Preparing For Christian Universities and Colleges

If you are considering a Christian university or college, your post-secondary planning process should begin as early as high school. Christian universities and colleges can be competitive and rigorous; therefore, it's important to plan your high school courses accordingly. These schools offer a very wide variety of programs. For instance, some Christian universities offer programs similar to secular institutions, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Management (BMgt), Bachelor of Music or Music Therapy (BMus), and concurrent Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees, while degrees particular to Christian universities and some Christian colleges include Bachelor of Theology (BTh), Bachelor of Ministry (BMin), Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE), Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS) and Bachelor of Church Ministry as well as diplomas and certificates in various aspects of Christian studies, ministry activities, education and performing arts. What you decide to pursue will determine what you should have on your high school transcript. In general, however, you will want to take English, math and social science courses. Languages, creative arts and computer and keyboarding skills are also beneficial for certain programs at these institutions. If you are still in high school, and are thinking about going to a Christian university or college, there are several additional things that you can do to prepare and increase your chances of being accepted: Undertake to read and study independently. This is a good way to develop interests, expand your knowledge and improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills needed for these intellectually wide-ranging programs. This will also help you if admission requirements include an interview, since you will be able to impress the committee with the knowledge you have built up of terms and information specific to this area of study. Christian universities and college admissions committees are also interested in a student's personal qualities, which can be developed through participating in extracurricular activities. Consider joining or even starting school clubs, whether related to your area of interest or not. This is also a good way to develop demonstrated leadership skills, which are an important aspect of any competitive application. Work experience - paid or volunteer - can also increase your chances of being admitted, particularly to programs involving ministry or outreach components, and is an achievement often regarded highly by admissions committees. Show your commitment and respect. Christian universities and colleges offer programs in a faith-based environment. Participation in church activities, Bible camps, or any kind of social service/ social outreach activities will show the admissions committee that you are serious and committed to the values of the school.