Academic & College Resources

You can find our full course selection guide here.

TO request an official transcript, log into your Naviance Account and request a Transcript. 

If you are a former student who does not have a Naviance Account you may contact the counseling office by emailing mmiller@bcsk12.org.

Mrs. Mindy Miller
Registrar
Email: mmiller@bcsk12.org
Phone: 205 -776-5916

Mrs. Anna Margaret Ezelle
School Counselor 7th-8th Grade
Email: againes@bcsk12.org 
Phone: 205-776-5931

Mrs. Chelle Godbehere
School Counselor 9th Grade
Email: cgodbehere@bcsk12.org
Phone: 205 - 776-5936

Mrs. Brent Latta
College & Career Advisor 12th Grade
Email: blatta@bcsk12.org
Phone: 205-776-5934

Register for ACT: www.act.org to register for the ACT.

Our school code is 010­332

All students will take the ACT at BCS in the Spring of their Junior year. Students do not need to register for the test given at BCS.

Registration for SAT: www.collegeboard.org

All Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in the fall of their Junior year. Students do not need to register online to take the PSAT at BCS.

For the latest information for NCAA Division I & Division II sports:

http://www.ncaapublications.com/

http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/how-register

For student athletes interested in playing at NAIA colleges please visit their comprehensive guide:

https://www.naia.org/findyourpath/highschool/index

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VISITING COLLEGES

Take some time after your college tour to talk with current students on campus. Here are some potential questions to help you find that school that fits you best.

Questions for Students you meet on Campus
 Why did you choose this school?
Are you happy here?
What do you like about your school?
 What would you change or improve?
How easy it it to get answers to your questions from the business office?
Are the students friendly?
What’s the food like?
What makes this school/campus unique?

Questions for Your Tour Guide

Academics
Are most of your classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?
Were you able to take most of your first­choice classes?
How much reading and writing is expected in your courses?
How satisfied are you with academic advising?
Do students use any on­campus tutoring programs or writing centers?
How big are your freshman classes?
Do the professors have office hours? Are they available to meet with students outside of
class?
Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
Do you provide tutoring on campus?
Do you have a writing center?
How’s the Wi­Fi?
Where is the best place to study on campus?
What are the hours of the library? Do these change during exam weeks?
Do you have an honors college? Learning communities?

Graduation Record
What percentage of students graduate in four years? Five years?
What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?
What is the job placement rate for last year’s graduating class?

Student Life
Are freshmen required to live on campus?
How many students live on campus?
What is the campus crime rate?
How large is campus security and do they patrol regularly?
Do most students go home on the weekends?
What is Greek life like and how do students feel about it?
What clubs and activities are offered to students?
What type of transportation is used around campus?

Outside Opportunities
Are there opportunities for internships?
What percentage of students study abroad?
Do you have a career center? Is there help with job placement?
Are there opportunities for service learning?

Questions to ask yourself
How did you feel when you were on campus?
How did staff members interact with students?
How did you feel about being in a class with the students you met?
Did the campus seem to be a good size for you?
Were the dorms single­sex or co­ed? How did you feel about that?
Did you feel comfortable and safe?
Are there stores nearby for groceries, materials, supplies?

College Representative Visits to BCS

What to Do
Representatives from the Office of Admissions from many colleges will visit BCS in order to meet with seniors and juniors. Reps do this so they can spread the word about themselves and find students who would best fit their colleges. Visits will be held in either the upstairs Commons or downstairs Commons.

There are four ways to find out which colleges will be visiting our campus:

1. Check your Naviance Student account
2. Check your email if you have listed your “colleges I’m thinking about” in your Naviance Student account
3. Listen to announcements
4. Check the rolling screens located in the Commons areas and in the Cafeteria

Here are some tips for how to get the most out of these visits:

Pay attention and don’t be doing anything else. Be sure to put your phone and homework away and make eye contact with the rep.
Show common courtesy and don’t chat with friends while the rep is talking.

Sign in If the school has a sign in form, then be sure to sign the list. This will add you to the college’s mailing list and put you on their radar. The fact that you signed in goes in your
file and acts in your favor as “showing interest.”

Take any materials they offer
Brochures and pamphlets are great ways to learn about programs the school offers and facts that can help you decide whether or not the school may be a good fit for you. These materials may come in handy when you are writing your application!

