College & Career Counseling

All Blue Ridge Juniors and those Sophomores enrolled in Honors Algebra 2 will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). While the test only counts towards the scholarship contest in the junior year, both sophomores and juniors benefit from taking this test which measures grade-level benchmarks according to a national standard and allows students to see how they would score on the SAT. The test is given each October (alternate date in November).

Students who take any of the PSAT suites of assessments can link their results to Khan Academy to create a study plan based on the student’s most recent test results. This allows for personalized, targeted practice. For free! BRCS will help students connect their test results and guide students in personalized SAT practice.

The SAT is given 8 times per year. This national college-entrance exam is given at regional test centers, most often county public high schools. The cost is around $60 per test.   Students will be taking the  PSAT in the fall of their Junior year, and  the SAT will be offered at school that Spring. If needed to boost scores for scholarship potential, they can opt to take it again over the summer or in the fall of their senior year. SAT test results are available to students 10-25 days after the test is completed. The best score from each attempt at the SAT is combined into a “superscore.” Test dates are posted at the College Board and will be announced by BRCS as well.

The ACT is another national college-entrance exam, also given at regional test centers on established test dates. The ACT tests students in different ways than the SAT. The questions may appear less analytical and more straightforward to students. The ACT includes history and science sections and includes trigonometry in its math test. About 50% of college-bound students take the ACT and 50% take the SAT. If a student plans to apply to a school that accepts the ACT, it can be helpful to take this test in addition to the SAT.

BRCS’s College Advisor will meet with each high school student at least once during the academic year to get to know them and talk through their plans for the future. Counselor will also meet with Juniors and Seniors on a regular basis to discuss and provide assistance with post-high school options.

Colleges and universities understand that not all high schools throughout the country offer the same courses. Competitive colleges may ask if a student has selected the most rigorous courses offered at their school. If a student is able to work at an Honors level, they should consider selecting that course. Honors courses are weighted and carry the potential for earning additional qualitative points towards a student’s GPA.

BRCS currently offers AP English for Juniors/Seniors. AP courses offer students the opportunity to study at a more advanced level while preparing for an exit exam that can earn a student college credit. AP Exams, offered in May each school year, are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. Colleges award credit for students scoring 3, 4 or 5. Check with the college your student plans to attend to see what standard they require for that institution. AP courses also offer students the potential to earn additional qualitative points.

BRCS will offer various Dual Enrollment (DE) classes through Cedarville University and/or Blue Ridge Community College. A Dual Enrollment class allows students to earn college credit while simultaneously earning high school credits. The college classes are taught at BRCS by a Blue Ridge Christian School teacher. There is a cost to families as students enroll in either Cedarville University or Blue Ridge Community College, depending on the class, in order to participate in a DE class.

BRCS parents and students are invited to attend grade-appropriate presentations by our BRCS College Advisor to learn about the many aspects of preparing for college including: what to do during each year of high school, choosing a college, visiting colleges, college testing, paying for college, NCAA compliance, scholarships and more. Our programs emphasize helping students find the program that is right for them.

If you are a student who plans to play sports in Division I or II schools, or an NAIA school, you must register for the appropriate clearinghouse. Specific standards are set by NCAA for both the number of courses (similar to standard diploma requirements) as well as academic standards (cumulative GPA of 2.3 or greater). It costs $65 for a student to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse and $80 to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center.

BRCS has a number of college materials readily available to share with students. While college materials are readily available online, these print materials can help gain a student’s interest.

Attending a college fair is another great way to be introduced to colleges by meeting actual representatives from various schools.

BRCS students are eligible for a special LU scholarship. Award: Varies; this scholarship combines with a student’s other Liberty scholarships to total 50% of the student’s tuition charge.

Students at BRCS will take an aptitude test using YouScience to determine their strengths. The College Counselor will walk through those results with them both corporately and individually. YouScience is also used as a college and career search tool with personalized suggestions based on a student’s aptitudes and interests.