49950_HSP Fall College Issue

Fall 2016
Guide to Homeschool Friendly Colleges & Universities · Fall 2016
College Interview
Essentials
Most Beautiful Bible
Colleges
Best Studying Abroad
Programs
Fair Opportunity
Project
A Perfect Fit
And More……..

DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM
(College Credit Plus)
Classes for both High School
& College Credit
Online or On Campus.
Accredited & Transferable.
Significantly Discounted Tuition
for Homeschool Students.
Apply today!
OhioChristian.edu/Trailblazer-Academy
JUMPSTART
YOUR FUTURE!
What begins here changes the world.
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P Affordable Tuition P Successful Grads
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APPLY TODAY
OhioChristian.edu/Undergrad

PG 5 - Making a Great First Impression –
The College Interview
PG 7 - Fifty Most Beautiful Bible Colleges
PG 9 - On-Line Learning Making A Choice
PG 14 - Invaluable Resources, Freely Provided
The Fair Opportunity Project
PG 17 - Making Sure Your College Choice is a Perfect Fit
Pre-college Programs Gain Momentum
PG 19 - Getting to Know You
Writing the Perfect College Essay
PG 24 - Affordable Bible Colleges and Christian Universities
PG 35 - Twenty-five Best Study Abroad Programs
Mary Bell Cherry, Phil Hogan
& Karen Hogan
• Homeschool-friendly — 15 percent of Asbury’s
undergraduates were homeschooled.
• No. 1-Ranked College in the South (2014-15); Top 5
for five-straight years (2011-16); Top 15 in new regional
university category (2016-17). — U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked one of America’s Top 50 Most Affordable
Christian Colleges. (98% of AU students receive financial aid)
• More than 50 majors, 150 student organizations and 17
intercollegiate sports (all have scholarships).
Asbury is a private, Christian liberal arts university just 10 minutes south of Lexington, Ky.
Learn more at asbury.edu
/AsburyUniversity @AsburyUniv @AsburyUniversity AsburyUniv
Accounting
Actuarial Mathematics
Ancient Languages
Art
Art Grades P-12
Bible-Theology
Biochemistry
Biological Science Grades 8-12
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Chemistry Grades 8-12
Christian Ministries
Communications
Computational Mathematics
Creative Writing
Elementary School Grades P-5
Engineering Mathematics
English
English Grades 8-12
Equine Studies
Exercise Science: Human Performance
French
French Grades P-12
Health & Physical Education Grades P-12
History
Journalism & Digital Storytelling
Latin Grades P-12
Marketing
Mathematics
Mathematics Grades 8-12
Media Communication
Middle School Grades 5-9
Missions
Music
Music Grades P-12 (Integrated)
Philosophy
Political Science
Pre-Art Therapy
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy
Psychology
Recreation
Social Studies Grades 8-12
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Spanish Grades P-12
Sport Management
Theatre and Cinema Performance
Worship Arts
Youth Ministry

Earn
Dual Enrollment
Credit
at Valdosta State
University
Want to Jump Start Your
College Career the SMARTER Way?
Get on VSU’s SmartPath
Valdosta State University’s new SmartPath program allows you to complete
your core classes online BEFORE you graduate from high school.
· Special 8-Week Terms
· Guaranteed Course Availability
· University Faculty Developed & Led
Talk to one of our advisors today and find your future On the Smart Path!
To connect with a dual enrollment counselor at Valdosta State University you may contact
Ms. Jamie Bird at 229.249.2779 or by email at jbird@valdosta.edu.
Valdosta State University
valdosta.edu/smartparth
229.333.5791

Valdosta State University:
What will your story be?
Consider the next four years your launching pad.
Whatever your goals, Valdosta State University can
get you there.
The Valdosta State University community
values and nurtures each student’s talents. As
a mid-sized university, we have the flexibility to
tailor learning environments to your interests
and needs. We offer the traditional college
experience and more – championship
athletics, Greek life, 9 residence halls, global
experiences, and commitment to service in
the community.
We also give you a more personalized
journey – an education shaped to fit YOUR
goals. This means you’ll spend less time
being a part of the crowd, and more time
becoming the student you want to be.
The learning experience at VSU is focused, creative,
and unique – just like you!
At VSU, you’ll find breadth and depth in your
academic life. From Pre-Med to Music Performance
or Philosophy to Finance, at VSU we have over 100
majors to explore. Looking for a course of study
that breaks the mold? Even better. We’ll help you
go beyond the borders of a traditional major by
combining courses from across departments and
disciplines for a truly individualized experience. But
those aren’t the only borders VSU can help you cross:
create a specialized study abroad in China or Russia,
or map out a new, never-before-done research project
from the ground up. VSU is all about taking you
places, in the classroom and around the world.
Hands-on experience means learning with greater
depth and meaning. Here, our students take learning
beyond the classroom. They participate in research
with faculty members as early as their first year.
They utilize technology from the hospital room to the
newsroom to gain professional-level knowledge in
their field. They study abroad in over 100 locations
around the world, then apply their experience at
home. Whatever experience you’re looking for, you
can find it here.
In addition to being national champs in
debate and research, VSU is home to winning
sports teams. While you’ll study hard exploring
the academic side of Valdosta State, you’ll also
have a ball — literally. Play intramural tennis,
basketball, soccer, or volleyball, or root for all 12 of
our home teams, from football to softball. You can
also play the field of activities further: try flexing
your debate skills, write for the literary magazine,
or join Greek life for an extra rush.
Just a short distance from campus, you’ll find
an easy-to-access and easygoing downtown
area. Coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques
give students a hometown to call their own.
The University is surrounded by a community of
110,000 residents that support VSU students—
from cheering at our football games and
welcoming our student teachers in local schools to
internships, service learning and job opportunities.
It’s a place where both students and parents find
a safe environment in which to learn, play, and live
for four years.
continued on page 31

