Q. I've been offered an athletic scholarship to a state school. This university also has a really good program for what I want to major in. But I really want to go to a Christian college. I know I won't get as much money, though, and the school itself will cost more. It will be tough for my parents, especially since my older sister is in college right now, too. Do you think this is God's way of telling me to go to the state school?
A. Making important decisions like where to go to college requires careful and prayerful processing and discernment. You have a lot of factors to take into consideration before you decide on the right school. Before you accept the scholarship you should ask athletes at that college how being on scholarship affects their lives as students. When you're on an athletic scholarship, the demands from your sport can be time-consuming. You may be able to be more balanced as a Christian, as a student, and as an athlete at the Christian college.
It may help you to know that you will probably receive more financial aid since two from your family are in college. You may discover that the Christian college cannot award you for athletics, but they can give you scholarship dollars for other ways in which you've distinguished yourself. Tell them about your other offer, so that they will help you look for ways to afford their school.
As you seek information and visit both campuses, you can trust God to help you decide. Once you know where you really want to go, and God confirms your choice, go with enthusiasm and make the most of your experience!
Written by Judy Moseman
