Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major 's Review
Review of Messiah University
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what other college's lecture class sizes are sometimes. My largest class was 75 people, and my smallest class was 10 people. The professors are all real professors, and for the most part have been enthusiastic and truly interested in their subject. The classes are challenging, but good. I feel like I will be well prepared to take the MCAT or GRE when the time comes if classes keep going as they have been. Yet, that is not all. Not only have I grown in my knowledge of academic subjects, but I have also grown spiritually. The classes here challenge me to find how my faith fits into what I'm learning (and the other way around). We have prayers before tests, devotions before some classes, and professors present some of the ways other Christians have accomplished the their integration of faith and learning.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The people, the landscaping, the activities, and the classes all keep me breathless and busy. When I am not hanging out with friends, making new friends in one of the hundreds of student-run organizations, or taking classes, I can run through the fitness trail through the woods or wander through beautiful gardens. Messiah has a wonderful balance of places to be active and with people and places to be by yourself to study, pray or take a break. There are so many clubs it is difficult to choose what to commit to, so you really have to make it a priority to choose things that you can do and have fun at, but not take out too much time for studying. Living in a somewhat rural location (although we are 15 min. from Harrisburg) allows us to do outdoors clubs with wilderness activities one day and work with inner-city kids the next day. Any activity you can imagine that you would like to try is there. And if, for some reason it isn't, you can start a club and go do it!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Messiah is less expensive and more liberal than many of the other private Christian Colleges, and is bigger and/or much more diverse than Malone, Cedarville, EMU or Grove City. It is fairly easy to get a scholarship there if you have decent grades, and it has more majors than many of the other Christian Colleges. Included in each students bill is a student government and student activities fee. So, you don't have to worry about paying for each sorority or fraternity or group you would like to join. The groups that need money are given a budget, so you hardly ever have to pay to join or get involved (unless you need equipment or something). This makes it easy for you to do all the activities you would like, while still being able to afford the meal plan. Maybe. Our meal plan is expensive, and each freshman and sophomore must purchase the without limits ultra meal plan--or one that costs exactly the same as it. The food is really good, and you have TONS of options (just look at the menu if you are curious-we have even more than it shows). And, the dining hall is open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, so it is very convenient, and something is always there that is good to eat. It is just expensive. But do not fear! When you are a junior, senior, or living in off-campus housing, you will not have to pay so much because you are not required to buy a meal plan (but you won't have quite as good meals, unless you are a good chef).
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
You don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Think about all the activities you want to join and plan to bring the stuff you need to do them (unless it is stuff that a school usually provides). And, classes ARE challenging, so plan time to study and time to rest. Don't get over-committed, but do get involved! Messiah offers SO many clubs and opportunities that it would be a waste not to try them. Try something new! You already payed for it, so you might as well try it. Go on that white-water-rafting trip and join the volunteer program! Get to know some upperclassmen too. They can be a great help, great fun, and a great resource as you work through college. Finally, do not be afraid of your future roommates. Only check the willing to room with cross-cultural student if you are flexible, patient, and really do want to. Roommates may or may not work out exactly as you planned, but you don't need to be best friends to be great roommates. God will make sure that you will be fine.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Christians who want to deepen their faith and academic understanding would love it here, although patient and tolerant non-Christians are VERY welcome as well. If you like to know most of the people on campus, but still want to run into lots of people you don't know, you can get that here. Because students come from so many different backgrounds, you won't have to try to fit yourself into a clique that has already been formed. Most students are starting from scratch to build their friend base their freshman year. If you want to try a lot of new extracurricular activities, there are PLENTY. Also, professors are very easy to get to know and work with. There is a community covenant that everyone must sign stating that we promise not to drink alcohol or do illegal drugs (or anything illegal) while a Messiah College student. There are also quiet hours night and specified visiting hours during the day between guys and girls dorms. If you don't mind those rules (or really appreciate them, like me) this college is right for you!