Making a Great FIRST Impression
Gaining admission into a college or university is more competitive
than ever-even with a stellar grade point average, numerous
community service hours and a flawlessly-written application essay.
The question remains: Are you truly prepared for the one-on-one interview?
Given the texting, e-mailing, and online commenting of today’s world, faceto-face
engagement skills are on the decline. If you are just one of many
charming, articulate, and intelligent students — how are you going to stand
out from the crowd? It’s time to read College Interview Essentials. Through
this humorous, informative, book, authors Peggy Nash Marx and Kyrie
O’Connor, pave the way to the fundamentals for impressive interviewing.
· Do your homework. Investigate your school along with the majors you
are considering.
· Have at least three reasons why you want to attend that school and
how you would contribute to the school as a whole.
· Know your strengths and weaknesses and have specific examples of
each to discuss.
· Prepare questions for your interviewer, which cannot be
answered from perusing the school’s website.
College Interview Essentials helps sharpen verbal skills
and teaches how to maneuver in an interview, offering
advice that is easy to understand, and effective. CIE’s
methodology insures that an applicant will be a
confident, strong interviewee.
The authors have been involved with top-level college
admission interviews for more than 25 years and are
experts at arming applicants with what they need
to know concerning communication and selfmarketing.
The interview is the single opportunity to
impress the admissions committee in a live, one-onone
interaction. And, the post-interview write-up is
included in each application file and could make
or break admission chances.
For more information, visit:
www.collegeinterviewcounselors.com

23
Campus Ministry
Groups
#1
Best College for
Homeschoolers
Cross the Threshold
to a HIgher Calling
College can be the gateway to a better future. At Grove
City College that means more than a rewarding career and a
comfortable living. It means a life dedicated to faithful service
and illuminated by biblical understanding.
choose.gcc.edu
Grove City College embraces spiritual truth and academic
integrity to offer a distinctive experience that challenges
students to expand their intellect and deepen their faith.
It is higher education for a higher calling that leads our
graduates to lives of rich purpose and rewarding service to
the common good.

Learning...
While Being
Inspired
“We need to find God, and He cannot
be found in noise and restlessness.
God is the friend of silence. See how
nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows
in silence; see the stars, the moon and
the sun, how they move in silence…
We need silence to be able to touch
souls.” - Mother Teresa
Christian Universities Online published a 2017 ranking of the
Fifty Most Beautiful Bible Colleges
This ranking gave consideration to schools that
are members of The Association for Biblical Higher
Education (ABHE), or accredited members of The
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and
Schools (TRACS). Theological affiliates of the Council
for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) members
were also considered. Each of these schools was
evaluated and scored in the following criteria:
1. Continuity of campus
2. Architectural style
3. Signature building(s)
4. Natural setting
The total score from these criteria was then used to
rank the schools.
Anna-Rebekah Orr, site editor for Christian Universities
Online, said the goal of this ranking is to highlight
schools whose educational offerings are enhanced
by beautiful surroundings. “For many,” says Orr,
“a beautiful campus is an important criteria when
deciding on a school. With this ranking, we hope to
point to a selection of Bible colleges that offer the
kind of beautiful setting that many find conducive
for learning.”
The top three institutions are:
1. Clarks Summit University in Clarks Summit,
Pennsylvania.
2. Appalachian Bible College in Mount Hope,
West Virginia
3. Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee
The other colleges on the list, in alphabetical
order, are:
1. American Baptist College - Nashville, Tennessee
2. Arlington Baptist College - Arlington, Texas
3. Barclay College - Haviland, Kansas
4. Bob Jones University - Greenville, South Carolina
5. Boston Baptist College - Boston, Massachusetts
6. Cairn University - Langhorne, Pennsylvania
7

7. Central Christian College of the Bible
- Moberly, Missouri
8. Cincinnati Christian University -
Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College -
Pineville, Kentucky
10. Columbia International University -
Columbia, South Carolina
11. Dallas Christian College - Dallas, Texas
12. Davis College - Johnson City, New York
13. Ecclesia College -
Springdale, Arkansas
14. Emmaus Bible College -
Dubuque, Iowa
15. Faith Baptist Bible College and
Theological Seminary - Ankeny, Iowa
16. Faith Evangelical College and Seminary -
Tacoma, Washington
17. God’s Bible School and College - Cincinnati, Ohio
18. Grace Bible College - Wyoming, Michigan
19. Grace University - Omaha, Nebraska
20. Great Lakes Christian College - Lansing, Michigan
21. Hiwassee College - Madisonville, Tennessee
22. Hobe Sound Bible College - Hobe Sound, Florida
23. Johnson University - Knoxville, Tennessee
24. King’s University - Southlake, Texas
25. Kuyper College - Grand Rapids, Michigan
26. Lancaster Bible College - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
27. Life Pacific College - San Dimas, California
28. Lincoln Christian University - Lincoln, Illinois
29. Midwest University - Wentzville, Missouri
30. Moody Bible Institute - Chicago, Illinois
31. Multnomah University - Portland, Oregon
32. Nazarene Bible College - Colorado Springs
33. Nebraska Christian College - Papillion, Nebraska
34. New Hope Christian College - Eugene, Oregon
35. Northpoint Bible College - Haverhill, Massachusetts
36. Olivet University - Anza, California
37. Ozark Christian College - Joplin, Missouri
38. Paul Quinn College - Dallas, Texas
39. Pensacola Christian College - Pensacola, Florida
40. Piedmont International University -
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
41. Providence Christian College -
Pasadena, California
42. St. Louis Christian College - Florissant, Missouri
43. Southeastern Bible College -
Birmingham, Alabama
44. Southern California Seminary - El Cajon, California
45. Trinity Baptist College - Jacksonville, Florida
46. Trinity Bible College - Ellendale, North Dakota
47. Virginia University of Lynchburg -
Lynchburg, Virginia
Christian Universities Online
www.christianuniversitiesonline.org, is an online
resource for students and families researching
Christian higher education. The site publishes
rankings and reviews of the best Christian colleges
and universities, information about Christian
scholarships and financial aid, and many other
resources for finding, getting into, and paying for
a quality Christian education.
8

