Central Washington University: What should I know?

Central Washington University is on my shortlist for my college applications. But before I dive in, I want to ask you guys--is there anything important I should know about the university? Like the campus, the vibes, the academia? Anything helps!

Central Washington University (CWU), located in Ellensburg, Washington, is a public comprehensive university known for offering a wide variety of degree programs, as well as a vibrant on-campus life.

Academically, CWU has strong programs in Education and the Sciences, with the Geology and Aviation departments often being highlighted. The student to faculty ratio is pretty small, about 15:1, which may provide opportunities for you to get to know your professors and engage in undergraduate research or other projects. CWU also utilizes the quarter system, which means you would take three 11-week terms during the academic year. Some students prefer this to the semester system due to the faster pace and more diverse course opportunities, but it's something you'll want to consider.

Regarding campus life, Ellensburg is a relatively small town, but the area is known for having a close-knit community and a variety of outdoor recreational activities like hiking and camping. There’s a charming downtown area off-campus that students routinely visit. It's also situated just a two-hour drive from Seattle, providing students with more urban options for internships or just a weekend adventure now and then.

CWU's campus is quite spread out with plenty of green spaces and excellent facilities. The Recreation Center, in particular, is said to be top-notch and offers a great venue for fitness activities and intramural sports.

As for the student body, it's diverse, with a broad range of backgrounds and interests. CWU offers over 130 clubs and organizations, so there’s likely something to cater to your interests. You'll find students engaged in everything from musical productions and club sports to scientific research and community service.

CWU has a welcoming, supportive environment overall, and many students say it's a place where you can be yourself and find like-minded peers.

In terms of financial aspects, CWU has a reputation for being affordable, with a range of scholarships available to support students. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial to use the net price calculator on their website to get a better understanding of the costs.

This is just a general overview, and I encourage you to do more research, perhaps try to connect with current students or alumni to get a more personal understanding of what attending Central Washington University might be like. Good luck with your college search!