GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR @ GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: Morning Session 9:00-11:30 am Evening Session 5:30-7:30 pm
MONDAY SEMINAR: The College Financial Aid Process from 7:15-8:00 pm
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17: From 9:00-11:30 am
EVENING SESSION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE
CHAIR
ALLYSON BROWN
University of South Carolina
CO-CHAIR
LINDA SCHULZ
Christ Church Episcopal School
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
JENN ALBRIGHT
St. Joseph’s Catholic School
BRANDI BABB
Legacy Early College
JUDY BENEDICT Giraffe Web Development & Design
JAY BLANKENSHIP
Renewable Water Resources
TARSHA BROWN
Greenville Technical College
LYNN EDWARDS
JL Mann High School
DYAMOND HENDERSON
Legacy Early College
ELIZABETH HOUSE
Greenville County School District
ANDY RAY
North Greenville University
TY ROBBINS
Furman University
SAM WALKER
Southside Christian School
A LETTER TO GREENVILLE COUNTY FAMILIES –
Welcome to the Greenville County College Fair! We are so fortunate to collaborate with the Greenville Journal to promote access to college for our local high school students. We work hard each year to bring this experience to the families of Greenville County and the Upstate. The planning committee is made up of volunteers; we are also parents, wives, husbands, college graduates, educators and community members who care about your future success. This planning committee is supported by the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers whose mission is to provide every prospective student in North and South Carolina the opportunity to attend an educational program.
This college fair is for you.
There are several paths to consider taking after high school: work, college, and service. All three paths can be enhanced with an education. We know this generation of college bound students are having to make really hard, big decisions at the beginning of young adulthood. The benefits to a version of education after high school are important in this rapidly changing world. Finances, family support, and achievement are all factors to deciding if college is right for you. We have set the stage, inviting 100+ colleges and universities to join in this conversation with you.
This College Guide will be a great resource for you. More than 100 college representatives await your arrival, so we want you to be prepared to make the most of this experience. After all, where else can you access this many colleges and universities from across the country for free? Inside this College Guide you will find preparation from tips for high school seniors who are starting the college application process this fall and for juniors who are honing in on their college search, to guidance for sophomores and freshmen who are starting their college search process. We encourage you to explore topics of interest and make plans to join us at the college fair! This is a two-day event: morning sessions are reserved for students to visit during the day with their high school and the evening session is open to the public. Ask your school counselor which day you will attend and definitely talk about this opportunity with your family!
We hope to see you there.
Greenville County College Fair Planning Committee
Email: greenvillecountycollegefair@gmail.com
Website: www.greenvillecountycollegefair.org
Facebook and Instagram: greenvillecountycollegefair
2024 COLLEGE FAIR PARTICIPANTS
Agnes Scott College
Anderson University
Appalachian State University
Arclabs Welding School
Auburn University
Augusta University
Belmont Abbey College
Bob Jones University
Brevard College
Catawba College
Charleston Southern University
The Citadel
Claflin University
Clemson University
The Lyceum Program at Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
Columbia College
Columbia International University
Converse University
East Carolina University
East Tennessee State University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory and Henry College
Erskine College
Fayetteville State University
Francis Marion University
Full Sail University
Furman University
Gardner-Webb University
Georgia Southern University
Guilford College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hollins University
Johnson & Wales University
Kennesaw State University
Kent State University
Lander University
Lees-McRae College
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Life University
Limestone University
Livingstone College
Long Island University
Mars Hill University
Mercer University
Mississippi State University
Newberry College
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Greenville University
Ohio University
Paul Mitchell The School
Piedmont University
Presbyterian College
Queens University of Charlotte
Roanoke College
Salem College
Samford University
SC Army National Guard
SC Student Loan Corp
South Carolina State University
Southeastern Esthetics Institute
Southern Wesleyan University
Spartanburg Methodist College
St. Andrews University
University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Universal Technical Institute
University of Mount Olive
University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina Aiken
University of South Carolina Beaufort
University of South Carolina Upstate
Virginia Tech
Warren Wilson College
Washington College
Western Carolina University
Winthrop University
Wofford College
Xavier University
Young Harris College
PRE-REGISTER FOR THE GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR!
You are encouraged to register with StriveFair.com prior to the Greenville County College Fair to get a personalized barcode that you can share with colleges when you visit their booths. This is a free service that will save you time as you meet with college representatives.
Make the most of your College Fair experience and register now!
Career-building experiences
Lowcountry lifestyle
PREPARE TO ATTEND the Greenville County College Fair
BEFORE THE FAIR
Pre-register with StriveFair.com before the fair to receive a barcode for an effective way to share your name and contact information with college admission representatives. Print or take a screenshot on your phone of the barcode and bring it to the fair as your electronic ID. Online registration leaves more time for you to meet one-on-one with admission representatives.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Do I want to attend a large, medium, or small school?
