Students Speak Out
Puget Sound students are passionate about their experiences and eager to share their views with others.
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Short unscripted videos give a glimpse into what daily life is like for students at Puget Sound.
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Below are quotes from Puget Sound students about discovering Puget Sound as prospective students, as scholars, and as leaders on campus.
Puget Sound students are passionate about their experiences and eager to share their views with others. Below are quotes from Puget Sound students about discovering Puget Sound as prospective students, as scholars, and as leaders on campus.
For what reasons did you consider Puget Sound as an applicant?
I chose Puget Sound because I was impressed by the amount of interaction between faculty and students, one of the many benefits of a small liberal arts college.
~Polly Yorioka, Mill Creek, Washington, Class of 2008
I looked at Puget Sound because of its location. I liked the idea of being somewhere with mountains, the ocean, and vegetation all close to the school. Seattle was also a big draw, I wanted a big city that I could go to if I was bored of the school. The size was also appealing. I went to a small private school of around 400 and this seemed a similar size for a college.
~Andrew Marsters, Denver, Colorado, Class of 2005
Puget Sound was close to Alaska, where I grew up, but also part of an international, metropolitan community. The school itself is small and challenging, and has a strong music program. The people were also really friendly.
~Heidi Benson, Homer, Alaska, Class of 2006
I chose Puget Sound because of the excellent pre-health professions advising board. I have always planned on being a dentist, and I'd heard that Puget Sound had a high entry rate into dental schools. The school was also recommended by a dentist who happens to be a Puget Sound alumnus.
~ Zachary Bergevin, Yakima, Washington, Class of 2005
I was attracted to Puget Sound because of its small size. I was further attracted by conversations I had with the admissions counselor. The small class sizes and strong science programs were also attractive. I was also attracted to Puget Sound because I knew it was a good school.
~Robin Ziegler, Tacoma, Washington, Class of 2004
Out of the liberal arts schools I had been considering, Puget Sound offered what seemed to me to be the largest selection of academic pursuits, which was important to me given my wide range of interests. I was also interested in the strong music program. And to be honest, I wanted to go far, far away.
~David Roberts, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 2005
Puget Sound has a beautiful campus, good food, a friendly theatre, helpful and friendly admission staff, and the people I encountered while prospecting here were much more down-to-earth. Class size was much more manageable than the large research university I considered~I felt that I could get personal education from my professors, and such has proved the case.
~Jane Butterfield, Redmond, Washington, Class of 2006
The academics had a good reputation, the campus was beautiful and of the size that I was interested in, and I was very impressed with the music department.
~Esther Morgan-Ellis, Port Angeles, Washington, Class of 2006
As an applicant, I considered Puget Sound because it was a relatively small campus, and coming from a smaller high school, I wanted to avoid going to a large institution. I also looked at Puget Sound's science program, since that is what I wanted to join, as well as the different clubs that were available to join. A big consideration for me was the campus atmosphere, so I made it a point to visit the campus to see what it was like in person. When I came to the campus, I liked the community and the area, as well as the people that I was able to meet.
~Jessica Humann, Springville, California, Class of 2004
The small class sizes and location made me feel like I could excel here. It was a total package.
~Lesli Ann Kikuchi, Honolulu, Hawaii, Class of 2007
I was initially attracted to Puget Sound because of its size and beautiful campus. All of the other schools that I applied to were big~very, very big. So I found the size of Puget Sound a perfect option. It has an intimate campus while still being able to provide plenty of course options, campus activities, and student organizations. I also chose Puget Sound because I wanted to be able to have a close relationship with my professors, to be able to talk with them and have them know who I am.
~Jill Monnin, Clayton, California, Class of 2005
I chose Puget Sound for the prestige and the beautiful campus.
~Estevan Munoz-Howard, Freeland, Washington, Class of 2004
Puget Sound sent me a mailing packet (unsolicited on my part) and I thought, hmmm, this is 2400 miles away from my parents. It seems like a good idea to apply there.
~Geoffrey Sage, Louisville, Kentucky, Class of 2007
Puget Sound is a small school with a good academic standing. The professors are very willing to meet with and help all students and you can get as much individual attention as you desire. Puget Sound also offers students a variety of ways to expand their learning through programs such as study abroad and the dual discipline majors and contract majors. I liked the freedom of choosing a more individualized curriculum and the freedom of a liberal arts education, all while being challenged.
