College Fair Tab 2018 by Community Journals

2018 COLLEGE GUIDE COLLEGE FAIR – FREE TO THE PUBLIC

GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR – TD CONVENTION CENTER Monday, Sept. 17, 9–11:30am & 5:30–7:30pm; Tuesday, Sept. 18, 9–11:30am GreenvilleCountyCollegeFair.org | Like us on

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Greenville County College Fair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fall 2018

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BACHELOR’S PROGRAMS

15:1

Student to Professor Ratio

100+

Student Leadership Positions

• Bible • Bible Teaching • Business Administration • Church Ministry • Communication • Digital Media & Cinema • English • General Studies • Humanities • Intercultural Studies • International Community Development • Media Arts • Middle Eastern Studies • Music • Pastoral Theology (5-year B.A./M.Div.) • Philosophy • Psychology • Sport Management • Teacher Education (5-year B.S./MAT) • Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture

OTHER PROGRAMS

• Associate of Arts • Associate of Arts in Business • Bible Certificate

96%

Student Receive Institutional Aid

HONORS PROGRAM DUAL ENROLLMENT

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Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

About This Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Schedule for Fair.................................................6 History of Greenville County College Fair.....................................................6 List of College Fair Participants........................7 Taming The Beast: How To Get The Most Out Of A College Fair.......................................8 The Value of Attending a Technical College............................................10 Tips on Writing Your College Application.......................................11 SC Tuition Assistance Program.................12-13 Make The Most of Your Campus Visits............14-15

THE GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE: CHAIR

ALLYSON BROWN, Furman University

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Prep Smarter: How to Make the Most of SAT/ACT Preparations..................16-17

JUDY BENEDICT, Giraffe Web Development & Design

Financial Aid: The Big Stuff and the Small Stuff.........................................18

BILL DINGLEDINE, Educational Directions

Consider Liberal Arts........................................23

TARSHA BROWN, Greenville Technical College JENY KERSCHER, Furman University BJ LINDLEY, Greenville County School District

The Benefits of Honors Colleges and Programs.................................24

HEATHER NAJMABADI, St. Joseph’s Catholic School

Using the Internet in the College Search and Application Process....................................26

COREY SANDERS, Shannon Forest Christian School

ROB RHODES, Greenville County Schools LINDA SCHULZ, Christ Church Episcopal School SARAH STEELE, Southside Christian School

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE This Guide will provide students and parents with valuable and

timely articles related to college research, financial aid, test prep, college applications, and other important topics. Today, when

college costs are rising and admission to selective institutions is

becoming more difficult, it is important for students and parents to consider the many factors that go into planning for and applying to college. The articles and advice expressed here can be very

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

valuable in helping students and parents focus on things that are important. There is a detailed schedule of the Greenville County

College Fair on September 17 & 18. In addition, Seminars related to college admission and financial aid will be held on Monday

night the 17th. These are wonderful opportunities to learn more in-depth about the process from experts in the fields of college admission and financial aid.

Find your fit. With 100+ programs we have something for you.

Arts and Sciences University Transfer Engineering Transfer Honors Visual Arts Business Accounting Administrative Office Technology Management Marketing Supply Chain Management Health and Wellness Animal Studies Cancer Data Management Computed Tomography Cosmetology Culinary Arts Technology Dental Diagnostic Medical Sonography Emergency Medical Technology

Health Information Management Magnetic Resonance Imaging Massage Therapy Medical Assistant Medical Laboratory Technology Nursing Occupational Therapy Assistant Patient Care Technician Personal Trainer Pharmacy Technician Physical Therapist Assistant Radiologic Technology Respiratory Care Surgical Technology Sustainable Agriculture

Technology Aircraft Maintenance Technology Architectural Engineering Technology Auto Body Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology CNC/Machine Tool Technology Computer Technology Construction Engineering Technology Diesel Equipment Technology Electronics Engineering Technology

Public Service Criminal Justice Early Care & Education Human Services Paralegal

Did you know that Greenville Tech graduates earn more than 40% higher annual incomes than those with just high school diplomas?* Start today! Visit www.gvltec.edu/myGTCexperience/. Source: GTC Economic Impact Report (www.gvltec.edu/roi/) Visit www.gvltec.edu/gainful-employment/ to learn more about graduation and employment rates and estimated costs.

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College Fair Schedule

Monday, September 17 9:00–11:30 am 5:30–7:30 pm

College Fair

5:30 - 6:15 pm

College Admission 101 - An Insider’s Look at the College Application Process Seminar

7:15 - 8 pm

Shaking the Money Tree - Financial Aid for College Seminar

Tuesday, September 18

College Fair

Greenville County Schools

Graduation Plus is an innovative program that provides opportunities for students to graduate with college credits and/or advanced technical certifications.

The Class of 2018 received

TD Convention Center 1 Exposition Dr. Greenville, SC

$138.9

College Fair History & Committee

$621.1 million

History of The Greenville County College Fair – 27 years of helping students About 25 years ago, Xanthene Norris with the Greenville Urban League and Becky

Godbey with Greenville Tech, partnered with Christ Church Episcopal School to hold the first Greenville County College Fair. In the next several years, LaBarbara Sampson of the Greenville County School District and Charlie Brock at Furman became involved. In time, the Fair expanded and relocated from CCES, to Fluor, to McAlister Square. It was at that time that India Fulkerson of Greenville Tech began to take a major role in the planning of the Fair. Through her organization and work with CACRAO (Carolinas Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers), it has evolved into one of the foremost college fairs in the Southeast.

Over the past five years, seniors have earned

in scholarship offers.

GCS graduation rate continues to improve, with 87.3% of students graduating in four years.

87.3%

9:00–11:30 am 5:30–7:30 pm

Greenville South Carolina

(14.9 percentage points)

2011-12

The City of Greenville and Mayor Knox White have recognized the value and added its support as well through the use of the TD Exposition Center -- see how we have expanded! There are now over 100 colleges and over 3,500 students who participate in the Fair and it has expanded from one evening to two days with several educational

4,181

seminars for parents and students. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to get a great deal of information about all aspects of the college-going process and should not be missed by those who are thinking of and considering various college options. (See How to Get the Most Out of a College Fair on page 8.) We hope all gain from this experience. Best wishes – The Greenville College Fair Planning Committee

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

3,543

1,642

2016-17

List of College Fair Participants Agnes Scott College Anderson University Appalachian State University Arclabs Welding School Auburn University Augusta University Barton College Belmont Abbey College Berea College Bob Jones University Brevard College Campbell University Carson Newman University Catawba College Charleston Southern University Claflin University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Clemson University Lyceum Scholars Program Coastal Carolina University Coker College College of Charleston Columbia College Columbia International University Converse College Davidson College East Tennessee State University Eastern Kentucky University ECPI University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emmanuel College Erskine College Florida State University Francis Marion University Furman University Gardner-Webb University Georgia College Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Greenville Technical College Hollins University Johnson & Wales University Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology LaGrange College Lander University Lees-McRae College Lenoir-Rhyne University Limestone College Living Arts College Livingstone College Mars Hill University Meredith College Mississippi State University

