Pensacola Christian College

This is a neutral review of PCC because the school has both good and bad qualities. I went to PCC as a freshman not knowing ANY of the rules. I neglected to read the student handbook that was sent to me and so it was complete culture shock coming to the school. I showed up in jeans and was quickly apprehended by Miss Covey. I had to go and buy an entirely new wardrobe that day before I was even allowed to check in! Make sure you read the entire thing before going. If you're like me, I didn't come from an independent, fundamentalist home so it was all very new to me. The campus is beautiful and the beach is fantastic! The academics of the school are challenging and I truly believe that it is a phenomenal education for the money. After 3 years, I left PCC and went to a state college in Georgia. Since PCC is unaccredited, nothing transferred so I had to start from scratch. Doing that helped me to realize what a great education I had recieved for the 3 years I was at PCC though. The academics at a state school can't hold a candle to those at PCC. The student life area does leave a lot to be desired, that much is true. While I truly believe their intentions are pure, the way they go about enforcing things sometimes gets a little murky. In the 3 years I was there, I never did anything terrible by their standards like sneak off campus or meet up with a boy. I was, for the most part, a very vanilla student. I did as I was told and only had demerits for little things like the dress code (only wearing knee highs instead of full hose), waking up late, lights out, etc. My third and final year; however, I was shadowed for 3 days and went before the Student Appeals Committee for something that happened back home in Georgia on a weekend I was home. I was not kicked out but they gave me 100 demerits and campused me for a month. The next day, I withdrew. I was really just so shell-shocked from the whole shadowing experience. It was definitely emotionally draining. I still find myself getting anxious when I think of Dean Baer or going back on the campus. Most of what people have written on here is true - you can get turned in for not turning someone else in, the definitions of certain acceptable things (such as music, "tightness" of clothing, etc) are unclear at best, and it is a VERY, VERY strict place to be. BUT, if you go into it with an open mind and you commit yourself to not focusing on the bad things but the good things, I think it can definitely be a great place. I've made friends for life from there and my relationship with the Lord was definitely strengthened while I was there. As long as you take everything with a grain of salt, you'll be fine.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Individual Value: F

I know that I am called to this school. I like it there. God is working in my life. HOWEVER, if God Himself has not called you, do not go. They are far more controlling than most parents are. A woman does not have the same rights as the men (women have to be 21 before they can go off campus; men can do so at 18). There are many unwritten rules that must be adhered to as tightly as the written rules. Dating is pushed hard to the guys when they get there. I was called there, and I love it; but if you are not called, DON'T GO.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2011

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: D

There are many pros and cons to Pensacola Christian College. There are several different groups of people. Everyone will find someone that he meshes with.

There are rules that everyone has to abide by, however, no matter where you go in life, there will always be rules to follow. If you feel that God has called you to attend PCC, and you don't want to, come with an open mind. I didn't want to go, but once I got there, I loved it. Life is how you make it. Seriously, don't listen to the crap people say about PCC because 1) rules have changed since they last attended PCC 2) they probably got kicked out or had a bad experience. Just because someone says they had a bad experience doesn't mean it will happen to you. Don't flip out over getting 2 demerits. It's really not a big deal. It's only a big deal if you break a major rule.

If you grew up with the A Beka curriculum, freshman year will probably be easy. Although it may be easy, don't slack off and go to the Sports Center every night. You are here for school. Not for a social life. For those of you that didn't and are having a hard time with academics, ASK FOR HELP! Find a friend, or find an upperclassman that will help. Try as hard as you can to get a good GPA Freshman year, because it only goes down from there.

As far as dating, don't feel as though you HAVE to date, especially as a freshman. Like Pastor Schettler said many years ago, "Better wait and know it than to date and blow it." God will bring you the perfect person. Make friends!Enjoy college life, and make the most out of it!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A-, Surrounding City: D+