A camp like the ones you see in the movies... from the brown and white cabins to the shade-lending…read moretrees dotting the grounds to the dining hall full of families and foodfight instigating kids and the greeter, Tom, who after about 40 years as Greeter still speaks in a charming Scottish accent and smiles as you spoon up your mashed potatoes... from the arts and crafts buildilng where tye-dyed t-shirts are forever hanging out to dry and the waterfront where kids swim, sail, flip canoes and kayaks (I used to be the one to haul them back in, waterlogged and apologetic...) and work on their tans... to the music that floats from the huge tent in the summer out over Lake Geneva during Music by the Lake concerts. This place is magical. I worked at this camp for four summers and I think I'll always be nostalgic for those years. In all my time there, I've never met a camper who was ready to go when their week was up. Even the kid who sliced his foot open at the waterfront on a zebra mussel and had to get stitches - he was back down at the dock the next day, asking me to look the other way while he did a backflip into the lake (against the rules, but whatever...) Camp rocks. Unfortunately, Aurora University (an actual college in Illinois) bought it out about five years ago and is now in the process of phasing out all the summer camping groups which makes me incredibly sad. The "camp" will now be known primarily as a "college" where people can get masters degrees in things like education and music and recreation. Which is fine and all. Just one of those things you wish could last forever.

I graduated from this school and really cherished my time there. The students were all so friendly…read more The staff were very caring about their student. They took the time and interest in getting to know their students. Small classes made a big difference. The facilities were wonderful. The cafeteria always had hood food. Close to Chicago and all the activities of a big town. A great place to truly learn.

Trinity rocks! I completed my MDiv at TEDS and had a terrific experience. The professors are…read morescholarly and yet caring, the teaching is deep and yet pastoral, and the students and faculty come from a variety of nations, ethnic backgrounds, and theological traditions, all under the broad umbrella of the gospel and the mission of God in the world. TEDS seeks to keep one foot firmly planted in the academy and the other foot equally firmly in the mission of the church. A great place to study if you are looking to be a pastor, a scholar, a professor, or Christian leader.

Wonderful people, seems really great school. Great community. Unfortunately it didn't work out for…read moremy son to go there.

Maybe I'm partial, and that I am...but this school is/was awesome…read more I was a non-trad student there (didn't live on campus, was of drinking age when I started) but I clearly went there for the education, which was by far one of the best choices I've ever made. I loved my professors in my dept. and knew each one by name, and them likewise with me. In my senior year, many of my classes had only 6-7 other students in them. Classes were interesting and varied... where else can you take a Film Genre class that focuses on what students believe to be the 7 best films largely ignored??? I also took a Voices of the Holocaust class where we sat in discussion, read plenty of books, and watched a ton of movies and documentaries--by far my favorite class ever. If English is your thing, take the Beloit Fiction Journal class-- and all you do is read short stories submitted by hopeful (and established) authors and decide by vote who should be submitted into the latest journal...way interesting and way chill and fun. And those classes had nothing to do with my major-- but since it's a liberal arts college--I was able to take them in not only my junior but senior year as well. I transferred over from a 2 year school and really enjoyed my education there. Profs are helpful, engaging, and fun...classes are challenging, motivating, and varied....people are strange as hell and it's great. Don't visit expecting jocks and sorority girls, this is a unique college that values individuality-- and you definitely get that here. Squirrels on campus provide endless amusement. I once saw one pop out of a garbage can with a huge slice of cantaloupe in it's hands. And get the Beloit bagel for breakfast, and the sugar cookies with frosting---known as our "crack cocaine gotta have its" on campus. I really knew nothing about the campus life since I lived a little bit away and am more in my mid 20's--and was a little old for the lifestyle there, but I loved every minute of my schooling. But Wisconsin winters really suck.

Been once. Helpful just not for me. I decided on Carthage because they gave me more money. You guys…read moreare the cheapest school well one of the am I rambling? Sorry. Have a nice day.

My daughter graduated from Parkside years ago. Friendships…read morehave survived, her education was excellent, allowing her to take post graduate training in her specific field today .

Our girl joined a weekend gymnastics camp at the university. She seemed to have really enjoyed her…read moretime there and meeting a bunch of new gymnasts.