Montreat College Newberry College North Greenville University Northeastern University Norwich University Nova Southeastern University Oglethorpe University Paul Mitchell the School Paul Smith’s College Pfeiffer University Presbyterian College Queens University of Charlotte Roanoke College Salem College Samford University Savannah State University South Carolina Army National Guard SC Student Loan South Carolina State University Southern Wesleyan University Spartanburg Methodist College St. Andrews University The Citadel Toccoa Falls College Tusculum College University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama Huntsville University of Georgia University of Mary Washington University of Mississippi University of Mount Olive University of North Carolina - Asheville University of North Carolina - Charlotte University of North Carolina - Greensboro University of North Carolina - School of the Arts University of North Georgia University of South Carolina - Aiken University of South Carolina - Beaufort University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Union University of South Carolina - Upstate Universal Technical Institute Valdosta State University Virginia Military Institute Voorhees College Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington University in St. Louis Western Carolina University William Peace University Winston-Salem State University Winthrop University Wofford College

Greenville native. National stage. “#1 College in South Carolina” — U. S . N E WS & WORLD REPORT

“#4 Best Schools for Making an Impact” —TH E PRINCE TON RE VIE W

“Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars” — FU LB RIG HT AWARDS

“Outstanding Academics, Affordability and Career Prospects” —TH E PRINCE TON RE VIE W

Greenville’s university for more than 160 years

furman.edu/visit Furman University guarantees an individualized four-year pathway that connects you with a team of mentors and engaged learning experiences, including study away, internships, research, and community involvement. The Furman Advantage prepares you for an immediate impact in your career and a meaningful life.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

Taming The Beast: How To Get The Most Out Of A College Fair

ou walk through the doors into a sea of people and tables. Each table is full of literature about a college and is manned by an eager, smiling young admission officer or by a gregarious alum. Panic strikes! Where do you go first? Should you pick up information from every display? Your dream school seems to be surrounded by an unruly mob of students and parents – how will you get your turn? Welcome to the typical college fair

Before You Arrive: • Have specific questions in mind – not the ones anyone can find out online (don’t waste your or the admission officer’s time) – but ones that are specific to you. If you need ideas, look further in this Guide! • BRING A SUPPLY OF STICK-ON, SELF-ADDRESSED LABELS (include your email!). Unless you are wild about writing your name and address over and over and over and over … Use the labels to fill out the ever-present cards that the colleges collect to build their mailing lists. That way, you can catch the representative’s eye first and ask your questions while everyone else in your group is still writing. • Bring a tote bag (those will be provided at the Greenville County College Fair) to carry literature you collect – it comes by the pound. Maybe your parent will even lug it for you! • Arrive early. Parking may be an issue.

How to navigate the fair: • Pick up a map of the tables, if one is available. The colleges are usually put in alphabetical order, but schools which draw a bigger crowd (such as the local state university) may be in a special area or separate room. • Pick up a list of the colleges present, which is almost always available. • Having arrived early (you did, didn’t

you?) you can take a minute and plan your stops—circle the colleges on the list in which you are the most interested and go there first. You will beat the crowd and have a more personal chat with the rep. • Stop by each college on your list, collect information, and ask questions. If you make it to each one, you will have time to explore some schools that are not currently on your list. Ask the same questions and you may well discover something to your liking! Have some fun!

What to ask/say to the representatives:

• Introduce yourself – name, school, year in school (or graduation date). • Ask first if he or she is an admission officer or a local alum. • If the rep is a local alum, find out if they do interviewing for admission at the school. (You may be seeing this person later and will need to make a good impression!) Where is he or she from originally? What drew him or her to that college or university? • What things are you interested in – academics, extracurricular, sports, etc. – that you want to know about. Hey, this is going to be your “home” for four years, make sure they have the things you want and like. • What’s big/new/happening on their campus that people are currently excited about? • How do they evaluate applicants (grades, GPA, essays, interview, test scores, all of these? Only a few?). And, what are their applicants like (what sort of courses, test scores, regional diversity, etc.) • Be sure to thank the representative for coming when you are finished and grab a business card! Write a thank you note if this is a place in which you are interested! Good Luck!

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

It’s Good to be First Detrek Browning (’18) first generation college graduate All-American basketball player

Great Stories Begin Here Francis Marion University fmarion.edu/greatstories

Francis Marion University

History: Francis Marion University is a public university located in Florence, SC, in the northeastern corner of the state. It was founded in 1970. Enrollment is around 4,000 students. Academics:

The university prides itself on the teaching prowess of its faculty. There’s a lot of great research that goes on here, but our professors can really teach. Isn’t that true everywhere? Can’t say. But we know it’s true here. Students benefit from classes that are taught by full-time faculty (not graduate students), and from a culture of involvement, in which faculty and students interact professionally on a regular basis. This creates a learning community noted for its intimacy and compassion. Professors know their students, and vice versa. It’s a rich educational environment. Majors:

Too many to list! We have more than 60 programs of study with more coming all the time. We’re adding six new programs this year alone! Diversity:

There is a wide and interesting range of students at FMU. We’ve been recognized regionally and nationally for our diversity. We’ve got great academic support programs and a growing honors program. Student Life:

The intimacy extends to campus life. FMU has a

pretty campus, which provides a nice setting for social events. FMU has more than 60 student organizations, featuring everything from Greek life, to special interest groups, to service clubs. Regular events include Homecoming (February), Parents and Family weekend, the First Friday Music Festival, the President’s Bowl academic quiz competition, and variety of social time and entertainments organized by the student-run Campus Activity Board. Athletics:

FMU has won five national championships in its 48-year history. Enough said? Maybe, but there’s more. Patriot Hall of Famer Pearl Moore is the all-time leading scorer in women’s collegiate basketball history. We’re regularly in the thick of the fight in the Peach Belt Conference, and we’re always at the top of the rankings when it comes to athletic achievement in the classroom. FMU fields 14 NCAA teams, seven each for men and women. We recently added reserve teams in several sports, opening the doors to continued athletic careers for still more students. Location: Florence -- especially it’s revitalized downtown -- is a fun city. Like FMU, it’s big enough, but not too big. We’re at the crossroads of two interstates, so travel to and from is easy. It’s a short drive to the beach and to several large regional cities. The name: FMU is named for General Francis Marion, hero of the American Revolution. General Marion, nicknamed the “Swamp Fox” for his wily tactics while fighting in the swampy low country of South Carolina, is still revered by military strategists for his leadership and his cunning. We’re called the Patriots, and our new mascot, Frank the fox, plays homage to Marion’s nickname.

