WEST - Christian College Guide

MIDWEST
NORTHEAST
WEST
SOUTH
2014-2015
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
ChristianCollegeGuide.net
What Colleges
Look For
5
tips for putting your
best foot forward
Financial Aid
• How to file the FAFSA
• 19 important terms
15
Pitfalls
to Avoid
Your
Freshman Year
WIINN A
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COURAGE
to think deeply to act justly to live fully
“
To be a Christian
intellectual is to
not be afraid ...
is to be able to
ask the hard
questions—
and to engage
the questions
and critically
study things.
Daniel Camacho ’13
philosophy major
You’re onto something, a new idea. For diabetes treatment, for education reform,
for the way we build our cities, for ending poverty. The only way to make your idea
a reality is to test it, change it, share it. It takes courage to do that, something you’ll
build in every class, every late-night conversation—every moment you spend at Calvin.
Explore what it means to think deeply, act justly and live fully
at www.calvin.edu/go/courage.
www.calvin.edu
Calvin College admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.
OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
INNOVATION
&
CREATIVITY
DESERVE A SEAT AT THE
GROWN-UPs TABLE
olivet.edu
Renewing MINDS
IIntegrating
i ttop-tier
ti academics
d i and
d Ch
Christian
i i ffaith
I
n a friendly, close-knit learning community our students
are challenged to grow intellectually and integrate their
faith in every program of study.
Union faculty members are leaders in their fields who
know their students by name. They invest in them through
classroom teaching, mentoring and research collaboration.
As a result, Union alumni excel in top graduate schools and
in careers around the world.
Learn more about Union University’s commitment to
Christ-centered academic excellence. Visit us online or
schedule a campus visit today.
uu.edu/welcome
JACKSON, TENNESSEE
E X C E L L E N C E - D R I V E N
|
C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D
|
P E O P L E - F O C U S E D
|
F U T U R E - D I R E C T E D
MIDWEST
NORTHEAST
SOUTH
WEST
what’s inside
CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER Terumi Echols
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Julie Kaminski
DESIGNER Michael Chuchvara
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Andie Moody
16
PRESIDENT & CEO Harold B. Smith
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Carol Thompson
CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER Terumi Echols
VICE PRESIDENTS Theresa Hoffner • Marshall Shelley
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Vicki Howard
ADVERTISING & ANALYTICS Michael Chuchvara • Kim Clay
Kathy DePue • Terumi Echols • Claudia Gerwin • Peggy Gomez
Walter Hegel • Julie Kaminski • Andie Moody • Toks Olawoye
Kirsten Privett • Luke Schoenrock • Stacy Smith • Josh Wood
Hazel Ziebell
BRAND SUPPORT SERVICES Adrian Carrion • Kathryn McQuaid
Nancy Nance • Tim Platek
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS Gary Johnson • Sandra Johnson
Philip MacDonald • George Sifnotis
HUMAN RESOURCES Jaime Patrick • Richard Shields
FACILITIES Paul Ross
29
9
24
5 Got Questions?
Where to find answers to your college questions
7 The Christian College Difference
Faith makes a difference in professors, students, and programs
7 Will College Shake My Faith?
A Christian college is a safe place to wrestle with your beliefs
9 Consider Chapel by Andie Roeder Moody
Know the requirements of your prospective colleges
12 What Colleges Look For by Amy Adair
PRODUCTION Diana Prange
Five tips for putting your best foot forward
CUSTOMER SUPPORT Pamela Ferrill
TECHNOLOGY Clayton Anderson • Valerie Broucek
David Dougherty • Abby Means • Kent Oxley
Stephen Swithers • Matt Wistrand
16 The FAFSA and Financial Aid by Jill DePasquale
Christian College Guide is published by Christianity Today,
465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
19 Financial Aid Terms
To contact us, e-mail:
[email protected]
Advertising inquires: ChristianityTodayAds.com
For more great articles on preparing for college, or to get
information on Christian colleges and universities, visit
ChristianCollegeGuide.net.
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Info, tips, and advice on how to file
A glossary of 19 important terms to know
22 Roommate Survival Guide
9 tips for getting along with your roommate
24 The Freshman 15 by Alex Chediak
Navigate common pitfalls during your first year on campus
27 18 Helpful Apps
Technology that makes college life a little easier
29 Go Green on Campus
Easy tips to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle
30 Don’t Leave Home Without It
A packing list of essential supplies for your dorm room
DEGREE
CAT EGORIES
Biblical and
Theological Studies
• B.A. in biblical and
theological studies:
seminary track
• B.A. in biblical and
theological studies
• A.A. in biblical and
theological studies
Church Ministry
• B.A. in church ministry:
expository preaching and
pastoral leadership
• B.S. in church ministry:
family and youth ministry track
• B.S. in church ministry:
Christian leadership track
• B.S. in biblical studies:
biblical counseling
• B.S. in biblical studies:
worship and pastoral studies
• B.S. in biblical studies:
worship and music studies
Undergraduate
students who are
serious about
the gospel.
Missions
and Evangelism
• B.S. in biblical studies:
global studies
• B.A. in Christian worldview
and apologetics
Workplace
• B.S. in business administration*
(business as mission)
• B.S. in teacher education
• B.S. in humanities
*Pending SACSCOC approval
In the heart of Louisville’s Southern Seminary campus,
Boyce College’s committed faculty trains students who will
serve the church and engage the culture from a convictional
and biblical worldview amidst a rapidly changing world.
Apply online at boycecollege.com.
BOYCECOLLEGE.COM
Got Questions?
C
ollege is on the horizon and you’re
probably swamped. You’ve got
school catalogs to review, websites
to research, scholarships to apply for,
campuses to visit, tests to take, and applications to fill out. Whew!
I’m guessing you’re also swamped with
questions. Tons of questions. Which college
should I choose? How do I apply? How am
I going to pay for it? How can I succeed my
freshman year?
If you (or your parents) are looking for
answers, then Christian College Guide is
the perfect place to start! Check out some
of the questions you’ll find answers to in
this issue:
1.
Should I consider attending a
Christian college?
Page 7—professors, students,
and programs are different at a
Christian college.
2.
Will I be able to maintain
my faith at school?
Page 7—a Christian college is a safe
place to wrestle with your beliefs.
7.
How can I make sure I do well
during my first year at college?
Page 24—how to navigate 15
common freshman pitfalls
3.
Do Christian colleges have any
special requirements?
Page 9—learn about chapel and
why you shouldn’t skip it.
8.
What can I do to recycle and be
“green” when I’m at college?
Page 29—easy ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle on campus.
4.
How can I increase my chances
of getting into a college?
Page 12—what admissions counselors are looking for and how to
make a good impression.
Enjoy this issue of Christian College Guide.
And if you’re looking for even more helpful articles, or want to research 120 faithbased colleges and universities, check out
ChristianCollegeGuide.net.
5.
How do I apply for financial aid
to help pay for school?
Page 16—info, tips, and advice on
the FAFSA and how to file.
Blessings on your college journey!
6.
EFC? Deferment? SAR? Argh!
What do all these terms mean?
Page 19—a glossary of important financial aid terms you need to know.
J
Gus Reyes, PhD
Director, Christian Life Commission
Texas Baptists
P.S. Christian College Guide is giving
away a FREE iPad mini! Enter to win
at CollegeGuideContest.com.
As the most affordable
Christian college in the region,
Cairn tuition is $7,000 less than
our peer Christian institutions,
while over 85% of our students
receive financial aid.
BECAUSE AN EDUCATION SHOULD
Have Value
At Cairn, students receive an affordable education
built around a core of biblical values and truth.
