What Every Parent Wants to Know
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions that Parents Have About Messiah College
The Admissions staff has put together an FAQ section that answers some of the most commonly asked questions about Messiah. The questions and answers are divided into the popular categories below. Click on a heading to read questions and answers that are specific to that topic. Use the navigation menu to move between topics. You'll also find links to more extensive information within each topic. Can't find answers to all of your questions? Please contact the Admissions office at admiss@messiah.edu
How will my son or daughter be assisted in succeeding academically?
All students are assigned a faculty academic advisor, a professor from their department. Several professors from various departments are selected to advise undeclared students. Academic advisors assist students with course scheduling and are available to answer questions a student may have about their major and career preparation. The advisor/student relationship is an important element of the education process at Messiah. Visit the Academic Advising web site for complete information on this program.
Will my son or daughter get to know his/her professors?
Enjoying a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, Messiah students personally interact with mentors who know them and understand their goals. Again and again, students attest to how Messiah's faculty have made a difference in their lives. Our professors invest their time and a part of themselves into every student they teach.
How does Messiah choose its faculty?
Messiah's standards are clear. We select our educators for their Christian commitment as well as their proven teaching ability. They are outstanding scholars and experts in their chosen fields. Faith and learning are natural extensions of their commitment to faith-based education. To confirm this committment, all of Messiah's faculty sign and affirm the College's Statements of Faith.
What resources are available if my son or daughter needs help academically?
Messiah offers both a Learning Center and Writing Center to students who may need assistance.
Learning Center
The Learning Center is available and helpful to students at all levels of competence. Students benefit from one-on-one interaction with a trained tutor who tailors the sessions to each individual's needs. Tutors are available to facilitate small-group study sessions in addition to individual tutoring. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is provided as well. The Center also offers Supplemental Instruction (S.I.), a program that targets "high-risk courses" rather than "high-risk students." Supplemental Instruction leaders attend selected class lectures, take notes, read course material, then plan and conduct three or more review sessions outside of class each week. The S.I. review sessions are interactive and utilize a variety of collaborative learning strategies as they review course material and prepare for tests.
Writing Center
At the Writing Center, students trained in the techniques of peer-tutoring provide writing assistance for any student, at any stage in the composition process - from understanding an assignment and finding a topic, to writing and revising a draft. The tutors encourage writers to be as independent as possible; tutors generally will not edit or proof-read papers.
Is there an honors program available to exceptional students?
The College Honors Program is designed for students who demonstrate high scholarly ability early in their academic career. The program provides a series of interdisciplinary honors courses which satisfies selected general education requirements. In addition, various campus activities are designed each semester exclusively for participants in the College Honors Program. Participation in the program culminates in the preparation and public presentation of an interdisciplinary research project during the senior year. Admission to the program is highly competitive. The College Honors Program is open to first-year students. To be eligible, students must rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class and score 1300 or above on the NEW SAT or 29 or above on the ACT. Click here for the College Honors Program web site
What other initiatives are available for students who demonstrate scholarly ability?
Emerging Leaders
The Emerging Leaders Program is sponsored by the Student Programs Office and is designed to identify students with particular leadership potential. Students in the program are assigned a mentor who assists with setting goals, identifying gifts and skills, and reflecting on the nature and challenge of leadership. The program builds on the students' academic program but is centered in the cocurriculum. The Emerging Leaders Program is open to first-year students.
The Dean's List
Students achieving a grade point average of 3.6 or higher are placed on the Dean's List at the end of each semester. Dean's List students are recognized at the annual College Convocation in the fall and are invited to attend a dinner in their honor during the spring semester. The College's Marketing and Public Relations Office also notifies various media in the student's hometown of the student's achievement. Students may earn Dean's List recognition throughout their college career.
Scholar Interns
The Scholar Intern Program allows highly qualified upper-class students to work in mentor/apprentice relationships with faculty members and to participate in a significant research project. Appointment is made by nomination through the sponsoring faculty member. Participation in the program is supported by a grant to each scholar intern. Junior and senior students may be appointed as scholar interns.
Honor Societies
The College is affiliated with several national honor societies in selected academic disciplines. Students who excel in their academic major may be invited to join the respective honor society. Nominations are made during the junior and senior year.
For complete information about College Scholars Initiatives, check out the online brochure.
My son or daughter is unsure about what area to major in. Is this common and how does Messiah help these students?
Messiah offers over 55 majors and pre-professional programs. Even with these choices, approximately 20% of incoming students are "undecided" about a major. All "undecided" students receive a faculty academic advisor to assist them in choosing a major and making course decisions. These students usually work towards completing their General Education requirements while exploring areas where they are interested in majoring. Learn more about Academics and Majors at Messiah...
