Azusa Pacific University Top Questions

Some of the stereotypes about my school is that is that because it is a Christian School every one is extremely nice and friendly, but also really conservative. Typically speaking, most people think that APU caters to a large affluent Caucasian population. I can attest that after going there, there is evidence to all of these stereotypes, but there are indeed a lot of individuals (such as myself) who deviate from the norm. For example, I'm a mixed-race, and although I was raised middle-class, I was taught to not live on opulence. Many students here at APU are Christian, but you don't have to be a Christian in order to attend. I have seen a lot of different people who have a strong faith, and those who don't really have one. It's hard to say which ones are really authentic genuine Christ-like people and who are superficial. But generally speaking, I don't befriend with fake people. Although our policies on campus (in comparison to a public university) are considered conservative by some, the student body is not. Most individuals I met lean more towards progressive tendencies and are concerned about relevant political and social justice issues. One positive stereotype that is true across the board is that many students are indeed quite friendly and social. If you walk on the campus, you'll see that you are very welcome as a visitor.

There are not very many stereotypes at this school.. besides the fact that it is a Christian University so many students are "Christians". This could be good or bad. Some people say that students are too up tight about the rules and may judge, but other students are super down to earth and bubbly. There are the jocks who are the ones who throw all the parties, but at APU it's easy to stay out of these things since they aren't all over the place like they may be at public colleges.

The stereotype of students at Azusa Pacific University are fake Christians. This stereotype is true, but it is not quite accurate. Yes, APU does require their students to attend chapel three times a week and take Bible classes, but the sole purpose of that is to either introduce the word of Jesus Christ to non-believers or encourage a Christian to keep strengthening their faith in Christ. Yet, some students are hypocrites. For example, a person can attend chapel, be a missionary, and teach Sunday School, but would lie, steal, and cheat after doing all those Christian activities. Although those people do roam the campus of APU, the majority of the students try their best to live the life of Jesus Christ.

Azusa Pacific University has a very diverse community with students from all cultures and backgrounds. We pride ourselves in ensuring our school has its own diverse culture, however, at any school, there will be groups that are formed around similar interests and images that are associated with this university. Fortunately, the stereotypes that arise from APU are ones that I want to be associated with. For example, my mentor of three years whom I respect and love dearly attended Azusa Pacific, and the more I researched, the more I found that the majority of people that enroll are those just like my mentor: a strong passion for something they love, respectful of others, intelligent and highly informed of global issues, and the list goes on and on. I am thankful to be a part of something that actually has a great stereotype attached to it.

I think that the most common stereotype labeling students attending Azusa is just the basic college partier. Azusa is known as a party school within the Christian university network, and for prospective students looking for a religious education this can be especially unnerving. In all honesty, if you are seeking out a party on the weekend, you WILL find one, and that is the truth of the availability of those kinds of activities, but with that being said, it is just as easy to avoid these things by hanging out with friends from your dorm, or other fun weekend activities. So, no, not everyone parties, and you definitely do not have to party to have a good time in Azusa.

Since Azusa Pacific University is a Christian institution, the majority of the students are Christ followers and believers. However, among Christian universities, APU is sometimes seen as the "Christian party" school since everyone doesn't have to be a Christian to come here. It is possible to find a party scene here if that is what you want, but if you want a community genuine Christ followers to lift you up and edify you, you will definitely find that here, more often than not.

The stereotype of Azusa Pacific University students is probably hypocritical christians. This is probably true to an extent. However I would venture to say that any stereotype can find a home at Azusa. We have such a variety of students that it would be very difficult to no to resonant with a group. Most of us here though are trying to find out exactly what we believe and stand for. This is a place where we are challenged to grow past our family traditions and to develop our own foundation for the rest of our lives.

The current stereo type of students at my school is that they are prude. I, however, disagree with this stereotype. In my opinion, the majority of the students are transparent; meaning that there external persona identifies with their internal motives.

Most of the students at APU are very God oriented. All of the students want to succeed not just religiously, but also academically.