College & Career Planning

Upon graduating from Loudonville Christian School, each student will likely pursue a job, join the military, or attend college.  Throughout their high school years, students will meet with the Student Life Advisor.  These meetings will be individualized or they may be in a group setting and are designed to help students better understand their personality, abilities, and desires, as well as provide consistent spiritual formation.  We also use personality indicators, the YouScience, which is a career aptitude assessment that we have found to be very accurate and effective. Students gain a more accurate perspective of themselves, and are equipped with greater wisdom and discernment of God’s direction for their lives.

In the Spring of their Junior year, students, joined by parents, will have the option to meet with the Student Life Advisor.  This Junior Meet provides students and families with the opportunity to examine the post-high school process and is specifically designed to unpack, step-by-step, the how-to’s of narrowing down a choice for college, university, trade school, or military service.  This conversation will include topics such as:  degree programs, financial aid, SAT/ACT, course selections for senior year, transfer credits, what to do over the summer months, and more.

In mid-August and early in their Senior year, students who are pursuing further education at a college or university are encouraged to begin the application process.  As they begin applying, schools will request specific documents from LCS.  It is important that students follow appropriate procedures for this process.  The Senior Seminar, a first semester required course for Seniors provides thoughtful discussion regarding the navigation from the high school to college or career transition.  Biblical Worldview is the lens through which we view all of the topics that are addressed.  Part of this course provides dedicated time for processing college applications, writing resumes, learning how to best write the college essay, and much more.

How to Request Information be sent from LCS to a College

  1. In mid-August, the Self-Perspective Form will be sent out and the student can complete it.
  2. Also in mid-August, the Parent-Perspective Form will be sent out for the parents to complete.
  3. When filling out the college applications, list Mrs. Emma Williams as your Guidance Counselor.(ewilliams@lcs.org)
  4. In the early fall, we will begin using Naviance, a comprehensive college and career readiness program that allows us to align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals.  Naviance will be the primary tool that students use to request transcripts, school reports, and recommendations.  Students will not be able to request documents through an email.  LCS will submit all documents through Naviance.  Students will be trained to use this during their Senior Seminar Course.
  5. The Junior Meet Resource Guide is always available for locating details regarding the college search process at LCS.

SAT/ACT

Students are encouraged to begin taking their SAT/ACT tests during their junior year. Typically, colleges require an SAT or ACT, therefore it is not required to take both. Students should be aware that the ACT focuses more on mathematics and science, while the SAT focuses on mathematics, reading & writing.

Our standard schedule at LCS is for Juniors to take the PSAT/NMSQT at school in the Fall of their Junior year.  We also have them take the SAT in the Spring of their Junior year.  As of the Fall of 2023 the PSAT and SAT are administered digitally. Students are encouraged to take the SAT again if possible over the summer or in the Fall of their Senior year.  Currently, we do not offer in house tutoring for these tests, however, we can counsel students toward resources and organizations that do so.

The current understanding for most colleges and universities at this time is that these tests are optional and do not impact acceptance, however, a solid result could put the student in a better position to receive institutional monies in the form of scholarships or grants.

If a college requires test scores to be sent to them, it is the responsibility of the student to send them. LCS does not send test scores to colleges.

Helpful Resources

Many colleges use what is called the “Common App.” Essentially students fill out one application and are able to send it to multiple colleges. Check your college’s website to find out if that college uses the Common App.  We will task Juniors to practice filling this out over the summer prior to their Senior year.

If families are planning on applying for federal student aid, they should fill out a FAFSA (Federal Student Aid). FAFSA has changed their release date for applying so please access the website for that information.

Students who desire to play sports in college should register with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).

The Junior Meet Reference Guide contains a variety of information to help make the college search efficient and effective.  During the Junior Meet which includes Juniors, their parents/guardians, and the Student Life Advisor, the Junior Meet Resource Guide will be given.

Peterson's comprehensive online college search guide helps students discover their best fit educational program.

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