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.

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!

Parent perspective: My kid was accepted to many schools. Carthage offered him a full tuition…read morescholarship. TBH I liked the school but was hoping he would choose another one. He chose Carthage. He is thriving. Loves the location, and most importantly the professors (math /analytics major). He plays a sport and has made some excellent friends. As a parent, I will share the positives were the admissions office, the athletics (coaches), small-mid size school (2900) but with great school spirit. If I had to mention a "negative" it would be the dorms. Though, they do keep them clean, they definitely need upgrading. With the choosing of any college, it's important to have your kid fully engaged. My kid chose the best fit for him. EVERY school will have something you may not like, but it's a matter of what checks the most boxes.