Skip Navigation
Conway Christian is committed to offering students and families an outstanding academic planning and college guidance experience. This service is tailored for our upper level students, grades 8th thru 12th. Beginning with our rising 9th graders each student will have the opportunity to meet with our professional to go over our course offerings and build their upcoming year's class schedule. During this time students will focus on mapping out their Conway Christian four-year plan. As students progress a meeting to discuss new class offerings or changes to their plan is certainly welcomed. 
 
Students entering 11th grade will begin one on one time with our director discussing best practices for applying to the college of their choice. Highlights of our college guidance program feature college guidance program feature college rep visits, opportunities for college fair visits, ACT advice, assistance with college applications and a plethora of resources for parents and students. 

Helpful Resources are Listed Below that will Assist You in Your High School and College Planning:
Simply click HERE in order to view Conway Christian's course offerings and graduation requirements.
Academic and College Guidance by Grade
Students and parents will be invited to a meeting (during the Spring) to prepare them for the upcoming academic and college guidance process.
As 9th graders, students and parents will meet with our director to create a four-year academic plan. Students should emphasize good study habits to perform their best so they may receive the best grades possible for their transcript. Students should also consider participating in extra-curricular activities such as clubs and organizations. 
Take the PSAT test. Update four-year academic plan. Double check you on pace to fulfill all course requirements to graduate from Conway Christian. Students who wish to take concurrent credit classes must take the April ACT test. Students should also consider utilizing an ACT prep course. Families should start the process of looking at potential colleges and universities of interest. 
Junior Year Calendar
 
June
Take the ACT or SAT Test this month as a guideline for any summer test preparation.
Update your resume to include freshman and sophomore year accomplishments.
Visit a couple college campuses.
July
Begin thinking about the cost of a college education and how much you can afford.
If you desire to play collegiate sports take the steps necessary to insure your eligibility by setting up a meeting with the academic/college counselor.
Obtain a Social Security Card if you don’t have one. A SSN is required for college applications, tests and financial aid.
August
Make sure all your junior year classes are rigorous. Take AP and concurrent classes as much as possible. Be involved in as many extra-curricular activities and clubs as possible. Continue with your pursuit of arts and athletics. The level of your rigor and involvement are keys factors colleges will consider and analyze.
Prepare for the PSAT given in October.
Plan to meet with the academic/college guidance counselor to begin.
Compete in contests, matches and teams. Earn as many honors and awards as possible to strengthen your student resume.
Be a leader in your extra-curricular activities.
September
Plan to attend college fairs and financial aid seminars.
Consider college majors you may wish to study.
Take aptitude test. Youscience LINK
Visit with college reps who visit school.
Obtain your high school CEEB code number. See the counselor for the number or find it online. You will use this number when registering for the SAT and ACT as well as next year’s college applications.
Attend a college fair this fall.
October
Take the PSAT this month.
Note future test dates for the ACT and SAT if you plan to take the tests multiple times during your junior year.
Begin thinking about who you’ll ask for recommendations next fall. Think about community leaders, coaches and teachers.
November
Begin the process of picking a college major. Deciding on a major while still in high school will assist you when selecting the college or university of your choice.
Learn more about financial aid. Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded based on GPA and test scores.
December
Do your very best on final exams. Junior year grades are very, very important to college admissions officers.
Parents be aware that family financial decisions could impact financial aid awards. Check with a financial professional before making any major financial decisions during this time frame.
Visit with graduates of Conway Christian who are home from college. Ask them about their college experience.
 
January
Earn the best grades possible this spring.
Review your PSAT scores. Utilize the Khan Academy free test prep. Work on improving your weaker areas before taking the ACT in late spring.
Update your student resume.
Join academic groups and organizations based on your academic standing. For example, National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Meet with the academic/college guidance counselor to make sure 4 year plan is current.
February
Begin planning your senior year classes. Make sure to take the most rigorous classes offered while meeting high school graduation requirements.
Continue to prepare for ACT’s in late spring and summer.
Register for exams.
March
Schedule college visits, attend any events held by local colleges and continue reviewing financial aid information.
Continue zeroing in on a college major. Examine careers or majors you might be interested in pursuing. Use the YouScience resource if you haven’t already.
April
Take the ACT
Continue to check for nationwide scholarship notifications.
Research opportunities for summer engagement. Try to secure an internship or summer job. Plan to volunteer at a local non-profit. All of these make a big difference on your student resume.
May
Plan to volunteer for leadership positions during your senior year. Run for a seat on the student council, get involved with a new club or organization. Take the Leadership Capstone course. Your experience as a leader will be important to any college or university.
Take the steps to secure recommendations from your selected individuals. Mention to these close acquaintances that you’ll need them to write the letter of recommendation this upcoming fall.  
Update your student resume to include junior year activities and accomplishments.
Consider taking summer road trips.
Do your very best on final exams. This is your very last chance to boost academic standing before applying to college in the fall.
Parents should be getting organized and ready for the whirlwind of a senior year. Get informed and ask questions.
Senior Year Calendar
 