With over 60 academic programs, NCAA DIII Athletics, and a
strong commitment to the arts, Cairn offers a dynamic university
experience centered on Christ and His Word.
Learn more
atCOLLEGE
cairn.edu
CHRISTIAN
GUIDE 5
OUR PURPOSE
IS TO HELP YOU
LIVE YOURS.
Find out more at calbaptist.edu
Will college
SHAKE
my faith?
The
Christian College
Difference
W
hat’s the difference between
Christian and non-Christian
colleges? Both receive accreditation from the same governing bodies
and end up on national ranking lists. The
obvious answer is that Christian colleges
are, well, Christian. Let’s explore the impact that a school’s Christian identity can
have on your college experience.
CHRISTIAN PROFESSORS
When you consider the quality and type
of education you’ll receive in college, you
should think primarily about your professors. Christian and non-Christian professors receive their degrees from the same
institutions; however, Christian colleges
require their faculty to be Christians.
These professors are concerned with both
your academic and spiritual growth and
make an effort to integrate faith and learning in the classroom.
Take a tour of almost any Christian
campus and you’re bound to hear stories
about professors who pray before starting
class, take the time to get to know individual students, and invite entire classes into
their house to meet their family and share a
meal. At a Christian college—with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1—you’ll
receive a personalized education. Plus,
you’ll be able to address spiritual and theological topics in a safe environment.
CHRISTIAN STUDENTS
Though professors play a crucial role in
your education, you’ll probably spend
much more time with your fellow students.
If you think about the friends you made in
high school and how much they influenced
your life, then you can likely appreciate the
significance of surrounding yourself with
people who share similar goals and have a
positive influence on you.
Christian colleges tend to attract students who are interested in developing
their faith while pursuing an education. It’s
not uncommon to see students praying for
each other, reading the Bible, and worshipping together. At a Christian college you’ll
know that your spiritual growth is a priority, and you’ll have something in common
with the majority of students before you
ever step foot on campus.
Q
CHRISTIAN CAMPUS PROGRAMS
Christian colleges offer study abroad, varsity athletics, intramurals, clubs, student
government, and many other programs you
would expect from any college; however,
they also include uniquely Christian programming. For example, many Christian
colleges offer frequent chapels, theology
classes, mission trips, ministry opportunities, and guest speakers from the Christian
sphere. This means you can worship God
next to your fellow students and professors,
delve into the Word, share your faith in another country, and learn from the leading
Christian thinkers of our time.
You’re going to be changed by your
college experience. That’s a given. The
question is, how will you be changed? A
big part of the answer to that question will
be determined by the professors, students,
and programs you choose to surround
yourself with during these formative years
of your life.
Michael J. Gonzales served in admissions and
marketing at Biola University before moving to his
current post at HP. This piece was adapted from
an article originally published on More Than a Test
Score, Chegg’s blog for high schoolers.
A
For a long time I’ve wanted to go
to a Christian college because I
thought it would help me grow
in my faith. But a friend—who
was a strong believer—went to
a Christian college last year, and
now she’s really struggling with
her beliefs. I’m worried. I don’t
want to lose my faith.
God isn’t threatened by our hard
questions. And when it comes to
wrestling with your beliefs—a
very common occurrence for
many of us—a Christian college
is actually a great place to be.
Professors, staff, and friends
can help you deal with issues
from a biblical perspective. It’s a
safe place to ask questions, seek
answers, and come to a faith
that is well reasoned and sure.
In college you will become a
different person—probably wiser
and more mature. As you struggle
with your faith in a Christian
environment, you can expect to
eventually reach deeper levels
of understanding and joy as you
grow in your knowledge of Christ.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
7
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attendance electronically, requiring students to scan their ID card prior to each
service. Some even require a second scan
at the conclusion. And at many schools,
fulfilling the chapel requirement is a stipulation for graduation.
To combat attendance violations,
schools have instituted penalties ranging from fines to probation to canceled
school registration and rescinded housing. At one university the price for “scanning and scramming” (scanning your
ID but not staying for the service) is an
immediate failure for the semester. At another college, students are fined up to $50
for each missed chapel.
Consider Chapel
Be sure to find out the
requirements of your
prospective colleges.
by Andie Roeder Moody
A
s you begin your college search,
you’ll probably research and
compare several criteria such as
size, cost, location, and academic programs. But if you’re planning to attend a
Christian college, there’s one important
component you may not have considered
yet: chapel.
to worship. Chapels can employ a wide
range of activities, but at minimum, most
consist of some form of musical worship
and a sermon.
At Calvin College in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, chapel activities vary by day.
Their website notes: “On Mondays we
grow together listening and responding
to the Word of God. On Tuesdays we
experience God’s Spirit through the arts.
On Wednesdays we testify as individuals,
groups, and departments to God’s work
among us. On Thursdays we rest in God’s
grace though meditative acts of worship.
On Fridays we sing to the glory of God,
proclaiming Christ’s Lordship over our
campus and world.”
WHAT’S CHAPEL?
An integral part of the Christian college experience, chapel is a regular time
when a campus community—often students, faculty, and staff together—gather
DON’T SKIP IT!
Chapel participation is a significant—and
often mandatory—element of attending a
Christian college. Most universities track
NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CHURCH
A common misconception among students is that chapel replaces local church
involvement. And it can be tempting to
forego church when there are multiple
worship and spiritual growth opportunities available on campus—chapel, small
groups, mission trips, and Bible classes.
But chapel has a different purpose than
church.
Belhaven
University in Jackson,
Mississippi, explains
it this way: “The
purpose of Chapel is
somewhat
different
from the systematic
spiritual development
students receive from
their local church…Chapel is purposefully designed never to take the place of a
local church in a student’s life.”
Andie Roeder Moody is a marketing
communications coordinator at Christianity Today.
She graduated from Moody Bible Institute, where
she attended approximately 328 chapels (and now
misses them).
To give you a better picture of the chapel experience, we looked into the practices of 30 U.S. Christian colleges:
100
PERCENT
3
Christian colleges
that hold chapel at
least once per week
Average number
of chapels held
each week
48 92 25 160
MINUTES
PERCENT
Average length
of a
chapel service
Colleges that
have mandatory
chapel attendance
HOURS
Average number of
required chapels
per semester
Average total time
spent in chapel
before graduating
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
9
BIG CITY
OPPORTUNITY
TIGHT CHRISTIAN
COMMUNITY
Developing the whole student with
spiritual vigor and academic rigor
Tailor your course of
study to God’s calling
on your life.
www.northcentral.edu
59 MA JORS • 34 MINORS
29 SUPPOR TING PROGR AMS
9 10 E L L I OT AV E , M I N N E A P O L I S , M N 5 5 4 0 4 • 8 0 0 . 2 8 9. 6 2 2 2 • A D M I S S I O N S @ N O R T H C E N T R A L . E D U
Five tips for
putting your
best foot forward.
by Amy Adair
T
here’s more to getting into college
than good test scores and a high
GPA. Read on to discover what ad
admissions counselors look for, how to communicate with an admissions offfice, and how to present yourself
lf
to a prospective college.
1
DO YOUR
HOMEWORK
It’s common for admissions
ns
counselors to get calls from stuudents who don’t know anything
ng
about the school. One student
nt
thought a Bible college was a
dental school. Another said he
wanted to major in CSI. (He was
as
gently reminded that CSI is a TV
show—not a major.) To say the least, neither student made a good impression.
