In addition to individual meetings with their counselor during their freshman year, counseling and college resources are available for students year-round.

In their individual meeting, their counselor will provide resources to begin building a resume of awards, honors, paid and volunteer work and extra-curricular activities.  Freshmen will also receive additional tools and resources to explore and identify their interests, strengths and God-given abilities to match with possible career and major paths. As a first step in the college preparedness process, all freshmen take the ACT ASPIRE test.

Building on their identified interests and possible career and major choices, students will meet with their counselor to begin the college research process.

Sophomores are encouraged to attend the National Christian College Fair on campus and other hosted workshops.

Sophomores will work with their counselor to ensure that their course plan for high school is consistent with admission requirements for colleges in which the student is interested in. Sophomores take an ACT ASPIRE test to help identify their academic strengths, potential college major and career paths.

Juniors will meet individually with their counselor to discuss aspects of the college research and admission process and create a list of colleges to be researched. Their counselor will offer essay writing and standardized test and scholarship application information. Juniors are encouraged to schedule follow-up meetings as needed during the spring semester. Juniors will receive a comprehensive workbook to assist with the entire college application process.

Juniors take the PSAT at VCHS at no cost to our families and are provided information regarding standardized college admissions testing. Students are encouraged to pursue academically challenging coursework to distinguish themselves in the college and scholarship application process.

In the early fall, seniors will meet again with their counselor to continue finalizing a college application list, to discuss college application procedures and ensure all graduation requirements are being met. Additionally, all seniors participate in a seminar to help prepare them for the transition to college.

Their counselor will assist and advise the student throughout the application process, this includes transcripts, admission and financial aid applications and references.

All of these interactions help to sharpen students’ understanding of the colleges, as well as enhance the colleges’ familiarity with Valley Christian and the distinguished strengths of our students and graduates.