Online Versus
Campus Colleges
Too Many Choices
If you’re studying something popular – like business or computer
science – you may find that dozens of schools offer a degree in
your major. That’s good and bad news. It’s always nice to have
options, but more choices equal more research. In order to choose
the best option among them, you’ll need to weigh a handful of
considerations, including student support services, class schedule
flexibility, quality of the schools’ instructors, average graduation
rates, career placement services, and of course – cost.
An Obvious Choice
If you’re pursuing a very specific or unusual degree – like golf course turf
management – you may only find two or three colleges that teach the courses
you need, and you might not have a choice between an online school and a
campus school. In this case, you shouldn’t change your career goals just so
you can attend an online program. Remember: your dreams and ambitions
come first. Convenience should come second.
Deciding Between an Online College and a
Campus-Based College
If you do find yourself choosing between an online program and a campus
program, the following points can help you make your selection. Assuming
that the two programs are relatively comparable in terms of their costs and
other offerings, these advantages will isolate a clear front-runner, based on
the educational factors that are important to you.
Advantages of a Completely Online College
Convenience: Online courses are accessible whenever you want to study and
learn.
• Zero Hassle: You’ll never have to fight traffic or do your makeup in order to
attend class.
• Savings: Online classes require no costs for parking, fuel, or dorm living.
• More Opportunities to Participate: Through emails and discussion posts,
you’ll always be “heard” in an online class – even if you’re shy or lacking
academic confidence.
• More Time to Participate: In-person classes only last an hour or two. In
that time-frame, instructors need to deliver their lessons and assignments.
Students rarely have time to pose thoughtful comments and questions. And if
they do, only the loudest, most aggressive students receive attention.
• Everyone Is Welcome: No one feels “out of place” because of age,
appearance, or abilities.
9
• Technology Skills: Even though e-learning isn’t
technologically complicated, you will learn a lot of terms and
skills that you might not encounter in a traditional classroom.
Getting comfortable with online exercises is an important part
of 21st century career preparation.
Advantages of a Campus-Based College
• No Self-Policing: Class is always underway at a specific
time. You either show up or you don’t. It’s impossible to
procrastinate.
• Immediate Answers: If you don’t like waiting for emails
or reading lessons on your own, you’ll prefer to see your
instructor in person.
• Classmate Connection: Some students enjoy forming study
groups at the local college library, or going out for coffee with
classmates. The connection makes them feel more involved in
their education.
• Career Networking Potential: It is possible to network with
online classmates/instructors, but campus-based classmates
are much more likely to live in your area and interact with
professionals who can influence your career.
• Extracurricular Events: Your local college probably hosts
exhibits, readings, career fairs, and sporting events that can
round out your college experience.
Advantages of a Hybrid Program
(Partially Online, Partially on Campus)
• More Degree Options: Certain degrees must involve an inperson
component. Nursing programs, for example, usually
involve clinical training in a medical facility. Teaching degrees
often require student teaching at a local school. If you’re
willing to study partially online and partially in person, you
may have more career options.
• Your College Will Facilitate Local Placement: If your
hybrid degree does require training hours at a local school,
hospital, or social services setting, your college advisor will
help you find a facility that is in your area. Local placement
opportunities often evolve into full-time jobs, once you
graduate.
• Medium Travel: Depending on your program requirements,
you may have to be present for orientation, proctored exams,
annual symposiums, or other events. You’ll enjoy meeting your
instructors in person, but you probably won’t have to travel on
a weekly basis.
• More “Name Brand” College Selection: If you want an online
degree, but you’re concerned about attending a school that
is only known for its online programs, you can often find a
hybrid alternative from a more “traditional” college. Hundreds
of small colleges and state universities are implementing
online programs, though most are not 100% online. If you’re
willing to try a hybrid college, you can often get the best of
both worlds.
To find out more about specific online programs, visit
www.elearners.com

ANNOUNCING
F r e s h m a n
s c h o l a r s h i p
p r i c e matc h
p ro g r a m
Approximately 60% of our incoming students come from a homeschool background.
Find out why homeschoolers EXCEL here at christendom.edu/homeschool.