What services does Messiah offer to students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities may request needed accommodations through the Office of Disability Services. Eligibility is determined by submitting acceptable documentation to the Director of Disability Services. Documentation must include verification of a disability by a qualified examiner, the specific tests and procedures used in making the determination, and specific statements that verify needed accommodations. Reports older than 3 years will be considered but may be insufficient for College purposes. Referrals for low-cost assessment can be arranged, but costs are the responsibility of the student or family. Complete details are available on the Disability Services web site There are no additional charges for accommodations which may include:
- Extended time on tests
- Proctored exams in alternate locations
- Assistance with getting class notes
- Copies of lecture notes/transparencies
- Advocacy services
- Relocation to accessible classrooms
- Textbooks on audio tape
- Special housing arrangements
- Assistance during episodic illnesses
- Referral services
- Priority registration
- Special computer hookups or systems
- Assistance with adaptive technology
- Interpreter service
- Special parking arrangements
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What does the Admissions Committee consider when making a decision for admission?
We try to gain a well-rounded view of the student as a whole, rather than strictly looking at test scores or GPA, however these are very important. We also look at how the student will contribute to Messiah College through leadership, character, and extracurricular activities.
What is more important- test scores, high school grades, class rank, or curriculum?
The Messiah College Admissions Committee equally weighs all aspects of the student's credentials in considering them for admission.
How will students be selected?
The most qualified students that the Admissions Committee feels will contribute to the Messiah College Community will be offered acceptance.
What are the enrollment numbers and the average GPA and SAT scores for entering first year students?
Messiah College received over 2200 applications, and 736 incoming freshmen have enrolled for this academic year. The average GPA is about a 3.83 and the SAT score average is around 1200.
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Are athletics important at Messiah?
Athletics are a central part of campus life at Messiah College. Sollenberger Sports Center is a popular place with students, offering an indoor jogging track, basketball and racquetball courts, a weight room, and a competition-size swimming pool with a diving well.
Messiah's outdoor facilities are also among the best in the region. Starry Athletic Fields feature an outdoor track, an artificial-turf field hockey field, soccer and baseball fields, softball diamonds and championship tennis courts - most equipped with night-game lighting.
Sporting Events at Messiah are some of the most popular campus events throughout the school year. Messiah students come out to support every sport from Soccer to Baseball, from Basketball to Lacrosse, and from Volleyball to Field Hockey. The atmosphere at these sporting events is lively and entertaining. Feel free check out our Athletics web site to find out how our teams are doing.
What is the athletics program like?
Messiah's athletics program is affiliated with the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation, consisting of 16 private liberal arts colleges located in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our national affiliation is with the NCAA, Division III. Athletic scholarships are not awarded at Division III member institutions.
Intercollegiate athletics at Messiah College sets standards for excellence in small college athletic programs. Characterized by outstanding facilities and competitive scheduling, the program has emerged as a highly respected entity among NCAA Division III colleges and universities. The athletics program attempts to balance the value of academics and athletics, and participants are encouraged to prioritize academic achievement. Visit the Messiah's Athletics site to learn more...
Is Messiah a serious competitor?
Messiah College fields 20 intercollegiate sports teams-ten for men and ten for women-several of which enjoy national rankings every year. The Falcons are the home of the NCAA Division III 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 national champion in men's soccer, the 2005 national champion in women's soccer, the 2000 individual champion in wrestling, the 2002 individual champion in men's track and field, the 2001 national runner-up in women's basketball, the 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2006 national runner-up in field hockey. Check out Messiah Athletics...
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What is there to do on the weekends?
A large percentage of Messiah's students remain on campus each weekend to participate in the wide variety of activities that are available both on and off campus.
Campus Activities
You certainly don't have to leave campus to have a good time. From athletics to the arts, there is always something to do on Messiah's campus. Messiah's lush, green lawns promote lots of outdoor activity. Our fitness trails and biking paths are also popular with many students. And the Yellow Breeches stream - nationally acclaimed for its beauty and trout fishing - runs right through the heart of campus. Students can often be found tubing down its rushing waters or catching some sun on its peaceful banks.
Messiah also offers a Recreational Sports Program, known on campus as rec-sports. Included in the Intramural Program are sports such as basketball, softball, soccer, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, and kickball, to name a few. Teams play within their division with the top teams then moving to a playoff round. The rec-sports champion for each sport will receive a free T-shirt. Rec-sports champion T-shirts are a hot commodity on campus.