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what other college's lecture class sizes are sometimes. My largest class was 75 people, and my smallest class was 10 people. The professors are all real professors, and for the most part have been enthusiastic and truly interested in their subject. The classes are challenging, but good. I feel like I will be well prepared to take the MCAT or GRE when the time comes if classes keep going as they have been. Yet, that is not all. Not only have I grown in my knowledge of academic subjects, but I have also grown spiritually. The classes here challenge me to find how my faith fits into what I'm learning (and the other way around). We have prayers before tests, devotions before some classes, and professors present some of the ways other Christians have accomplished the their integration of faith and learning.
The people, the landscaping, the activities, and the classes all keep me breathless and busy. When I am not hanging out with friends, making new friends in one of the hundreds of student-run organizations, or taking classes, I can run through the fitness trail through the woods or wander through beautiful gardens. Messiah has a wonderful balance of places to be active and with people and places to be by yourself to study, pray or take a break. There are so many clubs it is difficult to choose what to commit to, so you really have to make it a priority to choose things that you can do and have fun at, but not take out too much time for studying. Living in a somewhat rural location (although we are 15 min. from Harrisburg) allows us to do outdoors clubs with wilderness activities one day and work with inner-city kids the next day. Any activity you can imagine that you would like to try is there. And if, for some reason it isn't, you can start a club and go do it!
Messiah is less expensive and more liberal than many of the other private Christian Colleges, and is bigger and/or much more diverse than Malone, Cedarville, EMU or Grove City. It is fairly easy to get a scholarship there if you have decent grades, and it has more majors than many of the other Christian Colleges. Included in each students bill is a student government and student activities fee. So, you don't have to worry about paying for each sorority or fraternity or group you would like to join. The groups that need money are given a budget, so you hardly ever have to pay to join or get involved (unless you need equipment or something). This makes it easy for you to do all the activities you would like, while still being able to afford the meal plan. Maybe. Our meal plan is expensive, and each freshman and sophomore must purchase the without limits ultra meal plan--or one that costs exactly the same as it. The food is really good, and you have TONS of options (just look at the menu if you are curious-we have even more than it shows). And, the dining hall is open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, so it is very convenient, and something is always there that is good to eat. It is just expensive. But do not fear! When you are a junior, senior, or living in off-campus housing, you will not have to pay so much because you are not required to buy a meal plan (but you won't have quite as good meals, unless you are a good chef).
You don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Think about all the activities you want to join and plan to bring the stuff you need to do them (unless it is stuff that a school usually provides). And, classes ARE challenging, so plan time to study and time to rest. Don't get over-committed, but do get involved! Messiah offers SO many clubs and opportunities that it would be a waste not to try them. Try something new! You already payed for it, so you might as well try it. Go on that white-water-rafting trip and join the volunteer program! Get to know some upperclassmen too. They can be a great help, great fun, and a great resource as you work through college. Finally, do not be afraid of your future roommates. Only check the willing to room with cross-cultural student if you are flexible, patient, and really do want to. Roommates may or may not work out exactly as you planned, but you don't need to be best friends to be great roommates. God will make sure that you will be fine.
Christians who want to deepen their faith and academic understanding would love it here, although patient and tolerant non-Christians are VERY welcome as well. If you like to know most of the people on campus, but still want to run into lots of people you don't know, you can get that here. Because students come from so many different backgrounds, you won't have to try to fit yourself into a clique that has already been formed. Most students are starting from scratch to build their friend base their freshman year. If you want to try a lot of new extracurricular activities, there are PLENTY. Also, professors are very easy to get to know and work with. There is a community covenant that everyone must sign stating that we promise not to drink alcohol or do illegal drugs (or anything illegal) while a Messiah College student. There are also quiet hours night and specified visiting hours during the day between guys and girls dorms. If you don't mind those rules (or really appreciate them, like me) this college is right for you!