12 CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
So do a little research before you contact an admissions counselor. While it’s
okay to ask a lot of questions, you should
already know some basic information—
like if it’s a liberal arts or Bible college, and
whether or not it offers a major that interests you. “We’re looking for students who
have a true desire to be at our school,” one
counselor explains. “And that means having some knowledge about the university
before you contact me.”
me ”
According to this same counselor,
checking
check
ki out a school online—
through
their website; Youth
hr
Tube
videos; Facebook,
Tu
T
Twitter,
and Pinterest pagTw
T
es—is
a great place to start
ees
gathering
data. You can
ga
g
quickly
learn which majors
q
are
aar offered, basic facts and
statistics
about the school,
s
and
general information
a
about
life on campus. This
a
will
w give you a snapshot of
the
college and help you
t
determine
if it might be the
d
right place for you.
“Meeting us online helps students get
to know us and lets us get to know them,”
another counselor says. “It’s a way to build
a relationship with us. It leaves a good impression and shows that a student is really
interested in our school.”
2
DEVELOP A
RELATIONSHIP
Once you’re interested in a college, start
developing a relationship with an admiscounselor. Many have late office
office
sions counselor
hours so they can talk to high school students in the evenings. And keep in mind
that it makes a good impression when
you—not your mom or dad—pick up the
phone or send an email to ask questions or
make an appointment.
“A lot of parents call me to schedule
their child’s campus visit,” reports one
counselor. “It’s not the worst thing, but
I want the student calling just as often as
Mom or Dad. We want to see the students
take the reins during the application process. It shows they are independent and
ready for college.”
Admissions counselors notice how often students contact them—and that’s not
a bad thing. “I love it when students ask a
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
lot of questions,” aanother counselor says.
“If a student has been
be in contact with me
through with my requests, it’s
and follows throug
a lot easier for me to recommend him or
her for acceptance.”
acceptance.
3
PLAN
A VISIT
Between the inform
information on your application and what you’ve
you shared during your
e-mails, you might assume
phone calls and e-m
a college knows eeverything about you.
admissions counselors. They
Not so, say admiss
to face. “School is
want to meet you face
f
it’s a fit,” one counselor
not just a choice; it
says. “It’s hard to know
kn if the school is the
right fit if you’ve never stepped foot on
campus.”
entire weekends
Most colleges devote
d
students to visit and get a
for prospective stu
better idea of what campus life is all about.
can set you up
Your admissions counselor
co
student who will host you
with a college stud
for the weekend (which means you’ll
the dorm and eat in the
spend a night in th
or she can also arrange
dining hall). He o
for you to visit a class or two and meet
professors. Come prepared
with some profes
questions and don’t hesitate to
with lots of questio
students in the class as well.
talk to other stud
During the weekend you’ll also
have a chance
to talk to your adcha
missions
mission counselor about your
experience.
This is an opexper
portunity
for you to develop
portu
a better
bette relationship and also
to share things that aren’t covered on the application.
“We tell students
to lay it all on the
stud
table,” explains one counselor. “For example, if your parents just started taking care
of your grandma
grandma and
a your family finances have changed,
changed
d, I want to know you’re
looking
l ki for
f extra
t a money.”
An admissions
ns counselor
can also help you if you
don’t have a great
eat ACT
score or GPA. Tell
him or her why your
scores are lower—
r—
maybe you don’t
n’t
test well. Or if
you struggled eararly on in high school
but then worked
ed hard
and got better grades,
rades, share that.
“It’s impressive when students are honest,” another counselor says. “If you have
a lower ACT score or you’ve struggled
academically, I can tell your story to the
committee that determines who gets ac-
cepted—but first I have to know it.”
4
REPRESENT
YOURSELF WELL
For some schools, a formal interview
ew
is part of the admissions process, and it
can affect the school’s final decision. But
ut
it’s not as stressful as you might think. “I
truly want to get to know the students,””
says one counselor. “I know they’re usual-ly anxious and nervous, so I tell them up
p
front to relax.”
While you typically can’t prepare for the
interview questions ahead of time, you can
prepare how you’ll act. Although admissions counselors want to see a cool and confident student, they also expect to see some
manners. College is a step into the professional world, and students need to present
themselves accordingly.
This means looking the part. Don’t
show up wearing holey jeans and a T-shirt.
Wear something you’d wear to a job interview. Little things, like making eye contact and shaking hands, are also important.
Unless you’re told otherwise, address the
person interviewing you as Mr. or Ms.—
it’s a simple way to show that you’re mature and serious enough for college.
questions
One counselor asks a series of ques
scale of
and rates the student’s answers on a sc
one to five. The more involved answers
answer get
higher points. For instance, she usually asks students to name
n
someone who has
influenced them.
t
“Don’t just
jus say,
‘My grandgr
pa,’” she
sh advises. “Tell
me why.”
w
5
TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
SERIOUSLY
Recommendation letters from those who
know you are quite helpful during the application process. But how much weight
INTERVIEW TIP:
Do a practice interview with your
parents or a teacher. Practice
answering questions, making eye
contact, and shaking hands.
When you get to the real interview,
you’ll be confident you’re putting
your best foot forward.
do they carry? A lot, say admissions
counadmissi
selors.
selors “We’re
“W ’ looking to see if the student
is capable of doing college work,” one
counselor says. “And references give us a
better picture of the student.”
So who’s the best person to give you a
recommendation? Choose carefully. Select a teacher who knows you well—even
your weaknesses. If you’ve struggled academically but worked hard to pull up your
grades, colleges want to know that. Most
schools are simply looking for improvement, so all hope isn’t lost if you struggled
early on.
Schools look for strong Christian character and leadership qualities as well.
They like to hear that a student has been
involved in church. Therefore, a reference
from your pastor or youth pastor will carry a lot of weight. But don’t panic if you
haven’t been super involved in church or
youth group for a while—it’s never too late
to start going.
No matter what, keep in mind that the
admissions process isn’t about impressing
anyone or figuring out the secret code
of doing the “right” things to get in. It’s
about being yourself. “The admissions
process is really about a college trying to
get the big picture about a student,” one
counselor explains. “We just want to get
to know the applicants.”
Amy Adair is a freelance writer and graduate of
Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 13
You already know us for
• Our commitment to strong Christian values.
• Our top quality Christian classical liberal arts education.
• Our excellent record placing students directly into public service,
national intelligence agencies, and the very best law schools.
Patrick Henry College introduces another reason to know us ...
ECONOMICS & BUSINESS ANALYTICS
A major preparing students to serve Christ in business and economics.
Th Economics
The
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&B
Business A
Analytics
l
major is
designed for students interested in pursuing:
• An MA in Economics or an MBA
• A career in business
• A career in economic policy
In the process, students will learn free-market
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The
FAFSA
and
Financial
Aid
Info, tips, & advice
on how to file.
by Jill DePasquale
A
college education is one of the
most valuable investments you’ll
make. But as you venture out on
your college search and catch a glimpse
of the price tag, you might become intimidated, to say the least. (Sticker shock,
anyone?) Make no mistake about it: college is expensive.
Fortunately, more than half of U.S. undergraduates receive some form of federal
financial aid. And the first step to claiming those dollars for college is the FAFSA.
how much financial aid a student is qualified to receive.
WHY SHOULD I FILL OUT A FAFSA?
In short, the FAFSA is your key to unlocking money for your college education.
The U.S. Department of Education uses
the FAFSA to determine students’ eligibility for federal student aid. Many state
governments and colleges also use the
FAFSA to determine eligibility for nonfederal aid, such as state aid programs and
institutional aid.
