Point Loma strives to help you succeed in all areas of your academic life. Unlike many larger public schools, PLNU's small and intimate class size allows students to engage in the the classroom activity and ask questions, thus letting the student learn to his or her full potential. I have several friends at UC schools and although they are very prestigious schools with great academic history, these bright students are having a tough time in class simply due to the fact that it is impossible to ask questions or engage in discussion with professors and classmates about the material being taught since the class sizes are in the hundreds. With PLNU's attendance policy, it urges students to attend class and therefore helps them succeed. During my first year of college I learned not only subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Psychology but I also learned how to study correctly, how to balance my time and how to truly get involved and deal with living with 30 other girls peacefully.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love the atmosphere at Point Loma and being next to the beach and so close to downtown San Diego along with other fun areas in San Diego definitely has its perks. Going surfing between classes is not uncommon and the weekends are full of adventure and fun. It seems there is something for everyone at Loma, and whatever scene you are looking for you can find it. Whether you are a surfer, athlete, bookworm, drama kid, outdoorsman, artist or whatever, Loma has what you need and will want. The community aspect at PLNU is very strong and extremely easy to get involved with if you simply sign up for any ministry, intramural or extra-curricular. Due to the small size you get to know the people in your major very well, which is nice because those are the people you go to when you are stressed because they understand the situation you are in. The only drawback at PLNU are the strict rules, which can feel extremely limiting at times. Yet despite the fact that I resented these rules during the beginning of the year I soon learned that these guidelines helped kept me on track and kept my grades up.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Although the tuition is pricey it is completely worth it. Compared to many other private Christian schools, it is the same price and even cheaper, and honestly no one could have a better view than the one at Point Loma. The cafeteria overlooks the ocean and many of the dorms have an ocean view as well. The smaller class size and overall enrollment of student body allows you to get the classes that you want when you want them so that you can stay on track and graduation on time. With the impact of classes at several public schools it is extremely difficult to take the classes necessary to graduate therefore students end up staying for over four years, which in the end adds up and can total the same as many private schools (graduating in 4 years) depending on which school you attend. Also, Point Loma is extremely generous in giving away scholarship money and a large percentage of the students attending have some sort of financial aid.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. Get involved. Point Loma offers many different ministries, clubs, intramural sports and groups that will allow students to find their way into their own little niche in Point Loma. I saw too many girls in my dorm hall not get involved and their year was not as exciting as they hoped. This year I got involved in Ministries with Mexico, an outreach ministry that travels to Mexico to help the people there through construction, medical attending and mentoring. During my spring break trip I went with a group of students to help build a church and pastor's house for a pastor in Rosarito. Not only was this trip a great experience that allowed me to help others and learn a lot about construction, but during that trip I created several close friendships that are now a large part of my life. Had I not gone outside my comfort zone and gone on that trip I would have never met those people and experienced a week full of love, hard work and joy.
2. Learn how you study best. Up until college I had just gotten by in school. I thought that studying meant doing the study guide or simply studying the night before yet little did I know, but college was completely different. Each class has its own best way of studying yet being able to identify that as soon as you can, will help you tremendously throughout the class.
3. Understand balancing your time. Although studying is extremely important and the entire reason you are in college (to get an education), having a social life is extremely important because it helps you stay sane. Friends are there to support you when it gets tough and honestly sometimes you just need to get out.
4. Branch out. Talk to the people on your hall and get to know them even if you think you usually would not hang out with someone like that, still go out and make the effort because people will surprise you.
5. Be honest with your roommate. If you have a problem, tell him or her because it makes it so much easier to live with them. But ...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Point Loma Nazarene University is great for students who are looking for a small, conservative, Christian atmosphere in which community is important. If you love the beach and adventure then PLNU is perfect for you as well. Also, Point Loma is very focused on school so if you are looking to go to more schooling after a 4-year degree (medical, dental, or any graduate schools) then this university is great for you because they push you to succeed. Overall this is an amazing school that is perfect for beach-going, God-loving and academically-focused students.
