Elijah Coryell, '16

B.A. in Philosophy, Minor in Economics, Minor in Legal Studies

Do you feel like you made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced?
Absolutely not. I turned down a scholarship offer at one school that was more than twice what Grove City College offered me because even after the scholarships, Grove City College’s rate was much lower. Much of higher education has been suckered into the marketing game. Who can have the poshest dorms? The flashiest amenities? The most on-campus ski slopes? The way I saw it, I wanted to spend my money on a quality education in a good community – they can keep the rest.

What are some of the ways you were spiritually engaged while at Grove City College?
Attending local Grace Anglican Church kept me fed with the Word; participating on short-term missions revealed the relationship between spiritual and physical needs; committing to “life together” with a housing group kept me in habit-building rhythms; and serving as a Resident Assistance allowed me to mentor students, and to be directly mentored by my Resident Director. Grove City College taught me how to be spiritually engaged with my whole person!

How do the academics challenge students to think on a deeper level about the world and life in general?
As a philosophy student, thinking on a deeper level about the world and life in general is just what we do! But more generally, due to the integrated Christian perspective Grove City College academics are regularly challenging students to approach their world and area of study differently. “This is the mainstream consensus, but how does the Bible inform us on this topic?” The “reject the status quo” mentality is just baked in to our learning experience.

What is the relationship like between students and professors?
In my experience, Grove City College’s professors view their students as their calling, not just the subject of their work. To me, this distinction makes all the difference! When my professors take a personal interest in my education, I engage the material with a renewed passion. If you return the relational investment, you might just discover a life-long friend and mentor.

How did you hear about Grove City College?
I first heard about Grove City College through my upperclassmen peers in high school. Those that chose to attend Grove City College were individuals whom I deeply respected – they piqued my interest and caused me to investigate further!

Describe your experience with residence life at Grove City College, particularly freshman year.
I loved my experience living on my freshman hall so much that I later returned as a freshman resident assistant. My college memories would not be complete without the numerous late-night discussions, last-minute exam prep sessions, and bacon and pineapple pizzas. The memories will be great, but it’s the life-long friends you will truly cherish. I did not know my freshman roommate when entering college, and now – five years later – he will be a groomsman in my wedding. 

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