How did the tuition cost of Grove City College compare to the other schools you looked at during your college selection?
One of the main reasons I ended up choosing Grove City College was its affordability. Grove City College’s tuition was half that of the other school I applied to, and was still significantly cheaper, even after factoring in the significant academic scholarship that the other institution offered me. Thanks to Grove City College, I am happy to say that, in an era in which so many American college graduates are crippled by student loan debt, I graduated debt free.
What are some of the ways you were spiritually engaged while at Grove City College?
Throughout my time at Grove City College, the College helped me to grow spiritually, whether through interesting chapel speakers, professors who open class with prayer and genuinely care about their students, or late-night residence hall theological debates. While the chapel program contributes an element of discipline to my spiritual life, the true catalyst of growth for me was the fantastic faculty and student body that Grove City College has gathered. These are people who will talk with you, pray with you, and challenge you to examine your walk with Christ more deeply and more completely than you ever could on your own.
How do the academics challenge students to think on a deeper level about the world and life in general?
As a liberal arts college, Grove City College’s mission is to help students grow holistically, producing citizens worthy of a free society by focusing on intellectual, moral and spiritual development. This is why every student in every major, from English to Poli Sci to Mechanical Engineering, is required to take a series of core classes, encompassing art, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the intersection of faith and science. These classes helped me to appreciate the power of ideas and the rich heritage of western civilization while challenging me to reexamine beliefs that I had absorbed in high school or earlier and had held for years without ever questioning them. As an English major, I was not kept in a Christian bubble but exposed to works that represent a wide variety of worldviews. At Grove City College, I learned that all truth is God’s truth, and that even authors who reject God can still provide fascinating insights about His world.
What are some of the ways that professors ensure that students not only receive information but truly learn and understand how to apply that information?
The professors who had the greatest impact on me at Grove City College all used class discussion, real-world examples and carefully crafted essay questions to ensure that seemingly abstract concepts don’t remain abstract, but become real and tangible to students.
How did studying abroad enrich your Grove City College career?
Studying abroad allowed me to experience a whole new country, language, and culture, opening my eyes to the world beyond small-town Pennsylvania. Thanks to the College’s Office of International Education, the process of applying to study abroad and setting up credit transfers was simple and straightforward. During my time abroad, I visited England, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Israel and several cities in Spain. I’ve seen different ways of eating, working, speaking and living, all of which have caused me to both appreciate and question my own culture. All of my professors were Spanish, offering exciting new perspectives on subjects I studied at Grove City College. Although I experienced moments of loneliness, homesickness, and disorientation, I also learned much about myself by spending a few months thousands of miles from everyone I knew. Studying abroad is an experience that I would recommend to anyone.
What are some of the things you did during your free time either on or off campus?
I tried to achieve the eternal balancing act between academics, extracurriculars, social life, and sleep. One of my biggest passions at Grove City College was the College’s newspaper, The Collegian. I wrote my first article the weekend after my first week of classes and never looked back. I eventually advanced to the position of managing editor in my final semester. The Collegian taught me teamwork, management, and writing skills and gave me some of the best friends I made at Grove City College. My other great passion has been theater. I acted in two Grove City College productions and have worked backstage on six others. While this is incredibly time-consuming, it’s also incredibly rewarding to see all the hard work that so many people have contributed in so many different areas come together flawlessly on opening night.
Learn more about Grove City College's B.A. in English.