Gettysburg College

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School Says - General Information
Gettysburg is a national college of liberal arts and sciences located in the world-famous town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Our 2,600 students are actively involved in an academically rigorous and personally challenging educational experience. With an average class size of 18 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, there are no bystanders here. Our students are passionate about all of their endeavors, taking advantage of myriad opportunities to make a difference in the College's classrooms and laboratories as well as in the greater campus community and beyond. From the very first semester, when almost all new Gettysburg students take an intensive First-Year Seminar, students analyze, investigate, research, discuss, debate, and present. They often collaborate and conduct research with the College's faculty (95% of whom have a Ph.D. or the terminal degree in their field), and they leave Gettysburg more than well prepared for productive careers and challenging graduate programs. Students come to Gettysburg because they know that they are going to be challenged academically, but they're also members of a dynamic college community comprised of students with diverse talents and interests. In addition to leading more than 120 student clubs and campus organizations, "Gettysburgians" are mindful of their responsibilities as global citizens. More than half of the student body pursue at least one of the College's extensive study abroad programs, and many become involved with Gettysburg's Center for Public Service. Gettysburg College prepares students to lead energetic, engaged, and enlightened lives. Gettysburg College is also home to the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and the Eisenhower Institute.

School Says - Student Body
At Gettysburg, students like to get involved. Whether you prefer to pack your schedule or concentrate on a narrower range of activities, you should have little difficulty tapping your interests to the fullest. With more than 120 student-led clubs and organizations and 22 intercollegiate (NCAA division III) athletic programs, Gettysburg provides students with a greater understanding of how different parts of their life complement each other. It's a place where students can immerse themselves in all the things that they love to do while making a difference in the life of the campus community. The campus offers an exceptional home base as students explore the world around them and prepare for rewarding lives and careers. Residential accommodations are excellent, and the College's food services consistently win rave reviews. It's no wonder more than 90 percent of students live on campus all four years. Over the course of four years, Gettysburg College hosts more than 3,200 lectures, films, plays, concerts, and workshops, and over 50 art exhibitions. Within minutes of campus are dozens of restaurants, pubs, and cafes; the newly-restored Majestic theatre, which features an 830-seat performing arts center, as well as two cinema theatres and an art gallery; and the spectacular Gettysburg National Military Park.

School Says - Academics
As part of Gettysburg's balanced undergraduate degree program in the liberal arts and sciences, students may choose from 38 majors, pursue interdisciplinary and self-designed majors, or complete one of several cooperative and dual-degree programs. The Sunderman Conservatory of Music combines Gettysburg's superb music tradition and the strength of a leading liberal arts education. The College also provides preparation for professional schools in law, medicine, and the allied health sciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in the following areas: Africana studies, anthropology, studio art, art history, biology, chemistry, Chinese studies, classics, computer science, economics, English, environmental studies, French, German, globalization studies, health and exercise sciences, history, international affairs, Italian studies, Japanese studies, mathematics, music, organization and management studies, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, public policy, religious studies, sociology, Spanish, Spanish and Latin American Studies, theatre arts, and women, gender and sexuality studies. The Bachelor of Science degree is offered in biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, chemistry, environmental studies, health and exercise sciences, music education, and physics. The Bachelor of Music degree is offered in performance. Area studies, interdisciplinary studies, and special programs include: Arabic Language, business, Civil War era studies, East Asian studies, education, film studies, Greek, Latin, Latin American studies, Middle East and Islamic studies, neuroscience, peace and justice studies, writing Dual-degree programs in engineering, forestry, optometry and nursing, and cooperative programs in marine biology and physical therapy are also offered.

School Says - Admissions
If Gettysburg is your first choice, you are strongly encouraged to apply for Early Decision (ED) admission. Gettysburg offers two Early Decision deadline dates; the ED I application deadline is November 15 and the ED II deadline is January 15. Early Decision admissions decisions are mailed within one month of the deadline date. Regular Decision applications are due by February 1. The foundation of the admissions decision is a strong academic record. Grade Point Average and SAT I or ACT scores are important factors (SAT II tests are not required). Curriculum options open to students may vary from school to school, but in general we look for evidence of students' success in the most challenging courses available to them. Participation in accelerated, enriched, and advanced placement courses is highly desirable. What students do outside the classroom is also important. Participation in a plethora of activities and leadership positions helps to complete an application. Essays that are clear and compelling provide even deeper insight into the applicant. Letters of recommendation from both the secondary school counselor and a teacher provide further information about work ethic, personality, and potential. Personal interviews with a member of the admissions staff are strongly encouraged, but not required. Gettysburg accepts the Common Application (including the Gettysburg Supplement). A complete application file should include the following: Completed Application Form Gettysburg Supplement Teacher Recommendation Counselor Recommendation Secondary School Transcript SAT I or ACT scores (directly from The College Board or on an official transcript) $55 application fee Early Decision Form (for ED applicants only) Senior Mid-Year Grades Students applying to the Sunderman Conservatory of Music are required to audition.