What major do I wish to study? What academic areas interest me?
• Do I want to attend an urban, suburban, or rural school?
• Do I want to attend a two-year, fouryear, single-sex, or religiously-affiliated school?
• Do I want to participate in athletics, clubs, fraternities, sororities, or special programs such as study abroad or cooperative education?
Research colleges attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria. Make a list of questions to ask college representatives.
AT THE FAIR
• Pick up a college fair directory and a bag for all of the materials you collect.
• Visit the schools you researched but also be adventurous and talk to admissions representatives from colleges you may not yet be familiar with.
Ask the college representative to scan your barcode. This will allow the representative to follow up with you directly—and quickly.
• Ask the same questions to each college representative you visit.
• Take notes. Write down what you find most interesting about each college.
• Attend the Monday evening College Financial Aid seminar to learn more about the college financial aid and scholarship process.
AFTER THE FAIR
• Review college websites and printed viewbooks to gather
more information to help narrow your choices.
• Send a thank you note/email to the college representatives you met. This simple gesture can show admission officials you’re serious about wanting to attend their college.
WHAT IF MY PARENT(S) WANT TO COME TO A FAIR WITH ME?
• Bringing a wing person to make sure you can hit every table you’re interested in is always a good plan. We suggest printing your barcode out twice, so you guys can divide and conquer all you want.
• Another tip, set up an email account specifically for the college admissions process. You will be getting a lot of correspondence from colleges. You want to make sure to handle emails quickly and not miss anything. On the other hand, because you will get a lot of admissions office emails, you might want to keep them untangled from your everyday inbox.
# #1 1 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROGRAM for 25 consecutive years
NATIONALLY RANKED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS and 100+ majors to choose from 60 60
OF FRESHMEN RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID LAST YEAR 99 99% %
VISIT
We invite you to Columbia, S.C. to see for yourself what makes our campus and community so special.
Go to sc.edu/visit for more information.
DEFINITIONS OF ADMISSIONS:
Options in Higher Education
STUDENTS: WHICH COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS BEST SUITS YOU ?
Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.
Early Action (EA)
Early Decision (ED)
Restrictive
Early Action (REA)
Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.
Students make a commitment to a firstchoice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll and withdraw all other applications. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.
Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm.
Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.
Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.
Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling
The National Association for College Admission Counseling, founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 25,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education. NACAC is dedicated to providing counseling and admission professionals with the expert advice and tools they need to better serve students and improve the college transition process.
COLLEGE TYPES
While no two are exactly alike, most colleges fit into one or more of the following categories:
Liberal arts colleges focus on the education of undergraduate students. Classes are generally taught by professors who see teaching as their primary responsibility. Students who attend liberal arts colleges are exposed to a broad sampling of classes. In addition, they select at least one area of in-depth study that is their college major. Many employers look for graduates of liberal arts programs because they are well-rounded.
Universities are generally larger and include a liberal arts college, as well as colleges focused on preparation for specific careers, like nursing or education. Universities offer a greater range of academic choices than liberal arts colleges, but often come with classes that are quite large. Research opportunities and other extracurricular options are readily available.
Technical institutes and professional schools enroll students who have made clear decisions about what they want to study and emphasize preparation for specific careers in music, fine arts, engineering, or technical sciences.
Religiously-affiliated colleges and universities were formed by religious groups and organizations. Although they are not limited in admission to members of that religious group, they often run in alignment with religious principles. To graduate, students may be required to take one or two religion classes (and sometimes more).
Historically Black Colleges and Universities originated at a time when AfricanAmerican students were systematically denied access to most other colleges and universities. Students at HBCUs have a unique opportunity to experience an educational community in which they are a part of the majority. They find committed faculty mentors who encourage their expectations of success.
Tribal colleges are similar to HBCUs, but they focus on the needs and education of American-Indian students.
Similarly, women’s colleges , with their larger numbers of female faculty and administrators, offer college women confidencebuilding role models, greater opportunities to serve in a full range of student leadership positions, and a heightened awareness of career possibilities for women. Women’s colleges graduate a high number of science majors, as well as students who continue on to graduate school and/or professional studies.
Community or junior colleges generally offer the first two years of a liberal arts education in addition to specialized occupational preparation. An associate degree is awarded at the end of a two-year program of studies. Many students continue their education at a four-year institution.
Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling
COLLEGE IS STILL A GOOD CHOICE
Now that the world is on the other side of a global pandemic, we all have developed a new perspective on life, death, and the choices we make in between. The choice to attend college is included in those life choices and it’s important to understand the shift in perspective and reflect on the value of pursuing college.
