Seeing something bigger than self
Ross quickly felt at home on Northwestern’s campus, even if his Scottish accent makes him stand out in northwest Iowa. A member of the men’s golf team, Ross hopes to work as an actuary after graduation. He has found myriad ways to get involved in the campus community, including by working with the school’s student-run investment fund, Raider Capital Management.Culture counts
I was really drawn to Northwestern through my conversations with the golf coach. He gave me a great feel for the program and the culture around it. The facilities were impressive, but more than that, I could tell this was a place where people genuinely cared about each other. That mattered a lot to me in choosing where I wanted to spend four years.
Personal connections
I always enjoyed and excelled in math, and applying that to the actuarial/finance world excited me. Northwestern has a very personable program. The student-to-faculty ratio in every class is low, so we get a lot of time with the professor. All of the faculty are so accommodating with their office hours and appointments. They really want to see students succeed. When taking the actuarial exams as a Northwestern College student, the school reimburses you for practice software and exam fees after you pass.
Well-rounded experience
Northwestern has prepared me in my area of study, but also through general education classes that have made me more well-rounded in other subjects. Through the many ways to be involved on campus, I have gained confidence, leadership skills and many more life skills that prepare me for my future.
Buying into the mission
I would encourage students to choose Northwestern because it really is a top-quality community. It sounds cliché, however when you step foot on campus, you feel it. From professors, coaches, the advancement office, the cafeteria workers, students and more, everyone on this campus has bought into the college mission—and that makes it such an enjoyable experience and a wonderful community.