<p>I'm planning to transfer to Azusa Pacific from College of the Canyons. I know the application is due soon so I'm double checking to make sure I completed everything on the application. </p>
<p>The thing is, I noticed there was a thing about a Christian Character Reference on the admissions page. I had spoken with my transfer counselor about this and she said that it wasn't necessary, but good to have. However, on the apu site it says that it MUST be submitted along with the application. </p>
<p>So I'm confused. Do I absolutely need a Christian Character Reference? (Which will probably a huge downside if I do because I'm not a part of any church) Or it's something that is "optional"?</p>
<p>Call APU admissions and see what they have to say. This may be a form that they just need turned in along with other paperwork (or online) whether there is anything on the form or not. Either way, Admissions would be the place I would call to get a firm answer, not here on CC.</p>
<p>One option would be to look at “Christian Character” as honesty, love, strong moral values, etc. Do you have an adult in your life who could testify that you have these values? I don’t think they are looking for the name of the church you attend. Probably more what type of person you are.</p>
<p>Calla1 is right.
Even if you are not currently a part of a church, is there anyone who you would consider a Christian mentor or spiritual leader? Have them fill out the reference form for you. I think that would be better than not submitting the reference at all.
Good luck!</p>
<p>I noticed on the reference that “coach” was something acceptable. Would my track/cross country coach count…? Because technically the last “christian mentors” I had were from my elementary catholic school & all those teachers retired or left.</p>
<p>& thank you BuckeyeatHeart! I honestly didn’t think of that…I’ve been stressed out like crazy T_T</p>
<p>It’s okay to have a coach from a couple of years ago. Coaches know their athletes very well and are in a great position to make a recommendation. He/she could mention that they are sorry you couldn’t continue because of the accident but you have persevered after your injury etc etc.</p>
<p>I am assuming you have only been out of HS for a couple of years. If it’s been more than 3-4 years I would say you need someone more current.</p>
<p>I’ve been out of high school for almost 2 years now. Come May, it’ll be 2 years But thank you so much! I’ll try and contact him to see if he can write my recommendation :)</p>
<p>if it’s the form, i’m thinking of, my son was able to use an adult family friend for this reference on the freshman app. Iit was one of his friend’s moms who has known him since he was a kid. that was fine for APU </p>
<p>Azusa Pacific is a seriously Christian college. So to me it rings an alarm bell that you don’t have a pastor, Bible study leader, current university chaplain, other Christian adviser, or a person who can vouch that you’ll fit in with their religious requirements and values (which don’t just apply to your classes and their content, but also to what behavior is considered acceptable outside of class).</p>
<p>BTW, they may not consider Catholics “Christian” although they accept all forms of faith/christianity.</p>
<p>I know a number of students at Azusa, as well as one professor. The consider Catholics to be “Christian.” As long as OP is respectful of Christianity and willing to attend the chapels and classes, he/she will probably enjoy the dedicated, insightful environment. Azusa is not legalistic in the way that some other Christian schools are. They are seriously Christian, yes, but in a thoughtful way that challenges a person’s faith and gets them thinking about what it means to live as a Christian in the world. The emphasis is there, rather than on following strict standards of behavior. </p>
I got a character recommendation from my Platoon Sergeant, that I’ve known for years. He’s a great friend and mentor/motivator. However, I am not a Christian and I am not going to lie and say that I am for the sake of getting accepted into APU. Why? Because it goes against my character. I am who I am and no one can change that. I am a follower of Kilroyism and the belief in Rex Cocknasaura, a religion one of my buddies founded a while ago while in country. Let’s see if they do accept me. After all, they accept all religions, right?
But thank you so much! I’ll try and contact him to see if he can write my recommendation :)</p>