6 Helpful Tips When Choosing a Christian College

Applying to college is a big step toward the next chapter of your life. You want to find a school that challenges you academically, offers a path toward a career, and provides a vibrant student culture that fulfills you. If you’ve decided to attend a Christian college, you’ve added another layer, but you’ve also narrowed your focus. To make sure you get in, follow some useful tips on how to select and apply to a Christian college.

1. Make Sure Your Values Align with the Christian College

Not all Christian colleges are alike. And while you probably don’t want to attend a university where everyone thinks just like you, you do want a school that has similar values to yours. Review the university’s mission statement and core values. Explore both the requirements and opportunities to take Bible study courses and practice your faith in and out of the classroom. Is there a chapel and campus ministry? Will you be able to volunteer and serve others? As you look at schools’ websites and visit their campuses, what you’re really asking is: Will I fit in? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path.

2. Explore the Extracurriculars at the Christian College

One of the best parts of college life is all of the extracurricular activities that you can take advantage of. Look through the college’s website, social media, and YouTube channels to find out if they offer activities that interest you. Because you’re looking at Christian schools, you probably want to see if the school offers Bible study groups, spiritual seminars, or faith-based student groups. Find out whether they have organized opportunities to serve others and help your community.

And don’t forget all the other student sports, clubs, and activities. What do you like to do? Will you be able to do it at your new home away from home?

3. Check the College Application Requirements

Every school has slightly different application requirements, so be sure to look at those before you apply. Many colleges accept the Common App or the Coalition App, but make sure yours does. Both allow you to apply to multiple universities with one application, but the Coalition App can give underrepresented and lower-income students more assistance. Find out the required application components for each school you apply to and when they’re due. If you miss an important deadline, you could be deferred or not admitted at all. Every school will require an official copy of your high school transcripts, and many expect you to submit your SAT or ACT scores. Some colleges have waived this requirement due to the pandemic, so check to see if the requirements have changed before you apply.

4. Tailor Your College Essay to a Christian College

While many students are intimidated by the college essay, it’s actually a great opportunity for you to tell the school who you are and why you deserve to be accepted. Make sure to tailor your essay to the institution. Even if you use the Common App, be sure to have the school you really want to attend in mind. Where do your beliefs and theirs align? What kind of story about your life can you share that will stand out?  When you apply to a Christian school, you’ll want to speak to your spiritual self, how that school will help you grow and flourish, and how you can contribute. Just like you want to picture yourself as part of the college community, your new schools wants to picture you there. Will you come, participate, succeed, graduate, and make them proud? Your essay is a way to show how.

5. Apply For the FAFSA for Financial Aid

Who would turn down free money? If you don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will give up the chance to receive federal financial aid. But FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for a range of other scholarships, grants, and loans.

As you explore different Christian colleges, be sure to compare financial aid packages. While many Christian schools are quite generous with financial aid as a part of their missions, it’s still worthwhile to measure one against another. You want the best school for you that is also within your budget.

6. Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s Before Choosing a Christian College

It doesn’t matter what school you apply to. You want to put your best foot forward. That means creating an academic and personal portfolio you can be proud of. Use your application to show the university the best version of yourself

Limestone University is a Christian school that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. We offer a diverse set of academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, and the health professions that can prepare you for a rewarding career in any of these fields. We also offer academic, athletic-based, and performance-based scholarships to students.

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