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Why Applying to Faith Based Colleges is Different

Applying to faith-based colleges can be challenging. There are some important differences between the requirements of faith-based colleges and those of secular institutions. While both types of schools evaluate academic merit, faith-based colleges delve deeper into an applicant’s spiritual life, character, and alignment with the institution’s religious values.

This can complicate the application process and may include submitting essays, recommendations, and sometimes even interviews that focus on faith and personal beliefs. Some non-religious college programs may indeed require similar submissions, but some students are surprised to learn of the extra requirements.

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Faith-Based Colleges and the Whole Person Concept

Faith-based colleges place an emphasis on an applicant’s spiritual life and commitment to the institution’s religious values. This can affect various aspects of the application process:

Essays: Faith-based colleges often require essays that delve into an applicant’s faith journey, spiritual experiences, and how their beliefs align with the institution’s values.

For example, a college might ask applicants to discuss their understanding of a specific spiritual text verse or their involvement in spiritual activities. In contrast, secular colleges typically focus on essays exploring personal experiences, academic goals, or intellectual curiosity.

Recommendations: Faith-based colleges may request recommendations from spiritual mentors, pastors, or religious leaders who can attest to an applicant’s character, faith commitment, and involvement in the religious community. Secular colleges typically seek recommendations from teachers, counselors, or others who can assess academic abilities and personal qualities.

Interviews: Some faith-based colleges conduct interviews as part of the application process. While secular colleges may also conduct interviews, they primarily focus on academic interests, extracurricular activities, and overall fit with the college community. They may not address spiritual or philosophical aspects relevant to admitting the prospective student.

Lifestyle Expectations

Faith-based colleges often have specific lifestyle expectations that reflect their religious values. These expectations may include:

Community Standards: Faith-based colleges may have community standards or codes of conduct that align with their religious beliefs. These standards may include alcohol and drug policies, codes on premarital sex, and appropriate dress. Secular colleges typically have less restrictive community standards.

Chapel Attendance: Many faith-based colleges require students to regularly attend chapel services or religious gatherings. This practice reinforces the college’s commitment to spiritual growth and community worship. Secular colleges typically don’t have those requirements, with students practicing their faith or spirituality independently.

Faith-Based Activities: Faith-based colleges often offer Bible studies, prayer groups, and mission trips. Secular colleges may have student religious organizations, they typically do not integrate faith-based activities into the core curriculum or campus life the way faith-based schools do.

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College Courses at Faith-Based Schools

Faith-based colleges often integrate faith into the academic curriculum in various ways including:

Faith-Based Courses: Faith-based colleges may require students to take courses in theology, religious studies, or related disciplines. Secular colleges typically do not require such courses in non-religious studies, although they may offer them as electives.

Faith-Informed Perspectives: Faith-based colleges often encourage faculty to incorporate faith-informed perspectives into their teaching, exploring the relationship between faith and their chosen field of study and encouraging critical thinking and intellectual growth. Secular colleges may prefer to offer a separation between faith and academics.

Worldview Development: Faith-based colleges aim to cultivate a specific worldview in their students, shaping their understanding of the world and their place in it. This worldview provides a framework for ethical decision-making, responsible living, and meaningful engagement with the world.

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Faith-Based Application Requirements

Here are some examples of how faith-based college application processes can differ from secular colleges.

• Biola University in California requires applicants to submit a “Statement of Faith” essay to discuss personal beliefs and how they align with Biola’s views. The university also requires a pastoral recommendation to offer perspective on an applicant’s spiritual maturity and involvement in the church community.
• Brigham Young University, affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requires applicants to submit an endorsement from their local church leader. This endorsement affirms the student’s commitment to the church’s standards of conduct.
• Yeshiva University in New York City requires applicants to have a foundation in Jewish studies and a commitment to Jewish values. The application process may include an interview with a rabbi or Jewish educator to assess the applicant’s knowledge and commitment.

For Prospective Students:

If you are  considering applying to faith-based colleges, consider the following steps:

• Research the specific faith-based colleges. Pay strict attention to their mission statements, doctrinal statements, and community standards. Do your personal beliefs and values align with the institution’s values?
• Be prepared to answer questions about your faith, spiritual experiences, and how your beliefs influence your life choices.
• Consult with your pastor, rabbi, imam, or other spiritual mentors for guidance and support throughout the application process.
• Be sure to compare a few alternatives to faith-based colleges that align with your academic goals. It never hurts to know your other options.

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