Gettysburg College

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE—GETTYSBURG, PA

Gettysburg’s Instagram

THE VIBE

Tight Knit Community

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO GO HERE

Make time in between stops to say hello to someone every 10 seconds. With student senate, arts, D3 athletics, a killer alumni network and a solid social scene, Gettysburg offers extra-curricular activities for even the most niche students. When it comes to style, you’ll want to grab a pair of L.L. Bean “bean boots” for those cold winter months. In fact, rumor has it Gettysburg students contribute the most to the company’s annual sales. You certainly have to be smart to go to Gettysburg, but students live by a work hard-play hard mentality. So if you yearn for a welcoming community, beautiful campus and an education that will take you far in life, you’ve found the right place.

AWESOME ALUMNI

In terms of successful alumni, Gettysburg has all bases covered. The entertainment biz welcomed grad Carson Kressley who has starred as a television personality, actor and designer. He made his debut as the fashion expert on the show Queer Eye, motivational host of How to Look Good Naked and OWN’s Carson Nation. He also made an appearance as a contestant on season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. In sports, Gettysburg claims Eddie Plank (or “Gettysburg Eddie”) as its own. A pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, Plank played in major League Baseball from 1901 through 1914. Gettysburg kills three birds with one stone with author, physician and former politician Ron Paul. He made his mark on history serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas’ 14 and 22 congressional districts. He also sought the presidency of the United States three times.

WHERE WE HANG

Claim your spot on any of the five floors of Musselman Library or camp out in one of several 24/7 classrooms. The CUB (College Union Building) serves as the biggest hub smack dab in the center of campus. Grab a coffee at The Commons (Yes, it serves Starbucks) and hangout with your friends or (maybe) get some work done. No matter the time of day, you’ll find students lounging outside with the sun shining on the many green spaces eating their lunches, doing some homework or throwing a frisbee. Students love the quaint little town of Gettysburg. The Ugly Mug Cafe always serves delicious coffee brewing in a comfy, living room-style atmosphere that students love to study in when the library scene gets old. The delicious restaurants ranging from typical American food to Mexican and even Irish keep students taste bud’s dancing all across town.

Q&A

1. How much are students partying?

“I would say students party regularly at Gettysburg. Thursday’s are usually the first night people start going out. There’s definitely a presence of it on campus, but there are also a fair amount of students who choose not to go out.” – Katherine Kennedy, Sophomore

2. What will you get in trouble for at your school?

“I think a lot of it stems from drinking. When kids drink and they’re pressured to drink and go out and party, they end up skipping class, homework and not studying. In the end, they don’t do well on tests. When you’re under the influence bad things can happen like having unprotected sex, run-ins with the police, etc. If you haven’t been studying, you’re more inclined to cheat so that you do well on exams.” – Alex Ebright, Senior

3. What’s the hookup culture on campus?

“My impression is that people are simultaneously hooking up more than you think and less than you think—as in I think sometimes we see people and assume they’re hooking up more than they actually are (and vice versa). I think the hookup culture at Gettysburg is almost this self-fulfilling prophecy. Most people accept it as the norm here; therefore, hooking up (rather than dating) is the prominent tendency.” – Anonymous, Sophomore

4. What would you tell incoming freshman about your school?

“People at any college can be influenced easily during their first year. It’s important to stick to your values and be who you really are. At the end of the day, that will help you succeed the most.” – Morgan Small, Freshman

5. What is the most unique aspect about the school?

“The level of commitment and dedication teachers have to a student’s progress and wellbeing is one of the most unique aspects about Gettysburg College. Not to mention that we sit on a famous landmark!” – Emily Evans, Junior

STUDENT REVIEWS

“The great thing about Gettysburg College is that it allows you to experience and enjoy a multitude of experiences. I’ve been on the track team, president of my fraternity, involved in clubs and I have really been inspired by many of my professors.” – Ned Hughes, Class of 2018

“Gettysburg College has fostered not only the the pursuit of my passions, but challenged me as they have developed along the way.” – Elizabeth Smith, Class of 2018

“I believe that choosing Gettysburg is the best decision I could have ever made. I have been blessed with so many experiences and friendships that I could have never imagined.” – Skyler Ehly, Class of 2018

“Having advisors that genuinely care about my future and are always willing to talk to me has made my experience at Gettysburg so much better. Knowing that I have people that want to see me succeed makes me more motivated to succeed and Gettysburg has given me those people.” – Morgan McManus, Class of 2018

“I have really felt like Gettysburg has been the perfect fit for me academically, socially, and athletically. From field hockey to Alpha Delta Pi, I have found genuine and wonderful friends. My advisor and teachers are also very supportive and have helped me develop my interests in the sciences!” – Lindsay Kraus, Class of 2018

TOP 3 MAJORS

1. Social Sciences

2. Biology/Biological Science

3. English Language and Literature

TOP 3 MOST POPULAR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1. Club Sports

“Through playing field hockey at the club level, I’m able to continue playing a sport I love while still having time to focus on academics, participate in multiple other activities such as Greek life, community service, the school’s hip hop dance squad, eat and sleep (some),” said senior Katie Kraft. “Best of all, I met even more friends who share the same love for the sport as I do. I was particularly excited to see teammates, especially freshman just starting to make college friends, come together through this team I started.”

2. American Cancer Society Colleges Against Cancer

Looking to make a difference? “As Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer, I feel like I am changing the lives of many. We help make a difference throughout the world for people who have suffered from the terrible illnesses,” said junior Danielle Boyland. “We fight together and cancer never sleeps so neither do we. One of our huge events is Relay for Life in the Spring where we raise awareness and funds for cancer throughout the night. Throughout the year we have other fundraising events and love all the support and help we can get!”

3. Greek Life

Seven sororities and nine fraternities make up the Gettysburg College Greek Life community. Each chapter gives its members experiences in leadership, community events, academic success and an enriched social experience. “Like most things, you get out of Greek life what you put into it,” said senior Meredith Cox. “Greek life is awesome because you can be as committed as you want to the system, which is why everyone has a different experience in the community.”

GETTING IN

Challenge yourself in the classes you take. The Admissions Office takes into account all of the courses your high school offers, so don’t stress if your school only offers five AP courses if your friend’s school offer dozens. The Admission counsellors also value the many extra curricular activities you juggle. Emphasize that you play sports, participate in theater performances, volunteer at your community’s shelter, or whatever you do that shows off your interests. It always helps to connect with your regional admissions counsellor so they can put a face to a name on an application. Use your personal essay as a chance to show off your dazzling personality. The counsellor reads dozens upon dozens of essays each application season, so give them something exciting.