Point Loma strives to help you succeed in all areas of your academic life. Unlike many larger public schools, PLNU's small and intimate class size allows students to engage in the the classroom activity and ask questions, thus letting the student learn to his or her full potential. I have several friends at UC schools and although they are very prestigious schools with great academic history, these bright students are having a tough time in class simply due to the fact that it is impossible to ask questions or engage in discussion with professors and classmates about the material being taught since the class sizes are in the hundreds. With PLNU's attendance policy, it urges students to attend class and therefore helps them succeed. During my first year of college I learned not only subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Psychology but I also learned how to study correctly, how to balance my time and how to truly get involved and deal with living with 30 other girls peacefully.
I love the atmosphere at Point Loma and being next to the beach and so close to downtown San Diego along with other fun areas in San Diego definitely has its perks. Going surfing between classes is not uncommon and the weekends are full of adventure and fun. It seems there is something for everyone at Loma, and whatever scene you are looking for you can find it. Whether you are a surfer, athlete, bookworm, drama kid, outdoorsman, artist or whatever, Loma has what you need and will want. The community aspect at PLNU is very strong and extremely easy to get involved with if you simply sign up for any ministry, intramural or extra-curricular. Due to the small size you get to know the people in your major very well, which is nice because those are the people you go to when you are stressed because they understand the situation you are in. The only drawback at PLNU are the strict rules, which can feel extremely limiting at times. Yet despite the fact that I resented these rules during the beginning of the year I soon learned that these guidelines helped kept me on track and kept my grades up.
Although the tuition is pricey it is completely worth it. Compared to many other private Christian schools, it is the same price and even cheaper, and honestly no one could have a better view than the one at Point Loma. The cafeteria overlooks the ocean and many of the dorms have an ocean view as well. The smaller class size and overall enrollment of student body allows you to get the classes that you want when you want them so that you can stay on track and graduation on time. With the impact of classes at several public schools it is extremely difficult to take the classes necessary to graduate therefore students end up staying for over four years, which in the end adds up and can total the same as many private schools (graduating in 4 years) depending on which school you attend. Also, Point Loma is extremely generous in giving away scholarship money and a large percentage of the students attending have some sort of financial aid.
1. Get involved. Point Loma offers many different ministries, clubs, intramural sports and groups that will allow students to find their way into their own little niche in Point Loma. I saw too many girls in my dorm hall not get involved and their year was not as exciting as they hoped. This year I got involved in Ministries with Mexico, an outreach ministry that travels to Mexico to help the people there through construction, medical attending and mentoring. During my spring break trip I went with a group of students to help build a church and pastor's house for a pastor in Rosarito. Not only was this trip a great experience that allowed me to help others and learn a lot about construction, but during that trip I created several close friendships that are now a large part of my life. Had I not gone outside my comfort zone and gone on that trip I would have never met those people and experienced a week full of love, hard work and joy. 2. Learn how you study best. Up until college I had just gotten by in school. I thought that studying meant doing the study guide or simply studying the night before yet little did I know, but college was completely different. Each class has its own best way of studying yet being able to identify that as soon as you can, will help you tremendously throughout the class. 3. Understand balancing your time. Although studying is extremely important and the entire reason you are in college (to get an education), having a social life is extremely important because it helps you stay sane. Friends are there to support you when it gets tough and honestly sometimes you just need to get out. 4. Branch out. Talk to the people on your hall and get to know them even if you think you usually would not hang out with someone like that, still go out and make the effort because people will surprise you. 5. Be honest with your roommate. If you have a problem, tell him or her because it makes it so much easier to live with them. But ...
Point Loma Nazarene University is great for students who are looking for a small, conservative, Christian atmosphere in which community is important. If you love the beach and adventure then PLNU is perfect for you as well. Also, Point Loma is very focused on school so if you are looking to go to more schooling after a 4-year degree (medical, dental, or any graduate schools) then this university is great for you because they push you to succeed. Overall this is an amazing school that is perfect for beach-going, God-loving and academically-focused students.