GLADYOUASKED WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? It’s just the right size. FMU is large enough to support a growing array of academic majors and professional programs, but it’s still a very intimate place where students, faculty and staff enjoy a real sense of community. We hear that from students on a regular basis. “I really feel like I’m part of something here. I feel like I matter.” WHAT IS HOUSING LIKE? There’s a variety of residence hall styles at FMU. All have this in common: they’re set in a pleasant, wooded area that is among the prettiest parts of a very pretty campus. Some of our residence halls are traditional in structure. Some are 2-, 3- and 4-room apartments where residents share common areas but have their own private space. The main dining hall and other dining options are close to all the residence halls. So is the POD, a convenience store that is, well, convenient. There’s plenty of parking nearby, although FMU is such a walkable campus that few resident students feel the need to drive to class.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO? The student-to-professor ratio is 15:1. We like that because it’s a real number, not a product of the law of averages. There aren’t any giant lecture halls here, so most classes are in the 12-25 student range. We think that’s a size that’s perfect for collegial learning and amenable to developing close relationships with faculty members and fellow students. Like FMU itself, we think the student-faculty ratio is just about right. WHAT ARE THE STEREOTYPES ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND ARE THEY TRUE OR FALSE? FMU is known as an affordable choice, and that’s right. We work hard every day to keep costs down and to locate new sources of scholarship dollars for our students. What’s less well known is FMU’s growth and the accleration of its programs over the past 20 years or so. There’s a lot going on here. That’s not as well known, but the word is getting out. We’re still a young school (founded in 1970). Our alumni base is growing, spreading the news. This is terrific college that’s only going to get better and better in the years ahead. Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

The Value of Attending a Technical College By Becky Mann Director of Executive Communications and Public Relations, Greenville Technical College

very spring, high school seniors and their parents face an important decision. College acceptances arrive, and families weigh the options. The college decision involves picking a campus, but more importantly, considering what happens upon leaving that campus. Will it be easy to get a job in the field chosen? Will there be opportunities in the years that follow? Where will the degree take the graduate? Greenville Technical College (GTC) and other community colleges teach the skills employers need in order to succeed. That focus means that graduates succeed, too. Employers have a hand in shaping the programs, and when students graduate, businesses and industries are confident in their abilities and ready to consider them for openings. Some GTC graduates go straight to work in fields that pay well. The mechatronics technician, paralegal, dental hygienist, auto body technician, and logistics manager have completed two-year degrees that allow them to find secure futures. They have benefitted from an education rich in hands-on experiences, leaving them ready to make a difference from the first day on the job. Other students earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree at Greenville Technical College, transferring to a four-year college or university to finish. They leave with a strong start, and having saved money on the first two years, they can finish the degree with little or no debt. Agreements with four-year partners make it easy to move from one level to the other so that the college choice doesn’t have to be two-year or four-year but a strong combination of both. Greenville Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, just as Clemson, USC, and most of the state’s best-known institutions are, so credits and students can move easily from one level to the next. The Planning and Transfer Headquarters at GTC can assist with making that move, bringing representatives from four-year institutions to campus to answer questions and help students plan their transfer path. The Honors Program is a strong op-

tion for students who have a bachelor’s degree in mind. Honors students enjoy small, challenging classes and a motivated community of scholars. This rewarding educational experience reaps benefits upon transfer including scholarship opportunities. Furman University, for example, most often awards its full tuition Alden Transfer Scholarship to a GTC honors graduate. A new option is coming to Greenville Technical College once all approvals are completed. This applied baccalaureate in advanced manufacturing technology will allow people earning an associate degree in an advanced manufacturing field such as machine tool technology or mechatronics to build on that degree and earn skills beyond what can be covered in an associate degree. For the first time, students will be able to complete a four-year degree at GTC so that they can play a leadership role in a global manufacturing operation. All students at GTC have access to the support they need to achieve their goals. Tutoring, coaching, and other services help students with assignments and classes so that they grasp the material and have the knowledge to change their lives through education.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

Opportunities such as these are part of the reason that 41% of our country’s undergraduate students enroll at twoyear colleges. In Greenville County, 4,237 students from Greenville County high schools enrolled at GTC for Fall Semester 2017. They have chosen education that is focused and affordable. College decisions are important. They require a hard look not only at the time and money invested on campus but also what happens upon graduation. The best outcome is to finish with skills that employers are seeking or a strong foundation for further study. That is where a two-year college is an excellent choice.

? ? ?

Tips on Writing Your College Application Essay By Lee Ann Backlund,

To help you get started, here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts:

Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Sewanee: University of the South

s high school seniors are finalizing their college application lists and completing applications, most find the process fairly straightforward until it is time to write the essay or personal statement. For many students, the essay is the last hurdle and causes more procrastination and bewilderment even for the best writers. The essay is not designed to be a hurdle or block, but it is designed to give students the opportunity to “talk” to college admission counselors and provide more insight into the person beyond the numbers. In addition to getting to know you, the applicant, colleges are interested in how you communicate and how clearly you share your thoughts or highlight an accomplishment that is important to you.

DO:

DON’T:

• Be yourself. Use words that are natural to you. Write in your own “voice” and style. • Find a topic that excites you or that you have a keen interest in – if you bring a genuine interest to your writing, then the admission counselors reading your essay will find it interesting. • Write about something you know! • Show your topic – don’t just tell us about it but use vivid examples – describe the scene, the person, use details. • Use active verbs instead of passive verbs. • Draft, edit, and re-write. Once you write the fi nal draft, read it aloud and ask yourself if it conveys the topic and message you are trying to convey. Ask a teacher, a parent or a friend to read your essay. It is okay to ask others to provide you feedback. • Proof, proof and proof again.

• Don’t write what you think others want to read. • Don’t wait until the last minute and send in your first draft. • Don’t write about broad topics and generalizations. • Don’t overwrite and pull out the thesaurus to use big words. • Don’t neglect the technical parts – grammar, spelling and structure. • Don’t ramble. Say what you want to say, and conclude. • Don’t confuse applying online with sending an e-mail. It is important that you’re writing is clear and that you use correct grammar. • Don’t let careless flaws take away from your essay topic. We want to notice you, not the grammatical errors or misspelled words.

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Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

SC Tuition Assistance Programs

Grants for SC residents.”

CHOOSING A COLLEGE?

VISIT SMC! SCHEDULE A PERSONAL CAMPUS TOUR OR ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE. Learn about SMC’s new bachelor’s degree

(coming Fall 2019*) and get your college questions answered.

