Covenant Christian School College Guide The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs

2. Table of Contents College Planning Calendar College Selection Considerations Consideration of College Admissions Committees The Presentation of the Application Teacher Recommendations Essay Questions for Applications and Scholarships Planning A Campus Visit The Admissions/Scholarship Interview Resources Available To Aid In The College, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Search Financial Aid and Scholarships Website Resources for Financial Aid and Scholarships CCS Senior Information CCS Scholarship Opportunities CCS Senior Awards

3. AUGUST On the first week of school, please submit the following to the guidance office: a. Resume of all academic and extracurricular accomplishments. b. Two to three letters of recommendation. c. The guidance office will keep a file for each student with this information. d. Guidance counselor will mail all applications along with letters of recommendation, transcript, test scores, and resume as a packet of information to all schools as requested by parents or students.

4. College Countdown Calendar SEPTEMBER Register for the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II as necessary. These should be taken before January. Many scholarships require scores from testing do be done before December. CCS will be giving the ACT in September and October of 2010. UNA accepts December ACT tests for scholarship consideration. Covenant is visited each year by various representatives from colleges and universities. CCS attends the College Fair at NWSCC each September. Ask appropriate teachers, if they would write letters of recommendation. I will be meeting with students about their college choices and giving guidance about application and scholarship deadlines. Make plans for college visitation days. Each student is allowed two approved college visits each year. Please send a note asking for prior approval for these visits. Student assignments will be forward to the student after this request is made.

5. OCTOBER Photocopy or print extra copies of your applications to use as a backup. Take tests that you have registered for previously. Update your resume. Be aware of all deadlines for transcripts, recommendations, etc.

6. NOVEMBER Be sure you have requested (either by mail or online) that your ACT or SAT scores are sent to your college of choice. A Balfour representative will visit our school with order forms for graduation invitations. Keep a file of acceptance letters that you receive. Pay attention to deadlines for deposits and dorm space reservations once you have been accepted.

7. DECEMBER Take any necessary ACT, SAT I, and SAT II tests. Meet with your counselor to verify that all is in order.

8. JANUARY Prepare the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). This is available online at www.fafsa/ed/gov.

9. FEBRUARY Get your taxes completed early! Send in your FAFSA. Apply to UNA � Deadline is February 1 Apply to NWSCC � Scholarships available: Ambassadors, Chorus, Sports, Foundation, Academic

10. MARCH Be sure you have received a FAFSA acknowledgement. Apply for community and private scholarships. Visit CCS Guidance Website: �Jr./Sr. Newsletter� for updated information about these types of scholarships.

11. APRIL Review the acceptance and financial aid offers you receive. Visit one or two of your top choice colleges. Notify your college of choice about your acceptance of its offer. Send a deposit by May 1. Write a letter to all colleges that accepted you and inform them of you decision regarding attendance.

12. MAY - JUNE These closing days become the most hectic and must be carefully planned. Live by your calendar! Plan your work ahead of time. Do not wait until the last moment for any project or final paper. I will send in final transcript of grades and any additional achievements to the college of your choice. Most final transcripts are received by admissions offices by the end of June. All deadlines such as rooming fees, orientation reservations and such should be taken care of at this time.

13. COLLEGE SELECTION CONSIDERATION Make your college selection decision a constant matter of prayer in your private devotions as well as family devotions. Realize that many Christian school graduates succeed both spiritually and academically, in large, secular colleges and universities. There are opportunities for involvement with Christian campus ministries on secular campuses as well as on those of the Christian college. (Campus Crusade, BSU, etc.) Contrary to the belief of some educators, Christian colleges and universities do provide solid, quality academics and a fitting environment in which to develop your beliefs and value systems. It is extremely important that you choose a Christian college which has similar theological views to your own.