WHAT’S A FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for
FAFSA DEADLINES
Federal Student Aid. Federal Student
Aid is an office of the U.S. Department
of Education, and it provides the greatest
amount of student financial aid in America. According to studentaid.ed.gov, each
year the federal government awards more
than $150 billion in federal grants, low-interest loans, and work-study funds to help
millions of students pay for college.
The FAFSA form can be prepared annually by current and prospective college
students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. The FAFSA consists of numerous
questions regarding the assets, income,
and dependency of a student and his or
her family. These responses are then entered into a formula that determines the
Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Colleges use this number to determine
To be considered for federal student aid
for the 2015–2016 award year, complete
the FAFSA form sometime between January 1, 2015, and midnight Central Time
on June 30, 2016. Any corrections or
updates must be submitted by midnight
Central Time on September 19, 2016.
However, many states and colleges
have earlier deadlines for applying for
state and institutional financial aid. Find
your state’s deadline at https://fafsa.gov
/deadlines. And be sure to check with your
chosen college(s) about their deadlines.
16 CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE FAFSA
First Things First
• The U.S. Department of Education
advises students to utilize the IRS
Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), avail-
able on the Help page of the FAFSA
website (https://fafsa.gov/help.htm).
This tool will retrieve most of the
student’s tax information directly
from the IRS and input it into his or
her FAFSA. The DRT may be used for
students and parents alike.
• Read the instructions and follow them
carefully—even if you previously
completed the FAFSA form. Sometimes
revisions are made to earlier versions.
Facts and Figures
• Don’t leave blanks for any questions
requiring a numeric figure, such as a
dollar amount or a test score. If your
answer to a question is zero, be sure
to write zero.
• Obtain the federal school code from
the school(s) you’re interested in
attending.
• The asset questions pertaining to net
value are for secondary and investment real estate only. You are not
required to report the net value of
your primary residence.
• Use the 1040 federal tax return for
reporting income and taxes paid. If
you use your W-2 and 1099 forms,
compare them with the previous
year’s income tax return to make sure
you didn’t overlook any sources of income, such as interest and dividends.
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
• If your parents are divorced, your
stepparent’s financial information
must be reported in addition to the
financial information for your custodial parent.
• Include yourself in the household
size. Even if you didn’t live there
during the previous year, you should
always include yourself as part of
your parents’ household.
Working with Your Parents
• Get help from your parent(s), but
don’t let Mom or Dad do all the
work for you—you need to actively
participate. If the financial aid office
has questions, they will contact the
• Be sure that both you and your
parent(s) sign and date the FAFSA.
Wrapping It Up
• Double check figures and calculations. Mistakes delay the processing
of up to 40 percent of all forms.
• After submitting your FAFSA, check
to see if your college requires any
additional materials. A number of
schools request signed copies of your
federal tax returns and W-2 forms.
In some cases, your school won’t start
processing your financial aid application until they’ve received all of the
necessary documents.
• You should file early, but don’t
sign, date, or mail the FAFSA before
January 1. By filing early, you may
receive favorable consideration for
receiving campus-based aid, and
you’ll be given priority for programs
with limited funds.
student first, and both you and your
parent(s) need to be aware of the
information that was provided.
6
• A separate FAFSA needs to be completed for each college student in
the family.
JILL DEPASQUALE is the web editor at Outreach
Community Ministries, a community service
organization in the western suburbs of Chicago. She
was formerly on staff at Christianity Today for seven
years, including one year as assistant editor of Ignite
Your Faith magazine and the Christian College Guide.
She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband
g
andd two sweet daughters.
Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes will delay processing of the
FAFSA form and could cause you to lose
out. Avoid making these common errors:
1
2
Mistyping your legal name, Social
Security number, or date of birth.
3
Forgetting to enter the PIN for the
student and parent before submitting
(this serves as the electronic
signature for the FAFSA).
4
Failing to update the family’s financial
information immediately upon completing your tax return (if an estimate
was given prior to doing your taxes).
5
Not reporting all of the required
sources of untaxed income—
including Social Security, child
support, and workers compensation/
disability income.
6
Reporting retirement assets—
the FAFSA doesn’t care how much
money is in your parents’ IRA, 401(k),
or other retirement accounts. However,
the FAFSA does ask about cash,
savings, and checking accounts.
t
The FAF$A Checklis
cording to the
s to complete the form (ac
item
ing
ow
foll
the
d
nee
’ll
You
page on fafsa.ed.gov):
che
ch cklist posted on the FAQ
Number (if you
or your Alien Registration
You
Yo r Social Security number
aren’t a U.S. citizen).
other records
ome tax returns, W-2s, and
You
Yo r most recent federal inc
r federal tax
may be able to transfer you
of money earned. (Note: You
Retrieval Tool.)
r FAFSA using the IRS Data
return information into you
ble).
s of investments (if applica
Bank statements and record
e (if applicable).
R cords of untaxed incom
Re
don’t already
to sign electronically. (If you
A Federal Student Aid PIN
ov to obtain one.)
have one, visit www.pin.ed.g
Leaving a field blank—this is the
most common mistake, according
to Mike Pugh of fastweb.com. If the
answer is zero or the question doesn’t
apply to you, write a zero. If you leave
a question blank, the processor will
assume you forgot to answer.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 17
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Paper
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Financial Aid
Terms
Default
Merit Aid
Stafford Loans
Failure to repay a loan according to
the terms agreed to in the promissory
note. For most federal student loans, default occurs if you have not made a payment in more than 270 days. You may
experience serious legal consequences if
you default.
Non-need-based aid that is awarded for
a student’s achievements, talents, demographics, or other special characteristics.
A federal loan for parents provided by the
Federal Family Education Loan Program.
To be eligible for a PLUS loan, you will
usually be required to pass a credit check.
Federal loans available through private
lenders or directly from the government.
For the subsidized Stafford, recipients
must demonstrate need, and they pay
no interest on the loan while they’re in
school at least half-time. Unsubsidized
Stafford Loans are available to non-need
students, but accrue interest while the
borrower is still in school; this interest is
added to the principal if not paid before
the repayment period.
Parental Contribution
Student Aid Report (SAR)
Deferment
Under certain conditions, repayment of
a loan may be temporarily postponed.
Certain types of loans do not accrue interest during this time, while others accrue interest and add that amount to the
principal balance of the loan. Requests
for deferment need to be submitted to the
loan servicer.
Expected Family
Contribution (EFC)
The amount a student/family is expected
to pay toward educational expenses for
the coming year. Calculated from a formula established by Congress, based on
the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Work-Study
This program provides much of the money necessary for colleges to offer on- and
off -campus jobs to students with demonstrated need.
Financial Aid Package
The total amount of financial aid (federal
and nonfederal) a student is awarded by a
college. A combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study.
Free Application
for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA)
The financial aid application used by all
colleges. It is completed in your senior
year, as soon after January 1 as possible,
and then returned to the U.S. Department
of Education for evaluation. You must fill
out a FAFSA each year you are in college.
Parent Loan for
Undergraduate
Students (PLUS)
The portion of the Expected Family
Contribution (EFC) parents are expected
to contribute toward college expenses.
Pell Grants
Awards made by the federal government
that don’t need to be paid back. The FAFSA
serves as the Pell Grant application.
Perkins Loans
Federal loans awarded by colleges as part
of their total aid package. Must be repaid, but payments don’t begin until nine
months after you leave college. Colleges
award these loans based on the information provided on the FAFSA.
Private Loan
A nonfederal loan made by a lender such as
a bank, credit union, state agency, or school.
Promissory Note
The binding legal document a student
or parent signs when receiving a student
loan. It lists the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan and
explains your rights and responsibilities
as a borrower.