Personal campus tours run every Monday - Friday and last 90 minutes. Speak with an Admissions Counselor and Financial Aid representatives.

Fall Open House is Saturday, October 20. Learn about financial aid, academic programs, athletics, campus life and more!

Plan your SMC visit at

*Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

www.smcsc.edu/admissions/plan-a-visit

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

LIFE and Palmetto Fellowship Scholarships

LIFE Scholarship

Up to the cost of attendance, not to exceed $4,700, plus a $300 book allowance at four-year public and independent colleges in SC; up to the cost of tuition at USC Regional campuses plus a $300 book allowance at two-year public and independent colleges; and up to the cost-of-tuition plus a $300 book allowance at regional technical colleges. The LIFE Enhancement for majors in specific math/sciences is an additional $2,500 beginning in the sophomore year. Eligibility Requirements for LIFE (2 out of 3 of following): 1. Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) upon high school graduation (cannot be rounded). 2. Score an 1100 on the SAT or an equivalent 24 on the ACT taken through the June national test administration of the high school graduation year; based on the highest SAT Reading and Math scores from different test administrations. The ACT composite score must be at one test sitting.

The Palmetto Fellow Scholarship

The annual award amount for the freshman year is up to $6,700. The award amount for the sophomore, junior and senior years is up to $7,500 per year. Eligibility Requirements (High school seniors may apply if they meet one of the following sets of academic requirements): 1. Score at least 1200 on the SAT (27 on the ACT) by the June national test administration of the senior year; 2. Earn a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year; and, 3. Rank in the top six percent of the class at the end of the sophomore, junior or senior year; — OR 4. Score at least 1400 on the SAT (32 on the ACT) by the June test administration and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year.

3. Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class based on all students who received their diploma during the traditional graduation ceremony in May/ June. *Note: For entering freshmen at an eligible two-year or technical institution only a 3.0 GPA is required – nos. 2 & 3 above are waived.

Spend your next four years discovering your purpose.

Start exploring at

bju.edu/visit (21508) (21001) 9/18 8/18 ©© 2018 2018 Bob Bob Jones Jones University. University. AllAll rights rights reserved. reserved. BJU BJU does does not not discriminate discriminate onon thethe basis basis ofof race, race, color, color, age, age, sex, sex, national national oror ethnic ethnic origin, origin, protected protected disability disability oror veteran veteran status. status.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

Make The Most of Your Campus Visits High school students overwhelmingly agree how important it is to visit schools before completing an admissions application. College websites are very useful; however, very few people would buy a car or even a pair of jeans without fi rst test driving or checking out the fit.

hen choosing a college, you should be sure the college fits your criteria. Visiting schools during the college selection search can help you to focus on possible schools. You may find that deciding on the college for you is not as difficult a process as you may have imagined. Visiting schools can help you begin to make some choices: size of the student body; academic programs; location; admission requirements; cost; etc. As you narrow your choices, your visits become more important and more attention can be given to specifics. There is no ‘best time’ to visit a college. During the summer months you may have more time available, and admissions representatives are usually available to meet with you. On the other hand, campuses, especially small ones, can seem very empty when students are gone and there are no classes to attend. You cannot overestimate the difference of having students on campus opposed to visiting a school on break. A good plan would be to do preliminary ‘runs’ during summer or school vacations, and if possible, follow-up visits to first choices later. Weekends are like summers: the campus is usually asleep until noon, but

there are usually Saturday office hours for prospective students who cannot come at other times. One should avoid visiting on party weekends such as homecoming. An effective college visit should include a campus tour, a group information session, and a meal in the cafeteria. Seniors are also encouraged to sit in on classes and sleep overnight in a student residence hall, if permissible. Group information sessions are usually conducted by a member of the admissions office and provide an opportunity to learn more about the school; they last about an hour. It is advised to call ahead to verify the schedule. Sessions address such areas as academic opportunities, social life, housing, student support services, security, financial aid, and admission requirements. Students should come prepared to listen and to ask questions during these informative sessions. Campus tours are usually offered throughout the year. It is always best to call the admissions offi ce prior to your visit to verify times. Most tours are conducted by students who volunteer their time. Tours usually last anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes; the average length is one hour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and don’t hesitate to ask the guide questions. If there is a specific building or department that you want to visit, ask the guide if it can be included on the tour. If the tour group is too large, or if time does not permit, it may not be possible to meet your request. You may want to allow extra time to investigate further on your own after the tour.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

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MUST SEE STOPS ON A COLLEGE VISIT INCLUDE: RESIDENCE HALLS

This is where you may spend the majority of your time while at college. See where students live in relation to classrooms, the student center, the library, the athletic center, etc. Are the residence halls/apartments within walking distance or will you need a car, bike, or bus to get to the main part of campus? Ask if housing is guaranteed, and what types of housing options are available. Guides can sometimes show their own room or friends’ rooms, or there may be a sample room available for showing. For students who stay overnight, some admissions officers suggest that you observe what happens after 10:30 pm – noise, alcohol, etc.

CLASSROOMS, SCIENCE AND COMPUTER LABS

Visiting different academic buildings can give you a sense of the average class size. Are the rooms you see mostly lecture halls with hundreds of seats, or do the rooms accommodate small numbers of students for seminar style classes? Visiting science and computer labs will allow you to see what type of equipment the school has, and whether it is well maintained, available

for undergraduate use, and supervised by knowledgeable staff to provide assistance to students when needed.

STUDENT CENTER

Is there a building on campus where students can cash checks, receive letters or care packages from home, or purchase books and munchies? Are the student activities offices located in the center? Does the center have meeting rooms, game rooms, and lounges? Is the center well maintained? Visiting the student center can allow casual conversation with students. Review bulletin boards, student announcements, graffiti - these can tell you a lot. Pick up a recent college newspaper and look for discussions concerning safety, student life, etc. Many centers also contain the college bookstore. No visit can be complete without picking up a tee-shirt, cap, or sweats!

LIBRARY

How large is the library in terms of physical size and holdings? Are there rooms to meet with other students, and quiet places to get away from roommates and other distractions? Does the library cooperate with other libraries to obtain books that they do not have? Is there more than one library on campus? Also check the hours of operation.

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Besides knowing where the football, basketball, or swimming teams play, find out if there are athletic facilities available for non-team students. What are the hours of operation? That weight room, basketball arena, or ice rink may look inviting, but may be open only for varsity teams.

