Academics
Gordon College is a Christian liberal arts school located just north of Boston and strives to integrate faith and learning into every subject area in the belief that learning how academics and Christianity work together “makes well-rounded, moral, ethical citizens of society.” The school “truly treats every student as if their career or vocational path is important,” and rigorous coursework, excellent internship programs, “lots of practicum experiences even in freshman year,” and the ability to double major and minor easily are just a few of the academic strengths enjoyed by students. The school’s Christian mission adds a service-learning quotient to many programs so students can use what they learn “in a very practical and beneficial way,” and allows students to “focus on hands-on experience in the community of the North Shore.” Additionally, a requirement called The Great Conversation is a discussion-based class that helps students “to understand and develop together who we are and what are we called to do.”
Professors at Gordon are “incredibly attentive” and “legitimately care about your education and well-being.” Their knowledge and “ability to project passion for their disciplines” carries into the classroom, where they are “willing and able to engage students’ questions and provide meaningful answers” (they also “love to grab coffee or eat lunch with students”). “Every professor is very committed to pushing students toward academic excellence and intellectual responsibility.” Students are “encouraged to participate in personal research opportunities” and are also often given the option to use creative methods “such as writing a story or building a model” rather than the more standard paper or test evaluation formats.
Student Body
Gordon is made up of “various denominations of Christian students,” most of whom were “conservatively raised from New England” and “aren’t likely to party very hard or break a ton of rules.” Most everyone here “lives by their faith, which 100% contributes to the overall positive attitude of the school.” All who come here are encouraged to grow spiritually, “but at their own pace.” There are more females than males and a strong international student representation. Most students are “energetic and outgoing,” as well as very environmentally focused and enjoy being outdoors. The school is small so “it gives the opportunity to feel known,” and “it is rare to see someone you don’t know and not uncommon to come across a room filled with people you know by name.” Students here “genuinely care about world, local, and social issues,” as well as caring for each other in this small community.
Campus Life
Located proximate to “beautiful places like Gloucester and Manchester by the Sea,” Gordon has an “absolutely beautiful” large campus filled with “lush trees, ponds, and nature,” with a strong “feeling of belonging” courtesy of its inhabitants. “The people who go to Gordon are simply incredibly welcoming and kind,” says a student. There is an “amazing student life run by students who work very hard to make Gordon a home for people” via events, sports, and clubs. Students also enjoy the classics and will “have movie nights, hang out with their floor, eat a meal with a friend, go to the local mall, [or] go to a local coffee shop” when they have the time. Most students also “have at least one on-campus job.” However, academics are a priority, and “community and fellowship come at a close second.” During warmer months, students often go to the beach, and some go into Boston once a week or more (a forty minute drive or train ride), and common activities include “walking in the extensive trails near Gordon.” All in all, “filling in your days at Gordon is pretty easy,” whether it’s “going to gospel choir, band, rock gym club, extra class seminars, chapel, other clubs, [or] simply hanging out with friends.”
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