Academics
Academic Services

Planning for College

Planning for College

List of 5 items.

Steps for Applying to College:

List of 8 items.

  • 1. College Application Checklist:

    Click here to create your College Application Checklist and view College Application Common Mistakes to Avoid. 

  • 2. Online Application:

    You can visit an individual school's website to learn more about how to apply.

    Apply on Common App     (https://www.commonapp.org): Many schools across the nation have begun using Common App to access admissions information about students.  This site allows students to complete a single application and make it accessible to a variety of participating schools of their choosing.  Click on the link below to start your application on Common App.

  • 3. Transcript Request:

    Anytime you fill out an application for college, you will need to also send your transcript.  All transcript requests are processed through the counseling office.

    If you are a current student, graduate, or former student post 2010, visit: www.parchment.com to request to have your transcript sent electronically. 

  • 4. Test Scores:

    Anytime you fill out an application for college, you will need to also send your test scores.  The counseling office does not send these on your behalf.

    Most colleges only accept Official Score Reports for ACT and SAT test results.  Therefore, a paper copy of scores will not be issued by the school and it is the student's responsibility to take have their official scores sent to the colleges to which they are applying.  Please follow the links on the Standardized Testing Page to get more information on how to register for a test and/or request your score report be sent to your schools of choice if you have not already.

  • 5. Letters of Recommendation

    If you would like a letter of recommendation from a teacher, please provide your teachers with an addressed and pre-stamped envelope to the college/university you wish it to be sent to.  Most teachers would like to have a conversations with you prior to writing a letter and/or have their own questionnaire form.  Please give them several weeks advance notice if you would like a letter written.

  • 6. College Application Essay:

    Many college applications also require a short answer essay portion.  Click here to review College Board's College Essay Tips for your admissions essay on college applications.

  • 7. Apply for Financial Aid:

    Click HERE to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Any student wishing to receive scholarship money grants, or other sources of financial aid through the federal government, the state, or their university must file a FAFSA before the recommended March 1st date.

  • 8. Other Materials:

    If the school you're applying to does not accept transcripts through parchment, or needs other information from your High School, please request those items directly through the Director of Academic Services. 

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Tressa Matthews

    Tressa Matthews 

    High School Principal
    248-357-3660 ext.261

Additional Resources

SCS College Fair

SCS Students have the opportunity to meet with College Representatives each fall at in the SCS High School Gym to learn more about each school and ask important questions regarding college admission. 

Some of the colleges that regularly attend include:
Alcorn State University Kalamazoo College
Alma College King's College
Bowling Green State University Michigan State University
Calvin College Michigan Technological University
Central Michigan University Northwood University
College for Creative Studies Oakland University
Cornerstone University Pensacola Christian College
Eastern Michigan University Spring Arbor University
Elim Bible Institute Taylor University
Ferris State University University of Michigan - Dearborn
Grace College University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Grand Valley State University Wayne State University
Hope College Wheaton College (IL)








Types of Admission: 
There are several different types of admissions to colleges and universities:
  • Early Decision- By applying early decision, you are telling the college/university that they are your #1 choice. If you are accepted, you must withdraw all other applications. ED is typically made by the end of December. This decision is binding. Choose ED only if this is your dream school and it doesn’t matter what financial aid package you receive. 
  • Early Action- With early action, you will hear back from the college/university early (typically by the end of December) as with ED. However, it is not binding as early decision is. You can accept the offer immediately or wait until spring. Remember May 1st is your deadline to make a decision! Note that many schools may have merit scholarships that are only available to students who apply Early Action.
  • Regular Admission- Students submit their college application by the specified deadline. The admissions board reviews & then accepts or rejects students within a specified time frame. 
  • Rolling Admissions- Students apply any time during the application period and decisions are made as applications are received. The earlier you apply, the better your chances as spots fill up. 
  • Open Admission – Almost all students are accepted (at least those with a high school diploma or GED) as the school will accept all grade point averages and test scores. This is typical of community colleges as well as many online schools.
28650 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI 48034    Phone: (248) 357-3660
Located in Southfield, Michigan, Southfield Christian School is a private Christian school educating young men and women in grades Preschool-12. Students benefit from a challenging, college-preparatory education grounded on the principles of the Bible, Southfield Christian School seeks to prepare young people to live full and productive lives.

A Ministry of Highland Park Baptist Church