Qualified Tuition
Programs (QTPs)
Also called 529 plans. Established by a
state or school and allows you to either
prepay or save up to pay education-related expenses.
Includes the information you provided
on the FAFSA, an opportunity to make
corrections, and your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC). The SAR guides financial aid officers in determining who
will receive Federal Pell Grants.
Student Contribution
The portion of the Expected Family
Contribution (EFC) the student is expected to contribute toward college expenses.
Supplemental
Educational Opportunity
Grants (SEOG)
Part of the federal aid program and do
not require repayment. They are made to
students with exceptional financial need,
as determined by the college.
Verification
The process a school uses to confirm that
the data reported on your FAFSA is accurate. A school has the authority to contact you for documentation that supports
income and other reported information.
Still Have
Questions?
For more information on
federal financial aid, go to:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 19
With MORE THAN 450 PROGRAMS OF STUDY offered
Liberty is EMBRACING A REVOLUTIONARY ROLE IN
in both RESIDENTIAL AND ONLINE FORMATS, Liberty
HIGHER EDUCATION — measuring our prestige by your
University is first and foremost a teaching university,
academic and professional success.
investing in the lives of students to help them realize their
full potential. TAKING YOU FROM WHERE YOU ARE TO
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE, our programs go beyond the
borders of the classroom to combine academic theory with
relevant hands-on training that leads to successful careers.
Located on a 7,000-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains,
Training Champions for Christ since 1971
Roommate Survival Guide
9 tips for getting
along with your
college roommate.
Live with a complete stranger for nine
months? Welcome to dorm life! The
following tips can help you adjust to life
with your new roommate.
1
CALL, DON’T JUST CLICK
Once you’ve been assigned your
roommate, it’s fine to look them up on
Facebook or Twitter. But don’t let social
media be your only forms of contact before move-in day. It’s easy to misjudge
people based solely on their online presence. Instead, give your new roomie a
call. You can introduce yourself and discover common interests. Plus, it’s a great
way to figure out who’s bringing the TV
and who has the better coffee maker.
2
TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS
Roommates will occasionally disagree or get on each other’s nerves. Pet
peeves, personality differences, and
personal habits can cause issues. If you
keep quiet about the things that bother
you, then your roommate will probably
have no clue you’re annoyed. And if you
aren’t straightforward, how can the situation improve? Be kind and tactful, but
do speak up. If you have a serious issue
that makes you uncomfortable, you may
want to get assistance from your resident advisor (RA).
3
CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES
4
COMPROMISE
On the other hand, if you grumble
about every little incident, your roommate will quickly learn to tune you out.
So it’s important to make a genuine effort to be forgiving and flexible. Before
you complain, ask yourself if the matter
truly demands attention, or if it’s something you can learn to live with.
It’s okay for each of you to have a
short list of nonnegotiables. However,
compromise should be the norm, not
the exception. A steady give-and-take
between you and your roommate will
help ease any tensions that arise. Plus,
it’s helpful to remember that compromise doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. Instead, negotiate with each other to create a living arrangement that you’re both
comfortable with.
5
Just because you live with someone,
that doesn’t mean you’re going to end
up being BFFs. In fact, campus housing
officials say that rarely happens. Branch
out and develop your own social circles.
And for those times when you’re feeling
some roommate tension, you’ll need reliable, patient friends who can listen to
your frustrations, offer advice, and divert your attention.
6
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
MAKE OTHER FRIENDS
GET SOME DISTANCE
Even if you and your roommate are
good friends, it’s healthy to spend some
time apart. Eating meals separately, participating in different extracurricular
activities, and attending different study
groups are ways to make sure you get
your own space.
7
REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE
8
PRAY
9
KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR
“Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.” As overused as this
saying might seem, respect and courtesy will go a long way toward creating a
harmonious living arrangement. Don’t
hit the snooze button seven times each
morning if your roomie’s still asleep.
During study times, wear headphones
instead of blaring your music. If you’re
sick, try not to infect your roommate—
go to the health center for medicine and
wash your hands frequently.
If you’re struggling to get along
with your roommate, pray for God to
change your attitude and give you wisdom. And pray for your roommate’s
needs as well. At first your prayers may
be nothing but an act of willpower, but
keep at it. God will bless your efforts.
You can even begin praying for your
roommate before you arrive on campus.
In any college living situation, crazy things happen. You’re setting yourself up for a rough year if you let every
little incident get to you. So try to let
matters roll off your back instead of
dwelling on them, and be sure to laugh
off the little things. Remember, events
that seem like a big deal now will make
great stories later.
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
The
G
ood news: research has debunked the
myth that college freshmen usually
gain an average of 15 pounds (it’s actually 3–5 pounds). Not so good news: there
are still lots of other challenges students face
their first year on campus.
To help you thrive at college, here are
helpful tips for navigating 15 of the most
common pitfalls you’re likely to encounter
as a freshman.
Freshman
15
1
2
Navigate
common
pitfalls
during your
first year
of college.
3
4
NOT FINDING A CHURCH
There are lots of reasons to skip church—
and there will be more reasons next year,
and even more after you graduate. I have an
exam next week. I need sleep. I won’t know anyone. However, church involvement is a key
part of the Christian life. It attaches you to
the visible representation of Christ’s body
in this world. It also provides access to corporate worship, Bible teaching, and potential good friends and lifelong mentors.
SKIPPING GOD TIME
Reading the Bible and praying are great
daily disciplines, and the earlier you adopt
them, the better off you’ll be. Spending
time alone with God orients your day, helps
you see things from God’s perspective, and
strengthens you to face difficulties.
JOINING THE WRONG CROWD
Loneliness is a powerful emotion that
almost every freshman feels occasionally.
Why? You’re in a new phase of life. Your
old friends are gone. Life has moved you
from the top of the social pyramid back to
the bottom.
Proverbs 27:7 says, “One who is full
loathes honey from the comb, but to the
hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.”
Upshot: Any companionship looks good
to a lonely person. When you’re lonely
you may find yourself spending time with
people you never thought
ht you’d spend time
with, doing things you
u nevev
er thought you’d do. So be
b
patient as new friendships
shipss
form. And be intentional
tional
about whom you pursue.
e.
CALLING HOME EVERY
VERY
15 MINUTES
A great way to stay lonely
onely
is to constantly call your
family. It’s wonderfull that
you love your parents,
ts, but
college is a time to honor them by growing into responsible independence. A
Ask
k for
advice, but recognize that some questions
by Alex Chediak
16 CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
don’t have a right or wrong answer. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
are like muscles: They only get stronger
with practice.
5
GETTING INTO A ROMANTIC
RELATIONSHIP TOO QUICKLY
Falling for someone too fast is easy to do,
but it’s also dangerous. For one thing,
you can’t really know the person yet.
So you fall in love with an idea, not the
actual human being. Second, if you build
your entire social life around this person,
you’ll be closing yourself off from other
potential friendships and making it harder to leave the relationship if things don’t
work out. Pace yourself and protect your
emotional and physical purity.
6
LOOKING FOR INTIMACY APART
FROM COMMITMENT
God created your desire for intimacy,
and it’s designed to lead you to a person
who wonderfully complements you—
your spouse. Seeking the benefits of
physical intimacy without commitment
leaves you hollow and hurt. It teaches
you not to care. On what planet will that
bring you happiness?
7
NOT SCHEDULING STUDY TIME
In college you’ll spend about half
as much time in class as you did in high
school. But you’ll have at least twice as
much homework. If you leave big assignments until the last minute, you’ll be in a
heap of trouble. Save yourself the stress
by blocking out 20 to 25 hours per week
to keep up with the reading and assignments in your classes.
