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I am an American with a heritage similar to the Middle East. I was hoping to seek some guidance on how to convert. I am a college student and currently live in the Northeast. I have lived a non-religious life, not because of any animosity towards religion, but because I have never felt any personal attachment to it. I have met many Christians in my youth, but I have never felt a connection to their beliefs. I met a Copt at my university, and I gradually learned more about her beliefs. I cannot particularly describe the feeling, but I just felt drawn to Christianity for the first time in my life. I wanted to ask how one can join a church and what I must do prior to taking the step to get baptized. I was hoping I could join the Coptic Orthodox Church as I feel like I have been drawn to this ideology for a reason. I have read online that for English translations, the KJV is recommended for reading the New Testament, and for the Old testament, I should read the Septuagint. I purchased both of these and plan to read them over the next few months before I finalize my decision to convert. I am very excited to embrace this new perspective of mine. If there is any additional advice, I would love to hear it.

It is a pleasure to share the Coptic Orthodox Church with you. The first step is seeking your salvation. Step two is faith. Step three begins the process by entering the Church through the Holy Mysteries of Confession, Baptism, Chrismation, and receiving the Holy Eucharist. It is good that you purchased the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, but discipleship is also very important. You should go to your local Coptic church and get to know the priest there. Sometimes, there is more than one, so you need to choose. Sometimes, there is a cluster of churches in one area, but one is prayed all in English, which is usually preferred by English speakers. Once you have found the priest who will be your spiritual or confessor father, he will guide you on your spiritual journey. He will tell you what to read, how to pray, when to fast, etc. Our Church is built upon discipleship, handed down from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and His disciples and apostles, and their disciples, even until now. If you are unsure about where the churches are near you, please let us know where you live and we can connect with a priest in your area.  
 
This is a very good link with many topics and about the Orthodox doctrine, faith, tradition, rites, and rituals: https://suscopts.org/resources/literature/orthodox-faith/.