~Chelsea Zarnowski, Fortine, Montana, Class of 2007
I only applied to the University of Puget Sound when I was looking at colleges. As I read through all the materials I was sent, Puget Sound stood out to me because it had the perfect combination of the environment I was looking for and programs I wanted to pursue. Puget Sound is close to my home, but not too close, and it's a small campus, but not too small. The School of Music is impressive for the size of the school, there is a sociology major, and the Master of Arts in Teaching program will allow me to receive a masters degree and teaching certificate in one year.
~Sarah Wylie, Vancouver, Washington, Class of 2006
I considered Puget Sound because I wanted to go to school out of state (I'm from Utah), and I wanted to go to a small school. Puget Sound was a good size. It was still a small liberal arts college, but it was a bit bigger than some of the other liberal arts schools that I was looking at. I like that it was just a bit bigger. I also fell in love with the campus when I came to visit.
~Denise Marks, Salt Lake City, Utah, Class of 2006
I picked Puget Sound for its small size and its reputation for a strong writing program and overall academic experience.
~Lauren Studebaker, Sammamish, Washington, Class of 2004
I wanted to go to school in the Pacific Northwest, I knew it had good programs in the humanities and communication studies, I was familiar with and liked the campus, and I liked the debate team.
~Peter Campbell, Bellingham, Washington, Class of 2006
Puget Sound sent me a lot of information, and I was intrigued by the campus and its proximity to both the mountains and the ocean. I also really liked the idea of a liberal arts education.
~Aubrey Rumph, Gillette, Wyoming, Class of 2005
In what ways do you feel you've been challenged at Puget Sound?
I have been challenged at the University of Puget Sound both in my academic classes as well as in my co-curricular activities. In my four years at Puget Sound, I've been challenged to think as an intellectual and to develop myself as a person, morally and socially.
~Polly Yorioka, Mill Creek, Washington, Class of 2008
I have been challenged with the variety of courses I have been forced to take. The core courses forced me into classes I wouldn't normally have chosen. Splitting time between academics and crew has also been a challenge. If I had to do just one or the other, it would be significantly easier. I feel balancing time for the both in addition to other activities has been a good learning experience.
~Andrew Marsters, Denver, Colorado, Class of 2005
The school is academically challenging, but the biggest challenge has been to balance classes with all of the cool extracurricular opportunities within the school and the fun things to do in the Seattle-Tacoma area.
~Heidi Benson, Homer, Alaska, Class of 2006
I can honestly say that the only challenges I've faced at Puget Sound have been beneficial ones. Obviously, some classes are a challenge.
~Zachary Bergevin, Yakima, Washington, Class of 2005
I feel I've been challenged academically, in a positive manner, leading to growth and strong study skills. As for personal challenges, I had to learn to deal with stress, and work on time management.
~Robin Ziegler, Tacoma, Washington, Class of 2004
Having already taken the AP tests for both AB and BC calc, I was able to jump straight into Multivariate calc, and then Linear Algebra my freshman year. Those are, I am beginning to think, the last two 'easy' math classes~and I have friends who couldn't make it through. As a math major, I am now taking challenging math classes that have made me reconsider how good at math I really am~life is no longer a walkover. At Puget Sound you can, your freshman year, more or less choose your own math level, so this is really the first time I haven't been held back by bureaucracy.
~Jane Butterfield, Redmond, Washington, Class of 2006
Puget Sound has challenged me to become more independent and able to adapt to multiple situations. My experience through work and class has made me better able to adapt to different environments, and work more with other people, which I had not had the opportunity to do before. I have also been challenged to try new things, and not be afraid to fail, which is an invaluable lesson. Academically, I have been pushed to write more than I ever had previously, as well as balance my schedule to find time for everything. Unlike high school, Puget Sound made me realize that I had to find time for work, class, and play. One of the greatest challenges for me has been learning how to balance my life between these multiple aspects.
~Jessica Humann, Springville, California, Class of 2004
The college experience in general has forced me to become more responsible. I've had to learn to adjust to certain situations. When I was at home, I could have things exactly the way I wanted them. Here, I've learned to work with others in order to compromise and figure out what I really need. I have to study hard in order to maintain good grades.
~Lesli Ann Kikuchi, Honolulu, Hawaii, Class of 2007
The biggest challenge at Puget Sound is the academics. Though there are certainly some classes that are easier than others, I have found most of my classes very engaging and challenging in the amount of work that they require and the thought that they provoke.
~Jill Monnin, Clayton, California, Class of 2005
At Puget Sound you have to write a lot. I'm always writing essays, term papers, short responses, in-class questions, in-class essays, essay-exams... but it's been helpful. I have an easier time formulating my thoughts than my friends at larger state schools, where they often take bubble tests.