8
EXPECTING EASY GRADING
I remember my very first exam in
college—Philosophy 101. I thought I’d
aced it. Imagine my shock when I got a
B-. I figured if I complained to my professor, he might have mercy on me. Didn’t
happen.
College is harder than high school.
You’ll be surrounded by students who do
well academically. Grading is meaningless if everyone gets an A. Be prepared
to learn from your professors and step up
your game. You won’t get any smarter by
blame shifting or making excuses.
9
LOOKING FOR SHORTCUTS
Here’s a surefire way to irritate your
professors: Stop by during office hours
and say, “I’ve only got five minutes, but I
need your help with these six questions.”
Giving answers is easy. Teaching takes
time. Help your professors help you by
wanting to learn. Also fight the temptation to copy other students’ work or lift
paragraphs from the Internet. Sooner or
later, cheaters get busted. A college education is far more than a transcript and a
diploma. It’s something
g that happens inin
side of you, changing and equipping you
to live with impact.
10
MULTITASKING
WHILE STUDYING
You can fold laundry
dry
while watching TV, but
doing calculus and texting
textin
ng
don’t mix. Neither do
o listening
listeening
to a lecture and surfing
g the Internet
on your phone. Deep learning
l
i can’t
’ haph
pen in short bursts between frequent interruptions. Losing focus is a major time
waster and obstacle to mastering new
material. Researchers at Stanford discovered that heavy multitasking makes you
impulsive and more easily distracted. So
when it’s time to work, work. Afterward,
you can take a break and enjoy yourself.
11
FRIVOLOUSLY CHOOSING
(OR CHANGING) YOUR MAJOR
A good way to spend a fortune during college is to change your major every other
semester. It’s common to feel like bailing
when the going gets tough—and every
major has its difficult courses (and hardnosed professors). So remember why you
chose that major in the first place—and
make a decision based on an accurate
assessment of the field, your interests,
and your abilities. If you’ree trying
tr i your
our
best but still can’t make the
hee
grades in a particular areaa
of study, and if there’ss
something else you’d like to
o
do and can do well, then
consider making a switch.
12
NOT SLEEPING
ENOUGH
College students need seven to eight
hours of sleep a night. That requires
discipline. If you go to bed around the
same time each night, your body will get
into a rhythm, making it easier for you to
fall asleep (and sleep well) once your head
hits the pillow.
Oh, and beware of taking powerful energy enhancers or even “study buddies”
like Adderall to help you stay focused and
alert during all-nighters. It’s much better
to plan scheduled study times so your
work gets done and you can sleep at night.
13
EATING POORLY
14
MINDLESSLY SIGNING STUDENT
LOAN AGREEMENTS
Research shows that many students
adopt poor eating habits away from
home. Why? Colleges have incredibly
nice cafeterias, and you
y can eat whatwant and as much as
ever you
yo wan
you
u want. Very dangerous.
you eat will impact
How yo
H
level, not
yyour energy
e
mention your longtto men
health (and your
tterm h
waistline).
waaistline Try to balance
yourr diet w
with fruits, vegetables, protein,
protein and nutritious
p
carbohydrates, not
carbohydr
n just a slew of
empty calories.
It’s up to you to avoid getting trapped in
the vortex of debt. Make sure you understand the paperwork before you sign.
Look up the typical starting salary for
someone who has the career you plan to
pursue. Then estimate the total amount
of student loan debt you’ll have by graduation and compare those two dollar
amounts. If you’d end up graduating with
$50,000 in debt and a job that pays only
$35,000 a year, then might a less expensive college be a better fit for you?
15
GETTING A CREDIT CARD
You’re bound to hear that using a credit card is a great way to “build credit” and
“boost your credit score.” Ignore such silliness. Students
with
h credit cards spend
more.
mo
o And two-thirds of
carry a balance
tthem
h
with huge interest rates.
w
IInstead, get a debit
ccard. It gives you the
convenience
of a credit
co
o
card
d but with a wise constraint:
You can only spend the money
i
Y
that’s in your bank account.
Alex Chediak (PhD, UC Berkeley) is a speaker and
professor of engineering and physics at California
Baptist University. He is the best-selling author of
Thriving at College, the recently released prequel
Preparing Your Teens for College (Tyndale House Publishers), and numerous articles for Christian College Guide,
Boundless, and other publications. Alex, his wife, Marni,
and their three children reside in Riverside, CA.
www.alexchediak.com or Twitter @chediak.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 25
?
?
Got Questions?
Find honest, Biblical answers to real-life issues.
IgniteYourFaith.com
READING
Chegg
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Android
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 5/5 stars
18
Back sore from lugging those heavy
textbooks? Wallet thin from the bookstore bill? Chegg offers rental textbooks
at competitive rates—in print or digital
form. Order and read from the Chegg
app, or subscribe to Chegg Study ($14.99/
month) for other academic resources.
Amazon and Kindle
StudyBlue
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4/5 stars
HELPFUL
Apps
Want to make
college life a
little easier?
Technology to
the rescue!
These apps offer
good ratings,
cross-platform
capability, and
little-to-no cost.
by Andie Roeder Moody
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Samsung, Windows
and Windows Phone, Blackberry,
Mac, Web
STUDYING
StudyBlue lets you tap into its deep
library of study material or create your
own. Store notes, flashcards, syllabi, and
more; collaborate with peers; sync with
Evernote—all in a beautiful interface
with several study modes.
Blackboard Mobile ™ Learn
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 2/5 stars
Chances are good that your college uses
the Blackboard online learning platform.
This free app lets you do much of what you
can do online: view your grades, participate in discussions, download files, etc. It
also integrates with Dropbox and Google
Drive. The rating is a bit lower on this one,
but it’s too helpful not to make the list.
Quizlet
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4/5 stars
Quizlet has fewer bells and whistles than
StudyBlue, but it focuses on quizzing
students on their materials. As an undergraduate, I was impressed to discover
their crowdsourced library is vast—it had
vocabulary terms from every chapter of
my biblical Greek textbook.
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Amazon Student is a version of Amazon
Prime for college students. It’s free for
six months and then costs half the regular price ($49.99 instead of $99.99). It
offers free two-day shipping, plus access
to thousands of free movies, books, and
music. If you opt for e-textbooks (purchased through Amazon or checked out
from a library), take them with you on all
your devices through Kindle.
SparkNotes
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Buy and use study guides for thousands
of books, including 50 free, popular titles. Check in online, start a study group,
integrate with social media, and download guides for offline reading.
ORGANIZING
Evernote
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Windows, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Consider Evernote your Pinterest, RSS feed,
to-do list, and hard drive all in one. Organize
your notes, thoughts, and materials across
multiple platforms. On the iPad, Evernote
Peek (free) turns those class notes into virtual flashcards for fun, easy studying.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 27
Dropbox
Google Drive Family of Apps
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Blackberry, Mac,
Windows, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4/5 stars
Headed to the campus printer and forgot
your thumb drive? Not to fear. Just log
in to Dropbox and access your files from
any device. Need to send a large file to
the members of your group? Upload it to
Dropbox and share it with others. You can
also store files of all sorts and clear some
storage space on your personal computer.
Any.do
Platforms: iPhone, Android,
Chrome, Web
Price: FREE
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Use Any.do to make simple, intuitive
task lists that integrate with your calendar. Perfect for managing assignments,
grocery lists, and everything in between,
this app lets you divide items into days
and categories, speak your commands,
and set reminders by time and location.
