FAQs

Q- What criteria will colleges use to determine my acceptance?
A- Colleges will use all or some of the following information to decide whether or not to accept an applicant: grade point average (GPA), class rank, strength of subjects, ACT and/or SAT scores, recommendations, activities/awards, admissions essay(s), and interview(s).

Q- What is my GPA?
A- The GPA (grade point average) is formulated uniformly in all South Carolina high schools using a formula that is essentially the average of a student's semester grades, starting with the freshman year.  The higher the grades, the higher the GPA, and the better the chances of getting into a selective college.  Most colleges consider the GPA to be the most important criteria for admission, as it shows a student's ability and motivation.

Q- What is my class rank?
A- Your class rank will show where you stand in relation to other members of your graduating class (i.e., top 5%, top 30%, bottom 50%).  This ranking may not carry as much weight if your senior class is small.  Many scholarships use class rank as a criterion as well.

Q- What is my student transcript?
A- A transcript is an official document that shows all of a student's academic courses and grades in high school.  It generally includes GPA and class rank, but does not show student actives and sports.  An official transcript contains the Shannon Forest Christian School registrar's signature and stamp and is mailed directly to the college.

Q- What standardized tests will I take in high school?
A- You will take many tests during your four years of high school.  The only ones reported to the colleges to which you apply will be the ACT and the SAT.  The PSAT is the "practice" test for the SAT, and it also determines qualification for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. The PLAN is the "practice" ACT test, and provides valuable career information as well.  Both of these tests will predict with reasonable accuracy what you may score on the SAT or ACT.

Q- What classes should I take while in high school?
A- Try to select the high school courses at the top of your ability, so that they are challenging but manageable.  Do not sign up for honors or AP courses if you know you cannot succeed; this will bring your GPA down. Use previous classes in which you have been successful as a guide to choosing the next year's coursework.

Q- What does Shannon Forest require for graduation?
A- English: 4 units, Mathematics: 4 units, Bible: 4 units, US History: 1 unit, Global Studies I: 1 unit, Global Studies II: 1 unit, Government/Economics: 1 unit, Biology: 1 unit, Laboratory Sciences: 2 units, PE/Health: 1 unit, Foreign Language: 3 units (2 in a consecutive language), Computer Science: 1 unit, Electives: 3 units.

Q- How many colleges to I need to apply to?
A- Shannon Forest requires that seniors apply to at least 3 colleges.

Q- What should I look for in a college or university?
A- Ask yourself what you want to get out of college.  Does the school have your major?  It is a liberal arts school or more career-based?  Is it close to home or far away?  Is it a big school or a small school?  Are there opportunities to study abroad?  What Christian organizations are on campus?  What other social, academic, and service-oriented organizations are there?  Do you like the residence halls and the dining options?  Do you want to live on or off campus?  Is the campus in a city or in a small college town?  Are the classes taught by professors or graduate instructors?  Are there opportunities to work on campus?  Your answers to all of these questions will help guide you in your hunt for the best college choice for you.

Q- What details should I include on my resume?
A- On your resume you should include the activities that you are involved in at school (academic, extracurricular, athletic), awards and honors that you have received, any jobs that you have had, leadership roles and opportunities, and volunteer activities.  The purpose of a resume is for college admissions counselors to get an idea of you as a whole person - not just your academic record that they get through your transcript.  (It is also a good idea to give a copy of your resume to the teachers and anyone else you have asked for recommendation letters.)

Q- Where can I get help with my college application essay(s)?
A- Your English teacher is a great resource when you are writing and editing your college application essay.  It is never a bad idea to ask several people to proof-read your essay(s) and offer suggestions - other teachers, your parents, the Guidance Counselor, etc.

Q- What if I want to go into the military?
A- The military offers many career, education, and scholarship options for students inclined in this direction.  One great resource is Today's Military, a website with information about ROTC, boot camp, entrance requirements, recruitment, military academies, and more.