~Estevan Munoz-Howard, Freeland, Washington, Class of 2004
I feel like the standard of learning here is very high. Professors expect certain things from their students and want them to be driven to accomplish things on their own. This is not to say that the professors are mean (they are actually far from it), but they just expect you to make good choices on your own. They are always there to help; you just have to decide when you need it.
~Chelsea Zarnowski, Fortine, Montana, Class of 2007
Puget Sound has challenged me to be more independent, socially and intellectually, in ways that I feel have made me a stronger person. Academically, core requirements have forced me, sometimes unwilling, into new intellectual arenas where I, as a Classics major, would never voluntarily tread. Those classes, however, have broadened my perspective on my life and the way I perceive the world.
~David Thompson, The Woodlands, Texas, Class of 2006
I have been challenged in many ways academically at Puget Sound. First of all, the Honors Program has broadened my horizons by leading me to learn through reading classic literature and studying ancient civilizations. This provides a background to my major, sociology, in which we study modern social phenomenons. The music program has also allowed me to broaden my learning by immersing me in a completely different subject. In my core classes I have been challenged to think differently, to take tests and do lab experiments in contrast to writing papers and having class discussions in my sociology and honors classes.
~Sarah Wylie, Vancouver, Washington, Class of 2006
I was challenged as much personally as academically.
~Denise Marks, Salt Lake City, Utah, Class of 2006
I have consistently been challenged to attain higher levels of involvement and academic and extra-curricular success. I have completed two majors in four years - one in the Business Leadership Program and the other in Music - and I would never wish to exchange my experience for anything.
~Lauren Studebaker, Sammamish, Washington, Class of 2004
I feel that I've been challenged by several professors to really think not just outside of pre-conceived worldviews I had coming into the school, but also to extend and strengthen beliefs that are important to me. The faculty in general is very impressive. The high degree of people from out of state adds a diversity of perspectives that I've found valuable.
~Peter Campbell, Bellingham, Washington, Class of 2006
The professors at Puget Sound expect a lot more work and dedication than any of my teachers in high school. This on top of trying to be involved in the Tacoma community and working make finding time my biggest challenge.
~Aubrey Rumph, Gillette, Wyoming, Class of 2005
How has Puget Sound provided you opportunities for student autonomy?
Since Puget Sound is so small, it's easy to be involved in student leadership on campus. I was a Perspectives Leader one year, and a Peer Advisor another. I was a leader in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Over the summer, I was granted a T.A. Davis research grant which helped me with my summer research for my honors thesis.
~Polly Yorioka, Mill Creek, Washington, Class of 2008
I am currently applying for a summer research grant. Next year I hope to have an internship at a nearby architecture firm. Next year I will probably have a self-designed art class to focus in a specific field.
~Andrew Marsters, Denver, Colorado, Class of 2005
Because Puget Sound is so small, it's incredibly easy to find groups in the school that meet my interests, and it's also not intimidating to start a new one. Also, my professors know me well and can let me know about important opportunities that will help me when I start my career.
~Heidi Benson, Homer, Alaska, Class of 2006
There are literally limitless opportunities for leadership and involvement at Puget Sound. In my time at Puget Sound I have been a leader in my fraternity, and I have participated in many community service activities as well as a wide range of intramural athletics. These activities don't even crack the surface of the opportunities available at Puget Sound. Many of my friends are involved in work-study, summer research projects (one of them involving travel through Europe), and clubs. Half of my house is involved in the club-level lacrosse team.
~Zachary Bergevin, Yakima, Washington, Class of 2005
I've become involved with the School of Music's fledgling composition program, which is a great example of a self-directed program. I get all the faculty guidance I need, but can more or less choose my own direction. Recently a few of us got together and founded the Puget Sound New Music Society which will be a student club for the advancement of new art music on campus.
~David Roberts, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 2005
At Puget Sound you can create your own theme houses, if you prove that your theme actually has some sort of academic merit, and so a group of people and I have resurrected the Science Fiction theme house, which has been dormant for the last three years. That's pretty exciting~we get to come up with our own activities, and even get modest funding for it. We're looking at guest speakers, field trips; someone wants to give a presentation on "Star Trek and Secular Humanism". Research is also greatly encouraged, and if there is something about which you are interested it's really your own fault if you don't get a chance to study it. Puget Sound gives grants to something like 20 people a year in math and science alone, and I believe at least that many in the social sciences and humanities. Puget Sound also has dozens of clubs, and you can again form your own. I belong to Anime club. Basically, if there's a club you think should exist, you can make it. If there's a theme house you think would be fun, you can make it. If there's something you want to research over summer, you can get funding. For a self-motivated student, the opportunities really are unending. If there's anything that you feel Puget Sound should have, you can make it.