UNION UNIVERSITY
United in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.
United in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.
uu.edu
uu.edu
Our students come from around the world. Our faculty
Our students come from around the world. Our faculty
bring the finest in academic preparation and Christian
bring the finest in academic preparation and Christian
scholarship. We come from different places, but our
scholarship. We come from different places, but our
relationship with God through Jesus Christ unites us.
relationship with God through Jesus Christ unites us.
Together we are a caring, learning community. We share a
Together we are a caring, learning community. We share a
love for Christ, rigorous academics, innovation, creativity
love for Christ, rigorous academics, innovation, creativity
and service. Our graduates take this with them as they
and service. Our graduates take this with them as they
transition to successful careers, ministries and graduate
transition to successful careers, ministries and graduate
education around the world.
education around the world.
Top
Top
Quality.
Quality.
Top
Top
Value.
Value.
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance recently ranked Union
Kiplinger’s University Personal among the Finance top 100 recently private ranked universities Union in
University the nation. among Since the 1997 top U.S. 100 News private & universities World Report in
the has nation. ranked Since Union 1997 as one U.S. of News the best & World universities Report in
has the ranked South Union (a top-tier as one national of the university best universities this year). in
the South (a top-tier national university this year).
The value of a Union
The education value of is a recognized Union
education nationally is by recognized third parties
nationally with no vested by third interests parties in
with the no university: vested interests America’s in
the 100 university: Best College America’s Buys,
100 Colleges Best College of Distinction, Buys,
Colleges Princeton of Review’s Distinction, Best
Princeton Southeastern Review’s Colleges Best
Southeastern and more. Colleges
and more.
1OO 1OO % Incoming Freshmen
Incoming received Freshmen Financial Aid
received Financial Aid
Stellar
Stellar
Faculty
Faculty
Union faculty members
Union excel faculty as scholars, members authors
excel and as national scholars, speakers. authors They
and are national committed speakers. to classroom They
are teaching, committed mentoring classroom and the
teaching, highest levels mentoring of Christian and the
scholarship. You’ll gain highest knowledge levels from of Christian faculty who
scholarship. are leaders You’ll in their gain fields knowledge and integrate from faculty faith and who
are learning leaders in in every their discipline fields and of integrate study. faith and
learning in every discipline of study.
1O:1 1O:1
Student to
Student Faculty to Ratio
Faculty Ratio
World-class
World-class
Facilities
Facilities
Union is home to top quality
Union laboratories, is home to simulation top quality
laboratories, environments, simulation recital halls
environments, and lecture facilities. recital halls Students
and produce lecture a facilities. daily live Students news program in the University’s
produce HD television a daily studio. live news Undergraduates program in the are University’s given
HD research television opportunities studio. Undergraduates through the annual are given Scholarship
research Symposium opportunities and other through programs. the Business, annual Scholarship nursing
Symposium and education and other graduates programs. have a Business, 100 percent nursing job
and placement education rate. graduates Whatever have you a choose 100 percent to study, job you
placement can be certain rate. Whatever Union will you help choose you excel. to study, you
can be certain Union will help you excel.
1OO+ 1OO+ Programs
Programs
of Study
of Study
Vibrant
Vibrant
Student
Student
Life
Life
You will become part of a
You community will become that part is enriching of a and
community engaging. that Students is enriching have access and
engaging. to more than Students 60 campus have access clubs
to and more organizations than 60 campus and NCAA clubs
and DII organizations athletic competition. and NCAA Union
DII offers athletic a wide competition. range of intramural Union
offers sports a wide to enjoy, range and of the intramural campus
sports coffeehouse to enjoy, hosts and the a number campus
coffeehouse concerts hosts each year. a number Every
of residential concerts each student year. has Every a private
residential bedroom. student has a private
bedroom.
#
8
in the nation for
in Best the nation Campus for Housing
Best by Niche.com Campus Housing
by Niche.com
#
8

HOME EDUCATED STUDENTS
EXCEL AT UNION
“
I was looking for a small,
Christian school which
offered majors in the hard
sciences and which was
not afraid to mix a vibrant
and holistic Christianity
with dedicated and robust
academic dialogue. This is
a very rare combination,
but Union University fit the
description beautifully. ”
JOSH EDGREN, ’16
physics major
Lakewood, Washington
Home educated students like Josh excel at Union.
They are leaders and participate in research, media,
honors, theater, student government, residence life and
more. Read about the success of homeschool students at
Union at uu.edu/homeschool.
Founded in 1823 | Jackson, Tennessee
EXCELLENCE-DRIVEN | CHRIST-CENTERED | PEOPLE-FOCUSED | FUTURE-DIRECTED

Homeschool graduates thrive at BJU.
PMS 289 and 2995
(19036) 3/16
Homeschool graduates make up a vital 1/3 of our student body.
We love the depth and energy that their thirst for knowledge and
independent learning skills bring to BJU. If you’re committed—like
we are—to a liberal arts education from a Christian worldview, we’re
confident your student will be a great fit.
Want to find out more? Visit bju.edu/homeschool and explore!

Invaluable Resources, Freely Provided
Leveling the Field to Provide Information
Written by students who have done it, this tested and complete college application guide
contains the highest quality advice and is being freely distributed
to every American public school.
he Fair Opportunity Project creates and
distributes online college admissions and
financial aid resources at no cost. The
project operates under the premise that students,
regardless of their background, should have access
to high quality college application and financial aid
information.
According to Katherine K. Merseth, senior lecturer
at Harvard University and founder of Harvard
Teacher Fellows, “Fair Opportunity Project gets to
the heart of one of the most pervasive inequities
in our education system: college access. It helps to
level the playing field for students across the U.S.
by making valuable information and resources
available for free.”
The driving force behind The Fair
Opportunity Project:
• 20-plus college students from the
nation’s top schools
• 9 advisors
• 200-plus high school counselors
The project has developed a free, digitized
handbook on college admissions and financial
aid to get students critical information needed for
successful applications. Written by students and
guided by counselors and admissions officers, this
complete college application guide contains highquality
advice.
The American education system, in spite of its many
virtues, has systematic inequalities. The quality of
We believe in human potential,
opportunity, and the ability
to succeed.
fairopportunityproject.com
an education dramatically varies based in part on
socioeconomic status and geographical location.
Every year, millions of students fall through the
cracks. Educational inequality has persistent effects
long after a student graduates.
Access to college application information
varies dramatically according to a student’s
background. The various fees for standardized
tests, college applications-and specialized
application books exacerbate student inequality
in the college application process. Students may
be at a disadvantage if they are unable to pay for
information, which dramatically skews the college
application process and reinforces economic and
educational inequality.
The Fair Opportunity Project offers a free, easily
accessible online college application guide. To
access your copy, visit fairopportunityproject.com
14

ORAL ROBERTS
U N I V E R S I T Y
RANKED A 2017 “BEST IN THE WEST”
UNIVERSITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
PREMIER
SPIRIT-EMPOWERED
CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
WHOLE PERSON
EDUCATION
[SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY]
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Making Sure
Your College
of Choice...
...is a Perfect Fit
Let’s face it … you can only
binge-watch so many shows
over the summer. Instead, why
not consider a preview of your
dream school? Many colleges
and universities offer summer
programs for high school
students as a kind of “test drive.”
Participating in these programs
can shore up your admission
credentials and give you a real
taste of collegiate life.
Pre-College programs are gaining momentum as a
way for students to test-drive their chosen school prior
to beginning a college career. A pre-college program is
a great way to allow students to meet instructors and
other students while obtaining credit in a subject
of interest.
Christian Amondson, managing editor of College
Choice, says the ranking is important because,
“Pre-college summer programs are much more fun
and rewarding than a traditional campus tour. Most
competitive colleges and universities offer at least
one pre-college summer experience. These programs
give students opportunities to explore campuses,
meet with instructors, take courses, and get a sense of
college life. Such experiences can be beneficial to high
school students still exploring schools, majors, and
career paths.”
17
College Choice took the following factors into
account:
• approximate cost of an extended-stay
residential program
• number of summer program options
for each school
• academic reputation
• student retention
All information was researched by using individual
schools’ websites, U.S. News and World Report and
The National Center for Educational Statistics.
College Choice 2016 ranking for Best Pre-College
Summer Program.
The top three slots are awarded to:
• Emory University
• University of Michigan
• Carnegie Mellon

