Sarah Haley, '19

B.S. in Biology, Minor in Exercise Science

How big of a role did the affordability of Grove City College play in your college decision making process?
The affordability of Grove City College was an important factor in my decision. When I looked at the top three colleges I was considering, the combination of Grove City College’s financial aid package and their already lower tuition price tag made it the most affordable option for me. The College was already my top choice, so this financial factor only helped me decide that Grove City College was the school I wanted to attend.

How does the tuition cost of Grove City College compare to the other schools you looked at during your college selection?
Without financial aid, Grove City College’s tuition is comparable to, or only a little bit more expensive than, the price I received at other private Christian schools after they offered me a financial aid package. Once Grove City College’s generous financial aid and scholarships were factored in it was much less expensive. Of course, the state school I looked at was the least expensive, but that school lacked a lot of the opportunities that I was looking for, and Grove City College had them.

What are some of the ways you have been spiritually engaged while at Grove City College?
I have found that I have been spiritually engaged in every area of life at Grove City College. Many of my professors apply what we are learning about to a Christian faith, especially some of the humanities classes and biology classes that talk about the origins of life. I have also grown a lot in my faith through participation in athletics at Grove City College. I am a member of the swimming and diving team here and the women’s team meets weekly for a Bible study. I have learned so much through it, and it has given me the opportunity to make friends who will encourage me in my faith on a regular basis, who will pray for me, and who will give me Biblical advice when I need it.

Grove City College also has an amazing worship opportunity each week called Warriors for Christ that has provided me with a lot of spiritual encouragement throughout my time here. At this event, students gather to sing worship songs and read Scripture, and it has been a wonderful way to refocus and take the time to be still and worship God during the busy weeks of classes.

How would you describe the level of academics you have experienced during your time at Grove City College?
The classes I have taken go into a lot of detail within the subjects, and I have learned so much more about science, history, art, and other things in college than we had time to in high school. The professors are very willing to answer questions and go more in depth about topics we cover in class, and they are very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. It is really fun to study something in a science class and get to the level where the professors tell us that current research cannot provide any more details about the topic.

While the academics are challenging and can be downright difficult at times, the professors are so willing to help the students understand the material and succeed. In addition, I am surrounded by a supportive community of students who are also striving to do their best work, and we are able to help each other and encourage each other.

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’ willingness to answer questions raised in class and to go over information with students in office hours definitely helps us learn how to apply the information. Additionally, many of my professors give examples of the things we are studying, or will work problems with us that deal with things we would need to find out or look for during a career in the area. We have also learned about technology and methods that researchers have used to glean information, and the science labs help us apply the concepts that we have learned in class by allowing us to use some of the same methods that we have learned about.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
I have learned so many things since coming to Grove City College, but they all lead back to complete trust and reliance on God. If I were talking to any incoming freshman at Grove City College or any other school, I would encourage them to trust God for every aspect of the process. When I moved into college, I was so scared to be on my own for the first time ever. Over and over, God showed me how he was there to take care of me, and He helped me to thrive even more than I could have ever imagined. I want every freshman to know that God can and will bring them through whatever part of college that scares them the most, whether that is the social, academic, athletic, or any other aspect. Even when times are hard (and they will be), God provides guidance through the scary parts and can bring anyone from any situation into a place of abundance (as described in one of the Psalms). Things always have a way of getting better, whether that means the circumstances get easier or they bring a valuable lesson to light.

How active are students in campus activities such as intramural, Greek life, sports, clubs, musical productions etc.?
Almost everyone I know at Grove City College is involved in one or more activities! It is very doable for students to compete in varsity sports, and we also have many club and intramural sports that lots of students find very enjoyable.

Describe your experience in campus activities.
I have had some amazing opportunities to be a part of Grove City College’s swim team, as well as a member of honorary societies and Orientation Board. One of the best parts of joining these groups was the people I met. It has been so fun to meet different types of people, as well as people who are interested in the same things as me, but who I might never have met if it weren’t for these groups.

I also think I have learned so many lessons from participating in athletics and being a part of groups that focus on serving others, whether it is the Grove City community or the incoming freshmen. I have learned about focusing on others and giving of myself to them, as well as how to manage my time around meetings and activities. I have learned how to deal with disappointment when I did not perform as well as I wanted to in a swim meet, and I have learned to trust God when I applied to some of these groups and was unsure whether or not I would get in. Extracurricular activities at Grove City College have provided me with so much fun, valuable friendships, and important life lessons, and I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had to participate in them these past four years.

Learn more about Grove City College's B.S. in Biology

Return to Directory