Discover who God made you to be...

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

The guidance program at Southwest exists to help students understand their value, purpose and calling from God. Each of us is uniquely made, formed in His image, having tremendous worth before our Creator. Our chief end is to enjoy God and worship him forever. We are fearfully and wonderfully made to know God, return His love, and serve Him from now into eternity. The primary focus of the guidance counselor is to help students gain a clearer picture of who they are and who God is calling them to be. Emphasis is placed on helping students see that all they do here at Southwest is preparation for their life beyond high school and the living out of their calling to be followers of Jesus Christ.

By understanding who they are and discovering who God made them to be, students will be more faithful to their specific calling, more fruitful in their endeavors, and more fulfilled overall in their life. The guidance counselor meets with all the students over the course of the year and is available on an informal basis at the request of students, parents or staff members.

Andrew Moss

Guidance Counselor

(952) 556-0040 extension 138

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Important Dates and Deadlines

College Preparation Timeline

• Overview of the College Planning Process (Focus of Each Year)                                      Ask yourself:

Freshman Year - Trying different interests and developing good habits                  How has God made me?

Sophomore Year - Exploring careers and job possibilities                              What passions has God given me?

Junior Year - Choosing a major and visiting schools                                          Who is God calling me to be?

Senior Year - Applying for programs and financial aid                                          Where is God leading me?

• FREE Fall College Planning Night
Our Fall College Planning Night will be on Monday, November 5 with many colleges and organizations present on campus. Gary Allen, the head of College Funding Consultants, will once again present "How to Pay for College without Going Broke," in addition to other workshops.

• College Preparation Checklist (SW)
Quick reference checklist put together by SW Guidance Department [PDF File]

• College Preparation Checklist (DOE)
Comprehensive and in-depth checklist put together by the Department of Education [PDF File]

• 4-Year Planning Worksheet
Useful tool in the college and career planning process - track your SW classes and plan for the future [PDF File]

College Preparation Testing

• College Preparation and Admissions Tests
A helpful table comparing different standardized tests from MN Office of Higher Education

• EXPLORE Testing
EXPLORE Testing for all Freshman on Wednesday, October 17 @ SWCHS (8:00 - 11:00 AM) Cost: $8.50

• PLAN Testing and Tips
PLAN Testing for all Sophomores on Wednesday, October 17 @ SWCHS (8:00 - 11:00 AM) Cost: $11.25

• PSAT Testing and Preparing
PSAT Testing for all Juniors on Wednesday, October 17 @ SWCHS (8:00 - 11:00 AM) Cost: $14

• ACT vs. SAT [PDF], ACT/SAT Test Prep Websites [PDF], and more great ACT/SAT websites 
Helpful information comparing the two tests along with additional test prep websites

• ACT Test Dates (2012-2013) and ACT Test Preparation (free study guide in the guidance office)
Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for the ACT Cost: $35 (no writing), $50.50 (with writing)

**SW is an official ACT test site for Oct 27, Dec 8, Feb 9, April 13 and June 8!** (Test Center Code: 241730)

• SAT Test Dates (2012-2013) and SAT Practice
Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for the SAT Cost: $49

• Advanced Placement (AP) 2012 Test Schedule and Bulletin for AP Students and Parents (2011-12)
AP Test Dates for 2011-12 Cost: $30/test due Friday, May 11 (pay online through TADS or bring in cash/check)

• FairTest Schools (SAT/ACT Optional 4-Year Universities)
Schools That Do Not Use SAT or ACT Scores for Admitting Substantial Numbers of Students Into Bachelor Degree Programs

• Southwest Christian High School Code: 240-266 (if you are NOT taking the test @ SW)

College Visits and College Fairs

• "Before You Go" Checklist and College Fair Checklist
Download and print off these checklists to make the most out of your college fair visit.

• Christian College Fair
September 27 [Thursday] from 6:30-8:30 will host over 30 Christian Colleges and Universities @ Minnehaha Academy - North Campus

• Taylor University

September 27 [Thursday] visit from Taylor representative from 9:00-10:00 @ SW

• Biola University
September 27 [Thursday] visit from Biola representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Cornerstone University
September 27 [Thursday] visit from Cornerstone representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Trinity International University

September 27 [Thursday] visit from Trinity representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Calvin College
September 28 [Friday] visit from Calvin representative from 8:30-9:30 @ SW

• Indiana Wesleyan University
September 28 [Friday] visit from Indiana Wesleyan representative from 8:30-9:30 @ SW

• Whitworth University
September 28 [Friday] visit from Whitworth representative from 8:30-9:30 @ SW

• Northwestern College (Orange City, Iowa)
September 28 [Friday] visit from Northwestern representative from 2:00-3:00 @ SW

• Crown College
October 8 [Monday] visit from Crown representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Luthern College Fair
October 8 [Monday] 20+ Lutheran Colleges available from 6:45-9:00 @ St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie

