Chloe

We were desperate. Chloe needed higher education if we were to be faithful stewards of her gifts, but there was absolutely no money for it. I began to research college entrance and scholarship requirements. As I read, I realize how little most of us understand about the process, and how possible it is for diligent homeschoolers to bring in large scholarships. The Countdown to College materials are the result of that search.

Eventually, Chloe was offered over $500,000 in scholarships to five colleges, and had her choice among top colleges across the country. Today, she is at the University of Denver, a highly-ranked private college, with everything paid for through her MA, if she wants it! Study abroad, books, room and board, computers, tuition and fees…Even better, the skills she practiced while applying for scholarships to college now permit her to find and to successfully write grants to fund her academic practicum projects and ministry start-up costs. So the college is funding her entrance into the entrepreneurial world.

William

William had always planned to go to college but did not know how to make it work due to the enormous financial burden. With an arrogant manner and lots of charisma, he had a penchant for pushing the envelope. Through a Boy Scout merit badge taught by Kim Anderson, William was introduced to the world of speech and debate. With much excitement William joined Credo Academy and joined Kim Anderson’s Speech & Debate club (a One-Stop Resume Builder). These activities helped focus William’s charisma as well as soften his arrogant manner.

William’s family came to the Countdown to College Workshop in its first year to look at the possibilities for college. Kim Anderson helped ease them into the very intimidating world of college. At the same time William was able to find his voice and his calling through the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA) speech and debate community.  William discovered a real gift in speaking persuasively and a true joy in saying what needs to be heard.

Eventually, William landed 2 scholarships that covered about 50% of his college tuition at Regis University. In hindsight, William’s family wishes they had spent more time viewing many other possible scholarship options as suggested in the Countdown to College Workshop.

Through much careful consideration and prayer William is now being paid to attend a trade school with a guaranteed job after his graduation.

Ashley

Wanted to update you on Ashley’s progress and her (God’s) story…she’s decided on Oklahoma Christian University.

Ashley applied to 4 different schools. She got the top scholarship from William Jessup University, the WJU Award, but turned it down, as she really felt called to go to OC. Oklahoma Christian is rated by U.S. News & World Report in their "top ten colleges in the west."

She is going to major in Political Science with/ two minors in International Studies and Organizational Communication. She got their highest Political Science Award, plus an Academic Scholarship Award, plus two other private scholarships through the school, plus a local Kiwanis scholarship. She ended up with around $15,000 in renewable scholarships for up to five years!

Her ACT/SAT scores were high enough that she gets credit for English and Math and because of her Spanish studies, she’ll get 9 credits for that. All in all, she’ll go in with 15 semester credits, saving financially on a whole semester. About 20 students are selected after an application and interview process to be in the Honors Program. Her debate was a huge asset in her being selected for the program.

So…all that to say…thanks for all of the tips in your book! We are so thankful to God for His provision. Ashley is able to go to a top ranked Christian private university that will only cost us approximately $8,000 a year. We laugh that sending Ashley to this top-ranked private Christian university will be cheaper than having her at home, because that figure includes room and board. Plus a laptop is included in the whole deal!

God is sooooooo good!

Randy

I (the mom) went to this seminar and it was excellent. Highly recommend it. My son, Randy, who graduated from our homeschool is now attending Grove City College in PA. I found the transcript, resume, course description models to be extremely helpful to me, as a "guidance counselor" for my son’s college application process. Once I immersed myself in today’s college market, I finally understood how very competitive it is. This seminar helped me to come to grips with the reality of the market and also gave us the tools necessary to enter it and succeed.

Add your success story in a comment!