CAFETERIA

Plan to have at least one meal on campus during your stay. Since many schools require students to participate in a meal plan, it would be smart to try the cuisine. It probably won’t be as good as mom’s, but it may come close! Some meal plans offer various options at every meal, ranging from a choice of entrees, deli and grills, yogurt, ice cream, salad and fruit bars. National companies such as Subway, Pizza Hut, and McDonalds operate on college campuses. Ask if students are required to be on a meal plan, and how many meals per week are included. Many schools allow students to eat in different facilities on campus. Having a meal on campus gives you a perfect opportunity to talk with students. Don’t be afraid to speak with them while waiting in line to be served; even better, share a table with them. Ask students what they like most and least about their school, why they chose this school, what types of

clubs and activities they are involved with, and to what other schools they applied. Most students welcome the opportunity to speak with others about their experience.

SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTS AND FACILITIES

It is not always possible to include every building on the tour. If this is the case, ask the guide to point out the places that you want to visit on your own. A conversation with a professor, especially in your field of interest, can be worthwhile. Sometimes it is best to call ahead for an appointment with a professor or department chairperson. One final piece of advice is to write down your impressions of your visit while they are new. Many students said that the colleges began to blur after they visited a few. Record your thoughts while they are fresh. Robert Rummerfield is Director of COLLEGE VISITS, which organizes college tours for college-bound high school students. Rummerfield was previously an admissions representative at The Johns Hopkins University.

Most experiences can’t be described in words and photos. We don’t expect you to be convinced to attend Southern Wesleyan University without experiencing our faith-filled campus community for yourself. We would love to welcome you to a Preview Day event or for an individual visit.

swu.edu/visit Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

Prep Smarter: How to Make the Most of SAT/ACT Preparation By Jed Applerouth, PhD

n the winter edition of peer reviewed academic journal College and University, I coauthored, with Dr. Karen Zabrucky, a literature review of the factors that influence performance on the SAT. We investigated the most current research on testing and test preparation to identify the keys to successful SAT performance, examining a range of individual student variables, environmental factors, and preparatory factors.

INDIVIDUAL VARIABLES

Individual differences, both cognitive and affective, influence test scores. Researchers have found general intelligence and working memory — the ability to keep a mental representation active while engaged in additional processing activities — as moderate to strong predictors of SAT performance. If a student is able to read a question once and hold that question in a temporary memory cache while searching through a passage to find the answer, he or she will clearly have an advantage on the SAT/ACT. Additionally researchers have found that test anxiety is an independent predictor of SAT/ACT performance. Students with a greater degree of test anxiety have diminished test performance, thus the importance of addressing test anxiety before sending a student into an official testing administration.

STUDENT CHOICES

Irrespective of individual differences or circumstances, students are in no way

locked into a predetermined SAT/ACT score: the choices students make and the manner in which they prepare for the SAT can have a tremendous impact on their final testing outcomes. Curricular choices in middle and high school relate to SAT/ACT scores. Students pursuing more rigorous academic courses in verbal and STEM subjects tend to attain higher SAT/ACT scores. Students participating in honors or AP level classes in math, English, and natural sciences also tend to attain SAT scores that are significantly higher than peers who enroll exclusively in non-honors classes. Some researchers have identified “high school effects” wherein students attending high schools with a greater percentage of students enrolled in AP courses attain significantly higher test scores. Participation in activities outside the classroom has also been found to correlate with higher scores. Students engaged in extracurricular activities may achieve gains in self-esteem, resilience, and motivation, which can positively affect test scores.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

A student’s home environment can contribute to his or her testing outcomes as well. The types of conversations that students have with their parents about

the SAT and ACT may influence their scores. Julie Park and Ann Becks of the University of Maryland found that parental expectations for student educational attainment, parental education level, the frequency of parent-child discussion about going to college, and SAT/ ACT preparation all made positive contributions toward SAT scores. Brenda Hannon of Texas A&M found that differences in parental education may account for 14 to 34 percent of the gap in SAT scores across different ethnic groups.

GENDER DIFFERENCES

Dr. Zabrucky and I examined the significant body of research on gender and high-stakes testing, paying particular attention to the underperformance of females on the math portion of the SAT and ACT. Despite their consistently superior academic performance (as measured by high school and college GPA) females attain lower SAT and ACT scores than their male counterparts. To account for this differential, some researchers found that males and females exhibited differences in risk-taking behaviors, in that males were more likely to guess than to omit items. This difference, however, should be eradicated now that the guessing penalty has been removed from the SAT. Studies also showed that students with higher rates of self-efficacy for math exhibited greater persistence and attained higher SAT math scores. Researchers identified differences in self-efficacy and perceptions about testing, competition, and anxiety as potential factors contributing to the underperformance of females. Higher rates of test-anxiety among females contributed to score gaps, and Hannon even concluded that greater test anxiety and performance-avoidance goals in females accounted for all significant gender differences on the SAT.

PREPARATORY FACTORS

There are many methods of preparation for the SAT or ACT, and students who

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

combine different forms of test preparation (e.g. books, software, groups, private instruction) achieve higher score increases than those who do not. According to Park and Becks, students who worked with private tutors or who took commercially available group classes outside of their high schools attained the largest score increases. Researchers have identified several discrete factors which predict higher SAT performance: Time Investment: Numerous researchers have found a positive relationship between SAT/ACT score increases and number of hours spent in preparation for the test. Pat Montgomery and Jane Lilly of Oxford University identified this effect only for math scores and found that preparation for verbal plateaued after 8 hours of preparation. Effective Instructional Formats: Different forms of SAT/ACT preparation vary in effectiveness. Numerous researchers have identified individual and small-group instruction as more effective than standard classroom instruction. One benefit of individual instruction, according to Benjamin Bloom of U. Chicago, lies in the “feedback-corrective process of mastery learning.” Many scholars agree that a higher level of feedback and direct inquiry increases the efficacy of the individual tutoring format, as does the quality of the instructor. Timing of Test Preparation: Wisely timed test preparation has been found to be one of the most important features of an effective test preparation program. Cramming is not nearly as effective as having well-spaced preparation with regular breaks between prep sessions. Audrey Devine-Eller of Grinnell College found that students who engage in test preparation for the first time during their senior year of high school may have started too late. This finding was affirmed in a 2015 study I conducted with Dr. Zabrucky and Dr. DeWayne Moore in which we found that starting test preparation earlier in the junior year