Other top programs, in alphabetical order:
Arizona State University - Tempe, Arizona
Barnard College - New York, New York
Boston College - Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University - Boston, Massachusetts
Brown University - Providence, Rhode Island
Carleton College - Northfield, Minnesota
Carnegie Mellon - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Columbia University - New York, New York
Cornell University - Ithaca, New York
Davidson - Davidson, North Carolina
Emory University - Atlanta, Georgia
Georgetown University - Washington, DC
Hampshire College - Amherst, Massachusetts
Harvard University - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Indiana University - Bloomington, Indiana
Johns Hopkins - Baltimore, Maryland
“
It’s like family.
Keystone is like a close-knit family.
The faculty is concerned for the
students and really helps them
succeed.
”
Rolando Rodriguez
Class of 2018
Massachusetts Institute of Technology -
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Michigan State University - East Lansing, Michigan
Middlebury College - Middlebury, Vermont
New York University - New York, New York
Northwestern University - Evanston, Illinois
Oberlin College - Oberlin, Ohio
Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio
Stanford University - Stanford, California
Syracuse University - Syracuse, New York
Texas Tech - Lubbock, Texas
The College of William and Mary - Williamsburg, Virginia
Tufts University - Medford, Massachusetts
UCLA - Los Angeles, California
UCSD - San Diego, California
University of Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Notre Dame - South Bend, Indiana
University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University of Southern California - Los Angeles, California
University of Virginia - Charlottesville, Virginia
Vanderbilt University - Nashville, Tennessee
Washington University - St. Louis, Missouri
Yale University - New Haven, Connecticut
For more information, visit www.collegechoice.net
1-800-824-2764 opt. 1 www.keystone.edu/visit
18

Getting to Know You; Getting to Know All About You
Are you showing prospective colleges you’re their perfect cup of tea?
Recently, Prompt.com reviewed thousands of
college application essays. Its finding: the average
college application essay is “C-plus” level work. The
essays are uninspiring.
Here’s the really troubling part – most people don’t realize
when their essays are in bad shape. Colleges do not supply
the reason for rejection, and grammar is the least of
the problem. Almost everyone – even a student with an
impressive GPA and enviable test scores – struggles with
the content and structure of an essay.
Want some good news? Anyone can write an “A-level”
application essay. The solution is to revise each essay two
to three times based on feedback from application essay
experts. Regrettably, many students do not know to seek
essay feedback or cannot afford it. How many students
lose the chance to go to their dream school? What about
missing out on what could be thousands of dollars in
scholarships to help pay for college?
“The essay creates a significant barrier for underprivileged
students,” explains Brad Schiller, co-founder and CEO
of Prompt.com. “Wealthier students are able to access
consultants or high school-based college counselors
pfeiffer.edu
BEGIN YOUR
PFEIFFER
JOURNEY
TODAY.
19
who have application essay expertise. This puts them
at a significant advantage. Our mission is to level the
playing field by making expert essay feedback accessible
to everyone. That is why we provide every student with a
free essay review and why we created a free tool to help
students create outlines for their essays.”
The study also reveals the reasons behind poor scores. Over
half of all students don’t fully answer their essay’s prompt,
and nearly three-quarters of students write essays that lack
direction and structure. In addition, students also tend to
write about topics that are not compelling or are irrelevant
to a student’s passions, personality, and hopes and dreams.
Students should choose topics that help admissions
officers more thoroughly understand an applicant. Many
“C-plus level” essays leave admissions officers confused
about the essay’s meaning; and therefore, they are unable
to “get to know” an applicant.
The study further investigates the most effective “common
application” essay topics. The highest scoring common
application essay prompt used is the first one, which asks
students to describe their background or identity. Over
half of applicants use it, and it averages nearly a full letter
grade higher than the other prompts. Almost any topic
can be written about successfully by tying it
into an applicant’s passion or providing unique
insight into an applicant’s personality. For
example, writing about community service is a
great idea if the applicant devotes a substantial
amount of time to serving others and considers
serving others an integral to his or her future
plans. An essay about community service will be
ineffective if the student’s experience is minimal
or seems superficial and doesn’t relate to the
applicant’s ambitions.
Learn more about getting expert
feedback on your admissions essay
at www.prompt.com.

We love homeschoolers.
In fact, more than 20% of our student body were
homeschooled. And many of our faculty and staff
homeschool their own children. Our campus community
in Longview, Texas, not only gets your learning style, but
also gets you.
As a homeschooling family, you understand the
value of learning through hands-on experiences. At
LeTourneau University, these experiences are at the core
of our courses from day one. Our students put their analytical
skills to use designing and building their own 3-D
printers during their first semester of college. They go
on mission trips bringing student-designed water pumps
to the parched earth of Senegal, West Africa. And that is
just naming a few of the hundreds of examples.
We live out our Christian faith in all we do and our
graduates change the world in every workplace and
every nation. Check out opportunities for homeschool
students and more than 90 degree options at:
www.letu.edu/hpguide

You’ll discover that a degree from
Anderson University includes lifechanging
experiences. Whether you
join a club, compete on the field or
the court, explore your faith, or meet
a roommate that becomes a lifelong
friend, it’s all part of being a Raven.
We welcome you to our family.

ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
Academic and Christian Discovery
Anderson University offers more than 50 majors with
computer engineering, information security, national
security studies, and sport marketing introduced
this fall. Across our campus are faculty who want to
invest in you. They love seeing students learn about
their subject, grow in their faith, and prepare for a
life of faith and service. Our faculty are dedicated
to helping you balance your studies with faith and
academic perspectives.
We want your academic journey to translate
into a successful career with the support and
encouragement of a small campus family.
Early Connections
Our students learn from professors who practice
their discipline in the field, challenge you
intellectually, and help you grow spiritually.
You don’t have to wait to take advantage of the
many opportunities Anderson University offers.
Discover our early connections programs so you
can get a head start on your story.
Explore our LAUNCH and Early STEM programs
as a high school junior or senior. Or come for
a visit earlier to experience one of our summer
camps in athletics, dance, filmmaking, harp, music
business, music education, musical theatre,
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics), or string.
Activities and Athletics
We offer 14 intercollegiate sports in
the NCAA III and 15 intramural sports
programs for students to stay active.
Club sports on campus range from
rugby, men’s volleyball, cheerleading,
and lacrosse. New in 2016, is men’s and
women’s swimming with plans to add
men’s and women’s lacrosse in 2018-19.
With more than 130 possibilities on
campus, it is impossible to be bored.
Students can engage in putt-putt golf
in the library, paint tag on the soccer
fields, or breakfast under the stars.
Campus ministries connects students to
the local community through volunteer
opportunities at a local shelter, a prison
ministry, or a nursing home. Travel the
world through our Tri-S (Study, Share,
Serve) program. More than 24,000
students have experienced service,
culture, and volunteering in the United
States and abroad.
We invite you to start your story at
Anderson University!
anderson.edu/homeschool

Take the next step
on your journey.
One step won’t get you to your destination – but every journey begins somewhere.
Start yours at Lancaster Bible College.
At LBC, we’re committed to helping you find the path that God has laid out for you.
With over 24 majors available, like business administration, communication and
pastoral ministry, LBC will prepare you academically and spiritually to serve God at
every step on your journey.
Find out more at 866.522.4968 or lbc.edu.
901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
Lancaster Bible College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.

2016: Fifty Most Affordable
Bible Colleges and
Christian Universities
Christian Universities Online published a ranking of the Most Affordable
Bible Colleges and Christian Universities for 2016.
Schools listed are members of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
or accredited members of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and
Schools (TRACS). Theological affiliates of the Council for Christian Colleges and
Universities (CCCU) were also considered.
Christian Universities Online collected and compared each school’s net price and
total cost of attendance.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average net price
is found by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government,
and institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost to attend a given
school. The total cost of attendance is the sum of a school’s published tuition and
required fees, books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board
and other expenses.
Anna-Rebekah Orr, editor for the ranking, says the goal of the ranking is to highlight
schools that are very open to grant and scholarship funding, as well as keeping
overall costs as low as possible.
Orr adds, “It is good to see schools put the value of their programs, from a student
budget perspective, above the school’s potential income.”
24

The top three colleges/universities
in the ranking are:
1. Hobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound, Florida
2. Clear Creek Bible College
Pineville, Kentucky
3. Bethesda University
Anaheim, California
Other schools making an appearance
on the on the list, in alphabetical
order, are:
4. American Baptist College
Nashville, Tennessee
5. Apex School of Theology
Durham, North Carolina
6. Appalachian Bible College
Mount Hope, West Virginia
7. Arlington Baptist College
Arlington, Texas
8. Baptist University of the Americas
San Antonio, Texas
9. Barclay College
Haviland, Kansas
10. Bob Jones University
Greenville, South Carolina
11. Calvary Bible College & Theological
Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri
12. Central Christian College of the Bible
Moberly, Missouri
13. Cincinnati Christian University
Cincinnati, Ohio
14. Crossroads Bible College
Indianapolis, Indiana
15. Dallas Christian College
Dallas, Texas
16. Davis College
Johnson City, New York
25
17. Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, Iowa
18. Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological
Seminary, Ankeny, Iowa
19. Gods Bible School & College
Cincinnati, Ohio
20. Grace Bible College
Wyoming, Michigan
21. Grace University
Omaha, Nebraska
22. Great Lakes Christian College
Lansing, Michigan
23. Randall University
(formely Hillsdale Free Will Baptist
College) Moore, Oklahoma
24. Hiwassee College
Madisonville, Tennessee
25. Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee
26. Laurel University
High Point, North Carolina
27. Life Pacific College
San Dimas, California
28. Lincoln Christian University
Lincoln, Illinois
29. Manhattan Christian College
Manhattan, Kansas
30. Messenger College
Euless, Texas
31. Nazarene Bible College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
32. Nebraska Christian College
Papillion, Nebraska
33. New Hope Christian College
Eugene, Oregon
34. Oak Hills Christian College
Bemidji, Minnesota
35. Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio

36. Ozark Christian College
Joplin, Missouri
37. Pacific Rim Christian University
Honolulu, Hawaii
38. Paul Quinn College
Dallas, Texas
39. Piedmont International University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
40. Pillar College
Newark, New Jersey
41. Saint Louis Christian College
Florissant, Missouri
42. Selma University
Selma, Alabama
43. Southeastern Bible College
Birmingham, Alabama
44. Summit University
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
45. Trinity Baptist College
Jacksonville, Florida
46. Trinity Bible College
Ellendale, North Dakota
47. Trinity College of Florida
Trinity, Florida
48. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, Virginia
49. Welch College
Nashville, Tennessee
50. World Mission University
Los Angeles, California
For more information, visit
Christian Universities Online at
www.christianuniversitiesonline.org
Feed Your
ge e k
It’s good to
be a geek
Are you a hacker, a coder, techie, dork or brainiac?
No matter what word you use, you’ll find people just as
geeked out as you are here at Capitol.
Founded in 1927, Capitol is the only independent university
in Maryland dedicated to engineering, information
technology, cybersecurity, and business.
Why Capitol?
• State-of-the-art labs
• Internships at places like NASA and NSA
• Small class size with hands-on learning
• State-of-the-art labs
• Great location – between D.C. and Baltimore
• Reasonable tuition and fees
• “The Capitol Job Guarantee”
If you’re ready to get your geek on,
Capitol Technology University is ready for you.
Visit www.captechu.edu/gogeek
or call 800.950.1992.
11301 Springfield Road • Laurel, Maryland 20708