~Jane Butterfield, Redmond, Washington, Class of 2006
I function mostly on an independent level, but I have had leadership opportunities in music (such as being a section leader). I am also going to be studying abroad in Vienna this summer, which is a fantastic opportunity for personal growth.
~Esther Morgan-Ellis, Port Angeles, Washington, Class of 2006
Personally, I have been able to extend my role in leadership through my work at the diversity center. I think that this is just one of the multitude of areas where there are leadership opportunities. Through my major in biology, I have also been able to take part in independent research. I think that whatever the interest, there are people on campus that are willing and able to help you succeed. In some cases this may be easier than others, but if people are willing to look hard enough, there are leadership opportunities in all areas. As long as people are interested and able to seek out these groups and programs, then they can find an area to get involved in.
~Jessica Humann, Springville, California, Class of 2004
Within the Puget Sound community, there are always fairs, advertisements, and tables set up at the student center which really exposed me to all that there is at Puget Sound. All the clubs work together. For example, Key Club will do things with Food Salvage, etc. It's a very interdependent network where you can try a lot of different things without the feeling you have to commit all of your time to that one thing. There is a lot of freedom in deciding what you want to do.
~Lesli Ann Kikuchi, Honolulu, Hawaii, Class of 2007
I am currently studying in Paris, France and am so thankful to have this opportunity to live in a different culture and become a part of my host family. I am involved back on campus in the Repertory Dance Group as well as various other organizations. I think that Puget Sound offers a wide range of organizations and opportunities to its students.
~Jill Monnin, Clayton, California, Class of 2005
One of the things I have been most impressed with at this school is how flexible it is in trying to accommodate everyone's interest. If there is some club you want to be involved in and it is not on campus, you are persuaded to start that club and after a while you are even given money to try to get it going. The thing that has most affected me however, is the dual discipline/contract majors. I am planning on being a math/business major and I am currently deciding how this will work. Math is a contract major, which means that after a few set classes, I (along with some advisors) design the major to fit my needs, but recently I talked to a business professor who told me about helping other students write a program for math and science. I have a meeting with this professor soon and will decide then how I want to work this out. I really enjoy the fact that the school is so open and flexible with their programs to try to accommodate the interests of all students.
~Chelsea Zarnowski, Fortine, Montana, Class of 2007
Last summer I was awarded a C.A. Johnson Summer Research Grant to translate several erotic poems of the Latin author Ovid and then research their social message and impact on Augustan Rome. This was one of the most intellectually fulfilling experiences of my life as it challenged me to think academically, yet creatively, with this material and to analyze it from my own point of view. I am also involved in BGLAD, the university's gay-straight alliance, from which I have made many friendships while promoting an attitude of tolerance and acceptance in campus life.
~David Thompson, The Woodlands, Texas, Class of 2006
I am a leader in a few clubs on campus (Religious Organizations Council and SPURS National Honor Society) and I am an RA this year. There are so many opportunities to get involved, that the hardest thing for me is to know when to say no and let someone else be the leader. In addition to joining clubs I know that it is relatively easy to create your own club. I haven't created my own club, but I know friends who have. The theme house program is another way that I feel you can develop your leadership qualities. I am going to be in a theme house next year, which I am really excited for, and my friends and I were able to create a theme, which was awesome.
~Denise Marks, Salt Lake City, Utah, Class of 2006
I have served as President of the Business Leadership Program Student Advisory Board and the Adelphian Concert Choir, Treasurer of Sigma Alpha Iota, and have worked on the Music Student Advisory Committee. I also have sponsored and hosted a seminar for the Business Leadership Program. I completed a case-study with Professor Emeritus John Knutsen about combating unfair practices in international trade during my junior year. This year, I prepared and participated in a presentation with Puget Sound staff and faculty at Stanford University for the Northern California Writing Centers Association Conference. I also completed two internships, one with Rainier Industries, where my boss was a member of the School of Business Board of Visitors. The other was with the Boeing Company, which I also discovered through Puget Sound, and I have been hired to return to work there upon graduation.
~Lauren Studebaker, Sammamish, Washington, Class of 2004
My substantial co-curricular involvement has been with the debate team, which is an amazing and challenging competitive, academic and social experience.
~Peter Campbell, Bellingham, Washington, Class of 2006
The small size of Puget Sound makes it extremely easy to get involved in any of the clubs on campus, and once involved, to then take on leadership responsibility within the club. Professors are very encouraging when it comes to outside research as well, they are excited about their subjects, and enjoy passing that excitement on.
~Aubrey Rumph, Gillette, Wyoming, Class of 2005