››

positively affected score increases. Distributed Testing: Having breaks between sessions is an important component of learning, relearning, and retaining information. Spacing practice is superior to cramming practice. Taking Practice Tests: For decades, researchers have found evidence that taking practice tests enhances retention, overall learning, and final test outcomes. Retrieving information during a test acts as a powerful memory enhancer, strengthening the memory of learned material for future retrieval events. Taking full-length practice SAT/ACTs helps students assimilate strategies, improve mental endurance, enhance familiarity with the material, and gain confidence. In numerous studies, researchers have found clear benefits of practice tests and evidence that more practice yields greater returns. Repeat Testing: Researchers Charles Clotfelter and Jacob Vigdor found that, just as students benefit from taking multiple practice tests, they also benefit from taking multiple official tests. The mechanism is largely the same: sequential testing events increase familiarity, comfort, confidence and give corrective feedback to inform future preparation. In 2015, research scientists at The College Board found that 64 percent of their sample of 150,377 students achieved their highest score on their final SAT. My investigation with Dr. Zabrucky and Dr. Moore found that students preparing for the SAT increased their scores an average of 22.62 points for every official SAT they took. The growing body of academic research pertaining to the SAT/ACT informs us that students, parents, and high schools all contribute to student success on the SAT. Student choices â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both in and out of school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; matter, as does the manner in which they prepare for the SAT. Parents can have a positive impact on student outcomes through their attention to the college admissions process and through encouraging students to academically challenge themselves and participate in extracurricular activities. When students prepare for the SAT/ACT, they must remember that time on task, or getting adequate exposure to the material, directly contributes to final outcomes. Other factors for successful test prep include spreading prep out over time, building in breaks, taking practice tests, taking multiple official tests, starting early enough to avoid being rushed, and using multiple, effective forms of test preparation. Familiarity with the material breeds confidence, lowers anxiety, and sets a student up for their greatest likelihood of success on the SAT/ACT. Jed Applerouth is a teacher and an educational innovator. A Nationally Certified Counselor with a PhD in Educational Psychology, Jed has researched student cognition, memory, motivation, and learning strategies to enhance the pedagogical strategies of Applerouth Tutoring Services.

Greenville County College Fair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fall 2018

Financial Aid: The Big Stuff and the Small Stuff

elieve it or not…the small stuff does exist in the world of financial aid! Unfortunately, the big stuff can overshadow the small stuff and in financial aid, the devil is in the details. I would like to share with you some of the finer points I usually address at the very end of any presentations I give but also want to mention the big stuff as well.

The Big Stuff • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The center of all federal needbased financial aid, state need-based financial aid and maybe even institutional need-based financial aid. The FAFSA covers grants, federal work-study and student and parent loans. I encourage completing the FAFSA at least the first year to establish a baseline for need. It only takes a little time, income and asset information and you’re on your way! Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be calculated and used to determine your financial need based on the Cost of Attendance (COA). And the FAFSA needs to be completed each year!! • Don’t ask your parents to complete all the financial aid process. Get involved so you are aware of the details of your awards. • As a senior in high school, you can complete the FAFSA as early as October 1st! • Consider your college choices and place those schools on your FAFSA application. Then, APPLY for admission! Acceptance to a college or university will be the ticket to receiving a financial aid award package. Take time to weigh your financial aid options; each school has different criteria for awarding aid, so your financial aid packages will vary from school to school. • When visiting a college or university, ask if you may have the opportunity to speak with someone in the financial aid office. Prepare a list of general questions as well as school specific ones. Ask if the school requires additional financial aid forms for financial aid and scholarship consideration. • DEADLINES: Know what they are and stick to them!!! Each college or university has different deadlines for scholarship consideration, completion of the FAFSA, admission deadlines, bill payment, etc. Believe me - your college transition will be much easier and void of delays if you abide by the deadlines! • Financial aid ranges from grants, scholarships, work –study opportunities, and student and parent loans. When you receive your award notification each year, be sure

to review the terms and conditions of your awards. You may decline any awards you are offered. • Apply for outside scholarships. Your guidance office probably maintains a list of local, state, regional and national scholarships for your perusal. You can also search for scholarships on-line, but never pay for scholarship assistance. • Prepare for the future! It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of college planning but remember your costs could increase each year and you and your family need to plan and prepare for that possibility.

The Small Stuff • Keep records of your financial aid documentation. If you are asked to submit tax transcripts to the Financial Aid Office, keep a copy for your records. For that matter, maintain copies of anything submitted because you never know when you may need those documents again. • Don’t be afraid of asking a question or voicing your concerns! • Let your guidance office help you! If your school offers a financial aid/college night, GO! You will gain a great deal of knowledge on the entire process and have a better understanding of the different sources of financial aid. • DEADLINES: Haven’t I mentioned that already? • The FAFSA only collects financial information from the previous tax year. If your family experiences a significant change in income and/or has unusual expenses, contact the Office of Financial Aid for further guidance. If warranted, you will be asked to provide be documentation of the situation. The end result could be additional aid for you to attend the college of your choice. Working in higher education for almost twenty seven years has been most rewarding! I am grateful for this opportunity to share with you some words of wisdom I have talked about all these years and hope this has been helpful to you. Best of luck in your college search!

By Carolyn B. Sparks Director of Financial Aid, Wofford College

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

Important College Financial Aid Resources • The most reliable resource for

• Many private colleges and

information regarding applying

some selective public universities

for financial aid: US Department

require the College Scholarship

of Education Federal Student Aid

Service (CSS) PROFILE form

site – https://studentaid.ed.gov

in addition to the FAFSA; you may register for the PROFILE

• The Free Application for

on-line at https://cssprofile.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

collegeboard.org/

must be completed each year of college in order to be considered

• Families are encouraged to

for, or to receive, need-based

get an early estimate of their

college financial aid. The FAFSA

eligibility for federal student

must be completed online at

aid by completing the free

www.fafsa.ed.gov and is available

estimator, FAFSA4caster, at

beginning on October 1 of the

www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/

student’s senior year. This is a

estimate

FREE application. • Search college websites for • Many families can use the

their school-specific Net Price

IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS

Calculators, which provide an

DRT) to automatically import

estimate of how much and what

tax information into the FAFSA.

types of financial aid you might

Learn more at www.studentaid.

qualify for if you were a college

gov/irsdrt

student that year.

• Students and parents must attain a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID), a username and password that are used to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. A student or parent uses his or her FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA, among other activities. For more information about the FSA ID go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/ fsaid.

Websites for FREE Scholarship Search • fastweb.com • bigfuture.collegeboard.org • salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch • unigo.com • collegeNET.com

MAKE THE MOST OF THE COLLEGE FAIR EXPERIENCE

DO:

DON’T:

1. Before you go, put together a preliminary list of colleges you’re interested in.

1. Don’t ask anything you can easily Google.

2. Pick 3-5 schools from your list that you definitely want to talk to. Time is of the essence.

2. Don’t ask general questions.

3. Talk to a rep from a school you’ve never heard of, especially one who has no one in front of them. 4. Ask specific questions that invite a personal response. 5. Ask specific questions relevant to your major.

