<p>Now can we please get back to the original question that this thread was created for?</p>
<p>"We are considering both Grove City and Wheaton (in Chicago). Does anyboyd have any insights as to the key differences between them? "</p>
<p>Most of these posts are completely irrelevant and unessesary, if you’re so concerned about these cynical financial issues, please</p>
<p>start your own thread.</p>
<p>I’m sure if you have any information of value or insight about either, the world awaits your wisdom. ;)</p>
<p>Digging this up from the grave for people who stumble upon it whilst “googling”</p>
<p>First and foremost, Whistle Pig, your utility was long ago exhausted on this thread. Please take your thinly veiled, belligerent attitude elsewhere.</p>
<p>Intro:
I visited both schools and applied to Princeton, William and Mary, and GCC. I was admitted into all of the above, but chose to attend Grove City simply because it felt right and the money saved could be put towards graduate school. Note, this decision was made almost a decade ago so things may have changed.</p>
<p>My thoughts on both schools:
The admissions department at Wheaton was clearly elitist (much more so than Princeton, even), to the point that a number of families on the tour went out to eat and laughed about the absurdity after the tour. From what I have heard, this is not the case with the faculty and student body. Nevertheless, it left a poor taste in my mouth, so I chose not to apply. I have had a number of friends attend and they all had wonderful experiences. </p>
<p>Wheaton: having Chicago relatively close by is a plus, but make no mistake, you are not even close to being in the city. The food is so much better than Grove City; it is not even remotely comparable. I suppose on a positive note, Grove City students are less likely to gain the freshman 15. Overall, the athletic facilities (namely the pool and workout areas) are nicer at Wheaton. </p>
<p>Wheaton is expensive, and their admissions clearly has a preference towards children of legacies and missionaries. That said, what Whistle Pig says is true, they have far more experience with fund raising, and despite a reputation for slipping away from ultra-conservatism and having a more Baptist bent, Dr. Ryken, the current University President is from the PCA. How this plays out into hiring decisions and current policies, I have no idea. I do not have any friends which work for the university. </p>
<p>Wheaton is better known that Grove City, which only relatively recently became more of a national school. That said, despite the posts on here, neither are very well recognized outside of church circles or those very interested in education. If you are looking for recognition, you are far better off attending a large state school with a strong alumni network such as Penn State, but I imagine you want a Christian education or you would not be on this thread… If that is the case, the only schools I would really consider are Wheaton, Grove City, Hillsdale and Covenant. </p>
<p>Grove City College: You are a good distance away from Pittsburgh, which contrary to some misunderstandings, is a lovely city with nice museums, good libraries, professional sports and a world class symphony. Do not misinterpret this, however, students primarily remain on campus. Traveling to Pittsburgh twice a month would be considered frequent by most of the student body.</p>
<p>My experience at Grove City was phenomenal. I could not have imagined a more wonderful student body or supportive professors. What whistle pig says is true, due to lower costs, classes can be mid-sized for core requirements, and professors are required to teach overloads. While research is increasing, Grove City professors are primarily that, teachers, and most come because they want to teach–and yes, they do it for less money. Grove City is incredibly cheap. For the standard of living in Grove City for $65k would probably cost you at least $140k+ in a Chicago suburb.</p>
<p>The education industry is an absurd bubble, with administration costs far outpacing additional faculty. This is one of the primary areas Grove City cuts costs. Their administration simply isn’t large at all. They also do it by not always offering the latest and greatest niceties. You will not find extra luxuries like rock climbing walls or an on campus movie theater. The dorms still predominantly look like dorms–no private bathrooms and other amenities. What you do get is a quality education at an affordable price–exactly what the school aims to accomplish.</p>
<p>In my opinion, it really boils down to the individual department when comparing the two schools–I doubt you would have a poor experience at either.</p>
<p>A few examples: If you are interested in studying religion in undergrad, I would choose Grove City over Wheaton hands down; the same goes for history or philosophy. If you want to study Political Science, sociology or literature, I would choose Wheaton.
In terms of economics, Grove City falls exclusively into the Austrian school (not that this is horrible), but if you continue into graduate school, you will be missing some very popular fundamental perspectives. I believe both would be fantastic for education.</p>
<p>A number of majors are only offered at one school. Wheaton offers geology and international relations. Grove City offers mechanical and electrical engineering. Neither offers a true “Classics” program which I find deplorable at schools who call themselves “liberal arts.” Both offer computer science, but personally, if I was interested computer science, I would not attend a liberal arts college. There are far too many Universities and tech schools with fantastic programs. </p>
<p>If you are interested in science, I would inquire as to the individual instruments available as well as how involved you can be with professor’s research. I hate to say it, but despite the extraordinary training of engineers at Grove City, you do lack access to the latest and greatest tools (such as robotics) that you might get to play with as an undergrad at Carnegie Mellon or Georgia Tech. Nevertheless, much of engineering is actually learned on the job or in graduate school–so it is up to the individual to weigh how important this is. [I no nothing as to the research tools available at Wheaton, other than that they do not have an engineering program].</p>
<p>I very much resent your stereotyping of Presbyterians, Whistle Pig. It’s ridiculous and not true. I myself, am and have been for quite some time, a member of the OPC. I’ve been encouraged to think, learn, and develope my own ideas from a very young age. The Bible is the lens with which one is to view the world and from it grow and see how things are. What you’ve presented is grossly inaccurate and not at all necessary. </p>
<p>As far as Grove vs. Wheaton…
Both are great schools. Visit each of them and really get a feel. I fell in love with Wheaton and am trying to get in currently. Grove didn’t resonate with me…but it does for many and it’s a good option. It’s my second choice. Visit, experience, talk to students and make your decision. Both would serve you well. They are very different and it’s a matter of fit for most. </p>