• Minnesota National College Fair

October 9 [Tuesday] from 9:00-12:00 and 4:30-8:00 and October 10 [Wednesday] from 9:00-12:00 will host over 350 Colleges and Universities as well as multiple free workshops @ the Minneapolis Convention Center

• Bethany College of Missions
October 10 [Wednesday] visit from Bethany representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
October 11 [Thursday] from 7:00-9:00 for students interested in music, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic design, and other related disciplines @ the University of Minnesota Coffman Memorial Union

• Northland International University
October 12 [Friday] visit from Northland representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
October 16 [Tuesday] visit from U of M representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Northwestern College (Minnesota)
October 22 [Monday] visit from Northwestern representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• North Central College [http://www.northcentral.edu/]
December 11 [Tuesday] visit from North Central representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Clearwater Christian College [www.clearwater.edu/]
December 19 [Wednesday] visit from Clearwater representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Bethany College of Missions
January 17 [Thursday] visit from Bethany representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Rivendell Sanctuary [http://www.rivendellsanctuary.com/]
February 19 [Tuesday] visit from Rivendell representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Northwestern College [http://www.nwc.edu/] (Twin Cities)
April 2 [Thursday] visit from Northwestern representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Emmaus Bible College [http://www.emmaus.edu/]
February 11 [Monday] visit from Emmaus representative from 11:00-12:30 @ SW

• Minnesota Education Fair - Shakopee
March 11 [Monday] Minnesota College Fair from 6:00-8:00 PM @ Shakopee High School

• Minnesota Education Fair - Chanhassen
March 18 [Monday] Minnesota College Fair from 6:00-8:00 PM @ Chanhassen High School

• Minnesota Private College Week
Summer open houses held twice daily on 17 campuses statewide.

• Wisconsin Private College Week
Summer open houses held twice daily on 20 campuses statewide.

• Iowa Private College Week
Summer open houses held twice daily on 29 campuses statewide.

• Suggestions for college visits? Send me an e-mail if there is a school you would like to visit SW: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Summer Program Search
An exhaustive database of more than 1600 day and overnight summer camps programs from traditional recreation camps to intensive academic summer programs, special-needs camps, and study abroad trips – even paid internships.

College Scholarships & Contests

• Beware of Scholarship Scams
A helpful checklist and questions to ask when searching for scholarships.[MN Office of Higher Education (2011)]

• Alert Magazine Scholarships
$500 scholarships for graduating seniors who write the best drug and/or alcohol abuse-related essay (650-800 words) received for our state/region.

• Best Buy Scholarship Program
1,100 Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. Students who demonstrate good grades, commitment to community service and/or work experience are eligible to apply. Apply online at http://pr.bby.com. DEADLINE: February 15, 2013

• The Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship Program
More than 175 scholarships in the amount of $1000 each will be awarded to dependent children of: member-cooperative employees and/or member-cooperative consumers. Scholarship applications can be obtained from your local electric cooperative office.

• Twin Cities in Motion College Scholarship Program
$5000 scholarship to one female and one male. The scholarship is open to all graduating high school students who: have participated in cross-country or track running event 800 meters or longer; have a GPA of 3.0 or higher; have Leadership Skills and Volunteer Experience; and live or attend school in the 11 county metro area.  Applications can be downloaded at www.tcmevents.org. DEADLINE: March 1, 2013

• Vallely Will Fund Scholarship Program
Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2500 will be awarded.  Applicants must show a financial need.  Applications can be found in the Guidance Center.  DEADLINE: March 5th, 2013

• SFM Foundation Scholarship
$5000 scholarship per year for children of parents who have been killed or injured on the job. Application can be found at www.sfm-foundation.org. DEADLINE: March 31, 2013

• SW Metro Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
$1000 for graduating seniors living in Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, or Victoria based on a student's dedication to and involvement in work, community, school, place of worship and/or family with an emphasis on generosity of spirit - not GPA or class rank. Apply online at http://www.swmetrochamber.com/scholarship.aspx. DEADLINE: March 15, 2013.

• Cologne Lions Club Scholarship
The Cologne Lions Club will award two $500 scholarships to any any graduating senior who reside in the Cologne Fire District. Application is available in the Guidance Office. DEADLINE: April 1, 2013

• Empire Beauty Schools Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are available in the amounts of $1500, $1000, and $500. Seniors enrolled in Empire Education Group's Cosmetology program are eligible.  Applications can be found at www.empire.edu/highschool. DEADLINE: May 1, 2013

• The College of St. Scholastica CSSyes full tuition program
Full tuition for selected, high-performing, high-need students who otherwise may believe they could not attend a prestigious, private college.  Eligibility requirements and more information can be found at css.edu/yes.

