Dear Kim Another question for you- Is it possible to have 2 transcripts-one that you submit to secular schools and one for Christian schools?  My son has Bible/Theology credits that I could include from Torrey Academy, however, I would probably not list them on a transcript for a secular school. He will be applying to both secular and Christian programs. CK Dear CK, Yes, I would have 2 transcripts if I wanted to highlight theology courses in the context of a homeschool that isn't explicitly a Christian school.  That would impact the school profile and the course descriptions as well. Alternatively, you might consider positioning your school as a parochial school, which has a specifically Christian purpose (described in the School Profile).  Then the theology credits would make sense even in a secular application.  As long as your son shows a standard number of credits in non-theological subjects and you describe your school mission/purpose/philosophy in high-brow academic terms, the theology credits won't hurt him.  This way you could have a single set of paperwork for secular and Christian applications. Many of our country's most prestigious prep schools are parochial schools which have a specifically religious mission and affiliation.  Being a Christian school doesn't automatically flag ...

  [caption id="" align="alignright" width="243" caption="What's in YOUR mailbag?"][/caption] Dear Kim, Your seminar last winter was very helpful to us and our two high schoolers.  However, I must admit now that they are in the 10th grade, I am feeling anxious and overwhelmed.  We are struggling with motivation to get going on the college prep.  We are preparing for the SAT and writing essays.  What is the next step at this stage?  Thank you, from a mom of four who really needs a little encouragement.  JW Dear JW, I'm glad you enjoyed the seminar!  And now that you are in the thick of things, it's not unusual to feel sort of bogged down. But you are in a good place. If you are preparing for the SATs and writing essays (I assume you mean practice essays for SAT and for applications), you are doing exactly the right things.  I know it might feel like you're slogging. But now it's time to dream with your teens.  What do they really want to do in life?  How can they use their gifts for others' benefit? Where would they like to be in 5 years?  And then, of course, what do I need to do to get there?  College? Which ...

When is a Countdown to College workshop coming to my area? Check the calendar in the sidebar. If there is no workshop listed near you, contact Kim@countdown2college.net to schedule one. How do I host a workshop? All you need is an audience, a PowerPoint friendly auditorium and a space on Kim’s calendar! Check the Forms page for details. I can’t come to the workshop. Can I still get college scholarship information? Absolutely! Countdown to College is the best homeschool print resource available. See our catalog. Can parents and teen attend the workshop together? Most certainly. In fact, the workshop is designed to facilitate cooperation between parents and youth as they prepare to launch the young people into the real world. My child is entering middle school. Is it too early to think about this? Actually middle school is the optimal time to begin to plan. You don’t have to know everything about a young person’s calling in order to start collecting the kinds of credentials he will need to enter adult life. Starting early means that your student will develop a deep habit of looking for God’s guidance in ...