Anticipating the move from high school to adulthood is an exciting time for students looking forward to spreading their wings and making their own way in the world. However, it can also be overwhelming trying to narrow down all the options to find the perfect path. It’s a matter of individual choice based on each student’s gifts and talents, personality and calling that requires research and prayer. Certainly, the campus community, friendships made and opportunities available can set students on a trajectory that will shape their future. How do you determine which way to go? To help with that discovery process, we’ve compiled this 2nd Annual Christian College Guide, focusing on institutions that teach from a Christian worldview. In the pages that follow, you’ll find articles from a few colleges and universities that shed light on what makes them unique, followed by a listing of Christian colleges across the country. But let’s begin by giving you several key factors to consider when choosing the right fit for you. 1. Academic Excellence Look for accreditation, the reputation of academic programs and faculty qualifications. Are the majors or fields of study that align with your career goals taught there? 2. Spiritual Life Ensure the institution’s beliefs and values align with your own then evaluate the spiritual environment, including chapel services, discipleship opportunities, small groups and community service programs. Does the campus culture foster spiritual growth? 3. Campus Activities Evaluate the overall campus environment, including student organizations, extracurricular activities, sports and the social scene. Is the community engaging and are there opportunities for leadership and personal development? 4. Financial Considerations Assess tuition costs, availability of scholarships, financial aid and the overall value of the education provided. Is the cost manageable and does the investment align with your long-term goals? 5. Location Consider the geographic location, climate, closeness to home and surrounding community. Would living there match your lifestyle and learning preferences? 6. Post-Graduation Opportunities Investigate the school’s career services, job placement rates, internship opportunities and alumni network. Will the university help launch your career? 7. Size and Facilities Review the size and quality of campus facilities, including libraries, labs, technology, dormitories and recreational spaces. Do you prefer a large or small student body, as this can affect class sizes, faculty interaction and community dynamics? By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a Christian college or university that aligns with your spiritual, academic and personal needs. We hope you find the following pages helpful in that process. 22 September 2024 Good News • South Florida edition CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 2024 Selecting A College That Will Shape Your Future Shelly Pond Good News Editor Getting accepted to your dream college can be a competitive process. College Fair Circuit Coordinator and Director of College Planning at Westminster Academy Donna Payner offers the following tips to help students stand out in the college application process. Activities When doing the resume or activities part of the application, talk about what your role was in the club, not what the purpose of the club. What did you personally contribute to the club? Look for opportunities to highlight leadership roles, especially if there’s been a progression from being a member to committee chairman then elected president. Not everyone will be president of a club, but leadership can still be demonstrated through participation on committees. Volunteer in an area you’re passionate about. Colleges want to see you demonstrate that passion, and a long-term commitment is more important than a lot of scattered experiences all over. Essays When it comes to essay topics, Christian colleges often want to hear your testimony and how you live out your faith. Secular colleges tend to look for a student to show who they were, how they’ve encountered an obstacle, how they’ve grown throughout high school and why they’re ready for college. Demonstrate resiliency, maturity and problem solving. Testing Prepare early for standardized testing. Those SATs and ACTs should really be taken spring of the junior year or the summer between junior and senior year and should be wrapping up by October or November of the senior year. Florida public universities continue to require test scores, but many colleges across the US remain test optional. Colleges that are test optional typically say test scores are just another piece of the puzzle, but they can be a piece that helps them make a decision. Apply early The most important tip Payner offers is to apply early and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form early so you will be first in line for acceptance and financial aid. Learn more at studentaid.gov. Stand Out on Your College Applications High school students visit with college admissions counselors at a Christian College Fair held at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale. Admission representatives from Christian colleges across the country will meet with graduating seniors and juniors at the 49th Annual Florida Christian College Fair Circuit hosted at Christian high schools throughout the state in September. Locally, college fairs will be held at the following schools. • Westminster Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale; Monday, Sept. 9, 9 – 11 a.m. • Jupiter Christian School, Jupiter; Tuesday, Sept. 10, 10 – 11:30 a.m. • Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale; Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5 – 6:30 p.m. They will then continue on to Christian high schools in Naples, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Seffner, Oviedo, Orlando and Jacksonville. Colleges with representatives registered to participate in the Christian College Fairs are marked with an asterisk * in the Christian College Guide on pages 40 to 43. Donna Payner, College Fair Circuit Coordinator and Director of College Planning at Westminster Academy, said “The purpose of the college fair is to connect Christian students from covenant families to Christian colleges where they can continue their education in a place that’s teaching biblical worldview.” At Westminster Academy students are sent down from their classes to attend the college fair. Sheridan Hills Christian School, Boca Raton Christian School and Highlands Christian Academy bring their juniors and seniors to Westminster Academy to participate. Homeschool students are welcome to attend; however, they need to contact the guidance counselor at the host school in advance to gain access. Since college fair representatives are often the ones making admission decisions, it is important that students prepare by considering what characteristics they desire in a university and researching colleges in advance, so they can ask good questions. Attend a Christian College Fair in September
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