We’re glad to hear you are thinking about Messiah College for Spring semester!
Please read through the following list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Spring start. If you have other questions or concerns not addressed here, please contact us.
General Spring start questions |
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General Spring start questions
Is there still time to come in the spring?
YES! There is still time for you to come for the spring semester. Incoming Spring students will begin coursework in February.
How do I apply?
The quickest way to apply is online (and it costs less, too). Just click here! Be sure to follow up with your Christian Life Recommendation form & official transcripts.
What do I need to send as a transfer student?
Make sure you check out the transfer pages. There’s a lot of great information here to help answer a lot of your transfer questions.
For admission, we will need official transcripts from any/all colleges you’ve attended. If you’ve completed less than 30 college credits, we will also need your final High School transcript and test scores. We also require a Christian Life Recommendation.
I’m in my first semester of college, do I need to send my transcript?
We will need your final High School transcript, along with any/all college transcript(s) showing completed course work. If you have not yet finished your first semester, we will review you without your college transcript. If you have completed your first semester, we need to have the official transcript of your grades.
How will my credits transfer?
Our Registrar’s Office will handle official evaluation of your college credit after acceptance. Students that visit campus can receive an unofficial evaluation of transfer credit by our Transfer Counselor.
Is Financial Aid/Scholarships available?
Students are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships upon admission. Need-based aid may also be available, based upon the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information. If you have already completed the FAFSA for your current school, make sure you have it sent to Messiah. Our FAFSA code is 003298. Be sure to check out the Financial Aid pages for more information.
When does Spring semester start?
Spring semester begins with our January term(J-term) in the beginning of January. HOWEVER, incoming Spring students are required to begin with our Spring term in February.
What is Jterm? Am I required to come?
Messiah College offers a January term (J-term) & Spring term. Together, they make up our spring semester. In J-term, students take one course for three weeks, either in the morning or afternoon. It is a very intensive time of study.
For Incoming Students, we require you begin in with our Spring term. We will provide a comprehensive Orientation program, which will allow you to transition to a schedule you are more familiar with (MWF & TTH classes).
There may be some instances where a student must begin in J-term, in order to stay on course for graduation. In these cases, approval would be granted by the Dept Chair and communicated to Admissions.
I've been accepted! Now what?
What is MCSquare?
MCSquare is our online portal. Accepted students receive a username and password to access the portal. This is our primary way of communicating with students that have been accepted. Be sure to log in regularly for information about financial aid, course registration, housing, meal plans, health forms, and more.
Why do I have to start in Spring term?
As mentioned above, we will be offering one comprehensive Orientation program. We feel this will help students not only transition to Messiah College, but be foundational in your entire Messiah experience (from getting aquainted to campus, to meeting new people/life-long friends, to participating in a service project). Transitioning to a new school can be challenging, especially mid-year. We want to give students as many opportunities as possibly for a successful transition and feel that the Spring term start is core to that.
Am I being charged for Jterm?
Due to the required Spring term start for incoming students, room charges and the Without Limits meal plan will be discounted 20%. Tuition will NOT be discounted, because you can still take a full course load.
*Students beginning in January term will NOT receive a room or board discount.
When will I get a financial aid package?
Our Financial Aid Office works diligently to package students. However, much of the timing is dependent upon when you are accepted and if we have received your FAFSA information.
Financial Aid packages are viewable in MCSquare, our online portal. Be sure to read your award letter thoroughly in MCSquare.
Who will my advisor be?
You will be assigned an advisor based upon your academic major. This assignment is given to you when you arrive on campus. You will be able to meet with your advisor the first week of classes.
How do I pay my deposit?
You can pay your deposit securely on our deposit page. At this point, it is non-refundable. Paying your deposit will allow you to register for Spring semester classes.
I've paid my deposit and I'm coming!
When do I come to campus?
Winter Orientation Weekend will kick off on Thurs, January 27. You can view the schedule here.
If you have been approved to begin in January, you should arrive on campus on Tues, January 4.
When do classes start?
January term: Wed, January 5
Spring term: Mon, January 31
What do I need to bring ?
Check out this Residence Life page for more information about coming to Messiah!
When are breaks?
You can view the full academic calendar online. Spring Recess will take place March 12-20, Easter Break is April 22-25, Last Day of Classes is May 3, and Finals run May 5-10.
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