The arts flourish at Messiah College. The School of the Arts' student acting company produces four performances annually. Student recitals and concerts also abound during the academic year. Choirs, bands, and orchestras with excellent conductors perform regularly. And Messiah's art gallery and campus proudly exhibit the creative works of our students in the visual arts.
Surrounding Area
It's an easy drive to local restaurants, malls, theaters and sports arenas. And with its inviting selection of concerts, plays, art festivals, museums, galleries, and a symphony orchestra, the nearby city of Harrisburg offers many exciting cultural opportunities. For those who love the great outdoors, nearby state parks offer hiking, swimming, canoeing and other nature activities. Ski Roundtop, one of the region's best ski slopes, is within ten miles of campus. The sweet attractions of Hershey, Pennsylvania - a.k.a. Chocolate Town USA, the historic sights of Gettysburg, and the quaint surroundings of Pennsylvania Dutch Country are all less than an hour away. And if it's the city's bright lights that interest you, the urban and cultural advantages of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are within a convenient two-hour drive. Check out our Student Recommended Attractions site to learn more...
What types of student organizations exist for my son or daughter to get involved in?
Messiah offers over 50 on-campus student organizations, including an active student government, a student-run newspaper (The Swinging Bridge) and FM radio station (WVMM), intramural sports, a drama/theater troupe, touring musical teams, and a variety of special interest clubs. For a complete list of student organizations, click here.
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Messiah sounds great so far, but will my son or daughter be able to find a job after graduating? And will Messiah help him/her find one?
99 percent of past-year graduates are employed full time, attending graduate school, or in voluntary service within six months after graduation. Each year, many national and regional businesses recruit Messiah's high-quality graduates. AMP Inc., Coopers & Lybrand, Dun & Bradstreet, EDS, Hershey Foods, IBM, Johns Hopkins, KPMG Peat Marwick, Merrill Lynch, the Smithsonian Institute, U.S. Steel, and Walt Disney World are just some of the many organizations employing recent Messiah grads.
Many Messiah graduates choose to pursue full-time graduate studies at leading institutions such as: American University, Carnegie Mellon, Dartmouth, Drexel University, George Washington University, Harvard Law School, Oxford University, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
Career Center
The Career Center provides holistic career and academic counseling which is based on integrating faith, learning, and work. The comprehensive services of the Career Center are available to all students throughout their academic program. Career counselors interpret inventories for students seeking assistance with identifying their strengths and exploring majors and occupational opportunities. Career preparation is provided through interactive workshops, practice interviews, portfolio instruction, resume critiques, and one-on-one advising. Employment contacts are offered through a variety of services and programs: on-campus recruitment, resume referrals, internet connections, several college-sponsored Job Fairs, and job postings on the Job Line. Students considering graduate study are supported throughout planning and preparation with resources, an on-campus Graduate School Fair, and a counselor. Study groups for the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and CPA exams are also available for these individuals.
Internship Center
For students interested in internship experiences, the Internship Center offers personal advising, referral, and support services. Based upon the student's goals, interests, and abilities, the staff will make referrals to local, national, and international internship opportunities via the internet, local databases, a library of directories, and internship fairs. Orientation, on-campus seminars, site visits, employer evaluations, and reflective learning activities are designed to support and promote student development.
The Internship Center has joined forces with the Career Center to meet the needs of Messiah's undergraduates by developing the Contextual Learning Network. In addition to internships and practica, the Contextual Learning Network offers off-campus learning experiences for all students - from first-year through senior year. These options include career exploration opportunities such as information interviews, job shadowing experiences, and externships.
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What types of health and counseling services are available to my son or daughter should he/she need them?
The Engle Center provides a variety of counseling and health-related services to students. Counseling staff provide individual therapy, nutritional counseling, and premarital counseling. For full-time students, there is no charge for the services available. When needed, assistance is provided in finding a counselor off campus.
The Center has 24-hour nursing coverage when classes are in session. Health services include first-aid treatment, dispensary care, some immunizations, and selective prescriptive and nonprescriptive medication. College physicians visit the Center three times each week. Most services are available without charge; fees are charged for selected services including lab work, referral to specialists, and prescription medications. Appointments with local physicians and hospitals can be arranged through the College nurse at the student's expense or insurance plan.
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College education is a significant investment. Can we afford it?
