More Than a Test Score

Are you interested in attending a Christian college, but would like to know more first?  To help prospective students learn more, we’ll answer 5 frequently asked questions about Christian schools:

1. “What are academics like?”

Christian colleges offer a menu of degree programs just as any other school.  In fact, they often compare favorably to public and other private universities.  Already know your major?  Chances are good that a Christian institution offers an excellent program in that field.  They also tend to offer smaller classes and one-on-one contact with professors — real advantages in any learning environment.

2. “Isn’t it really expensive?”

While they can be more pricey than cheap State schools — the availability of loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships more than make up for it.  Admissions representatives work alongside you to create a sensible financial aid package.  From our experience, these reps are always willing to help find a solution for you and your family.

3. “Do I have to participate in mandatory religious activities?”

Unless it’s for class, specific Christian activities are almost never required.  But they are an excellent way to become more involved on campus and develop a network of friends supportive of your spiritual development.

4. “So how are Christian schools different?”

In many ways, they aren’t.  Academics are just as emphasized, and the juggle of studies and social life exists as it does for any other college student.  The biggest difference we see, is the greater opportunity to flourish spiritually amidst like-minded peers.  This support system can ease some of the inevitable challenges you’ll confront in college life.  For example, it’s nice to know academic obligations won’t conflict with your day of worship.

5. “How do I find the right school for me?”

With your personal convictions in mind, determine the college experience you’re looking for.   Do your research, visit campuses, and speak to professors and current students while there.  Consider the school’s academic reputation, your financial aid package, location, and student life — as part of the standard vetting process.  Don’t forget to take some time to pray about it, discuss with your family, religious leaders, and others who’ve helped guide your life.

Congratulations to Kelsey Abel, the Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship winner for this week! Kelsey showed us it doesn’t matter what your title is, everyone deserves respect for their hard work.

Here is her winning essay:
Mrs. Kathy is custodian at my high school who always works diligently and happily. She is patient, kind, and even though her profession isn’t glamorous, she does her job to the best of her ability. This humble persistence and never ending compassion has earned my sincere respect.

Here is a little more about our winner:
I like to laugh, run, listen to music, hang out with friends, sing like no one cares, dance like no one’s watching, hold hands with a special someone, thank God for the breath i just took, walk down the street on starry nights, play the french horn, make others happy, help out whomever i can whenever i can, write creatively, inquire about anything, swim in the ocean, play with my nieces, look cute, do something new, have an adventure, be spontaneous, bake and work (since the two coincide), and most of all i like to be me. :)

Here’s a few of the runner-ups:

Autumn Brennan: One of the people whom I respect the most from my high school was my Anthropology teacher. Out of all of my teachers, he was not afraid to share his opinions and views on everything, including the education in America. He really changed my views with which I view the world.

Jose Elias: The person I respect the very most in my school is the school librarian, Mrs. Lehman. She is an incredible woman who knows her library from heart and remembers most students’ names. She’s involved in activities that benefit minorities and fights against discrimination. A warrior!

Brian Dillon: I respect my dance teacher, Michelle Chasse, the most because not only is it clear that she loves teaching, but it is clear that her whole heart is occupied with love for each and every one of her students. She has a natural ability to make yourself do your best in her presence.

Be sure to check out this week’s essay prompt and submit your essay for a chance at another thousand bucks! Click here to apply!

John Brown University has been awarded a $563,789 grant from the National Science Foundation to provide approximately 16-24 four-year scholarships for students from low-income families majoring in chemistry, biology or biochemistry.

In addition to funding scholarships, the grant also supports the Strengthening Undergraduate Curriculum and Community to Engage Science Students (SUCCESS) program, specifically targeted to increase retention, graduation, and the readiness of chemistry, biochemistry, and biology graduates to enter the workforce or graduate school.

“To have this stamp of approval of the National Science Foundation on our science program at JBU is gratifying,” said Dr. Carla Swearingen, assistant professor of chemistry and SUCCESS program director.

“More importantly, talented future scientists are going to have access to the wonderful education we have at John Brown University.”

“We’re pleased that the NSF grant committee recognized the academic excellence of the JBU natural science program with these scholarship awards,” said Dr. April Moreton, director of foundations and corporate relations for JBU. “These funds will help students who show great promise in the field of science attend JBU when they might not have been able to for financial reasons.”

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor announced the grants in a statement on Friday. “These funds will help ensure that students at John Brown University can pursue their passion for science regardless of their financial situation,” Pryor said.

The goals of the program are to encourage more low-income students and those from underrepresented groups to study science programs at John Brown University. In addition, the program aims to increase graduation rates for science majors. The program will start awarding scholarships in the 2011-2012 academic year.

John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked second by “U.S.News & World Report” in the Southern Region for baccalaureate colleges for 2010. JBU enrolls more than 2,000 students from 42 states and 45 countries. JBU is a member of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Learn more at: www.jbu.edu.

Still trying to find the place that provides everything you’re looking for in a college?

Sterling College may be exactly that place… That place where you make life-long friendships. That place where you not only get a degree, but a Christ-centered education…That place that not only helps you discover your passion but shows you how that translates into your life’s calling. Sterling College is that place you grow to call home.

“Sterling College has become my home over the last three years. It was at Sterling that I was introduced to professors who not only taught my classes but also became invested in my life, my goals and my potential. At Sterling I realized the importance of community. Professors, fellow students and staff have all helped me in more ways than one. I can’t express how grateful I am or begin to describe the impact that Sterling and its Christ-centered focus has done for me. Sterling is full of people ready to give and I don’t know another place like it.”

- Alyson Dardzinski, Milan, Ohio, Communications major

During your time at Sterling College you will not only find a place where you belong, but you will find that place that allows you to grow into the person God wants you to become. From the classroom to the athletic field, our Christ-centered approach can be found in all areas.

At Sterling you will discover family of people who love one another; a community of hard working people who genuinely care about others more than themselves. Even more valuable is the sense of spiritual peace I have experienced in this college community. God has given me such a confidence that Sterling is “home” to me for this season of my life. There is more than enough room to grow, dream and develop into the man God has destined me to become. That’s why I love Sterling.

- Sam Downe, Tennessee Colony, Texas, Business major

If you are looking for that place where you will be challenged to learn and to grow, Sterling College is the answer. For more information, contact our Admissions office at 800.364.1017 or visit us at sterling.edu. You can even find us on facebook at facebook.com/sterlingcollegefuturestudents.

Finding scholarships to fund your education is tougher than you think. Luckily, we created a scholarship search that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for–more money.

Just type in what you’re interested in or something that describes you and be matched to scholarships that you’re eligible for. Are you Asian with hopes of pursuing a career in journalism? Find scholarships for Asian aspiring journalists by searching for “Asian journalism” and with one click we give you access to thousands of scholarships.

Not only can you search for scholarships, but we also provide you with a list of scholarships depending on who you are. Anything from art scholarships to scholarships for minorities, we’ve got you covered.

Remember, Zinch will match dollar-for-dollar any scholarship that a student finds and wins on Zinch.

Start your scholarship search now–the easy way!