Trailblazer Academy Academic Advising

Welcome to Trailblazer Academy!

My name is Rev. Matt McKee and I am the Trailblazer Academy Academic Advisor here at OCU. I have been part of the OCU family since 2006, teaching youth ministry courses in addition to working with the PSEO program.  My prayer is that this will be a rewarding experience, and I encourage you to take full advantage of everything the program and OCU have to offer as you move forward in your academic career. 

As an Academic Advisor, I am here to maneuver you through the numerous course selections available, helping you select the best courses that help meet your goals as a high school student, whether that goal is to replace a required high school course, supplement or work exclusively towards a specific college degree. 

Before you meet with an Advisor, you will first need to complete the application process.  Once accepted, you will be sent information about registration and opportunities to either meet with your advisor personally or discuss options by phone. 

Once you have a scheduled time to either meet or conference by phone, please prepare by doing the following:

1. Have an idea of what courses you want to take (Remember in order for the state to pay for the courses you need to have at least a 3.0 or a B in the courses you are wanting to take). Also understand that a course that has a 300 or 400 course number is not available to you without special permission from our PSEO Director. Most of these also have prerequisites. So, focus on the courses numbered 100 or 200.

2. Know whether you want to take the course to replace or supplement your high school classes. If you are replacing a course remember you have to take 5 semester hours in order to get 1 high school credit. (example: Composition 1 and 2 equal 1 English credit).

3. If you have an idea on what you would like to study in college, begin researching different programs of interest and asses what courses would best advance you when you graduate from high school.

4. Come with your paperwork filled out if at all possible.  It speeds the process up and we can make anu changes necessary during the meeting.
    

Here are some commonly asked questions:

Q: What courses should I take?

A: I recommend taking general education courses that you will need regardless of where you go to college.These are courses like English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, Algebra, Human Biology, etc.

Q: I want to take this course, but my GPA is not a 3.0.  Can I still take the course and what are my options?

1. You can still take the course, but you will not be able to use Ohio State funding. However, tuition fees are greatly discounted for this program.

2. Make sure we have the most updated transcript and grade cards. If you are on the border and have done well, you may be over the 3.0 but we need to see those grades to make that final call

Q: Will this course transfer?

A: Classes will transfer in almost every situation, especially if it is a general education course. Even in the rare instance where the course will not meet a university’s requirement it will often transfer in as an elective which you will need anyway as a part of your degree.

Typical General Education requirements for most college program tracks:

1-2 Sciences (Often one science must include a lab)
2 English Composition courses
1 Literature
1-2 Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.)
1-2 History
1-2 Math (depending on if seeking BS degree, Math degree or CLEP testing)
1 Speech/Oral Communication
1 Technology/Computer Literacy (this is changing – check with the schools interested in attending)
1 Ethics/Philosophy (sometimes major specific – check with schools and programs interested in)

Again, I am here to help in any way that I can. Please feel to contact me with any questions you have at mmckee@ohiochristian.edu. I look forward to serving you while here at OCU!

Thank You,

Matt McKee

Trailblazer Academy Academic Advisor

Thank you,

Matthew McKee

mmckee@ohiochristian.edu