Like any wise investment, an education at a private, Christian college may seem expensive, but it brings definite, lifelong rewards. Because we believe in high-quality Christian education, Messiah College is willing to help deserving students who demonstrate financial need. About nine out of every ten Messiah students receive some kind of financial aid. Messiah College offers merit-based academic scholarship programs, grants, and scholarships based on a combination of merit and need, and tuition discounts. Assistance is also available through federal funds administered by the College in the form of grants, loans, and work study. Learn more about the types of aid available on the Financial Aid website.
How is financial need determined?
Financial need is determined using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a confidential statement of income and assets for both students and parents. The information is analyzed to compare the financial strength of the applicant to that of other students with similar circumstances in terms of income, assets, size of family, number of family members in post-secondary educations, age of parents, etc. The aim is to make the expectations for the family contribution as equitable as possible for each student. The following equation is used to determine a student's financial need:
Cost of College Education
- Family Contribution (Determined by FAFSA)
= Financial Need
How does Messiah put together our financial aid package?
After your financial need is determined, the College Financial Aid Office can begin to put together a financial aid "package". Each student's financial situation is different, so each financial aid package is unique. A financial aid package includes one or more types of financial aid. The most common types of aid include scholarships, grants, tuition discounts, loans, and work-study programs.
Almost all financial aid programs, including those administered by Messiah College, require you to apply each year. Applications for financial aid should be submitted by March 1 preceding the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid. The FAFSA should be mailed as soon as possible after January 1 so that it will arrive in our office by April 1. It will take about one month for the FAFSA to be processed and to reach our office.
If you qualify for financial aid from Messiah College, you will be notified by way of a financial aid award letter. This award is sent out in the spring prior to the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid. Complete Financial Aid details can be found on the Financial Aid office's website.
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How does student housing work at Messiah?
The College offers eight traditional residence halls and four apartment-style residences on campus; each well equipped, controlled by a security access system, and individually wired for personal network/Internet connections. Staffed by trained professional Residence Directors and student Residence Assistants, these facilities provide an environment which fosters personal growth and responsibility, as students practice living in Christian community. To enhance the experience and sense of community of first-year students, the College has dedicated three residence halls specifically for first-year students. For 2007-2008 these residences are Hess, Naugle, and Witmer Halls.
The Grantham campus features the following major residences. Each is equipped with card-operated washing machines and dryers.
Sollenberger and Bittner Residences were renovated in 1997 and now join the recently constructed Mountain View Residence. Together they provide housing for approximately 600 students. The residences include floor lounges, a recreation area, and a computer lab.
Hess and Miller Residences were renovated in 1996 and connected to Grantham Hall, constructed the same year. Nearly 500 students occupy these buildings and enjoy facilities including floor lounges, a recreation area, TV lounges, a computer lab, and the campus Convenience Store.
Naugle and Witmer Residences provide traditional housing for 250 and 281 students respectively. Both have large lounges on each floor in addition to a recreational area and a central lounge.
Smith, Fry, Mellinger, and Kelly Residences are apartment-style buildings equipped with one- and two-bedroom units and are generally reserved for upperclassmen. Fry Residence was recently renovated in the Summer of 2007.
Complete information about Residence Education is available here...
How are residence halls staffed?
The Residence Education staff has selected and trained residence hall personnel to help maximize the potential of the residential experience. Through providing leadership experiences, thought-provoking seminars and discussions, Bible studies, social activities, personal counseling, and other activities, the residence hall staff helps the College achieve its goal of educating the whole person. Residence Directors (RDs), Apartment Life Coordinators (ALCs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are members of the Residence Education staff. RDs are professionals who have skills in managing and in helping people. They are available to students for friendship, guidance, and help in most areas of the college experience. Resident Assistants (RAs) and Apartment Life Coordinators (ALCs) are student paraprofessional members of the Residence Education staff. They are selected because of their desire and ability to serve their fellow students. As staff members, RAs and ALCs serve as communicators, community builders, and catalysts for ideas and activities.
Are the residence halls coed?
There are no residence halls at Messiah that are coed by room. In other words, males and females will not be living on the same floor. There are a few residence halls, however, that are coed by wing and by floor. That means that men live on one side of the building, which is separated by stairwells, and women live on the other side. It may also mean women live on some floors and men live on others with each floor being controlled by a security access system.
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What is the mission of Messiah College?
Three statements best describe the identity and mission of Messiah College:
- Messiah College is a Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences.
- The College is committed to an embracing evangelical spirit rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist, and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian Church.
- Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.
Learn more about the mission of Messiah College...
When was Messiah College founded?
Originally named the Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home, Messiah College was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church. In 1972, ownership by the Church was replaced by a covenantal relationship in which legal responsibility for the College was placed with a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Read about Messiah's history here...