It
It
just
just
fElt
fElt
rIght.
rIght.
thE
thE
pEoplE,
pEoplE,
thE
thE
profEssors,
profEssors,
EvEryonE
EvEryonE
wAs
wAs
so
so
frIEndly
frIEndly
And
And
mAdE
mAdE
mE
mE
fEEl
fEEl
At
At
homE.
homE.
thE
thE
CAmpus
CAmpus
wAs
wAs
smAll,
smAll,
so
so
It
It
dIdn’t
dIdn’t
fEEl
fEEl
ovErwhElmIng.
ovErwhElmIng. I
lIkEd
lIkEd
thAt
thAt
All
All
rElIgIons
rElIgIons
wErE
wErE
wElComE
wElComE
hErE,
hErE,
And
And I
Could
Could
ExprEss
ExprEss
my
my
fAIth
fAIth
In
In
my
my
wAy.
wAy.
Sarah Grace reed, claSS of 2017.
Sarah Actor, Grace PresidentiAl reed, claSS AmbAssAdor,
of 2017.
Actor, miss smc, PresidentiAl President’s AmbAssAdor,
list
miss smc, President’s list
A Christian-Based Education for All
Sarah was nervous about attending college,
Sarah was nervous about attending college,
until she visited SMC.
until she visited SMC.
As a homeschooled student, she excelled
As homeschooled student, she excelled
academically. With so much flexibility in
academically. With so much flexibility in
her schedule, she also enjoyed pursuing
her schedule, she also enjoyed pursuing
extracurricular activities like drama and singing.
extracurricular activities like drama and singing.
And being active in her church.
And being active in her church.
Bright, talented and service-oriented, any
Bright, talented and service-oriented, any
college would have welcomed Sarah, but after
college would have welcomed Sarah, but after
such a tailored education experience at home,
such tailored education experience at home,
she knew she wanted a personalized college
she knew she wanted personalized college
experience, too.
experience, too.
When she visited SMC, she immediately fell in
When she visited SMC, she immediately fell in
love. “I didn’t visit any of the other schools on my
love. “I didn’t visit any of the other schools on my
list. I knew I’d found the right place,” she says.
list. I knew I’d found the right place,” she says.
Since 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College has
Since 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College has
helped students like Sarah achieve their college
helped students like Sarah achieve their college
and career goals in a supportive, Christianbased
community. With a student body of only
and career goals in supportive, Christianbased
community. With student body of only
800, you’ll receive high-quality instruction
800, you’ll receive high-quality instruction
guided by professors and staff who know you
guided by professors and staff who know you
well. And with two-year and four-year degree
well. And with two-year and four-year degree
paths, you’ll have the flexibility to start here
paths, you’ll have the flexibility to start here
and stay here - or transfer to the college of your
and stay here - or transfer to the college of your
choice when you’re ready.
choice when you’re ready.
Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg, SC
smcsc.edu
smcsc.edu

top ten things to
know About smC
1. We offer 2-year and 4-year degree paths.
2. Many students improve grades or get
acclimated to college life at SMC, then
transfer to colleges across the country to
complete their degrees.
3. Students of all religious faiths are welcome.
Chapel services are available, but not
required.
4. SMC professors work very closely with
students to help them achieve academic
goals.
5. We serve a student body of approximately
800.
6. Our professors aren’t required to do
research and focus on teaching only.
7. SMC has seven residence halls, three
campus dining locations and over 30 clubs
and organizations to make campus life fun.
ComE And sEE
why smC Is thE
rIght fIt!
Schedule a visit at
smcsc.edu/plan-a-visit.
8. SMC costs less than 60% of other private
colleges in South Carolina. Students from
in-state and out-of-state pay the same
tuition. SC students who qualify for the
LIFE Scholarship are eligible for a fulltuition
scholarship.
9. We have nationally-ranked men’s and
women’s athletic teams, including
baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, golf,
wrestling, basketball and cross country.
10. We offer strong career development
programs.

An Academic Home as
Strong as Their First
Josh, Edward and Sarah call their transition to
Regent University ”seamless” and its values “a
natural fit.” These former homeschooled students
grew up in environments that encouraged
academic challenge from a Christian foundation.
Today, they’re experiencing this and more, thanks
to Regent’s high-quality degree options, honors
program, and expert professors who also serve
as mentors. Ready to join our family? Learn about
our homeschool-friendly admissions policies and
tuition discounts for HSLDA members.
Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Doctoral
ON CAMPUS & ONLINE
Top 5% Most Affordable Undergraduate
Christian Colleges – CCCU Survey, 2016
CAS160704
APPLY TODAY.
learn.regent.edu | 888.718.1222
Christian Leadership to Change the World