Ask questions but not too many
Be sure to seem and look interested, and do ask a couple of questions, but if other students are present let them ask questions, too. College reps love to talk to students. If you feel like the school is the best fit for you and you’re really excited, it’s great to show that!

Smile and be very polite Be sure to put your best foot forward. You are not only representing yourself but also Briarwood Christian School, so no clowning around at all and don’t be sassy or sarcastic.
You don’t know that person’s sense of humor and they don’t know you at all, so be totally professional, polite and positive. Only say positive things. (Make sure your email address is a mature one and not college specific before placing it on a college reps’s list.)

Say thank you afterward and shake the rep’s hand
On your way out, whether the school was right for you or not, be sure to say thank you and give a nice firm handshake to the college rep. They may have traveled a long way to meet with you, so show them your gratitude. That means a lot to them!

Meeting with college reps is a great opportunity for you to learn about a college you may or may not have considered. You will have a chance to ask questions firsthand from a really nice person who loves to meet teenagers. The people in college admissions jobs choose to be in this role because they love meeting students and talking about their college, so don’t’ be shy about going to these meetings and asking questions. Who knows, the next meeting you attend could lead you to your dream school!

Need help with questions to ask? Check out our QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VISITING COLLEGES TAB
 

Getting Ready for College - 9th Grade

When a student becomes a freshman, everything starts to count. The BCS grade point average (GPA) students will use to apply to college does include ninth grade grades so academic performance is more important than it has been in previous years. Freshman GPA, activities, honors classes and awards can all be listed on
college and scholarship applications.

• Keep up with all progress reports and quarter grades. Always seek help from you teacher if you are having difficulty in a class. Students are expected to seek the help they need. This approach begins in earnest in ninth grade and it is part of the preparation for the independence necessary in college.

• Get involved in extracurricular activities as well as academics. Many college applications ask students for evidence of leadership, depth of involvement, and extent of commitment.

• Participate in activities outside of school (church, scouts, club sports, etc.)

• Volunteer – any type of volunteer work or community service is particularly impressive on a college application.

•Keep a record of school activities, honors, awards, leadership positions, employment, volunteer work, community service, etc. Students will create a resume in Naviance Student. Update it yearly.

• In the spring, students review their four-year plan and consult with teachers to be sure they are signing up for the classes that are most appropriate for them.

• The school counselor will help students establish the four-year plan, check the courses selected, and to review academic progress.

• Find meaningful activities for the summer. Students can work, volunteer or take classes. Many excellent activities are available on college campuses.

• See the Opportunities Calendar on the BCS website on the School Counseling page.

Getting Ready for College – 10th Grade 

Students should be acclimated to life school by the beginning of tenth grade. The sophomore year should year of personal growth. In addition to working hard in school and being involved in activities, sophomores should be identifying personal abilities, aptitudes, and interests. This needs to be a year, consistent performance.

• The Pre-ACT is administered during October. Although this test does not affect grades or GPA, take this test seriously as it can identify strengths and weakness for students to use as practice for the ACT. Students will get a predicted ACT score.        

• Sophomores have the option of taking the PSAT in preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT - National Merit Scholarship Qualifying a junior.

• Each  student should make a commitment to an activity and/or sport that he/she can stick with throughout high school and look to emerge as a leader.

• Start to discuss college options. Visit college campuses when  you are traveling and begin to determine what you might want from your college experience.

• Meet with your school counselor for course selection for junior year and discuss changes to the four-year plan based on your review of academic progress and extracurricular activities.

• Update your resume to include activities, awards or honors in your Family Connection account.

The School Counseling office provides a Roadmap to College program in the spring primarily for parents of juniors however parents of sophomores are welcome to attend.
 