WRITING
EasyBib
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4/5 stars
Research papers are a core component of
most college courses, which means creating the dreaded works cited (in proper
MLA or APA form, of course!). This app
allows you to scan the barcode of a book,
immediately pull up its correctly-formatted works cited entry, and email it to
yourself. Scan, send, paste, done.
Dictionary.com
Dictionary & Thesaurus
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Windows Phone, Nook,
Kindle Fire, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Used the same word three times already
in your term paper? Scratching your
head at some of the words in your
assigned reading? This app helps you
find synonyms and definitions at your
fingertips!
28 CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Mac, Windows, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
If there’s anything worse than group
papers, it’s finding a way to compile
and edit the end result collaboratively.
Three separate apps—Docs, Sheets,
and Slides—allow you to edit word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and
presentations from any device simultaneously. Track changes and comment
without ever having to hit Save. (Yep, it
saves automatically; no lost work here.)
WELLNESS
Alarmy
Platforms: iPhone, Android
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Price: $1.99 (iPhone), Free
(Android)
8:00 a.m. classes? Yeah, it’s hard to wake
up for those. This app won’t fail to get
you out of bed; in order to turn off the
alarm, you have to take a photo of an
assigned place, such as your bathroom
sink. Proven even more effective at waking you up than your roommate.
Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker
by MyFitnessPal
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 5/5 stars
A typical day in the dining hall: cinnamon roll for breakfast, pizza and soda
for lunch, fried chicken for dinner. Curb
those extra pounds by tracking the
calories you consume and burn, either
by searching for a food, scanning the
barcode, or manually entering it.
Circleof6
Platforms: iPhone, Android
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 3.5/5 stars
This winner of the White House and
HHS “Apps Against Abuse” Technology
Challenge allows you to select six trusted
individuals whom you can—with just
two taps on your phone—immediately
and discreetly alert if you’re ever in danger. It sends out your GPS location,
requests a call, or dials an emergency
hotline. It’s a great way to ensure your
safety—and reassure Mom and Dad.
FINANCES
Scholly: Scholarship Search
Platforms: iPhone, Android
Price: $0.99
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Scholly allows students—high school
seniors, undergraduates, and graduate
students—to search for scholarships. In
less than a minute, you’ll have a list of
scholarships for which you qualify. Load
them whenever you have a spare moment,
and get yourself some extra college cash!
Mint
Platforms: iPhone, iPad,
Android, Windows and Windows
Phone, Web
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Think of Mint as your own personal financial analyst. Connect your checking, savings, and credit accounts with Mint to see
all manner of charts and spending data. If
you ever wonder where your money goes,
or aren’t sure how to create a budget, then
Mint can be a tremendous help. It tells you
how you’re spending, allows you to build
budgets, watches your progress, and even
gives you high-spending alerts.
Venmo
Platforms: iPhone, Android
Price: Free
iTunes Store Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Midnight pancake run with friends and
the waitress won’t split the tab eight
ways? Venmo to the rescue! You can
quickly and securely pay back your
friends—without any fees. And if someone forgets to pay you back, send him a
Venmo request for his part of the bill.
Honorable mentions: CliffsNotes® Study Guides,
ExamTime, Clear (tasks, reminders, and to-do lists),
Mailbox, Snap2PDF, WaterIn, Sleep Cycle, Skype,
LinkedIn, TED, iTunes U, Podcasts, Encore Study
Platform, Studious, Exam Countdown, RealCalc
(scientific calculator), and Self-control. (And while
you’re at it, check out writtenkitten.net.)
* iTunes ratings current at time of publication.
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
e
by Andie Roeder Moody
e
us
reduc
Go Green
on Campus
re
FOUR EASY TIPS
ycle
rec
1. GO PAPERLESS
• Many textbooks are available as eBooks,
so opt for these whenever you can.
• If a textbook is available only in physical form, consider renting it through a
service like Chegg or Amazon.
• Take notes in classs on
your laptop or tablet
et
instead of on paper.
r.
• Many professors will
accept papers submitted digitally, so
o
don’t print unless you
have to. When a hard copy is required,
print double-sided, reduce your font size,
and slim your margins. Pennsylvania
State University found that reducing
margins to .75 inches saved $120,000 in
paper each year.
3. DITCH DISPOSABLE
• Every year the U.S. makes
akes 2.7
million tons of plastic into disposable bottles, and 88
8 percent
of them end up in landfi
fills after
only one use. Carry and
nd refill a
reusable water bottle instead.
nstead.
• Bring your own travel mug to
the coffee shop or cafeteria.
teria.
Many coffee shops givee discounts to customers who bring
their own mug. Or start smaller—you
can now buy fabric cup sleeves to
replace those cardboard ones.
• Purchase a couple of cloth tote bags
and use them for grocery trips
and Target runs. Worldwide, an
estimated trillion plastic bags
are consumed each year. While
these are convenient in the
short term, they take hundreds
of years to decompose
in landfills.
• If you do use plastic bags,
recycle them at the store (most
grocery stores and stores like
Target and Walmart accept
these for recycling) or reuse
them as liners for your trash can.
2. RECYCLE
• Most campuses have recycling programs.
Seek out one on your campus, learn what
materials are accepted, and share your
knowledge with others.
• In your dorm room,
have a separate bin
next to your trash can
for recyclables.
• If your campus doesn’t
have a recycling program, let someone in
authority know that you want to see one
started. Expressed interest sparks change!
• Know that you can recycle anyway.
Public schools often have paper and
cardboard recycling drop-off spots. Most
cities have facilities where you can drop
off plastic, aluminum, glass, electronics,
and other recyclables.
4. REDUCE WATER AND ENERGY USE
• Every minute spent in the shower uses
an average of four gallons of water.
Try to limit your shower time to five
minutes or less. You can also install a
water-saving shower head that uses two
gallons per minute.
• In the cafeteria, don’t use a tray
unless you have to. This cuts
down significantly on water
use during dishwashing.
• Instead of driving, bike,
walk, or take public transportation.
• In your dorm room, use energy-efficient light bulbs in your lamps and light
fixtures, and unplug any electronics
and chargers when they’re not in use.
Becoming
B
Better
Stewards
S
Gr
Green
initiatives at
Christian colleges.
Ch
So call it “creation care,”
Some
while others prefer “environmental
wh
stewardship.” For some it’s a newfound
ste
passion; for others a long held conviction.
pa
Across the nation, Christian colleges are
Ac
joining the movement to conserve the
joi
Earth. Check out a few of the unique
Ea
efforts happening on these campuses:
eff
CA
CALVIN
COLLEGE, Grand Rapids, MI
• Human waste from one building
composted for fertilizer
• Annual Kill-a-Watt dorm conservation
competition
GOR
GORDON COLLEGE, Wenham, MA
• Frying oil converted into bio-diesel
for campus use
• All showers and toilets on campus
retrofitted to low flow
HO
HOUGHTON
COLLEGE, Houghton, NY
• Creation Care House, a residential
living-learning community focused
on sustainability issues
• All student mini-fridges required to
be ENERGY-STAR certified
JJUDSON UNIVERSITY, Elgin, IL
• Green cleaning with minimal
chemicals and reusable towels
• Students train in recycling and
complete an environmental service
project during orientation
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY, Tulsa, OK
• Tray-less Tuesday in the cafeteria to
reduce water consumption
• Micro-scale experiments in chemistry
department to reduce waste
WHEATON COLLEGE, Wheaton, IL
• Preferred parking reserved for
low-emitting and fuel-efficient
vehicles
• New construction project made of
40% recycled content
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 29
Don’t Leave Home
Without It
A packing list of essential supplies for
your dorm room.