14. When you look over the considerations listed below, remember that you need to be realistic but not too harsh on yourself. Remember that you have been preparing for all these years for this very moment and the fact that you have chosen to use your God-given talents and abilities wisely reward. I. Christian College or University vs. Secular College or University Upon what do I base my own personal philosophy and world view? Will I have freedom of thought here? Must I conform to what is politically correct to accomplish my goals? Must I conform to rules and regulations which negate my freedom in Christ? Is the theological position of this institution close enough to my own that I can fulfill my academic goals without sacrificing my spiritual well-being?

15. II. Liberal Arts vs. Technical vs. Business What are my immediate and long range goals? Which program will allow those goals to be met?

16. College Selection Considerations Cont.: Coed vs. Men�s or Women�s Colleges Two Year Programs vs. Four Year Programs Entrance Requirements: SAT, ACT, GPA, Course Requirements, Etc. Size of Student Body 1) Faculty-Student Ratio 2) Male-Female Ratio

17. Location of School 1) Accessibility 2) Atmosphere: Urban, Rural (How far to the nearest Wal-Mart?) Academic Program Offered 1) Fields of Study 2) Majors Offered 3) Graduate Programs Offered 4) Degree Requirements

18. id Extra-Curricular Activities 1) Sports 2) Fine Arts 3) Student Organizations

19. X. Cost: 1) Fees, room and board, transportation2) Financial Aid3) Scholarships/Grants4) Work/Study Programs XI. Living Facilities: 1) On Campus Housing/Off Campus Housing 2) Dorms Male/Female vs. Coed XII. On Campus rules and regulations

20. CONSIDERATIONS OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEES College admissions officers have specific measures of evaluating your application. Keep that in mind for both college applications and scholarship applications. The following are items that college admissions committees will be reviewing: 1) Academic record. This includes your GPA (cumulative grade point average), the difficulty of your course load, and the quality of your performance. 2) Recommendations from teachers, school officials, and employers. 3) Personal essay when required. Personal interview when required. 4) PSAT, SAT, ACT, and SAT II scores. 5) Involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, and special abilities. 6) Presentation of your application.

21. PRESENTATION OF THE APPLICATION Make a file for each college you plan to send an application. Photocopy all applications you receive. Use the photocopy for your rough draft. Type all applications unless the college specifies otherwise. Some colleges ask for a writing sample. It is acceptable to write the two page spread application. (Most colleges have online applications) Compile the completed application, immunization forms (if required), application fee, picture, and essay (if required). Mail your application in a manila envelope with an application receipt card. ( I will be glad to mail this for you.)

22. TEACHER, PASTOR, COMMUNITY LEADER RECOMMENDATIONS The key is to find those persons who will best represent you. Provide these people with the following information: A personal request for this recommendation. A resume giving academic subjects (include Honors and AP work), areas of interest and ability, offices held, awards and honors given, your personal goals and desires, and any church or community service in which you participate. The recommendation form filled out with all important personal information. Attach a stamped, addressed envelope. Attach a cover sheet to the person giving the recommendation summarizing the institution, forms included or not included, due dates and special notes.

23. HELPFUL HINTS IN PREPARING FOR ESSAY QUESTIONS Be positive! Do not hesitate to stand on conviction. Stick to what is familiar to your frame of reference. Type the essay UNLESS asked to write for a writing sample. Make NO mistakes. Put your name and address on CLEARLY on EACH page. Demonstrate your concern for others, share your talent for the benefit of another and do not hide your intellectual curiosity.

24. PLANNNING A CAMPUS VISIT Call the admissions office and make an appointment for a tour and interview with an admissions officer. If you have spoken with a recruiter, request an appointment with that person also. Inquire about directions to the school, the specific location of the admissions office and visitor parking. Ask for permission to visit a class which may be of interest to you. If possible, spend the night in the dorm. Dress neatly. Request appointments with any other department heads or campus officers on the same day. (Coaches, Music, Athletics, Financial Aid, Student Life, Etc.