JUNIOR YEAR CHECKLIST
by Semester

FIRST SEMESTER

• Work hard to keep GPA high
• Use the Super College Match tool via Naviance Student
• Identify 3-6 Potential Schools
• 1-2 Reach Schools - A school where your academic credentials fall below the school‛s range for average freshmen. Those are long shots but could be possible.
• 1-2 Match Schools - A school where your academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school‛s range for the average freshman. There are no guarantees, but it‛s not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your match schools.
• 1-2 Safety Schools - A school where your academic credentials fall above the school's range for the average freshmen. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safety schools.
• List your “colleges I‛m thinking about” in Naviance Student.
• Attend Visiting Colleges at BCS During Lunch.
• Check Naviance Student main page to see all colleges visiting BCS each week.
• Check email from Naviance Student regarding colleges visiting BCS. You will receive an email if any of the colleges you listed in “colleges I‛m thinking about” are planning a visit.
• Listen to announcements.
• Set Up College Visits
• Juniors are allowed three excused college visits before April 15 .
• Sign up for campus tours via the individual college websites.
• Visit a variety of schools (even if you think you have your mind made up.)
• Athletes Looking to Play Collegiate Sports
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, www.eligibilitycenter.org.
• Register with the NAIA www.playnaia.org/eligibility-center.
• Original ACT and/or SAT score reports must be sent directly to NCAA (9999).
• Meet with Coach Peterson to fill out the Core GPA Worksheet.
• Record Your Accomplishments in Naviance Student Resume
• Awards
• Certificates
• Community service
• Job shadowing or internships
• Update your Resume‛ in Naviance Student
• Look regularly for Scholarships and Opportunities
• Scholarship and Opportunities Calendars are located on the BCS website.
• Both are located on the BCS website and listed by the deadline so look ahead!
• Use the National Scholarship Search tool in Naviance Student.
• Sign up for scholarship match. Be sure to create a separate email address!
• www.fastweb.com
• www.finaid.org

SECOND SEMESTER

Register and take the ACT and/or SAT Test dates and deadlines may be found on testing websites.
www.act.org
www.collegeboard.org
BCS High School code is 010332.

• Juniors take the ACT at BCS in April. You do not have to register for this test.
• Most colleges want to see one ACT writing test.
• Prepare to take the ACT and/or SAT
• www.actstudents.org/testprep/index.html
• www.sat.collegeboard.com/practice
• Check the BCS website for local test prep courses.
• Take the ACT at BCS in April.
• Prepare for College Applications, Scholarships and Letters of Recommendations in Naviance Student
• Update your Resume‛.
• Accomplishment Sheet will be completed in English 11 class in the spring.
• Have parents complete the Parent Recommendation Form-parent account.
• Research Admissions and Scholarship Deadlines (college websites)
• Many schools have deadlines of Nov. 1, Dec. 1 or Dec 15 for Early Admissions and Scholarship Priority. Some may be sooner! Check the college websites to be sure.
• Check for specific school/departmental scholarship information.
• Check with organizations or corporations associated with your family for applicable scholarships.
• Search National Scholarships in Naviance Student.
• Regularly check the Scholarship & Opportunities Calendars on the BCS website.
• Remember to look ahead as they are listed by deadline for application.

SUMMER

• Take or retake the ACT/SAT.
• Consider summer camps and or programs for academic or leadership enrichment.
• Narrow your college list for college applications senior year.
• Look for college application and college scholarship dates. Make a calendar of deadlines.

SUMMER of JUNIOR YEAR and FALL of SENIOR YEAR

TRANSCRIPTS: Request official transcripts through Naviance Student. Unofficial transcripts may be viewed from your RenWeb Account.

• Complete College Applications When They Open. Check college websites for dates.
• Use Naviance Student for Common App schools. Many colleges (usually private) accept the Common Application. Note: you must use Naviance Student and match your account to Naviance Student.
• Get a Medical Exam if your college requires it as part of their application.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Request Letters of Recommendation using Naviance Student.

• Mark that you Waive Your Rights whenever requesting a Letter of Recommendation.
• Allow at least THREE WEEKS prior to mail deadline.
• Write a Thank You letter to teachers/coaches who write you a Letter of Recommendation.
• Continue looking for Scholarships!

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS GLOSSARY

ACT: All colleges in the State of Alabama use ACT as part of their admissions criteria. This is also true of all colleges and universities outside the state. The test measures educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning and is given at specified test centers throughout the year. An optional writing component has been added. ACT scores range from 1­-36. Our school code is 010­332

Accreditation: Recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies; indicating
that the institution as a whole has been judged to be meeting its objectives.

Admissions Terms:
Regular Decision: Deadlines usually begin December 15th. Students are notified by April 15th and must respond to the college by May 1st. We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible and not wait until the postmark deadline.

