Academics
As the oldest private university in Georgia, Mercer University is a school that provides boundless opportunities for its undergraduates. Indeed, its “small size and focus on research and leadership enables students to quickly get involved in both academic pursuits with professors, as well as leadership positions in the extracurricular of their choice.” Moreover, service is central to its educational mission, and Mercer aims to produce graduates who will endeavor to “make positive changes in their local community and the world [at large].” While the academics here are challenging, it’s obvious that the university wants to see its students succeed. Hence, the school maintains an “academic resource center on campus that is open until 3 a.m. and has tutors for almost every subject, people willing to help edit and revise papers, etc.”
Undergrads also happily report that their professors all seem “genuinely invested in their students.” One pleased individual elaborates, “Professors WANT students to come to their office hours, and make it easy through appointments or regular office hours.” And a fellow student boasts, “All my professors have absolutely floored me with their enthusiasm, intelligence, and willingness to help.” They’ve also been known to “incorporate videos, activities, and discussions into the class” to stimulate students and keep courses interesting. Perhaps this satisfied student explains it best, “Our professors are not simply in the classroom for fifty minutes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They are [there for us] throughout our entire four years at Mercer.”
Student Body
Undergrads at Mercer are quick to sing the praises of their “absolutely amazing” peers. To begin with, students here tend to be “full of energy, enthusiasm, and drive.” As one proud undergrad explains, “We have a running joke that at everyone is involved in at least three student organizations, has at least one job, and regularly participates in some off-campus organization.” Even better, they’re also extremely welcoming and friendly.” Another ecstatic student chimes in, “Everyone’s...ready and willing to offer assistance or check up on you if you seem to be having a bad day, even students...you’ve never met before are quick to make sure you know they’re there for you.” A third undergrad agrees sharing, “When I... came to visit Mercer for the first time, EVERYONE was so kind, and I honestly thought [it] was a facade. Come to find out that everyone really is kind here.” Importantly, though the university does have “a large white population,” students assure us that “diversity does exist on campus.” Indeed, “Mercer is attractive to international students of all sorts, minority students, and students of all types from different regions of the country and world.” And, the “best part about it is that everybody here is so accepting of people’s differences and so open-minded.” What more could you ask for from your fellow students?
Campus Life
Mercer has done an outstanding job creating “an inviting, stimulating atmosphere for its students.” After all, there’s always an activity or event to attend. To begin with, the university “has one of the best, if not the best, intramural sports programs in the country.” And everyone from first-years through seniors are keen to get in on the action. Beyond that, “two of our major student-led organizations, QuadWorks and Mercer Maniacs, put on events all of the time for students. QuadWorks plans about eighty events each semester doing things like riding camels on hump day, having movie nights out on the lawn, or even attending our annual music festival, Bearstock, for free!” Fraternities and sororities do have a presence at Mercer. However, Greek life doesn’t wholly dominate campus life. We’ve also been informed that “there is also a vibrant party scene if you know where to look.” Lastly, students report that hometown Macon is “a nice city” that offers many exciting options and activities including “hiking at the Indian Mounds,” along with “trampoline parks, movie theaters, [and] fine dining.” It’s quite common to see undergrads heading “downtown on weekend nights.”