Pensacola Christian College

My four years at PCC were the best years of my life! My teachers were great and I had no problems with the rules. I held a job while on campus and had the opportunity to be involved in many extracurricular activities. I always felt safe and met many lifelong friends. My classes were fun and informative, and I find I still miss chapel. If I had to choose two things for improvement, it would be 1. accreditation (made it difficult to get my teaching degree, even now I can only teach at private schools or start over) and 2. I had a difficult time trying to see Pastor Schettler. I went to his office to make an appointment and was told I had to go forward in a service and talk to someone and then could meet with the Pastor. It never happened. I realize there are many concerns the pastor of a huge church must face, but having an approachable leader is also important.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

There were days I wanted to pull my hair out and scream. But over all, it was a great experience. I needed the structure and strict atmosphere to help me not continue to be lazy. If you have problem with authority or parents telling you what to do, then PCC may not be for you. Teachers were great! Friends you make there are for a lifetime! If you go, make sure you have an open mind about everything that is taught. Look in to it for yourself. Don't just rely on what the teacher, preacher or evangelist says as truth.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I like to separate my experience at PCC into two distinct categories: Studies and Character Building.

-Studies-
Overall, my experience in the Computer Information Systems field was fair. I definitely learned things that have helped me in the IT field; however, I feel that there was much to be desired. Heavy focus on classes like COBOL was a total waste of time. Yes, there's a lot of COBOL code out there, but why on earth make it a required course for CIS? Also, since SQL databases are in about every company today, I think that the database classes should be more extensive. I just wish the program could have been more customized to what I wanted to do in my career.

-Character-
As far as character building goes, I don't think I could have gotten better training anywhere. I sincerely think that the character training I received has MORE to do with my job and salary today than does my educational training. I just started a job that required 5+ years experience. I have 8 months in a related area. They were more interested in the fact that my character and potential impressed a former employee. In fact, my interview with that company lasted less than 15 minutes. Had I attended elsewhere, I probably would have gotten a better education in CIS; however, I would NOT have received the Biblical character training that I believe has truly made the difference.

-About the Rules-
Okay, so everyone knows about all the rules at PCC. The truth is that they're NOT that difficult to deal with. However, be warned that if you do break a rule, you will be dealt with very harshly, even if you're truly sorry or if it was really an accident. I was expelled during my time at PCC for a minor (in everyone else's eyes that I've asked) infraction that I truly did by accident. The administration was not concerned that it was truly an accident, that I had NEVER had a major infraction before, or that I was truly broken hearted and sorry for what I did. In fact, only one person in administration (of the 5 or 6 that I dealt with directly) even offered encouragement or a word of prayer (but we were already good acquaintances anyway). I was humiliated and belittled. Luckily, my parents, my church, and my God are great and helped me through this time. I returned to PCC to complete my degree. They did, however, truly 'forgive' me and didn't treat me any differently upon my return (except for the warning letter that I was on probation).

Had I never been expelled, I would have recommended PCC 100% to anyone who considered it. However, after going through what I did with the deans I can't say that I can wholeheartedly recommend the school anymore. If you can stay out of the deans office (by following every rule to the letter (even while not at school!!)- never assume ANYTHING - even the unwritten rules!) then you'll have a great experience that you truly cannot receive anywhere else. If you have trouble with authority, don't even bother to apply.

My Scores:
Education: 60%
Food: 80%
Dorms: 90%
Biblical Training: 90%
Teachers: 85%Deans: 10%

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000