Not a good environment for non-white students. Sadly, it's been like this for years and they need…read morebetter basketball coaches!! Basketball is a spontaneous game and not to be programmed. Hire coaches with experience and who are fair!

I just enroll for the August sessions and have not yet attended classes yet. However, if the…read morefriendliness and knowledge of the staff is an indicator of the classes I am happy! They worked with me while I was still in CA to get enrolled and ready to start school. The building is wonderful with nice appearing classroom and nice student lounge area with vending machines. The only drawback is that it is on a busy road during peak hours.

From the owner: Columbia College - Crystal Lake Campus offers area residents the opportunity to complete a…read morebachelor's degree right here in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Columbia College students benefit from a liberal transfer policy and established articulation agreement with MCC. Students may take classes on campus, online or both. Eight-week sessions begin five times annually - starting in August, October, January, March, and June. Graduate level courses are offered online (MBA, MSCJ, MAT) making a master's degree convenient for working adults. Affordable, accredited and award winning.

Spent one semester here (Spring 2015) and I enjoyed my first and last semester here. I'm a transfer…read morestudent from College of Lake County and the process of transferring was easy, thanks to Bill Weir. It was unfortunate that the maximum transfer credit was 68. My credits per class in CLC was 3 but if it was converted to Carthage, it was 4. My professors were AMAZING. I love how the classes have a small professor to student ratio which was small. You get to know them in a personal level and it's great networking. I personally love places where I know people by their name because it's more personal. You're not another number. If you're an incoming freshman or transfer student, you're required to do Western Heritage. I highly suggest taking Marla Polley as your professor because she makes it engaging. She's also a lovely professor who cares for her students. As soon as you step in her classroom she gives off a positive vibe. If you're a communication major, which I was when I switched from criminal justice, you should definitely take Colleen Kappeler. I learned a TON from her and I can guarantee you that you'll enjoy her classes as much as I did when I had her. The administration is all right. During my semester here we were required to do a survey of the Title IX which was an online training and educational program for sexual misconduct. If you don't do it they threaten you with a fine. Security here was also something to be aware of. They're either satisfactory or not. Make sure to park at the right places. I know that being a new student, it was hard for me to remember where I could or could not park. The campus was nice. I love how there's a Starbucks in this campus. It's very convenient if you have an 8am class (which I DO NOT SUGGEST). They have also built a new science building and it's pulchritudinous. The view of the lake was something unique and won't find in most college campuses. The library was well-maintained and you could wirelessly print if you have your own laptop. This campus also has a chapel so if you're religious, they have inter-faith sessions. Carthage has a career center where they could assist you with your resume, cover letter, and interviews. You also get e-mails for job opportunities which was very helpful. Not only do they have a great career center, they also have an outstanding advising staff from my experience. I was assigned to Ryan Polk and he was very helpful in my first semester. He helped me with transitioning and was very interested in his students. If you decide to dorm, be aware that there may be weekly fire alarms according to other students who lived there. A smart move is to get a couple of roommates and your own place around the Kenosha area. Fortunately, Kenosha is affordable. The student union offers a variety of restaurants. I was a commuter (didn't live on campus) so I never got old of eating there. Student life was lively. If you live on campus, you should check out the fraternities/sororities. I know it's not for everyone, but it's something to do because you're in Kenosha! It's better than just staying in your dorm. I had a pleasure of being an associate member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity but had to withdraw due to the fact that I had my own business going on and that I wasn't able to commit fully due to my schedule but I firmly believe in their foundations. I wish they offered more scholarships and more support towards minorities and transfer students. This was definitely a white-dominated campus. Also, tuition is currently rising and it's projected to rise every year so make sure that you're financially ready to commit to that and try not to take out as much student loans. It's a shame I had to leave because I was given an opportunity in Silicon Valley and I'm planning to pursue my education in either Stanford or Berkeley.

What could improve? Quite literally everything. My son Trevor is a freshman at the college, on our…read morenightly call all I hear is complaining, no positivity. I am appalled that they do not clean the bathrooms, provide suitable living arrangements for students and the worst of all serve food that has made my son sick more times than I count. With the price of tuition and housing you really think they would do better. Don't even get me started on President John Swallows involvement on campus, because there's nothing I could say. Tuition prices are rising while student satisfaction is declining. Sorry excuse for a college. Hope this helps anyone's college search!