3. Don’t ask a rep to compare their college to another. 4. Don’t start the conversation with your rep by asking if they attended the institution for which they work. 5. Don’t have a closed mind on what colleges you may be interested in.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

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Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

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Consider Liberal Arts

n an increasingly complex and global world, the challenges we face are shared across societies, cultures and borders. The role of the liberal arts college is to educate and empower students to affect positive change at home and abroad. To this end, these colleges aim to combine intensive and collaborative academic work, a global perspective and a wealth of educational and community resources. Liberal arts institutions seek to develop intimate academic environments where extensive interaction between faculty and students fosters a community of learning designed to provide a rich set of opportunities for motivated and talented students. Classes emphasize discussion, critical thinking and life-long learning, and the average class size at many small liberal arts colleges is 15-20. All courses are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. Through their knowledge, research, and roles as advisors to business and government, liberal arts professors are scholars dedicated to the growth and success of their students. A true liberal arts education extends beyond the classroom through research, expansive study abroad opportunities, leadership programs and service. Students attending liberal arts institutions value the academic rigor, opportunity for personal growth and connections that they find at their schools. Liberal arts campuses are vibrant learning communities fueled by

intellectual curiosity, thoughtful discourse and the value placed upon the varied perspectives and experiences of students. How will a liberal arts education prepare students to meet with the challenge awaiting them after graduation? The critical thinking ability fostered through liberal arts coursework is enormously practical because it serves as a resource to draw upon for lifelong learning and for nimble decision-making. A successful liberal arts education develops the capacity for innovation and for sound judgment. Those who best react and respond to our quickly evolving world will be the shapers of our economy, policies, innovation and culture. To that end, each year, liberal arts graduates earn distinguished fellowships, acceptances to prestigious graduate programs and exciting employment opportunities. Studies have shown that many small liberal arts colleges have a higher percentage of graduates obtaining Ph.Ds in almost every discipline than graduates of larger research universities (National Science Foundation, 2008) and other more “prestigious” medium-sized universities. The value of a liberal arts education is seen most clearly in the outcome: their alumni. Liberal arts graduates are leaders in policy-making, business, education, medicine and science, public service and technology. Through the intensive liberal arts education they receive, those graduates are prepared not just

for today’s world but for the change constantly reshaping the world in which we live. They are leaders and engaged members of their communities, thinkers and doers, creators and innovators. And they are truly successful by any definition of the word.

By Kortni R. Campbell, Senior Associate Dean of Admission, Davidson College; Article reprinted from 2010 College Guide

“The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.”

—Albert Einstein Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

The Benefits of Honors Colleges and Programs By Steven Lynn Dean, University of South Carolina Honors College

f you’re thinking about college—where to apply, where to go—then you ought to make honors programs and honors colleges part of your considerations. There are all kinds of honors experiences, just as there are all kinds of colleges and universities. Honors programs exist in two-year colleges, in large public universities, and even in small private schools. There are in fact so many different kinds of “honors” in so many different settings that it’s difficult to say very much that usefully applies to all of them. What they have in common is the goal of adding something extra to the educational experience, usually in the form of smaller classes, enriched or more challenging coursework, and specially selected teachers. You should expect a fully developed honors college to add something beyond the classroom, including for instance study abroad experiences, internships, service learning activities, research opportunities, a senior thesis, additional advising, guidance in planning for what comes after college, additional funding resources, community-building activities, a dedicated living space, and more. Being “in honors” can dramatically affect the quality of your undergraduate experience and the value of your undergraduate degree—the jobs available to you, the graduate schools or professional schools you might get into, the national and international awards and scholarships you might win, the contacts and network you’ll create, and everything else you can think of. But being part of an honors program or even an honors college also might make very little difference. How can you tell just how much value a particular honors program or college might add?

to allow for individual attention and interaction, both with your classmates and your professor. Of course, one professor in one class can transform your life. Wherever you go, be intellectually adventurous: seek out those life-expanding and lifechanging teachers and courses. At their best, honors programs and colleges aim to provide students with an academic experience that is comparable to what they would receive at the most elite schools. Public universities in fact began to offer “honors” in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to attract the strongest students, keeping them in their home state, or drawing them from other states, and thereby elevating the university as a whole. In any given year, the most famous and highly ranked schools are able to admit only a small fraction of the superb students who apply to them. For Harvard, for instance, the acceptance rate for this year’s entering class, the class of 2022, was only 4.59%. Some of those admitted were no doubt accepted at other top schools, so the odds for any particular amazing student of getting into Harvard are even worse than they might appear. No one is saying, “Don’t apply to an Ivy League or other most elite school because the odds are against you being accepted.” Someone is getting in, and if you’re interested, you won’t get in if you don’t apply. Nor is anyone saying, seriously, that an excellent honors college can provide you with everything Harvard, or Yale, or Stanford, or MIT can. Still, it’s an interesting comparison, because honors colleges arguably can offer, in some cases anyway, real advantages over even the most celebrated universities. Most obviously, there is the cost of attendance, which at Harvard could be about $268,000 for four years, if you received no financial aid. Harvard, to be sure, like other schools at the top of the prestige scale, has an enormous endowment, and if your parents make under $65,000, tuition is free. So it’s possible that an honors college will be financially advantageous, perhaps enormously so, but

You should start with the classes. Most importantly, you want to know how many honors courses will you be able to take; how many people will be in them; and who’s going to be teaching them. If Honors Program A offers 150 honors courses each semester and has 800 students, while Honors Program B also offers 150 courses but has 8000 students—well, you get the idea. The most appealing honors experience will offer you lots of honors classes, taught by research-active faculty, in a wide variety of academic disciplines. You want these classes to be small enough 24 Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

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Talk – Talk with your family, your high school counselor, friends, coaches, and anyone else who is a positive role model about your future hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, and desires. Learn – Learn how to study and take the most challenging courses that are available and appropriate for you. A strong academic performance in high school demonstrates to colleges that you’re ready for the academic challenges ahead. Participate – Get involved in a few extracurricular activities you really enjoy and commit to them. Strive to become a leader in those activities. For example, start writing for the school newspaper in ninth grade and work your way up to editor by senior year. Life on a college campus is about more than classes, and colleges want students who enrich the experience for others. Plan – What do you need to do between today and when your college applications are due? How can you make yourself a viable candidate for the college or university of your choice? Are you taking the necessary courses? What standardized tests are required?