Rolling Admissions: Applications are read as they are received. Although candidates may receive acceptance within one month, they maintain the right to wait until May 1st to accept the offer of admission. The earlier you apply the better. You may be the most qualified applicant, but they may not have a space for you in
April.

Early Decision I: This is a contractual, binding agreement between the college and the student. The agreement is if accepted, the student will attend. Notification is given usually by December 15th. You may submit only one ED application. If accepted, you must withdraw any other applications.

Early Decision II: This works the same as EDI, but has a later due date to allow students more time to make
an informed decision.

Early Action: This is a non­binding application with early deadlines for the student and the college. You may apply to other schools and have until May 1st to accept an offer of admission.

Early Action ­Single Choice (also called REA): This is a non­binding early admission option for those students who have completed a thorough and thoughtful college search. It allows students to learn of their admission decision in December without requiring a response until May 1st or obligating them to enroll at that
school. Furthermore, Single ­Choice Early Action allows applicants to apply to as many colleges as they want under a Regular admission time frame. This option, therefore, gives early admitted students considerably more time to reflect on future plans and, if they so choose, explore a variety of educational institutions that might
meet individual needs and aspirations.

Advanced Placement: Granting of credit and/or assignment to an advanced course on the basis of evidence that the student has mastered the equivalent of an introductory course.

Aid Package: A combination of aid (possibly including a scholarship, grant, loan, and work) determined by a college financial aid office.

CSS Financial Aid PROFILE: The CSS PROFILE Service is offered by the College Scholarship Service and is used by certain schools to award their own private funds. Students register for the service at www.collegeboard.org.

Candidates Reply Date: A policy of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) that permits students to wait until May 1 to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission/financial aid.

Coalition Application: An unprecedented coalition of diverse public and private colleges and universities has come together to improve the college admission application process for all students. The Coalition has developed a free platform of online tools to streamline the experience of applying to college.

College Calendar: Common systems of instruction time­
● Traditional semester ­ two approximately equal semesters
● Early semester ­ two semesters, the first ending before Christmas
● Quarter ­three equal terms of about 12 weeks each
● Trimester ­calendar year divided into three equal semesters ­ The third semester replaces summer school
● 4­1­4 two equal terms of about 18 weeks each, with a 4­week interim term

Common Application: Many colleges have worked together to develop and distribute the Common Application. Using this online form to apply to several schools has many advantages both to students and counselors because you only have one form to complete. The Common Application may then be sent to any number of participating colleges. The same is true of the “School Report” and “Teacher Evaluation” portions. Common Applications will be available online in August at www.commonapp.org. Statistics show that students using Common Applications are given the
same consideration as those using the colleges’ individual forms.

Credit hour: A unit of academic credit that often represents one hour of class time per week for a period of study (semester, quarter, etc.).

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The application required for students to be considered for student financial aid. It is important to complete a FAFSA even if you do not think you will qualify for federal aid since colleges typically will not award their own need­ based aid without a FAFSA report. The FAFSA is processed free of charge, and it is used by most state agencies and colleges. The FAFSA may be completed online in December or after of your senior year at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Grade Point Average (GPA): GPA is an indicator of the student's overall scholastic performance. It is computed by
multiplying the number of grade points earned in each course (generally, A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) times the number
of course hours/credit hours, then dividing the sum by the total number of course hours/credit hours carried.

Honors Program: Any program offering opportunity for superior students to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced, or accelerated study. Honors Programs often provide other perks such as special housing, early registration and/or mentoring.

Major: The subject of study in which the student chooses to specialize; a series of related courses, taken primarily in
the junior and senior years.

National College Fair: Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions you will make during your
lifetime. This decision will have a great impact on shaping your future educational career. To assist you in this
process, the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) organizes a National College Fair in
Birmingham each September.

SAT: A test of verbal, mathematical, and writing abilities given by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) at
specified test centers throughout the year and required or recommended by many colleges as part of the admission
process. This test is published by the College Board. The SAT Subject Tests are sometimes required in addition to
the SAT score. Our school code number is 010332. Go to www.collegeboard.org for testing dates.

SAT Subject Test: One­ hour subject tests which are primarily multiple­choice that measure knowledge or skills in a
particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the
subject tests for admission or placement.

