Have you ever been at a restaurant where the menu was so extensive you felt overwhelmed by all of the choices? That's how the college search can feel at times—overwhelming. With so many options, it can be difficult figuring out how to narrow your selections. To help you in this tricky task, we asked some students to share the reasons behind their choice.

Natalie Cisternas, Junior
Major: Musical theatre
Eastern University
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
All through high school I had my heart set on going to a huge state school in a big city where I could enjoy the diversity and fun of city life. So I applied to a bunch of state schools—and one Christian school (Eastern), just to satisfy my parents.

Since I was accepted to all of the state schools, I didn't want to waste my time touring Eastern's campus—which I was certain was surrounded by farmland and no stores within 50 miles. But my parents urged me to check it out before making my final decision. I'm thankful they did. All of my preconceived notions were completely wrong. Forget farmland—the second largest mall in America is five miles away. And after talking to some students, it was clear that I'd never be bored on this campus. There are clubs and activities for everything—from swing dancing and salsa to intramural sports in every sport imaginable, including soccer, basketball, even ping-pong. Plus, there are tons of prayer groups, worship teams and mission groups.

After my campus visit, I decided Eastern was the school for me. My heart told me that I'd made the right choice when I arrived on campus and settled into my dorm. I found students worshiping freely in the lounge of my residence hall. Suddenly big-city life paled in comparison to the beauty of witnessing my peers on fire in their faith. Before long my own faith began to grow as well. I found my identity in Christ at Eastern. It's where I made my faith my own instead of just believing because my parents believed.

Jonathan Nace, Fifth-year senior
Major: Youth Ministry
Bethany Bible College
Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada
In eleventh grade the Lord called me to be a youth pastor. Youth ministry is all about integrating fun with faith, so I thought it was important to go to a college where I could not only learn but also have fun. When I visited Bethany's campus, I could see that it was bursting with entertaining and uplifting activities. For instance, there's a coffee house here where students showcase their talents. People sing hilarious songs and perform crazy stand-up comic routines.

In the evenings, groups of students sit on benches around campus, one or two with guitars, and everybody sings worship songs. It may sound corny, but it's really uplifting to be a part of that constant heart of worship we all need to have in our everyday lives. The spiritual energy that fills this campus is something I'll take with me as I begin my career in youth ministry.

Cholong Kim, Fifth-year senior
Major: Art
Grace College
Winona Lake, Indiana
When I thought about what I really wanted out of college, I realized I wanted to encourage people to grow closer to God. I also wanted to learn how to live out my faith in a way that pleased God. Basically, I wanted to do what Jesus commanded—to "go make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

When I learned about all of the leadership opportunities at Grace, I was immediately hooked. Grace offers a variety of ministry teams and student-led organizations. For example, Growth Groups meet weekly in residence halls to pray together, study the Bible, work on service projects, and just enjoy fellowship. Another group is called Connection Group, which meets throughout the semester to help freshmen connect with other students. There are also opportunities to participate in service project teams where students do things like take weekend trips to Chicago to help the missionaries or clean up city parks. These teams also put on puppet shows and other fun activities for the community.

Throughout college I've been involved in all of these organizations, and each experience has helped me grow intellectually, professionally, spiritually and socially, which has, in turn, made me a better spiritual leader. I now know who I am, who God is, and who I am in God. And this transformation is the result of what I learned in the classrooms, the dorms, the lobby, the cafeteria, the coffee shop, the hallway and all over campus. Before I came to Grace, I wasn't proactive in my faith, but now I'm always asking myself, "What can I do to encourage someone today?"

Denise Montgomery, Senior
Double Major: Bible and Elementary Education
Johnson Bible College
Knoxville, Tennessee
I wasn't raised in a Christian family, so as a child I knew very little about Christianity. In high school I started going to church. Everything I learned intrigued and amazed me. I soon grew to love my church family. And I loved learning more about God. I also had a blast at summer church camps. At these camps I found out that there were colleges dedicated to the study of God's Word. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

I learned about Johnson from a team of students who dropped by camp to talk about their school. I loved the team's passion, commitment and enthusiasm for the school and for ministry. What impressed me most about these students was their optimistic outlook and unwavering faith. For example, when I told them my family couldn't afford Johnson, they reassured me that if the Lord wanted me there, money wouldn't be an issue—God would provide. And they were right! I was awarded a camp scholarship from Johnson, and my mom, who had previously encouraged me to attend community college, suddenly turned 110 percent supportive of my desire to attend a Christian college. She even said she'd help pay for my tuition.

When I arrived on Johnson's campus for orientation, I felt like a fish that found water. This was where I belonged.

Kyle Vitale, Sophomore
Major: English
Houghton College
Houghton, New York
I wanted to learn new things, meet new people, and have a ton of fun while I was at college, but the number one thing I wanted to get out of my college experience was to grow in God. I visited four schools, but Houghton's spiritual atmosphere set it apart from the rest. The professors, the chapel dean and the tour guides were all so warm and inviting. I could also tell they were all committed to integrating God into their everyday lives.

When I visited Houghton, I sat in on a few classes and could tell by the way the professors spoke that they were not only knowledgeable in their fields, but also clearly devoted both to their students and to Christ. As I toured the campus, talked to students, and listened to the messages from the chapel speakers, I felt like I was a part of something really good.

Once I arrived on campus, I discovered many other students who were also serious about living their faith. Twice in the first week I had conversations with students that ended with prayer, asking God's blessing, thanking him for the fellowship, and asking for guidance.

I remember one morning during my second week of classes, I laced up my running shoes for a jog around campus. While I was out I saw several professors, and every one of them waved hello. I felt something during that run that has stayed with me throughout my college experience—an amazing sense of peace. I felt deep within my soul that this is where God wanted me to be.

Stephanie Kelsey, Senior
Major: English
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
I couldn't wait to get to college. I looked forward to doing my own thing, making my own choices, and forming my own opinions about the world and my place in it. I was also eager to hear the faculty's Christian perspective on things. And I haven't been disappointed. Their insights have been one of the most rewarding things about my college experience.

Although I think it's easy for people to categorize Christian schools as being extremely closed-minded, I have found the opposite to be true. In the classroom, we never discuss issues on a superficial level. Our professors always encourage us to dig deep and ask hard questions. They help us critique what we're learning—challenging us to take into account both the theory and theology behind every issue.

Choosing ACU was one of the best decisions I've ever made. This university has taught me how to think for myself and is preparing me for the next exciting chapter of my life … starting a career.

Brett DeHoogh, Junior
Major: Math
Central College
Pella, Iowa
The thing that most impressed me about Central was the people. From the very moment I stepped foot on campus, I felt accepted by everyone I met. The faculty, the staff and the students all seemed genuinely happy that I was visiting their campus. Then I attended chapel and that feeling of acceptance grew stronger. I just felt so comfortable worshiping there; I think it's because I could tell everyone around me had a real passion for God. I also was very impressed with the chaplain, who is a powerful storyteller.

After visiting Central, I had some big decisions to make. I play basketball, and there was another school I was seriously considering because I really liked the coach and felt his guidance could greatly improve my game. However, when I thought about what was most important to me, my choice seemed obvious. I knew in my heart that Central was the place that would help me grow spiritually.

During the first week of classes I was surfing the web when I came across something that reinforced my decision about attending this school. I was looking at one of my professor's web pages. I'd expected to find information about his credentials, but instead I found his personal testimony. It blew me away. It was awesome to see my professor being so open about his faith. I knew that having professors like this would definitely help me deepen my walk with Christ while at college.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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