• Grand Canyon University Scholarships
$5,000 renewable scholarship for students who attended a member high school for four years and choose to live on campus at GCU, up to $20,000. For more info please contact 800-800-9776 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Resources for College Planning

Guidance Office Resources

• Good Questions to Ask through the Planning Process

1. How has God made you? (Personality/Learning Styles)
2. What do you enjoy? (Interests/Hobbies)
3. How has God gifted you? (Skills/Talents)
4. What is important to you? (Values/Passions)
5. How is God calling you? (Dream Jobs/Careers)
6. What kind of training do you need? (College Majors/Minors)
7. Where is God leading you? (Colleges/Universities)
8. How are you going to pay for it? (Scholarships/Grants)

• List of 50 resources available in the guidance office that can be checked out and brought home. Topics range from College Selection, College Majors, College Admissions, Test Preparation, to Financial Aid. Lists are arranged by topic, date, and alphabetical listings.

• Transcripts Request Form [PDF File]
Blank transcript request form - print off and submit to office receptionist (or e-mail to Mr. Moss: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

• List of Colleges that Have Accepted SWCHS Graduates [PDF File]

• NEW: Minnesota Career Information System
Invaluable website in the college and career planning process with personal assessments and surveys, scholarship sorts, and college databases (and more). See Mr. Moss for your individual username and password.

• NEW: Life Calling Class
This new semester elective is a dual-credit class offered through Indiana Wesleyan University, and is based on the Life Purpose Model to help students explore key areas of their life and better understand the path God has designed for them.This class is for juniors and seniors.

College Searching

• College.gov
Department of Education sponsored website that provides relevant, comprehensive information about why to go, how to go, and how to pay for college or other postsecondary education programs.

• The Common Application
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of its 456 members.

• Christian College Guide
Tools and resources to find and connect with Christian colleges and universities.

• Christian College Mentor
Christian College Mentor is a student services website representing the Christian colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.

• Christian Connector
The Christian Connector offers a "one-stop-shop" for receiving free information from Christian colleges and Bible colleges.

• Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities serves students, families and a community of schools dedicated to the integration of faith and learning.

• BigFuture
All-in-one college planning website.

• CollegeXpress: Scholarships, College Search, Rankings and Lists
All-in-one college planning website.

• College Grazing
All-in-one college planning website.

• EduTrek
All-in-one college planning website.

• Off to College
All-in-one college planning website.

• Peterson's College Search
All-in-one college planning website.

Financial Aid

• Federal Student Aid Programs 2011-12
A government handout comparing different federal grants and loans.

• Need a Lift: College Financial Aid Handbook (American Legion)
This guide is filled with scholarships, grants, fee waivers, student loans, and the organizations that offer them as well as information to help you select a school and apply for student financial aid.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
Online applications for receiving financial aid -- Some schools prefer FAFSA while others are CSS Participating schools

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Center
NCAA website for college-bound student athletes wanting to attend Division I, Division II, and some Division III schools.

• Scholarships: School Information Links
Links to school websites, applications, and admission/financial aid e-mails organized by state as well as scholarship links.

• Fastweb (Scholarship Search Engine)
Fastweb not only finds students scholarships but also provides a plethora of information and guidance as students find their college or first job.

• My College Dollars (Scholarship Search Engine)
Facebook application that provides free personalized scholarship matches and alerts.

• Scholarships.com (Scholarship Search Engine)
One of the most widely-used free college scholarship search and financial aid information resources on the Internet.

• Student Scholarships (Scholarship Search Engine)
Information regarding academic scholarships, majors, career profiles, college course outlines, and more.

• Zinch (Scholarship Search Engine)
Using student profiles, Zinch matches scholarships as well as college info with students allowing them to get recruited and interact with schools.

• Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) (Tuition Reduction Program)
List of over 150 public and private schools that offer discounts to out-of-state students from other nearby Midwestern states. Contact the school's MSEP Campus Administrator to see if you qualify.

• More Free Scholarship Searches & Resources
Helpful websites and links compiled by the MN Office of Higher Education.

Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities

• Ridgeview Medical Center Volunteer Opportunities
Ridgeview volunteer services is looking for volunteers 13 years and older to assist in multiple areas at the Two Twelve Medical Center. Download the application using the link above.

• Minnesota Zoo Teengage Volunteer Opportunities
The Minnesota Zoo has three programs for teenagers: ZooTeen Volunteers (13-18 years old), Wells Fargo Family Farm Volunteers (15-18 years old), and Summer Seasonal Volunteers (17-18 years old). Download and fill out the Volunteer Application Form, attend one of the scheduled interview sessions, and receive the necessary training. Call (952) 431-9588 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

• ACR Homes, Inc.
ACR homes has paid positions available for Program Counselors (18+) and Jr. Program Counselors (16-17 years old). ACR Homes provides health care for people in Minnesota with disabilities.

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6 (NLT)