--- title: WingTips | step by step guide for college description: "step by step guide for college | WingTips MPCS Blog: Thought-Leadership in Christian Education" --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/step-by-step-guide-for-college#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=) [![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) [![ParentEd.: Here's What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/collegewildLR-5640.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) ## [ParentEd.: Here's What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) April 30, 2020 Parents, do you remember applying for college? It was so easy! You likely had a paper application that asked a handful of questions, took the SAT once or twice and sent in your scores, and then your parents signed a check for $25. You may have been accepted to the three schools you applied to and chose the one that was close enough to home, but just far enough that your parents couldn’t surprise you without a phone call first. You may not have paid much attention to the ranking of the school’s degrees, if there was a football team, or the freshman retention rate. You and your parents decided you were going to college, picked one, and went for it. How times have changed!    ![collegewildLR-5640](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/collegewildLR-5640.jpg?width=844&name=collegewildLR-5640.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) [![Get There From Here: UGA and Georgia Tech](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/BlogTechLR-6172.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-uga-georgia-tech) ## [Get There From Here: UGA and Georgia Tech](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/get-there-from-here-uga-georgia-tech) May 02, 2019 Deciding which college to attend is one of the most exciting and difficult decisions our seniors face each year. The MPCS college counseling department is available to guide students through this often perplexing process. From parent and student meetings starting in ninth grade to individualized sessions with juniors and seniors, college counseling at MPCS empowers our high school students to be proactive in their college search.   ![BlogTechLR-6172](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogTechLR-6172.jpg?width=3600&name=BlogTechLR-6172.jpg) [![Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for College](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/collegeMPCS-SnrParty2018_36.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/step-by-step-guide-to-prepare-for-college) ## [Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for College](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/step-by-step-guide-to-prepare-for-college) May 16, 2018 Many parents and high school students feel overwhelmed and uninformed when it comes to planning for college. Some may feel that college is too far away to worry about, but the college application process is not as simple as it once was. Long gone are the days of simply filling out the application and paying the deposit. With colleges and universities increasing their entry requirements and costs annually, it is important to begin planning now. It is never too early to begin investigating what is needed to be accepted into your top college choices and research scholarship opportunities.   ![hs college 3girlsLR-0863](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hs%20college%203girlsLR-0863.jpg?width=5305&name=hs%20college%203girlsLR-0863.jpg) [1](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/step-by-step-guide-for-college/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! --- ### Recent Posts --- #### 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/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/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==)