholars Program
The above scholarships are automatically awarded after a student is admitted to Calvin. They are available for up to 5 years.
DONOR-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS Calvin also awards donor-funded scholarships to incoming students in February. These scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria and can be explored at calvin.edu/go/scholarshipsearch. Admitted students can apply beginning in December. The deadline for most applications is February 1.
NEED-BASED AID Apply for need-based aid after October 1 by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the appropriate Calvin financial aid form to be considered for need-based grants up to $20,000.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID STARTING OCTOBER 1, 2017 calvin.edu/finaid 17
BUILD A DARING DAILY CHAPEL Believe, behold, belong, be still and be loud each day of the week.
CAMPUS BIBLE STUDIES Every fall students, staff and faculty form groups for a campus-wide Bible study.
MENTORING Grow from deep conversations with those further along in life.
SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY Serve and learn from people in the Grand Rapids community.
SERVE AROUND THE WORLD Learn about pressing needs in every corner of the globe.
RESIDENCE HALL WORSHIP Join your dorm brothers and sisters for intimate, heartfelt worship each week.
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FAITH
At Calvin, you’ll experience worship and community like never before. You’ll be challenged to know Christ more and to let that understanding unleash your gifts and talents in new ways.
calvin.edu/faith 19
THE LIBERAL ARTS
ADVANTAGE T A K E
I T
S E R I O U S LY
If you’re like a lot of people, you’re applying to colleges based on whether they have your major or program. Maybe you’re interested in Calvin because it has a strong philosophy or engineering program, or because of our high rates of medical school acceptance for pre-med students. But what if you choose a college because it has an eye-opening liberal arts approach to education, no matter what your major?
“At Calvin, you’re being prepared for your field and for life in general. That’s just not a thing at a big research university. At Calvin, you learn how to be a citizen of the kingdom
SKEPTICAL?
of God, not just
We understand. Many first-year college students view
prepare for your job.”
general education requirements as courses to “get out of the way” so they can focus on their major. But most Calvin students find that the core curriculum doesn’t hinder their studies; it complements them.
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—Josh Wright ’16
WHAT ARE THE LIBERAL ARTS? In addition to your major, you will choose courses in various categories to learn more about subjects such as theology, psychology, political science, art history and geography. But that’s only the beginning. The value of the liberal arts really happens as you develop the habit of learning about the world and analyzing specific problems.
WHY DO THE LIBERAL ARTS MATTER? Answer #1: It will expand your view of God. Calvin’s core courses will give you new eyes with which to see the world and its Creator. As you discover more about creation, watch as your awe and wonder make your heart bigger and your mind more receptive to God’s wisdom. Answer #2: It will help you build a career. Thousands of Calvin graduates tell stories about how their exceptional analytical writing and communication skills put them a notch
WHY LIBERAL ARTS? LEARN TO WRITE. LEARN TO RESEARCH. LEARN HOW TO THINK. LEARN TO UNDERSTAND CURRENT ISSUES FROM EVERY ANGLE. LEARN TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU BELIEVE. LEARN TO COMMUNICATE. LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE AND CULTURE. LEARN TO ENGAGE VISUAL ART, MUSIC, FILM AND MORE.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
above other applicants for jobs or promotions to leadership positions. Bonus: A liberal arts degree can also prepare you for graduate school. Answer #3: It will help you make a difference in the world. We live in a complex world that has some pretty big problems. The knowledge and skills you build in Calvin’s core courses will help you collaborate with others to create multi-faceted solutions to problems like poverty, human trafficking and more.
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Wherever you’re coming from, it all starts here.
Your future classmates are coming from across the globe. And once you arrive, your Calvin adventure will take you to places you’ve only dreamed about.
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APPLY
calvin.edu/apply HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION 1. C omplete the Common Application or the Calvin Application at calvin.edu/apply.
VISIT
calvin.edu/visit
HOW TO SCHEDULE A VISIT
2. Ask your high school to send Calvin a copy of your transcript. 3. Ask a teacher to fill out a recommendation form for you. 4. Send us your ACT/SAT scores.
1. Pick the type of visit FRIDAYS AT CALVIN
Our most activity-packed visit program
Apply for free by Nov. 15
DEPARTMENT DAYS
(U.S. students) or Jan. 1
Dive deeper into a specific area of study
(international students)
ANYDAY VISITS A customized visit just for you
2. Pick your visit date 3. Call (800) 688-0122 or go to calvin.edu/visit
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Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388
calvin.edu #calvincollege social.calvin.edu
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