Experience with Messiah? Chapel probation sounds intimidating

Sophley
Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:18:19 +0000

My son is scheduled to visit and tour Messiah in PA. We were researching the college and have some concerns about students being fined and put on chapel probation if they don’t attend church enough. My son has been raised Catholic, although he’s somewhat open to other conservative denominations. He doesn’t feel comfortable attending ultra contemporary services with rock music or hand holding. Sorry…likes his service kind of dry.

What is the environment really like at Messiah?

What does it mean to be put on chapel probation? (He wants God in his life, but doesn’t necessarily want it to dominate his day-to-day activities. And I don’t want it to feel forced on him.)
Are there other good options in mid-Atlantic and Northeast with strong merit aid?

We are ideally looking for a small to mid-size school that has a biology/biochem/neuroscience or other pre-med type major. STATS: 1400 SAT and 3.7UW/4.1W GPA. Villanova is a tad too large and doesn’t supposedly offer a lot of merit aid.

Any insight/advice would be appreciated.