--- title: WingTips | elite colleges admissions description: "elite colleges admissions | WingTips MPCS Blog: Thought-Leadership in Christian Education" --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/elite-colleges-admissions/page/1#fsPageContent) ## Custom Class: header-utility-outer ## Custom Class: header-utility-bar ## Custom Class: menu-toggle-container ## Custom Class: utility-bar-links - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Custom Class: hp-utility-est EST. 1976 ## Custom Class: utility-shield-icon shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) ## Navigation - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Navigation - [About](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about) - [Who We Are](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about) - [From the Head of School](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/from-the-head-of-school) - [Leadership](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/leadership) - [Faculty and Staff](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/faculty-and-staff) - [History](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/history) - [Campus](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/campus) - [Admission](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission) - [Experience MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission) - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [Apply to MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/apply-to-mpcs) - [Tuition](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tuition) - [Financial Assistance](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/financial-assistance) - [Safety](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/safety) - [Bus Transportation](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/bus-transportation) - [Academics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics) - [Preschool PK3-4 and TK](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/preschool-pk3-4) - [Lower School Grades K-5](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/lower-school-grades-k-5) - [Middle School Grades 6-8](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/middle-school-grades-6-8) - [High School Grades 9-12](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/high-school-grades-9-12) - [Exceptional Learning](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/exceptional-learning) - [Counseling Services](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/counseling-services) - [Innovation](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/innovation) - [Parent Teacher Fellowship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/parent-teacher-fellowship) - [Christian Life](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life) - [Christian Life at MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life) - [Worship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/worship) - [Discipleship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/discipleship) - [Service](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/service) - [Family Serve Day](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/service/family-serve-day) - [CommUNITY: Diversity and Belonging](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/community) - [Moms and Men of Mount Paran](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/moms-and-men-of-mount-paran) - [Parent Ed.(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/parent-ed) - [Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts) - [Arts at MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts) - [Performing Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/performing-arts) - [Visual Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/visual-arts) - [Dozier School of the Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/dozier-school-of-the-arts) - [Murray Arts Academy](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/murray-arts-academy) - [Mount Paran Arts Council](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/mount-paran-arts-council) - [Murray Arts Center](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/murray-arts-center) - [LeFevre SoundLab](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/lefevre-soundlab) - [Athletics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics) - [MPC Athletics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics) - [Sports](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports) - [Baseball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/baseball) - [Basketball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/basketball) - [Cheer](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/cheer) - [Cross Country](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/cross-country) - [Dance Team](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/dance-team) - [Esports](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/esports) - [Fishing](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/fishing) - [Flag Football](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/flag-football) - [Football](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/football) - [Golf](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/golf) - [Lacrosse](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/lacrosse) - [Soccer](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/soccer) - [Softball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/softball) - [Sports Medicine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/sports-medicine) - [Strength](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/strength) - [Swimming](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/swimming) - [Tennis](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/tennis) - [Track and Field](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/track-and-field) - [Volleyball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/volleyball) - [Wrestling](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/wrestling) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Coaching Staff](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/coaching-staff) - [Athletic Facilities](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/athletic-facilities) - [Press](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/press) - [Record Boards](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/record-boards) - [Eagle Backers](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/eagle-backers) - [Alumni](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni) - [Alumni Association](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni) - [Alumni News and Events](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/alumni-news) - [Class Notes](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/alumni-events) - [Forever an Eagle](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/forever-an-eagle) - [Support MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs) - [Giving to MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs) - [Annual Fund](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) - [Give to Annual Fund](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund/give-to-annual-fund) - [Georgia GOAL](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/georgia-goal) - [Tradition of Generosity](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/tradition-of-generosity) ## Custom Class: header-logo logo\_1.png [![Mount Paran Christian School](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683557268/mtparanschoolcom/nearvhuk9ccj3zjp31pp/logo_1.png)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) ## Custom Class: header-logo mobile logo-mobile.png [![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c0qx2fmh8tstyyp2tbm0.webp)](https://www.mtparanschool.com/) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) ![WingTips banner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/2023%20wingtips%20General%20Header.jpg) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.mtparanschool.com%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.mtparanschool.com%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.mtparanschool.com%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.mtparanschool.com%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![The Right Kind of Hard in Education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/DSC07983.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-right-kind-of-hard-in-education) ## [The Right Kind of Hard in Education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-right-kind-of-hard-in-education) May 19, 2026 “How hard is too hard?” It is a fair question, and one schools and families are asking more than ever. Parents want their children to be successful. Teachers want students to learn. Students feel the weight of academics, activities, and expectations. In the middle of all of this, difficulty can begin to feel like the enemy. Scripture offers a different perspective. In James 1:2–4, we are told to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Growth, both academically and spiritually, often comes through challenge, not comfort. [![ACT Changes and What They Mean for College Applicants](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/ACT3.png)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/act-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-college-applicants) ## [ACT Changes and What They Mean for College Applicants](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/act-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-college-applicants) June 09, 2025 Standardized testing has long been a cornerstone of the college admissions process in the United States. Exams like the SAT and ACT have provided a uniform metric to assess students' academic readiness, complementing other application components such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. However, the landscape of standardized testing is evolving, with significant changes on the horizon — most notably, the upcoming modifications to the ACT. [![College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/DSC09350.