June/July
Consider taking CLEP tests to test out of some subject areas. Get this information through the counselor’s office.
Create a filing system to keep all records and correspondence. See link under college guidance resources.
Keep studying for ACT and SAT tests if you still need to improve your scores.
Make sure your social media accounts reflect you in a positive light. Poor use of social media can be damaging to your college application process as well as future employment.
August
Start applying to colleges. This process takes quite a bit of time so it’s never too early to get started.
Make sure your senior year classes are scheduled and rigorous as possible.
If you want to retake the ACT or SAT schedule for them now.
Request assistance from those whom you asked to write letters of recommendations. Provide them with ample time to complete the task.
Young men- Make sure register with the US Selective Service when you reach 18. This is federal law and will make you eligible for state and federal student aid. Registration takes place at your local post office.
September
Meet with college reps who visit campus this fall. Make sure to introduce yourself to each representative and ask a couple good questions.
Plan on allocating a couple hours a week to scholarship essays. This process takes time.
Finalize your student resume.
Find out if interviews are required for college admission and for any scholarships which you might be applying.
Double check your transcript to make sure your grades are accurate.
Email the school registrar to ensure transcripts are sent to the colleges in which you are applying.
Attend local college fairs.
October
Parents should attend any financial aid seminars offered.
Request ACT and SAT testing institutions to send your grades to colleges in which your applying. The majority of colleges require the results to come directly from the testing center.
Start filling out the FAFSA and Lottery Scholarship applications. Links are provided on our website.
November
Recommendations should be submitted or mailed in a sealed envelope to the colleges. Please make sure to provide specific information including resume, mailing instructions, envelope and stamps. You will also need to thank those who complete your recommendation letters with a personalized note.
The deadline for most Early Action applications is November 15th.
Make sure to stay informed on your application status at each college.
Send a copy of your student resume with a cover letter to the College Admissions Office at each college.
Make sure to send in housing applications.
Work toward completing national scholarship applications. Apply ONLY to those national scholarships whose eligibility requirements perfectly match your student qualifications.
December
If you haven’t received application confirmation from colleges call the admissions office until you verify your status.
If you missed out on the early application dates make sure to apply during the regular admissions period. Most deadlines are between January 15th and March 1st.
If you get deferred by your top choice but you really want to attend that college place a call to the admissions office to see what you can do to increase your chances of acceptance.
Students should minimize the amount of money in their bank accounts. If you need to purchase items for college now is the time. Colleges will consider what you have in the bank when making financial aid decisions.
Parents should get good financial advice during this time to best position your family for an award.
 
January
Additional information may be requested during this time. Check your financial aid and scholarship status.
Parents should complete their tax returns as soon as possible this year. Colleges will need the information to finalize awards.
If your college requires mid-year grade reports make sure to send them on time.
Apply of the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship even if you aren’t currently planning to attend a college in the state of Arkansas, just in case your plans change.
Keep your ears open for additional local and regional scholarship opportunities.
Stay on top of your grades this last semester. Remember each semester counts!
February
Know which immunizations are required for the colleges of your choice. Schedule a physical exam if necessary.
Fill out the FAFSA based on your parents prior year tax returns.
Immediately mail all requested supplemental financial aid documents.
If you’ve experienced an unusual financial situation recently make sure to request a “special circumstances form” so you can inform the college and possibly received additional aid.
March
If you’re still not sure which college is the top choice use spring break to visit your top choices.
Remember good grades and good behavior are always important. Finish the year strong and double check your social media accounts. Consider who you are friends with online.
If you haven’t received your student aid report a month after submitting it check with the Federal Student Aid Information Center (319) 337-5665.
April
This is the month where you learn about financial aid awards and college acceptance letters. Be ready to compare awards and make decisions.
Make sure you clearly understand the financial aid awards. You have the opportunity to appeal these awards if you think didn’t receive a fair award.
Three issues typically must be clarified with college financial aid offices. They are: GPA requirements to maintain your scholarship, if the scholarships are renewable and what (if any) impact you might incur by receive scholarship from outside sources.
Sign and mail the confirmation form to the school you will attend not later than May 1. Send the form certified mail and request a tracking number.
Formally accept financial aid awards offered by the college of your choice. Keep copies of your award in your files.
Send a courteous note to the colleges you will not be attending, so they can know of your intentions and potentially use scholarship dollars toward another student.
May
Sign up for early registration for incoming freshmen. Pay your housing and early registration deposits.
If you’re still searching for a college that can offer you financial aid try looking at this database: NACAC Survey: Space and Financial Aid Still Available for Students on College Campuses.
Find out if math or foreign language placement tests are required. Often times colleges require the placement tests before you can register.
Make sure all required forms are submitted to your college.
Make sure a final high school transcript has been sent to the college you will attend.

COLLEGE GUIDANCE RESOURCES:

 

2023-2024 Test Dates (National)

Test DateRegular Registration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline
Late Fee Applies
Standby Deadline
Photo Upload Deadline
September 9, 2023 August 4 August 18 September 1
October 28, 2023 September 22 October 6 October 20
December 9, 2023 November 3 November 17 December 1
February 10, 2024 January 5 January 19 February 2
April 13, 2024 March 8 March 22 April 5
June 8, 2024 May 3 May 17 May 31
July 13, 2024June 7 June 21 July 5

REGISTER AT: http://www.act.org/