APPLIANCES/ELECTRONICS
o cell phone and charger
o laptop, tablet, or computer
o iPod dock or speakers
o hot pot and/or hot plate
o extension cords
o coffee pot
o microwave
o camera
o alarm clock
o lamps
o fan
o printer
o headphones
o surge protector
o mini-refrigerator
o TV, DVDS
CLEANING SUPPLIES
o all-purpose cleaning wipes
o all-purpose cleaner (like 409)
o sponges, scrub brush, & rags
o dishwashing soap
o glass cleaner (like Windex)
o paper towels
o abrasive cleaner (like Ajax Cleanser)
o toilet bowl cleaner, brush, plunger
LAUNDRY SUPPLIES
o detergent, fabric softener
o laundry basket or bag
o rolls of quarters
o foldable drying rack
o iron, ironing board
FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
o first-aid kit
o nail clippers
o earplugs
o aspirin or other pain medication
o adhesive bandages
o antibiotic ointment
o cold or flu medicine (like NyQuil)
o hydrogen peroxide
o cotton balls
o cotton swabs
30 CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE
o tweezers
o stomach medicine (like
Pepto-Bismol or TUMS)
o sunscreen
BEDDING/LINENS
o bedspread or comforter
o blankets
o pillows
o sheets, pillowcases
o towels and washcloths
o mattress pad
o bed risers
KITCHEN SUPPLIES
o bowls, plates
o hand-held can opener
o water filtration system (like Brita)
o food storage containers (like Ziploc
bags, Tupperware)
o ceramic mugs
o travel mug
o utensils
o drink mixes
o coffee, filters
o tea bags
o plastic pitcher
o snacks
o tumblers
o easy breakfast foods
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
o highlighters
o 3-hole punch
o notebooks, loose-leaf paper
o paper clips
o USB flash drive
o planner
o pencils, pens
o printer paper
o scissors
o stapler, staples
o adhesive strips and hooks
o rubber bands
o thumbtacks
o assorted stationery
o colored pencils, crayons, markers
o correction fluid (like Wite-Out)
Wite Ou )
o bookends
o calculator
o envelopes
o file folders
o file cabinet or box
(like Bankers Box)
o glue, tape
o pencil sharpener
o stamps
MISCELLANEOUS
o backpack other book bag
o Bible
o shower caddy or basket
o toiletries
o athletic bag
o overnight bag
o batteries
o bicycle, lock, tire pump
o calendar
o clothes appropriate to
the climate
o clothes hangers
o shoe rack
o games
o sewing kit
o posters, pictures
o photo albums from home
o sleeping bag
o storage tub for under
bed storage
o trash can
o eye mask
o reusable grocery bags
www.ChristianCollegeGuide.net
#1
Most affordable private
college in Pennsylvania.
“Visiting the campus helped
me make my decision.”
For 138 years Grove City College has upheld its commitment
to provide a rigorous academic education in an authentically
Christian environment at an affordable price.
G
rove City College is a selective four-year liberal arts, science and engineering
college. We offer more than 50 programs of study, NCAA Division III athletics,
dozens of intramural and club sports, plus 145 clubs and organizations. And
because we’re committed to financial responsibility – ours and yours – Grove City
College offers one of the best higher education experiences in America at a price
that is about half that of other colleges and universities.
Learn more about the Grove City College
REGISTE
experience, or schedule a campus visit.
F
O
R ONE OF R NOW
www.gcc.edu | 724-458-2100
OUR FA
O
OPEN HOU
SE
ALL
EVENTS.
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ay
WEST
College & University Index
See these schools in the pages of this issue, or for even more information find them at ChristianCollegeGuide.net.
Baylor
Bayl
ylor University • 8
yl
Moody
Moo
Mood
ody
y Bible
Bibl
B
Institute • 15
Boyce
e College • 4
North Central
entral University
Univ
U iv
versity • 111
Cairn
Ca
airn
a
nU
University • 5
California
Californ
rnia Baptist
rn
Baptiiist University
y•6
Northwest
N hw
Northw
hwestt University
Univer
ersity
er
rsity
ity • 21
ity
2
Olivet
Oliv
ivet Nazarene
Na
azar
a
zarene
arene University
are
University • 1
Un
Calvin
Cal
alvin College
Colleg • IInside Front C
C
Cover
Oral
University
Oral Roberts
Rob
R
Univ
niversity
iversity
versity • 10
0
Grove City
y College • 331
Indiana
a Wesl
Wes
Wesleyan
esleyan
s
Univ
University
versity • Ins
v
Inside
ide Back
k Cover
Henry
College
Patrick
Pa
k Henr
ry Colleg
ege
e • 14
Judson University
Jud
Unive
ersity
e
y•B
Back
k Cover
College
San Diego
D o Christi
Christian
tian
i Col
ian
Colle
leg • 23
Liberty
er University
y • 20
Union University
Uni
y•2
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Ente r at C
olleg
om
eGuideContest.c
T
here is a unique energy at
Indiana Wesleyan University –
a combination of innovation,
purpose and faith – and it takes
just one visit to experience it.
IWU students discover their
God-given individuality and life calling,
and develop in character, scholarship and
leadership.
IWU is home to around 3,000 students and
is about an hour’s drive from the two largest
cities in Indiana. The residential campus in
Marion, IN offers 80 undergraduate and
more than 30 graduate degrees. Born out
of a tradition of social activism for abolition
and women’s suffrage, The Wesleyan
Church is committed to growing IWU as a
multicultural institution. The University is
a Senior Sponsor of the National Hispanic
Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)
Education Directive and a sponsor of
Indiana Black Expo.
Students run the school’s coffee shop,
McConn Coffee Co.; conduct, publish and
present research at conferences at places
like Cambridge and Harvard; and travel
the globe for academic studies and mission
work.
Our Wildcat athletic teams have won 148
conference championships, 18 all-sports
trophies, 27 NCCAA national championships
and eight individual and team NAIA Division
II national championships. In the summer
of 2013, over 200 Wildcat athletes traveled
to Auckland, New Zealand on a massive,
department-wide mission experience. IWU
student athletes served in various capacities
within Auckland area schools and churches,
using sports as a venue to minister to others
and share the Gospel of Christ.
IWU – known for community, collaboration,
creativity, mentoring, faith and intellectual
challenge. Oh, and don’t forget, there’s
great coffee too!
There’s a place in this world that only you
can occupy: a God-given destiny waiting for
your unique gifts. It’s yours for the taking.
ARE YOU READY FOR IT?
indwes.edu
Talk to us. 866.468.6498
I N D I AN A W E S L E YA N UN I V E R S I TY
SHAPing LIVES
THAT SHAPE
THE WORLD
passion
LET YOUR
BE YOUR p u r p o s e
find your purpose. When you envision your future, what do you see?
If leading, creating, inspiring, and serving fit your sense of purpose, Judson is
a great place to get started.
share your passion. At Judson University, we are not just preparing
people to succeed in the world in which they find themselves. We’re
preparing them to shape it, living out their gifts and talents and passions for
God’s glory and in service to the people whom with they share their world.
DISCOVER IF JUDSON
IS a good fit FOR YOU
Visit us on Preview Day
and find out!
September 1
October 12-13
November 7
Judson students go on to become graphic designers, architects, entrepreneurs, marketers,
interior designers, worship leaders, artists, musicians, pastors, counselors, educators, and so much more!
Judson is ranked in the Top Tier, Midwest Best Colleges,
U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Survey
1151 N. State Street | Elgin, IL 60123
CALL. 847.628.2510 WEB. VisitJudson.com/CTI