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) ## [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) May 07, 2025 In the high-stakes world of college admissions, too many students and parents fall into the trap of viewing the process as a frantic senior-year dash to the finish line. They cram test prep, hastily join clubs, and scramble to find meaningful experiences — all while trying to craft the perfect application essays under immense pressure. Pivoting the mindset to seeing this process as a multiple-year endeavor allows students to craft an application “story” that showcases their strengths, talents, and interests. [![Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/3girlsGradsUntitled-1.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) ## [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) May 12, 2021 Mount Paran Christian School is a college-preparatory school for students in preschool through grade 12, but our aim is to do more than simply prepare graduates for college admission. Our goal is to find colleges that offer the best possible *fit* for each graduating senior. We help students cultivate their talents and interests to find their academic and extracurricular strengths and passions, then focus on colleges that will best meet student goals. College selection can be overwhelming for families, but the MPCS college counseling department helps facilitate the process. By answering questions and providing advice, students are guided in their choice of coursework and ultimately towards the college that is just the right fit.   ![3girlsGradsUntitled-1](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3girlsGradsUntitled-1.jpg?width=845&name=3girlsGradsUntitled-1.jpg) [![Get There From Here: Military Academies](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/LR-5788.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-military-academies) ## [Get There From Here: Military Academies](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-military-academies) June 17, 2019 CO-WRITTEN BY SHAUNDA BROOKS “I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.” ![LR-5788](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LR-5788.jpg?width=3600&name=LR-5788.jpg) [![Get There From Here: Ivy League](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/ivyLR-5726.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-ivy-league) ## [Get There From Here: Ivy League](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-ivy-league) June 06, 2019 The ivy covered halls of the nation’s most selective academic schools are the dreams of many high school students. What is the key for unlocking the door of admission to these schools? Is it extracurricular activities? The number of AP classes? Glowing teacher recommendation letters? How do GPA and test scores fit into all of this? We have some answers. ![ivyLR-5726](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ivyLR-5726.jpg?width=3600&name=ivyLR-5726.jpg) [1](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/elite-colleges-admissions/page/1) ## *WingTips* Welcome to *WingTips*, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders. ### Subscribe Here! --- --- #### Learn More About MPCS ### Recommended Series #### PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER: - [How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-school-choice-programs-increase-educational-opportunities-for-families) - [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition)  - [What Families Should Expect ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [2 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/2-most-important-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschool) - [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) - [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) - [7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/7-tips-for-affording-a-private-school-education) - [4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-reasons-we-chose-mount-paran-christian-school) - [How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-private-school-for-your-family) - [4 Methods to Meet Every Learner Where They Are](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-methods-to-meet-every-learner-where-they-are) #### PARENTEd. TALKS: - [Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/helping-students-boost-their-brain-capacity-for-success) - [Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/teaching-children-fiscal-responsibility) - [Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-tips-parents-help-teens-avoid-drugs-alcohol) - [Excelling in the Midst of Adversity](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/excelling-in-midst-of-adversity) - [3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-3-tips-navigating-hidden-dangers-social-media) - [The Blessing of a B Minus](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-wendy-mogel-blessing-of-a-b-minus) - [Real Talk for Moms](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-real-talk-for-moms) #### COLLEGE SERIES: - [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) - [ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) - [To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/private-school-529) - [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) #### FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK: - [The Importance of Play](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-importance-of-play) - [What Families Should Expect ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [Play is Learning Through the Arts ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/play-is-learning-through-the-arts) - [4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-to-capture-students-attention) #### CHRISTIAN LIFE: - [What is a Covenant School?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/what-is-a-covenant-school) - [Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/biblical-worldview) - [Faith and Intellect as One](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/faith-and-intellect-as-one) - [Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-fostering-diverse-culture) - [Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovations-in-education-teaching-cultural-awareness) - [A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/call-to-brotherhood-mlk-wisdom-for-today) - [CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-love-one-another) - [Campaign for CommUNITY](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/campaign-for-community) - [How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-raise-empathetic-children-in-todays-culture) - [Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/imago-dei-why-diversity-matters) - [Praying for Their Future](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/praying-for-their-future) *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.* shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/elite-colleges-admissions/page/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/elite-colleges-admissions/page/two_column_files/ti9kmypqeyitndjq73rh.webp)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/best-private-school-in-cobb-county) #### Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 P: (470) 250-0008 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTD8r1s5SeQuPtGW6) - [Twitter(opens in new window/tab)](http://www.twitter.com/mtparanschool) - [Instagram(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.instagram.com/mtparanschool/) - [Facebook(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.facebook.com/MountParanChristianSchool) - [YouTube(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.youtube.com/@MountParanChristianSchool) - [LinkedIn(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.linkedin.com/school/mount-paran-christian-school) #### Resources - [Eagles Nest School Store](https://www.mtparanschool.com/eagles-nest-store) - [Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - [Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - [Careers](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/faculty-and-staff) - [Sign In](https://www.mtparanschool.com/login) - [Contact Us](https://www.mtparanschool.com/contact-us) #### Accreditations - [GHSA(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.ghsa.net/) - [CESA(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.cesaschools.org/) - [GISA(opens in new window/tab)](https://gisaschools.org/) - [Cognia(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.cognia.org/) - [SAIS(opens in new window/tab)](https://sais.org/) © 2023 Mount Paran Christian School, All Rights Reserved - [Web Accessibility](https://www.mtparanschool.com/accessibility-statement) - [Privacy](https://www.mtparanschool.com/privacy-policy) - [SiteMap](https://www.mtparanschool.com/site-map) [Powered by Finalsite](https://www.finalsite.com/) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)