School Says - Campus Life
Two things make Gettysburg College's location extraordinary--what's here and what happened here. Our 200-acre campus connects to a famous and engaging town that offers a variety of options when you decide it's time to head off campus. Downtown you'll find an eclectic array of stores, restaurants, and cultural offerings, including the Blue Parrot Bistro and the Ragged Edge Coffee House, the newly-restored Majestic Theater, art galleries sponsoring First Friday openings each month, and many other attractions. Farther afield, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the area's challenging whitewater, great rock climbing and mountain biking, three nearby ski and snowboard resorts, and outstanding hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail. And the College offers easy access to three major metropolitan areas: Harrisburg (45 minutes), Baltimore (60 minutes), and Washington, D.C. (80 minutes). The campus also sits less than a mile from the site of what many consider to be the single most important moment in American history. The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War, and its outcome defined the future of the United States. A few months after that event, Gettysburg students walked through town and heard President Lincoln deliver a two-minute speech that stands today as one of the most moving expressions of the ideals of freedom and equality ever spoken. Today, by educating students to become engaged and contributing citizens, the College contributes to shaping a world in which those ideals can flourish.

School Says - Cost Aid
Comprehensive Fee The cost of attendance at Gettysburg College includes charges for tuition, room and board. Allowances for books and supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses are factored into a student's budget for the purpose of determining aid eligibility. Typical fees are listed below. Various room and board options are available after the first year. Tuition: $41,070 Room (regular dorm room): $5,260 Meal Plan (unlimited access): $4,550 Total charges: $50,880At Gettysburg, we continue to honor a long-standing commitment to put the College within the financial reach of all students desiring to engage themselves in our dynamic community. Need-based financial aid, academic merit scholarships, and music talent scholarships are available. Over forty million dollars in scholarships and grants were awarded from Gettysburg College resources for the 2010-11 academic year. Approximately 70% of the student body will benefit from these funds. The average financial aid award for enrolled students in the 2010-11 academic year was nearly $34,000. Merit-based scholarships range from $7,000 to $25,000 per year. Applicants who are applying for financial aid should submit the CSS PROFILE before February 15. The Gettysburg College Code Number for the PROFILE is 2275. In addition to the PROFILE, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 and before February 15. The Gettysburg College federal school code for the FAFSA is 003268.

Students Say - Academics
Personal and intellectual growth is at the heart of the Gettysburg College experience. Students eagerly praise the school's "friendly, community-oriented atmosphere," and competent, caring professors. "The faculty takes a developed interest in the students' academics and successes, [and] the campus offers countless opportunities for leadership, self-discovery and the like." In fact, first- year students are surprised to find that "By the first day, the professor knows each student by name and why they're taking the class." With uniformly small class sizes and an emphasis on discussion in the classroom, "professors at Gettysburg make sure that students understand why they are learning the things that they are, and there is a lot of emphasis put on putting 'theory into practice' outside of the classroom." "Many professors go above and beyond, making themselves available to aid students." A current student shares, "My Intro to Chemistry professor would be at the Science Center until 11 P.M. before an exam, helping everyone study." Academic opportunities-such as the "amazing study-abroad program"-are ample at Gettysburg. Plus, as an exclusively undergraduate institution, Gettysburg "allows for opportunities (i.e., research, publications) that many do not get" at larger universities. In this "nurturing environment," the "administration knows students by name" and even the "registrar, transportation services, off-campus studies, and library staff are lovely and do everything they can to help you." In particular, "President Riggs (a Gettysburg alum and former faculty member) is a phenomenal community leader and makes a sincere effort to connect with students, faculty, and staff."

Students Say - Campus Life
Enthusiastic and overcommitted, most students at Gettysburg are pursuing "a major and a minor or a double major, and a majority are involved in at least several college organizations (whether it's a community service group, sports team or Greek organization)." With so much on their plate, it is no surprise that "the students at Gettysburg buckle down and work hard" during the week. Socially, "Life at Gettysburg is very Greek-oriented," and, come the weekend, "frat hopping" is "popular on this campus." Not your style? No worries: Greek life may be "huge" on campus, "however, that does not mean that that is the only thing to do." For students looking for alternate activities, the school hosts "movie nights, plays, and musical performances." Many students also "love going to our theme parties and Happy Hours at the Attic, our on-campus nightclub," while others "get together with friends and watch movies or go out for coffee." For a relaxing respite, "The surrounding area and town is beautiful, so one of my favorite things to do is just walk around out on the battlefields or through town." In addition, "People also like to get off campus traveling to bigger city areas like Baltimore, Harrisburg, D.C., and even Philly and New York City."

Students Say - Student Body
Academics come first at Gettysburg, where "The student body is extremely intelligent and motivated and serious about their work." When they aren't studying, "Gettysburg's student body is very involved" in the school and local community, and "Volunteering is very popular." "Each student-in one way or another-takes part in community service during their time at Gettysburg." Demographically, "Most of the student body is...middle class, white, and from the Northeast." And, lest we forget, the Gettysburg student body is also well known for its uniform "tendency to wear preppy clothes." A current student elaborates, "Open up a J. Crew magazine and find the most attractive models in it and you have a typical Gettysburg College student." While some say the student body has a "cookie cutter" feel to it, others remind us that "While Gettysburg has a reputation for being mostly white, upper-class students, there is diversity all around if you are willing to open up your eyes and see it."

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