06/12/2013 08:29
For those who keep the faith, balancing time for prayer and religion can be difficult, especially when maintaining a full school schedule. Sometimes, you can be ostracized for you beliefs and singled out from your peers. College life can be stressful enough as it is, through in a dash of religious persecution and you have a recipe for disaster. If faith is important to you and your planning on applying to college, you may want to consider attending Christian art colleges and universities.
When it comes to picking the right colleges, Christian followers have a lot to choose from. With the Top Christian colleges in the United States to choose from, it can be easier to enjoy your college years with like minded individuals who share in your beliefs. Now you no longer have to fear of being singled out for what you believe in, but can spend more time on the things that really matter. Another advantage to going to a religious based school is an increased amount of theology and comparative religion classes. You can learn more about your own faith, while learning about other beliefs to help stop the issue of religious ignorance.
If helping others is important to you, another consideration you may make is to participate in gap year programs. High school graduates can get firsthand experience in the real world out of high school that can help prepare you for college life. The best gap year programs allow you to travel abroad in foreign countries and see the world. You can also help impoverished people, all while making some new friends along the way. This eye opening experience can give you some practical real world knowledge and give you a better understand of your course work when you attend college. 
Choosing the US Christian college that's right for you doesn't have to be difficult. Finding one in an area you like that offers the courses your interested in is a great start. When it comes to expenses, many Christian colleges offer scholarships, both merit and fellowship based. When it comes to getting references and letters of referral you might consider asking your pastor or even your youth group minister as they can often help. If your still unclear as to where to go, they might also have some useful advice to steer you in the right direction.
Attending college where people share similar beliefs can be refreshing and uplifting. When peers are closer to brothers and sisters and you have a sense of fellowship shared amongst staff and students, it can feel like home. Which can make a difference when your half a world away from your friends and family. Having this kind of environment in your life can make it easier to pursue what you love, help others, and believe in your self and your faith.