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No application forthe admission work your way up to editor by senior year. school to school. No application for year. admission than one school. It isapplication an unethical practice that may result support students with learning differences or those forms.school Financial aid procedures can differ from for thework school newspaper in ninth grade and school to school. No for admission work your way up to editor by senior to school. Nobe application for admission your way up to editor by senior college during fallbyofthe your can due prior to Oct. 15. Ear Life on a college campus isyear. about more than can be due prior toby Oct. 15. in your acceptances being withdrawn colleges. with physical challenges? schoolcan to school. No application for admission work your way up to editor senior year. can be due prior to Oct. 15. Life on a college campus is about more than be due prior to Oct. 15. Life on a college campus is about more than year and the college classes, and want students can be due prior to Oct. 15. • senior Life onclasses, college campus iscolleges about more than classes, and colleges students who who You need to be the sole author of your and colleges want students whoauthor • You need to be the sole author of your Once you have decided, notify the colleges you aren’t • aWhat and clubs are available? •activities You need towant be the sole of your s • You need to be the sole author your their notifies you wellofbefore classes, and colleges want students who enrich experience for others. enrich thethe experience for others. • attending You need to be request the soleapplication—complete author enrich the experience for others. it yourself. application—complete ityour yourself. and to have your applications closed. application—complete n application—complete it of yourself. Regular Decision deadline. enrich experience for others. options? it yourself. • the What are your housing application—complete it yourself. You may ask for advice, but the words may advice, but the words – What do you need toadvice, do to between • Plan –You What doask you need dobut between R You may ask for You advice, butask thefor may the words • •Plan –Plan What do you need tofor do between You not obligated to attendwait the list, IfYou youmay have been offered a the spot on awords college’s ask advice, but words Plan What do need to do your between need to beare yours. today and when your college applications need to be yours. You a • –today Does theyou college have a career guidance and need tofor be yours. today and when college applications and when your college applications need to be yours. school. You may submit Early Action learn what you need to do to be an active member. need to be yours. today and when your college applications are due? How can you make yourself a placement office? Pre-professional are due? How can you make yourself aadvising No college ask you where ask you whereschoo are due? How can you make yourself a • •No college should you where • should Noask college should applications to multiple colleges. are due? How can make yourself a •you No the college should ask you where viable candidate for the college app • sure No college should ask you where viable candidate for college they rank your list. aren’t Be that you have aonschool to You attend if you aren’t (pre-med, pre-law, pre-vet, etc.)? viable candidate for the college they rank on your list. You aren’t they rank on your list. You aren’t viable or candidate forofthe college or university of your choice? Are you they rank on your list. You aren’t they rank on your list. You aren’t university your choice? Are you obligated to atell a college where offered admission off the wait list. obligated to tell college where or university of your choice? Are you or Your university of choice? Are you counselor help you think many, many more taking thecan necessary courses? What obligated obligated to tellof a college where obligated tellyou a college where to tell a college where taking theyour necessary courses? What else are applying. elseto you are applying. taking the necessary courses? What taking the standardized necessary courses? What tests are required? SinR questions to consider. Single Choice Early or else you are Action applying. else you are applying. standardized tests are you required? else are applying. •You You should never tests are required? standardizedstandardized tests are required? Restric •Restrictive should never feel feel– This is the Early Action s And if you can…visit the or university for a • You should neverinto feel • into You should feel pressured applying • college You should never feel same cc pressured to a to anever same concept asapplying Early but the pressured into applying to officers a Action, first-hand experience. college—admission officers pressured into applying to a college college—admission pressured into applying to a colleges that use this form restrict your college—admission are there toofficers tell you about college—admission officers abi are there to tell you about college—admission officers ability to apply Early Action or are there to tell you about opportunities and give opportunities andare givethere you you to tell you about Earl are there to tell you about opportunities and give you Early Decision to other colleges. accurate information. accurate information. opportunities and give you accurate information. opportunities and give you accurate information. 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Some questions to get started: Some things to remember:

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time to make your decision! It is a big decision and an

important one. Take your time, carefully evaluate all of the information, and make the college choice that it’s time to make your decision! It is a big decision and an important one. Take your time, carefully evaluate is best for you. No college can require you to commit to attending prior to May 1, National College Decision all of the information, and make the college choice Day, with the exception of Early Decision or NCAA athletic scholarship programs. If you have received finanthat is best for you.

y b d e m l e Overwh ge nd arch a relsele o ge le c ol c r ou y e ge a Ma n th ocess in four steps. ess? application pr on proc iit down: s s i a dm Break

cial aid No college can require you to commit to attending prior to offers, compare them carefully. Determine exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be to attend May 1, National College Decision Day, with the exception of each school. Attend prospective student events. Talk to your family, your counselor, and those you trust. Early Decision or NCAA athletic scholarship programs.

You should never submit an enrollment deposit to more than one school. It is an unethical practice that may If you have received financial aid offers, compare them result in your acceptances being withdrawn by the colleges. Once you have decided, notify the colleges you carefully. Determine exactly what your out-of-pocket cost Spring 12th grade aren’t attending and request to have your applications closed. If you have been offered a spot on a college’s will be to attend each school. May 1 = National College Decision Day wait list, learn what you need to do to be an active member. Be sure that you have a school to attend if you Attend prospective student events. aren’t Talk to your family, your counselor, and those you trust.offered admission off the wait list.

Decide…

You should never submit an enrollment deposit to more than one school. It is an unethical practice that may result in your acceptances being withdrawn by the colleges. Once you have decided, notify the colleges you aren’t attending and request to have your applications closed. If you have been offered a spot on a college’s wait list,

Graphic produced by the National Association for College Admission Counseling ; nacacnet.org

Decide earch, Apply, a nd

its ad applic re

Reg as app All of befor

Using the Internet in the College Search and Application Process • www.commonapp.org and www.mycoalition.org - Over 800 colleges and universities accept the Common Application, helping students streamline the application process. The Coalition Application is accepted by over 135 institutions; the platform provides a single, centralized toolkit for students to organize, build, and refine their applications to numerous institutions. • www.sccango.org - Link to SC schools’ respective websites and their applications.

• www.che.sc.gov - South Carolina Commission on Higher Education • www.collegeboard. org – Register for the SAT, send scores to colleges, and link to free test preparation; complete the CSS PROFILE (financial aid document required by some colleges), find financial aid and scholarship information • www.actstudent.org – Register for the ACT, send scores to colleges, and link to free test preparation

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2018

• www.fairtest.org – Organization dedicated to making the testing process for college admission fair and equitable. A listing of test optional colleges and universities is available on this site. • https://nces.ed.gov/ collegenavigator - National Center for Education Statistics (valuable, unbiased data) • www.collegeportraits. org - free, reliable information on public colleges and universities

• www.ucan-network.org - admission and enrollment data for private colleges; includes real costs, graduation rates, most popular majors, etc. • www.unigo.com – Unigo; feedback and reviews by college students and alumni and more • www.ncaaeligibilitycenter. org – the home page of the National Collegiate Athletic Association; if you plan on competing in collegiate athletics at the Division I or II level, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

Graphic produced by the National Association for College Admission Counseling ; nacacnet.org

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