“Should I go to college? Which college should I attend?” students ask.  Here is a seven step guide to help you through the process.

1. Decide What Is Best For You
Three very important decisions are accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, deciding on one's life work, and choosing the right partner in marriage. The first determines one's eternal destiny; the second determines the path taken to fulfill God's purpose in life; and the third determines one's helpmate in fulfilling that purpose.

Consider the second decision‑the path taken to fulfill God's purpose in life. What will best PREPARE students to fulfill that purpose? Preparation begins when parents birth a child and train him in Godly character during the formative years, and he continues with formal education. At some point, the student must decide whether college is right for him in order to prepare for God's purpose. Deciding whether to go to college is the first step. College is not for everyone, but some form of higher education is highly desirable for today's work opportunities.

2. Seek Wise Counsel
Parents know their own children better than anyone else. Parents should guide them early to seek God's will and make wise decisions in life. Children should also seek wise counsel from their pastor and other responsible adults who can give guidance. Children should be taught that ... in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11: 1 4b)

3. Prepare For College
Formal preparation for college begins during the first twelve years of school. Children should be taught to do their best, for God's Word says, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ... (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Getting good grades assists the learning process.

Teach children to dream of what God would have them do in life. As students grow, their interests, goals, and dreams should narrow. They should begin thinking in terms of a high school course of study and whether college is right for them.

Staff should counsel with parents and students in making an Academic Projection of courses to be taken in high school. Anyone planning to go to college should complete the College Preparatory or Honors Course of Study. Preparation should include at least 25 credits. (See credit details on pages 64‑65 of the Procedures Manual, Vol. 1.)

While taking a General or Vocational course does not prohibit a student from going to college, it means that the student will not be adequately prepared for college work. It would be a real struggle for anyone with less than a College Preparatory Course of Study to succeed in the college environment. Since high school academic performance is an essential factor used by colleges for admission, students should do their best and seek for the highest GPA (grade point average) possible.

4. Take Standardized Test(s)
Because high school grades do not tell the whole story about a student's academic ability, IF nearly all colleges ask for scores from a national standardized test such as the ACT (American College Testing) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). In the second year of high school, students should take the PSAT‑a preliminary SAT that shows what to expect when taking the ACT or SAT.

There are software and books to assist students in preparation for either test. Students will find tips for proper preparation at both the ACT Web site (www.act.org) and the SAT Web site (www.collegeboard.org). They can even register on‑line for either test.

Students should take the ACT, the SAT, or both during the last two years of high school. They can be taken more than once. The highest score will be used.

5. Choose A College
Once a decision has been made to go to college, it is imperative that students choose the RIGHT college. They can gather information from the ACT and SAT Web sites listed above. These Web sites list most colleges and universities in America with addresses, telephone numbers, and Web addresses to make further contact. Most colleges have a Web page to view what they offer.

For the Christian, however, there are advantages in attending a Christian college. Check www.christianconnector.com for a listing of most Christian colleges in America. Students will find information to assist in narrowing the field. They can write, call, or e‑mail any of the schools for additional information.

A student should ask, "Which college does the Lord want me to attend?" and "Which one will most adequately prepare me to do what God wants me to do?" The sooner the student knows God's general direction for his life, the sooner the field of choices can be narrowed. At some point during high school, usually the last two years of study, it is wise to narrow the college choices to two or three. Students should visit one or more colleges on "College Days."

6. Apply To College
Once the choices have been narrowed, application forms can be completed. It may be helpful to apply to several colleges. For one reason or another, a college may not accept a student's application.

Once application has been made and the college has accepted the student, the student must decide on which one to attend. After that decision has been made, detailed plans and arrangements can begin.

7. Seek Scholarships
A college education is very expensive. However, there is help! Many schools and businesses offer scholarships to deserving students. It pays to check all scholarships that may be available to help reduce costs. Check the following Web sites to search for available scholarships: www.c3apply.org, www.collegenet.com,  www.fastweb.com,  www.salliemae.com,  www.cashe.com and www.christianconnector.com.  Many scholarships can be obtained yearly, so it is wise to apply each year.