Student Aid Report (SAR): The information you will receive approximately 3­6 weeks after your FAFSA has been
processed. It will report the information from your application and, if there are no questions or problems with your
application, your SAR will report your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to colleges of your choice.

Transcript: A transcript is a copy of your grades, 9­11, and includes the results of the ACT and/or SAT test results by
request. Upon graduation, the transcript shows your grades through your senior year. Transcripts can be requested
through Family Connection. Following graduation, a final transcript is sent if you complete the proper Final Transcript
Request in your Family Connection account in May.

Military Academy Timeline/Checklist
Sophomore year
❏ Research each Academy and their admission requirements; visit if possible
❏ Take rigorous courses
❏ Develop leadership; remain involved with school/community/church activities
❏ Play a sport
❏ Inform your School Counselor of your interest in an Academy
❏ Open your pre­candidate profile with each Academy of interest; join the mailing list
❏ Attend local Academy events; see their websites for information
Junior year
❏ Continue taking rigorous courses and a rigorous course load
❏ Continue to play sports
❏ Begin to train (REGULARLY & CONTINUALLY) for the specific activities of the
Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) with target testing date of June of senior year.
❏ Register for the ACT and/or SAT. ACT is given at BCS in April. You may take it earlier.
❏ Assume leadership activities
❏ Attend a “Service Academy Night” function (previously held at Vestavia Hills City Hall).
Introduce yourself to the Service Academy Liaison Officer(s) who typically attend.
❏ November ­ reach out to local Academy representatives to express interest in getting
help with the application process
❏ January ­ begin checking to see if applications are open for each Academy of interest
❏ January ­ February ­ apply for summer programs. The following information is needed:
❏ BCS High School Code ­ 010332
❏ Estimate from your School Counselor of your rank. BCS does not rank but you
can ask if you are in the top 20%, top 10%, etc.
❏ Congressional State and District (where your family votes)
❏ Zip code + 4 digits
❏ PSAT, ACT, SAT scores
❏ February or March ­ take the ACT and/or SAT
❏ March ­ check with Congressional offices about nomination procedures. Add nomination
procedures and dates to this checklist. Most want:
❏ An application
❏ Three letters of recommendation
❏ Official transcript
❏ ACT and/or SAT scores
❏ Resume
❏ Essay
❏ Photo
❏ March ­ check in with College Counselor about school specific procedures
❏ March ­ ask math and English teachers for letters of recommendation
❏ March or April ­ retake ACT and/or SAT
Junior year, con’t
❏ April ­ apply for NROTC scholarship
❏ June ­ retake ACT and/or SAT. Be sure to send scores directly to each Academy.
❏ June ­ check email often in regards to status as a candidate. Confirmation of interest
may be required within 30 days of status designation.
❏ June ­ request, through your Naviance Student account, your high school
transcripts be sent to the Academies of choice and ROTC/NROTC boards. Ensure
counselor forms are submitted to the Senior Counselor, Mrs. McNeal, before
summer break begins.
❏ June ­ competitive candidates will arrange for DoDMERB
❏ June ­ begin writing application essays
❏ June ­ do a mock interview
❏ July ­ schedule Academy interview with local representative
❏ July ­ finish and submit fitness test results (CFA)
❏ July and August ­ formulate a “plan B.” Process ROTC and NROTC scholarships.
Consider all college options. You must have five options for NROTC (including in state
schools). The first NROTC board takes place on August 1.
Senior year
❏ Take as much rigor as feasible. Be sure Chemistry and Physics are completed or are i
progress. The Academies will request a seventh semester transcript (second semester
of senior year).
❏ September ­ complete Academy application(s) by the end of the month
❏ September ­ complete ROTC scholarship application
❏ September and October ­ complete five other college applications. Be sure to apply for
scholarships by their deadline.
❏ October ­ apply for a Vice Presidential nomination
❏ October or November ­ updated application file with noteworthy achievements.
❏ Note: Highly qualified candidates with completed applications may receive offers of
appointments in the early fall of senior year. Most appointments occur between late
January and April.
❏ Diligence pays off. Stick to the timeline.
❏ Be STEM (Science, technology, engineering, math) ready. Extra math and
science courses are a plus.
❏ Some students who are denied admission to the summer programs are admitted
to the Academies each year.
❏ Some students who are denied admission right after high school gain admission
after one year in college.

https://www.usa.gov/join-military#item-35337