25. THE ADMISSIONS/SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW How to be prepared: 1) Dress conservatively. 2) Speak clearly and distinctly. 3) Maintain good eye contact. 4) Read all you can about the college and the major you are considering. 5) Be honest. Do not bluff your way through an answer. 6) Be prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. 7) Be enthusiastic.

26. THE ADMISSIONS/SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW Common interview questions: 1) What do your consider your greatest asset? 2) Why do you want a college education? 3) What do you consider to be your greatest weakness? 4) What are your career goals? 5) What will you add to our university? 6) Describe yourself using three adjectives. 7) What books have you read recently that were not required reading? 8) Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

27. RESOURCES TO CONSIDER FOR CHOOSING COLLEGES: ARCO � THE RIGHT COLLEGE � Prentice-Hall Barron�s Top 50 � Barron�s Educational Series Choosing a Christian College � Peterson The College Handbook � CEEB Comparative Guide to American Colleges � Cass and Birnbaum Fiske Guide to Colleges � New York Times A Guide to Christian Colleges � Eerdmans Publishing Index of Majors � The College Board Peterson�s Guide to 4 Year Colleges � Peterson Profiles of American Colleges � Barron�s Educational Series The Princeton Review www.Collegeboard.com

28. RESOURCES TO CONSIDER FOR FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: Federal Student Aid Programs Federal Student Aid Information Center Need a Lift? Don�t Miss Out: The Ambitious Students Guide to Financial Aid Meeting College Costs

29. WEBSITE RESOURCES FOR FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: www.collegeboard.com www.collegeedge.com www.4scholarships.com www.collegeview.com www.college-scholarships.com www.christiancollege.org www.collegenet.com www.Fastweb.com (Best source) www.Cashe.com www.collegeconnector.com www.CollegeNetMach25.com www.CollegeXpress.com www.P.L.A.T.O.com www.FedAid.com www.Finaid.org

30. CCS SENIOR INFORMATION Campus Days � Many colleges have scheduled days for seniors to visit their campuses. The guidance office will post these days on the bulletin board. You may call and schedule a tour with any college. Dual Enrollment � Dual enrollment/Dual credit permits eligible seniors to enroll in a college course concurrently with a high school class at CCS, earning college and high school credit simultaneously. CCS currently has dual enrollment English classes with Northwest Shoals Community College. The student must have an ACT English score of 20 or take a placement test administered by NWSCC. Dual Enrollment requires a fee. Early Scholars Program � The Early Scholars Program at UNA provides qualified high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take college classes with tuition waived while still enrolled in high school.

31. Graduation Fees Seniors will be expected to pay a graduation fee of $75.00. This covers the cost of caps, gowns, diplomas and diploma covers. Resume Seniors will need to complete a resume. This will be helpful to the guidance counselor when she is completing scholarship and/or award information. Many colleges require a resume for scholarship purposes. (Seniors should turn this in to the guidance office at the beginning of the senior school year.)

32. CCS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Lori Sasser Scholarship: CCS may nominate one senior for this award which is based on community involvement, academics, and financial need. American Legion Oratorical Essay Contest: The oration must be the original effort of each contestant and on some aspect of the Constitution and obligations and duties of a citizen to our government. Burger King Scholars Program: CCS may nominate one senior to be eligible for this scholarship. The nominee must meet the following criteria: a. GPA of 2.5 or higher b. Work an average of 15 hours a week for 40 weeks per year (employment at Burger King not required) c. Demonstrate participation in community service and extracurricular activities d. Demonstrate financial need

33. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship: CCS may nominate a student that meets the criteria of ACT scores, overall GPA and GPA in college preparatory subjects. Toyota Community Scholars Program: CCS may nominate one student for this scholarship. The nominee must: a. Have a 3.0 or higher GPA b. Be actively involved in a service organization or project that has had a positive impact. Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Scholarship Contest: The senior student selected as the school�s Good Citizen may enter this contest. Morrison Funeral Homes Outstanding Service Scholarship: Seniors who meet the required criteria will be given an application which is to be returned to the Guidance Counselor. The Guidance Counselor will then recommend one student to Morrison Funeral Homes. Morrison Funeral Home offers four individuals from area high schools a $500.00 scholarship. CCS may participate in other scholarships as the opportunity arises.

34. OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES American Cancer Society College Scholarship: The ACS is awarding college scholarships to young cancer survivors. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5. American Mensa: Access the entry form at http://merf.us.mensa.org/scholarships AXA Achievement Scholarship: Qualifiers must demonstrate ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community, and ability to succeed in college. Go to www.axa-achievement.com to learn more and download an application. Best Buy Scholarships: Those who apply must have good grades and outstanding community service. Go to www.bestbuy.com for more information. Better Business Bureau of North Alabama Torch Awards: Scholarships of $1,000 to winners. Criteria: Leadership � 20%, Community Service � 20%, Academic � 10%, Essay � 50%.

35. CollegeSTEPS Program Scholarship Sweepstakes: Through Wells Fargo, this program gives away $100 to $1,000 in tuition prizes. Winners are chosen through random drawing approximately once a month for 8 months. Visit www.wellsfargo/collegesteps.com for more information. Dr. Walker Dempsey Hospital Foundation, Inc.: The Dempsey Foundation seeks to assist in providing an opportunity for higher education to individuals in the communities we serve, and in that regard, is committed to educating and retaining qualified professionals to serve Northwest Alabama. Scholarship Awards will be based on need and GPA. Educational Communications Scholarship Foundation/Who�s Who Among American High School Students: Basic criteria for awards are GPA and ACT. Secondary criteria are activities and financial need. The guidance office will distribute information.

36. Mercedes-Benz Scholarship: Applicants must be students who are in the first generation of their families to attend college (siblings excluded) and must have a GPA of 3.0. Visit their website for more information. Outstanding Students of America Essay: Scholarship based on academics, activities, and community service. Sam Walton Community Scholarships: There are several scholarships available on-line. Interested students need to log on to www.walmartfoundation.org for more information.

37. Smith, J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship: Applicant must have a minimum of a �C� average, have documented community and civic-oriented activities. Special consideration is given to applicants who would be the first in either their mother�s or father�s families to attend college. Apply at www.jcraigsmithfoundation.org. Suave Essay Contest: Buy any four Suave products, write an essay, and mail them receipt, essay and completed entry form. SunTrust-Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes: Win $1,000 for college tuition and a $250 gift card. One winner will be chosen by random drawing every two weeks from October through May. Free to enter and is not based on GPA of financial need. Visit www.offtocollege.com for more information. Target All-Around Scholarship: Target recognizes volunteer work as well as academics. Go to www.target.com if interested and apply.

38. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBILITIES Community organizations � Rotary Club, Lion�s Club, Chamber of Commerce Corporations, Religions, Unions, Military Employers of parents Alumni Organizations

39. AWARDS PRESENTED SENIOR YEAR AT CCS: ASCI-Distinguished Christian High School Students: This award program honors exemplary juniors and seniors in five categories from ACSI member high schools. CCS may choose a maximum of the top 10% from the junior and senior classes. Bryant-Jordan Athlete Program: CCS may nominate one senior for the scholar athlete award. This senior must be a superior athlete and student. CCS may nominate one senior for the achievement award. This senior must have achieved a level of success commensurate with their ability or who may have overcome some unusual hardship. Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen: CCS may select one senior as the school�s DAR Good Citizen. He or she must have the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The student is then eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest.

40. Wendy�s High School Heisman Award: CCS may nominate one female senior and one male senior for their excellence in the classroom, on the field, and within their communities. (Deadline for online submission is October 1.) Who�s Who Among American High School Students: CCS may nominate students in 9th through 12th grade who are setting the standards of excellence for our school. Students must have a GPA of �B� or better and must have demonstrated achievement in academics, athletics and/or extracurricular activities. CCS may present other awards as the opportunity arises.

41. �My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.� Proverbs 2:1-6