Pensacola Christian College

Honestly, when I initially came here it was because my parents gave me no other option, and my first year was not that great. However, during my second summer here (The college allows you to work off your tuition during summer break. I had done so both before and after my first year.) I made three wonderful friends who--I risk sounding trite, but it's true--changed my life entirely and opened my eyes from the spiritual ignorance I was previously dominated by.

Naturally, the college is not perfect--no college is--but the faculty truly do have good intentions for the students, regardless of what some may say. The rules are there for good reason, and while I do not agree with all the views that the college stands for, I respect their position and follow their standards because that is what a Christian should do--follow authority unless their commands directly conflict with God's Word.

I believe that the drudgery of my first year was caused by my not listening to what God wanted for me. I originally majored in Graphic Design because I like to draw, and when I found that that wasn't what I expected, I switched to English. Though I did relatively well, my outlook on the future was not quite bright--something told me that something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what it was. This semester, I finally gave in during chapel and prayed, "God, if you want me to change my major, have someone tell me that I would do well in that major within the next week." God answered my prayer, and he answered it much faster than I'd ever expected. After dinner the same night that I prayed during chapel, my friend told me that I would make a great Computer Science major. I changed my major shortly afterward, and have loved my major ever since.

As far as suggestions go, I have only one. I certainly understand that PCC simply does not have a large enough faculty to fill every job, but the college needs to keep tabs on any students put in a position of authority, however small. I have heard of, seen, and experienced countless instances of floorleaders, desk workers, and others abusing their privileges, badgering students they don't like, making up their own rules, and much more. On the other end of the spectrum, many people in those same positions are excessively lax so that they will be well-liked. Both extremes are wrong, and while I understand that PCC cannot keep track of everything, they should make sure that these students are doing their job properly.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B+

First, Admisson.
Not hard to get in. Just say you are a Christian, fill out the forms and pay the fees. I think the idea is that anyone matriculating here that is not of the same religious ideas will come around to their way of thinking, You are immersed in it day, night, and weekend. This means kids who are honestly training and learning for the Lord are placed alongside kids are are not.

It seems to me that this is the cause of most of the problems on campus. Kids honestly seeking God get frustrated by kids who are not, and some kids become pridefull about their own spirituality. The Student Life office thinks these kids are willing to enforce campus rules.

Academics. Not so hot. Some courses are very challenging. Nursing, premed and biology are very good programs. Business, speech, and pre law.. not so good.

Also, the school is unaccredited. Don't be fooled... This DOES MATTER! I have been refused by a university because of this issue. Law students cannot sit for the bar exam in many states. With TRACS, there is no legitimate reason for them to continue to refuse accreditation. Except... From what I understand, Dr. Arlin Horton, the college's president, has only an honorary degree. Dr. Joel Mullinex, vp, same deal. (He just picked up an Ed.D. from PCC, though).

Bottom line: Not the worst place in the world. The friendships I developed there were stronger than anywhere else.

Safety: Ok, this one is tricky. Any college wants to downplay campus crime stats. If you don't think its safe, you won't go. No college wants that. That should be understood. Now... My opinion is PCC is NOT a very safe campus. Why? There are no locks on dorm room doors. Even at a Christian college, occasionally students don't act appropriately. Should the worst happen, there is nothing stopping a student from gaining access to other dorm rooms.

To get into the dorm building, you have to show a college ID. This sounds good. But my experience was less than reassuring. Desk workers are just students working part time, they are usually talking or studying, and if there is a group of people coming through the doors at the same time, there is no way the desk worker can check all those ID's. Ask a current female student if they've ever used their boyfriend's ID to get into the building. Also, for campus crime stats, check with the student life office. When I was there, thefts in the residence halls were reported to the student life office, not campus security.

Breakdown By Major:

Bible- Go to Crown.
Business-other universities.
Communications- ANYWHERE else
Education-Pcc can't be beat.
Nursing/medical-Pcc can't be beat.
Spiritual growth- Try Maranatha.Extra Curriculars, Independent Living, politics, government, law-Liberty University

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

First, Admisson.
Not hard to get in. Just say you are a Christian, fill out the forms and pay the fees. I think the idea is that anyone matriculating here that is not of the same religious ideas will come around to their way of thinking, You are immersed in it day, night, and weekend. This means kids who are honestly training and learning for the Lord are placed alongside kids are are not.

It seems to me that this is the cause of most of the problems on campus. Kids honestly seeking God get frustrated by kids who are not, and some kids become pridefull about their own spirituality. The Student Life office thinks these kids are willing to enforce campus rules.

Academics. Not so hot. Some courses are very challenging. Nursing, premed and biology are very good programs. Business, speech, and pre law.. not so good.

Also, the school is unaccredited. Don't be fooled... This DOES MATTER! I have been refused by a university because of this issue. Law students cannot sit for the bar exam in many states. With TRACS, there is no legitimate reason for them to continue to refuse accreditation. Except... From what I understand, Dr. Arlin Horton, the college's president, has only an honorary degree. Dr. Joel Mullinex, vp, same deal. (He just picked up an Ed.D. from PCC, though).

Bottom line: Not the worst place in the world. The friendships I developed there were stronger than anywhere else.

By Major:
Bible- Go to Crown.
Business-other universities.
Communications- ANYWHERE else
Education-Pcc can't be beat.
Nursing/medical-Pcc can't be beat.
Spiritual growth- Try Maranatha.Extra Curriculars, Independent Living, politics, government-Liberty University

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000