About

Frequently Asked Questions

Here to help before your WinShape College Program experience even begins.

Residential Community FAQ

Applicant Questions

Do you offer tours of the program?

Yes! Tours are led by current WinShape College Program students and include a full overview of the program, time to answer any questions you might have, and a visit to our Residential Community dorms. Tours last around one hour and are available during typical business hours. To schedule a tour, call 800-448-6955 (ext. 1121) or email to khackler@winshape.org.

Is Chick-fil-A restaurant work experience required?

It is not required but is strongly beneficial, as it provides great leadership experience for students prior to college. Many of our students bring some Chick-fil-A restaurant work experience.

How many students are enrolled in the program?

While enrollment varies, our current capacity is 125 students.

How many new students are admitted each year?

We typically enroll around 30-34 new students each year.

How many applications do you normally receive each year?

On average, we receive anywhere from 130 to 150 applications.

Do I have to apply to Berry College before I apply to the WinShape College Program?

No; however, you must be officially accepted to Berry College before we can review your file for a potential interview visit selection. It would be wise to apply to both Berry College and WinShape College Program at the same time.

Do you have spring admissions?

No. WinShape College Program only accepts applications from September to January each year (specific dates vary from year to year). Applications are for enrollment into the program beginning the following school calendar year.

When do I come for my interview visit?

Typically, we host two group interview visits in February each year, with 30-35 prospective students attending each visit. If you are selected for an individual interview following the group interview, you will be notified by mail at least two weeks prior to the selected date. Individual interviews begin on Monday afternoon at 1 p.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. on the following day.

When will I know if I have been accepted into the program?

All applicants will be notified during the month of March prior to fall enrollment.

If I am not accepted into the program this year, can I enroll at Berry College and apply again next year?

Yes.

How much is the scholarship provided by the program?

Students receive $4,000 annually.

Does the program cover my housing?

No. Pilgrim Hall and Friendship Hall are still considered Berry College dorms and hold the same fees and regulations required by the Berry College Residence Life Office.

Do I have to live on Mountain Campus if I am a WinShape student?

Yes. Living in the WinShape College Program dorms is a requirement of all WinShape students.

What if I am not accepted? Can I still participate in the activities?

Berry College students are welcome to participate in Monday Night Meetings, Community Week, and any socials. There are also several other WinShape Foundation ministries in which you can be involved. However, only WinShape College Program students can participate in Catalytic Events or Core Groups.

After Your Interview

I’m waiting to hear back about whether or not I’ve been accepted into the WinShape College Program. Do I still need to pay the Berry College dorm room deposit?

Yes. If you plan on attending Berry regardless of your WinShape student status, that deposit will go toward any campus room and boarding fees (including WinShape dorms). If your enrollment to Berry is contingent upon your WinShape College Program admittance, please wait to pay your deposit until you are officially accepted.

I’m waiting to hear back about whether or not I’ve been accepted into the WinShape College Program. What should I put down as my dorm choice on the room preference sheet?

List Pilgrim Hall or Friendship Hall as your first choice, and mention that you are waiting to hear from WinShape College Program on your admittance. Please include a second choice as well.

I am on the waiting list. What does that mean?

If an opening with the program becomes available, applicants on the waiting list will be considered. Each applicant will be notified if he/she has been selected. If an opening does not become available for an applicant by the end of the summer, he or she will not be able to participate in the program. If the applicant is an incoming freshman, he or she may reapply for the following year.

Once You're Accepted

How do roommate assignments work?

Roommate assignments are given by Berry College’s Office of Residence Life.

Programming Questions

What are the Monday Night Meetings (MNMs)?

All WinShape College Program students gather around twice a month to build community and dig deeper into the themes of discipleship, community and leadership. This gathering can involve anything from playing games and praying to listening to a speaker and celebrating birthdays.

Are there any other times when the whole WinShape community gathers?

Aside from MNMs, we have one significant annual event for the entire community – Community Week. Held each fall, this week is packed with low-cost opportunities for students to connect with each other (e.g., paintball, whitewater rafting, cookouts, etc.). We also host several socials each year.

How much do the Catalytic Events cost?

All costs associated with Catalytic Events are paid for by the WinShape College Program.

I’m a transfer student. Where do I start in the process?

All transfer students begin with the first year of training due to the foundational role of first-year content. Note: In order to experience the program’s maximum impact, we ask that transfer students have at least three years of college remaining to journey with us.

Ready to Apply?

Application season for the 2021-2022 year is now open!

Discipleship Intensives FAQ

What is the cost?

The total cost for a five-day Discipleship Intensive participant is $1,000; however participants are only responsible for a portion of this cost. WinShape College Program covers 50% of this total cost, and the remaining 50% is shared between the participant and his/her ministry leader (the WinShape ministry partner). The participant and the ministry partner can communicate to determine how this remaining cost will be split.

Where is the Discipleship Intensive held?

We currently have two site locations for our five-day Discipleship Intensives, which host multiple ministry partners:

• Impact 360 Institute in Pine Mountain, GA. Right next door to Callaway Gardens Resort, this facility has dorm-style housing, recreational facilities, interactive multimedia space and breakout areas that are designed specifically for college students.

• WinShape Retreat in Mount Berry, GA. Nestled on the beautiful Mountain Campus at Berry College, this facility features retreat-style lodging, meeting spaces, and breathtaking views of the North Georgia mountains.

We will work with each ministry partner and participant to determine which site location is best for them.

What is provided by WinShape College Program during the Discipleship Intensive?

WinShape provides: experienced trainers and staff, meeting space, lodging, meals, training and programming, Proven Identity in Christ or Biblical Community content.

Additional resources include:

• One content teaching manual and one workbook per participant

• 4-6 extra workbooks per participant for small groups in following semester

• Additional book resources related to content and discipleship

What should my students bring to the intensive?

A specific packing list will be emailed to participants prior to the event.

Is travel covered/how do I get there?

Ministry partners and participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to the intensive site. All transportation needed during the event will be either provided or available.

Will my students receive any resources/materials for leading a small group after the intensive?

Yes. Each participant will receive one teaching manual and one student workbook, along with 4 to 6 additional workbooks to lead their small group the following semester. Any further resource acquisition can be discussed with ministry partners.

Will my students continue to be mentored as they lead their small groups during the fall semester?

Yes. Support and mentorship during the school year will be primarily facilitated by the ministry partner, but WinShape College Program staff will be available for questions and communication throughout the year as needed.

When is the deadline to sign up?

Click the Contact Us button below for more information on securing your spot at an upcoming Discipleship Intensive.

What does a partnership with WinShape College Program entail?

Ministry partners recruit and send participants to a Discipleship Intensive, sharing the cost of the intensive with participants and committing to support them as they facilitate small groups following completion of the intensive. Partnership also includes attending two video calls each year to ask questions, receive information, and get to know fellow ministry partners.

Get Involved

Interested in taking small steps to make a big impact? Contact us to talk through how you can get involved!