continued from page 5
Your academic trajectory
is shaped by three key
resources: innovative learning
environments, hands-on
research projects, and small
class sizes.
With VSU SmartPath Core, the shortest distance
between two points can also be the smartest.
Valdosta State University’s SmartPath Core
empowers you to reach your true college goals,
no matter where you live or the pace you choose
for your studies. With SmartPath Core, you will
have all the tools and resources of an established,
respected university at your fingertips.
There are no speed limits on your path. Whether
you are a high school student knocking out core
college studies, a parent continuing your education,
or a college student studying off campus, our
flexibility meets your life. You can count on your
courses and faculty being ready when you are.
Here, the journey and the destination are equally
important.
VSU’s SmartPath Core offers a direct path to
online courses that allow you to complete your
core coursework for a bachelor’s degree in a nonscience
major in as little as three semesters of
enrollment. SmartPath Core isn’t just online core
courses, it lets you set a clear map and path from
the beginning to the end of your core requirements,
leading you seamlessly into a VSU online or oncampus
degree program.
By enrolling in our online SmartPath Core courses,
you won’t ever have to worry about courses filling
up, and you’ll always be taught by highly qualified,
dedicated faculty at Valdosta State University.
What makes SmartPath Core different than other
online programs?
Developed by top VSU faculty, you can expect
courses that are easy to navigate and consistent
in the quality of instruction. These courses let
you focus on learning, rather than navigating the
technology. SmartPath Core instructors heavily
promote student engagement, success, and
retention. You can expect to get to know your
instructors and your peers through intentional
engagement in your courses. Developed with
the student in mind, SmartPath Core courses are
never full and always available. If you meet the
prerequisite requirements, you are guaranteed
access to any SmartPath Core course that you
need.
A path for all walks of life
Work schedules, deadlines, meetings, reports – all
of the activities that can often get in the way of
advancing your education, especially when bills
need to be paid and children need to be raised.
Taught by VSU faculty, our SmartPath Core
courses are designed to be a guided map to help
you no matter your stage in life. It focuses on
helping you complete your core courses prior to
taking classes in a non-science major, at any hour
of the day or night.
It’s in your hands to take the path that gets you
there. Set your goals, pick your path, and make
SmartPath Core work for you.
Are you ready to write your story?
Contact our Office of Admissions at
admissions@valdosta.edu or give us a call at
229-333-5800.
@ValdostaState
#valdostastate
30

THERE IS A PASSION IN YOUR HEART.
THERE IS A PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD
ONLY YOU CAN ACHIEVE.
YOUR PASSION. YOUR PURPOSE.
Connect with us!
607.729.1581
www.davisny.edu
400 Riverside Drive
Johnson City, NY 13790

OUR ADVICE?
Check out all the usual
universities your friends
choose, but before you decide
to spend 4 years and a lot of
money, give yourself a few
minutes at www.jbu.edu and
see what you might be missing.
We think you’ll be interested.
WE’RE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL NORTHWEST ARKANSAS,
ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS IN THE NATION.
Small College.
Big Ideas.
With class sizes no larger than 20, students read and discuss some
of the greatest minds of Western civilization—from Aristotle to
Darwin—to address fundamental and persisting questions of
existence. Whether in the classroom or hiking or stargazing, together
with St. John’s faculty, students encounter great authors and their
works and respond to ideas and arguments that lead them toward
new perceptions of themselves and the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SANTA FE AND ANNAPOLIS CAMPUSES
AT SJC.EDU
60 COLLEGE AVENUE | ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 | 410-626-2522
1160 CAMINO DE CRUZ BLANCA | SANTA FE, NM 87505 | 505-984-6060
SJC.EDU

Key Facts About Homeschooled Kids in College
· Homeschoolers often enter college with more credits
· Homeschool students do better on the SAT and ACT
· Homeschool GPAs are consistently higher
· Homeschooled students are more likely to attend college
· Homeschooled students are more likely to graduate
· Homeschooled students are very likely to succeed
in college
· High school transcripts are often not required for
college admissions
· Many homeschoolers are National Merit Scholars
· Homeschool students are often in honors programs
· Homeschooled students may receive federal financial aid
· Many scholarships are available to homeschooled
students
For more information, visit
www.onlinecollege.org/2011/09/13/15-key-facts-abouthomeschooled-kids-in-college/
33

College Rank Names
25 Best Study Abroad Programs
“The world is a book; those who don’t travel read
only one page.” -St. Augustine
Have you ever wanted to travel
the world? Does an international
classroom or seeking out new a
cultural experiences sound like
something you would enjoy? Then
maybe you should consider
a study abroad program as a
positive enhancement to your
collegiate experience.
Travel expert Becca Blond highlights 25 fantastic programs from
around the country. “I’ll never forget my experience in Zimbabwe
... I was sure I wanted to go to medical school and work in a
major U.S. city, but when I returned from Zimbabwe, I was smitten
with a desire to explore more of the world,” Blond says.
Blond has spent time evaluating study abroad programs saying,
“Not all study abroad programs are created equal. The best
programs are at schools that focus on academics as well as
broadening a student’s horizon, and providing experiences that
will be beneficial in the real world, whether [or not] it [relates] to
snagging your dream job post-graduation.”
College Rank, a website dedicated to evaluating and ranking
college programs and experiences, has released a list of the top
25 College Study Abroad Programs.
35

Here’s the Top 25 in
alphabetical order:
1. Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
2. Colorado College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
3. Connecticut College
New London, Connecticut
4. Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire
5. Denver University
Denver, Colorado
6. Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
7. Earlham College
Richmond, Indiana
8. Emerson College
Boston, Massachusetts
9. Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
10. Goucher College
Baltimore, Maryland
11. Guilford College
Greensboro, North Carolina
12. Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, Michigan
13. Middlebury College
Middlebury, Connecticut
14. Millsaps College
Jackson, Mississippi
15. Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
16. Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
17. Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, New York
18. St. Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota
19. Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York
20. Trinity College
Hartford, Connecticut
21. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
22. University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
23. University of San Diego
San Diego, California
24. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
25. West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
To see the full list visit
www.collegerank.com
36

Elizabeth City, NC
macuniversity.edu

MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Innovative high school summer abroad.
Apply for our needbased
Homeschool
Student Scholarship.
Awards range from
$250 to $3,000.
For more than 80 years, The Experiment has sent groups
of young leaders abroad to build a deep understanding
of critical global issues and foster cross-cultural
relationships. The Experiment offers 33 programs in 24
countries, which feature themes including sustainability
and the environment; arts and social change; language
and cultural discovery; leadership training; and peace,
politics and human rights.
www.experiment.org/HSP | 1.800.345.2929
ExperimentAbroad