How I chose Biola University. . . 13 college applications later

In the beginning of my senior year the pressure began to grow as it was time to figure out where I would spend my next four years. Truthfully, I didn’t know where I wanted to go to college. But, I did know what I was looking for. Coming from a small Christian School background, I knew I wanted an education that coincides with my faith. I wanted to be able to further my learning by continuing to seek the good, true, and beautiful through Ancient and current literature. I wanted to learn from teachers who were truly passionate about what they were teaching. I wanted to be in a place where there was a strong community of believers that could encourage me in my faith. And finally, I wanted to feel welcome and comfortable in this new place I would call home. Simple, right?

Well, the college application process for me was not so simple. I had a hard time envisioning myself in one place so I applied to schools on the East Coast, West Coast, and even in the Midwest. The number of schools I ended up applying to totalled at 13 colleges! And here is the plot twist: Biola wasn’t one of them. At this point, you’re probably wondering how Biola ended up being the winner. Thankfully, one day my Mom was researching colleges and found one I had never heard of before- Biola University. She encouraged me to apply. After going in depth on the website about student life, majors, and just about everything else, I applied within the next couple of days. My interest in Biola was so high that I signed up to come to Biola Bound before I had even been accepted! Despite being the 11th on the waiting list, I had faith that if this was where God was leading me, He would make a path for me to come and attend. Crazy enough, I received an email a couple days prior to the event stating that there was room for me to attend and before I knew it, I was off to the West Coast!

My experience at Biola Bound was what made me decide to choose Biola as my future home. By sitting in on a Torrey Honors session and seeing their style of learning through class discussion, I knew I would have the opportunity to ask questions and continue the pursuit of truth in all things. My summer reading for Torrey Honors has challenged me as the goal is to seek for depth that goes beyond surface meaning. I can’t wait to come this Fall and to hear of my classmates’ insights on these pieces by amazing authors such as Homer and C.S. Lewis.

By meeting with the Head of the Public Relations department, I could clearly see that the staff was excited about what they shared with their students. Sitting in on a PR class made me excited to learn from teachers that clearly loved what they taught. And finally, the highlight of Biola Bound for me was actually not going to Disney, (shocking I know), but was getting to know the Student Ambassadors. Hearing their personal experiences and their intentionality in making an effort to know me, truly made me feel at home despite being across the country. The feeling of being welcomed by others is what made clear to me that Biola is the place to be. There is a clear community at Biola that is intentional, friendly, and supportive. Although I could have attended another school and still have received a very good education, none of them gave me a sense of peace and assurance like I felt when I came to stay at Biola. That’s when I knew I was being led here and it was the right place for me. So yes, Biola checked off all the boxes, and I am so glad that God led me to this amazing school. Sometimes, God does save the very best for last ;)

Till next time,

Maggie