Where in the world is Grantham?
Messiah's scenic main campus is located on 485 beautiful rolling acres in the suburban town of Grantham, in south central Pennsylvania. Just 12 miles southwest of Harrisburg, the state capital, Messiah is at the hub of the New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region. The campus is conveniently accessible to all of the region's major highways and airports. Click here for more about Messiah's location.
My son or daughter is interested in experiencing city life, what is available?
In 1968, Messiah launched a satellite campus in the heart of inner-city Philadelphia. Comprised of several large row houses along North Broad Street, the campus is located directly across from the main campus of Temple University. Students study at Temple, where they enjoy all the resources of a major university, while living in a small, personal community. Here students experiment and grow as they sample the educational, professional, and ministry opportunities available in America's fifth-largest city. Visit the Philadelphia Campus web site to discover more...
Messiah College also maintains a residential learning community in the city of Harrisburg called The Harrisburg Institute - offering diverse urban opportunities for service, internships, and volunteer work in coordination with coursework at Messiah's Grantham campus.
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Will my son or daughter be safe on campus?
Messiah College is strongly committed to the safety of its students. The College campus is patrolled 24 hours a day by Messiah's Department of Safety. Officers patrol the college grounds and buildings by vehicle, foot, and bicycle. Residence halls are controlled by a security access system, and emergency call boxes are located throughout campus. Complete information including crime statistics can be found by visiting the Department of Safety's web site.
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How can my son or daughter grow in his/her faith?
Messiah provides students with numerous opportunities to grow in their personal Christian faith. Many students join small-group Bible studies, discipleship, and prayer groups. Students also gather twice a week for chapel services that feature special music and challenging speakers. Here, students worship together, share their experiences, and examine critical spiritual and social issues.
Messiah students benefit from the caring support of a dedicated Christian ministries staff, including a full-time college pastor, associate pastor, and a director of student ministries. But helping students spiritually is not jut limited to our ministries team. All of our faculty and staff are committed to Jesus Christ and dedicated to supporting students spiritually. Local churches in the surrounding communities also reach out to Messiah students, inviting them to worship and fellowship.
We also have an exciting student-led praise and worship service known as "Powerhouse", which takes place on Thursday nights. Every week nearly one-third of the student population gathers for this time of meaningful Praise and Worship.
Visit the Campus Ministries web site for complete information on Spiritual Life at Messiah...
How do Messiah students practice their faith?
Actions speak louder than word - and what our students do demonstrates their maturing faith. Last year, Messiah's student body donated more than 70,000 hours to local mission projects and community service. During summer or spring break, on the weekends or in their spare time, Messiah students find ways to serve.
A number of students travel overseas on short-term missions projects. Some students work with inner-city shelters and youth programs. Others volunteer with crisis pregnancy centers, social service agencies, and rehabilitation facilities. Still others build houses with Messiah's chapter of Habitat for Humanity. These and other service projects, locally and abroad, are frequently related to particular courses in Messiah's service-learning program.
Student musicians tour with the College's music ministry teams. Dancers' minister through Acclamation, Messiah's touring dance ensemble. We even have a puppet ministry and "Klowns for the Kingdom," a traveling clown troupe. And each year more than 1,000 students, staff, and faculty volunteer at Special Olympics, which the College hosts every spring.
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When can I visit my child on campus and what special events are there?
Parents are always welcome on Messiah College's campus. Whether it is a visit for a concert, athletic event, or just a random visit, the College encourages parents to stop in. There are also several special event weekends for students and their families:
Family Weekend (September)
Family Weekend is a special event in the fall during which families gather to visit students and enjoy family activities. Family members make their own housing arrangements. Along with scheduled activities, there is ample time to visit with your student and see some of the local sites. A complete schedule of events is mailed to each household in early Fall.
The annual Parents' Breakfast takes place during Family Weekend. This event brings parents of students together for prayer and fellowship, an excellent meal, and an opportunity to hear from students, faculty, and administrators about God's work at the College.
Homecoming (October)
Messiah welcomes back alumni each October for a time of fun and fellowship. Numerous activities are planned for the entire family along with a number of athletics events and a tailgating picnic. Learn more about Homecoming by visiting the Alumni web site.
Little Sibs Weekend (February)
Send your son or daughter to visit his or her big brother or sister at Messiah College during Little Sibs Weekend. There are always many fantastic activities planned including: movies, theatre productions, concerts, athletic events, and special events in the dining hall. Little sibs are encouraged to stay with their older sibling. Complete information is mailed to each household in early Winter.
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