Pacific University has an extensive course catalog of basic classes, as well as in depth, career specific courses. As one who is undecided about my major, I appreciate the strong base of courses and large number of majors. While most of the majors I am considering are offered at Pacific, it adds extra security to know that I can create my own major with the guidance of an advisor, should I choose a major that Pacific does not normally offer. I am currently a freshman at Pacific University and have learned a lot just in my first semester. Each class I have taken was taught by a very knowledgeable and experienced faculty member. All professors I have come into contact with truly have the students best interests in mind and are tough, but fair in grading. Pacific University is an academically challenging school, which requires hard work, but offers an excellent education.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Most everyone at Pacific is welcoming and helpful. During orientation, “Boxer” Ambassadors and staff assist students in moving into dorms and settling into life on campus. Pacific has a diverse group of students, so everyone can find somewhere to fit in. Pacific’s former President, Phil Creighton knows each student by name and our current President, Lesley Hallick is working toward making each student feel welcome as well. Campus Public Security (CPS) are always on call and willing to accompany you to your dorm or vehicle and assist with other inconveniences, such as unlocking classrooms, and jumpstarting vehicles. The Pacific Information Center (PIC) is a helpful resource for general questions about Pacific and the Forest Grove community. Pacific University has a beautiful campus year round from its gorgeously colored trees in the fall and flowers in the spring to the old, yet well kept brick buildings. Forest Grove has a tight knit, small town feel, yet is close to Portland’s big city bustle, which can easily be reached by car or public transportation. The Oregon Coast and Mount Hood for the beach and skiing are also within driving distance. At Pacific, there are frequent events hosted by both students and the University. Some examples of these include: the annual Luau, holiday light parade, the Mensch Festival, and numerous visits from influential speakers and artists. Each of these things works toward making Pacific an enjoyable college to attend.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Pacific University is an expensive school, with the projected cost for the 2009-2010 school year at over $39,000. As daunting as this figure may look, Pacific does offer good “bang for the buck”. I have found that the books and supplies estimate is much higher than the actual cost, as long as you are frugal. Also, Pacific offers many scholarship opportunities, including merit based scholarships, competitive academic scholarships, special interest scholarships, and need based scholarships. These scholarships can cover a large part of the tuition. For example the honors merit scholarship is worth $12,000 per year. This year, I received a scholarship from Pacific, which I hadn’t even applied for. I believe the schooling at Pacific is of much higher quality than many other less expensive schools. The student to faculty ratio is 13:1. This enables you to develop relationships with teachers who know you by name and are willing to spend extra time to help you understand a subject or further pursue an interest. Each of these things add value to the educational experience offered at Pacific University. I believe the quality of the education is worth the cost, as long as you are willing to work hard and have education as a top priority.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
For prospective students, I would recommend visiting the Pacific University campus early in the application process. Pacific is a wonderful school, though it is not for everyone. When I was a prospective student, I was told, “Once you’re here, you’ll know if Pacific is right for you”. This is true because Pacific has a unique environment, which is hard to explain though readily experienced on campus. I would also encourage prospective students to take challenging classes, keep a high GPA and prepare well for standardized tests. All of these things will lead to more scholarship opportunities to help cover tuition. Feel free to contact Pacific admissions staff as they are happy to answer questions and help you figure out if Pacific University is the right school for you.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Pacific has a very diverse group of students from 21 states and 6 countries. Most everyone can find somewhere to fit in. From my experience, however, Pacific is best for students who are serious about their education, enjoy a tight knit community and accountability, and enjoy being involved with school activities and the surrounding city.
Pacific University has an extensive course catalog of basic classes, as well as in depth, career specific courses. As one who is undecided about my major, I appreciate the strong base of courses and large number of majors. While most of the majors I am considering are offered at Pacific, it adds extra security to know that I can create my own major with the guidance of an advisor, should I choose a major that Pacific does not normally offer. I am currently a freshman at Pacific University and have learned a lot just in my first semester. Each class I have taken was taught by a very knowledgeable and experienced faculty member. All professors I have come into contact with truly have the students best interests in mind and are tough, but fair in grading. Pacific University is an academically challenging school, which requires hard work, but offers an excellent education.
Most everyone at Pacific is welcoming and helpful. During orientation, “Boxer” Ambassadors and staff assist students in moving into dorms and settling into life on campus. Pacific has a diverse group of students, so everyone can find somewhere to fit in. Pacific’s former President, Phil Creighton knows each student by name and our current President, Lesley Hallick is working toward making each student feel welcome as well. Campus Public Security (CPS) are always on call and willing to accompany you to your dorm or vehicle and assist with other inconveniences, such as unlocking classrooms, and jumpstarting vehicles. The Pacific Information Center (PIC) is a helpful resource for general questions about Pacific and the Forest Grove community. Pacific University has a beautiful campus year round from its gorgeously colored trees in the fall and flowers in the spring to the old, yet well kept brick buildings. Forest Grove has a tight knit, small town feel, yet is close to Portland’s big city bustle, which can easily be reached by car or public transportation. The Oregon Coast and Mount Hood for the beach and skiing are also within driving distance. At Pacific, there are frequent events hosted by both students and the University. Some examples of these include: the annual Luau, holiday light parade, the Mensch Festival, and numerous visits from influential speakers and artists. Each of these things works toward making Pacific an enjoyable college to attend.
Pacific University is an expensive school, with the projected cost for the 2009-2010 school year at over $39,000. As daunting as this figure may look, Pacific does offer good “bang for the buck”. I have found that the books and supplies estimate is much higher than the actual cost, as long as you are frugal. Also, Pacific offers many scholarship opportunities, including merit based scholarships, competitive academic scholarships, special interest scholarships, and need based scholarships. These scholarships can cover a large part of the tuition. For example the honors merit scholarship is worth $12,000 per year. This year, I received a scholarship from Pacific, which I hadn’t even applied for. I believe the schooling at Pacific is of much higher quality than many other less expensive schools. The student to faculty ratio is 13:1. This enables you to develop relationships with teachers who know you by name and are willing to spend extra time to help you understand a subject or further pursue an interest. Each of these things add value to the educational experience offered at Pacific University. I believe the quality of the education is worth the cost, as long as you are willing to work hard and have education as a top priority.
For prospective students, I would recommend visiting the Pacific University campus early in the application process. Pacific is a wonderful school, though it is not for everyone. When I was a prospective student, I was told, “Once you’re here, you’ll know if Pacific is right for you”. This is true because Pacific has a unique environment, which is hard to explain though readily experienced on campus. I would also encourage prospective students to take challenging classes, keep a high GPA and prepare well for standardized tests. All of these things will lead to more scholarship opportunities to help cover tuition. Feel free to contact Pacific admissions staff as they are happy to answer questions and help you figure out if Pacific University is the right school for you.
Pacific has a very diverse group of students from 21 states and 6 countries. Most everyone can find somewhere to fit in. From my experience, however, Pacific is best for students who are serious about their education, enjoy a tight knit community and accountability, and enjoy being involved with school activities and the surrounding city.