How big of a role did the affordability of Grove City College play in your college decision making process?
During my college search, affordability was very important to me. When narrowing down my list of schools, I decided only to tour colleges that had prices comparable to state school prices. I then began touring and researching my prospective colleges. I could not decide between Grove City College and the University of Virginia. The University of Virginia was a prestigious, well-funded school, but it also had large class sizes and a large student-professor ratio. When I toured there, I felt as if I was just a number. In contrast, my tour at Grove City College was unforgettable. The classrooms were small, and the students possessed a joy that I had not seen elsewhere. Each professor greeted me after I had visited their class and even wished me luck in my college decision-making process. Grove City felt like home. It valued the same values that I had searched for in colleges.
How was your faith been strengthened and perhaps even challenged during your time here?
In the summer 2015, I had the opportunity to go abroad and research for Roche Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland. Prior to that, I was becoming rather stagnant in my faith. Because I was living in a Christian community at the College, I assumed that everyone shared my faith. Outside of that community, I realized that I could not live without the Lord as the absolute center of my life. I became bolder about my faith. The Grove City College Christian community guarded my soul in times of spiritual drought.
How would you describe the level of academics at Grove City College?
They are challenging, but manageable. Professors have high standards so that they will properly equip you for your future career. They focus on problem-solving and the application of your learning. Professors often write exams to extend your knowledge. They compose questions that make you use your knowledge to problem-solve and derive an answer. Due to this testing style, I have often finished an exam having a deeper understanding of the course material than I had when I had begun the exam.
What drew you to choose biochemistry as your major?
Originally, I entered Grove City College as a biology major. In the middle of my sophomore year, I switched to biochemistry because I loved how chemistry gave me a more complete understanding of biology. Chemistry was so ordered and predictable. I found that if I understood my chemical concepts well, I could often predict what would occur in a biochemical reaction or in a cellular situation. Chemistry courses gave me the opportunity to problem-solve and to apply my chemical knowledge to the concepts I had learned in biology courses.
What is the relationship like between the students and the professors?
My favorite aspect of the Grove City College academic environment is the small student-faculty ratio. Not only are class sizes small, but professors are also extremely accessible and helpful if you have a question about their course. In addition, professors are genuinely interested in helping you learn and achieve your academic and career goals. The Grove City College professor-student relationship is so unique. Professors want to support you and they want to see you succeed. They teach because they love their field of specialization and want to share it with the next generation. In this light, I often studied my course subject material for my own pleasure and for the reason that I could go to my professor, ask more questions, and learn more. I have gained so much through these dialogues outside of the classroom. Reflecting on my time at Grove City College, my conversations with professors were some of my favorite college memories.
What was your favorite aspect of Grove City College?
The strong student community at Grove City College was my biggest treasure during my college experience. Since it is a small college, you recognize people as you walk around campus, and as you see them more and more, you can easily become their friend. You can join organizations, sport clubs, and art productions, and all of the existing members welcome you. Through these opportunities, you can discover talents that you never knew that you had, and you can meet people with your same interests. In the classroom environment, students are quick to help you if you have a question on the subject material. Study groups often evolve, and your study partners become some of your closest friends. It is not uncommon for students to study days for an exam, but it is also not uncommon for students put everything on hold if their friends need help or emotional support. As a student at Grove City College, I learned the importance of friendships.
Learn more about Grove City College's B.S. in Biochemistry.