Finding My Christian College: A Student’s Perspective

Last fall, I attended a Christian College Fair sponsored by NACCAP. As a high school senior, it was time to decide where I would attend college. As a Christian, I hoped to choose a college where I could thrive spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. This was not an easy task, but attending a Christian College Fair helped me learn about the unique character of the schools represented in a more personal way than a website could offer. 

Being in a room filled with so many colleges and eager students made me excited about the college fair. As I walked around and spoke with college representatives at their tables, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleges on a personal level. I gathered flyers and information about their institutions and programs. 

I also realized the importance of asking educated questions. Don’t ask questions that can easily be answered through a Google search, such as what majors they offer, as these can make it seem like you haven’t done your research and aren't serious about attending their college. Instead, ask questions like: What’s one aspect you love about the college that’s not evident on the website? How does your school stand out among other Christian colleges? What is an area where the college could improve? How is community built on campus? What kind of relationships do professors have with students? What services does the career center provide?

While these are questions anyone can ask, I also had personalized questions, such as: Can students participate in theater even if they’re not a theater major? What are the most popular clubs on campus? I am a Type One Diabetic, so how do I inform my RA, professors, etc., of my condition? Getting answers to these questions through an in-person conversation was extremely informative. There are many more questions to ask. The point is, you need to ask; otherwise, you might miss a critical piece of information. The fair allowed me to ask questions, gather information, and then I could pray about my next steps.

Going to this fair was a great step that inspired me to get my applications in early and plan future visits. I wanted the colleges to recognize me not just as a name on an application but as a unique individual with valuable contributions to make. 

I highly recommend attending a Christian College Fair sponsored by NACCAP if you are looking to find the right Christian college for you.

By: Ashley Allen