THE APPREHENSIONS
Research raises this question: Is college still worth it? The Hechinger Report (August 2022) presents the reality of declining enrollment numbers for colleges across the country and reasons why students think differently about college than in previous years. Increasingly more and more Americans think less and less of a college education due to a shift in mindset, high tuition costs, high financial debt, increased stress, impacts to mental health, and the disappointing return on investment after college. The institution of higher education has become a questionable concept in American society.
THE ASPIRATIONS
Kim Parker (August 2019) writes in The Pew Research article, “The Growing Partisan Divide in Views of Higher Education,” college graduates believe their choice to attend college was a good one. Colleges are the microcosm of society at large, or put another way, a practice run at what life may be like with built in support measures. Making a mistake in college is different than making a mistake in the real world. The realistic challenges of tuition costs and potential financial debt should be balanced with the opportunities to grow as an individual, explore different interests, and develop into young adulthood. Putting a price tag to the experience is difficult.
Colleges are getting back to the basics of
supporting students through developing a sense of belonging in college environments. Sense of belonging for college students has long been studied and, as a result, provided theoretical frameworks for higher education practitioners to revisit. Creating a sense of belonging atmosphere for college students helps to retain the current students, especially those of marginalized backgrounds. Colleges in the Greenville community, and across the country, are making intentional steps to support students’ overall well-being, academic preparation and career counseling. Student retention re-builds trust in the institute and value of higher education that students will be prepared for life after graduation.
THE FUTURE
College is still considered a social good; educated people strengthen communities. The concept of college still provides the
opportunity to improve the quality of life for the individual and in many cases the lives of loved ones. Revisiting this conceptual idea of hope and promise, the pathways to college are broad and diverse. The challenge for college bound students will now be making intentional choices. There is too much at stake to compromise the future contributions that college graduates will make to their communities. Financial debt, major of study or skill acquisition, and experiential learning opportunities will remain pivotal in the college decision. College does create opportunities worth investing in, the question now becomes what college bound students will make of their choice.
Dr. Allyson Brown, Admissions Representative, University of South Carolina www.hechingerreport.org www.pewresearch.org
Palmetto Fellows
State-Funded Scholarship & Grant Programs
State-Funded Scholarship & Grant Programs
Qualifying Criteria
3.5 SC UGP GPA, 1200 SAT or 2 ACT, and Top 6% rank in Grade 10, 11, or 12 If class rank criteria not met... 4.0 SC UGP GPA, and 1400 SAT or 3 ACT
Qualifying Criteria
Attending a 2-Year Institution? 3.0 SC UGP GPA
Attending a 4-Year Institution?
Meet 2 of following 3:
3.0 SC UGP GPA
1100 SAT or 2 ACT
Rank in top 30% of graduating
SC HOPE
Continued Eligibility Criteria
3.0 institutional GPA, and Earn 30 credit hours per academic year*
*cannot include hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment.
Can be received for a maximum of 8 terms.
Continued Eligibility Criteria
3.0 LIFE GPA, and Earn an average of 30 credit hours per academic year*
*includes hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment.
Can be received for a maximum of 8 terms.
Qualifying Criteria
4-Year Institutions Only 3.0 SC UGP GPA
Qualifying Criteria
Determined "in need" by completing the FAFSA.
Lottery
Tuition Assistance
Continued Eligibility Criteria
3.0 LIFE GPA, and Earn an average 30 credit hours by end of first academic year (can include hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment).
If SC HOPErecipients have satisfied these criteria at the end of theirfirstacademicyear,they can be enrolled in the LIFE Scholarshipprogram.
Continued Eligibility Criteria
2.0 GPA, Earn 24 credit hours, and Complete the FAFSA annually, so "in need" status can be confirmed.
Qualifying Criteria
2-Year Institutions Only
Complete FAFSA or FAFSA waiver, Enroll in at least six credit hours
Continued Eligibility Criteria
Maintain satisfactory academic progress; After attempting 24 hours, earn a minimum 2.0 GPA; and Complete the FAFSA annually
StudentsarenoteligibletoreceiveLottery Tuition Assistance for morethanonecertificate,diploma,ordegreeearnedwithinany fiveyearperiodunlesstheadditionalcertificate,diploma,ordegree constitutesprogressinthesamefieldofstudy.
SCHOLARSHIP INSIDER
Beyond merit-based scholarships there are several sites and local scholarships just waiting for students to apply. How do you find those scholarships?
By Dalton Kelsey, School Counselor Eastside High School
Scholarships take work and research. Knowing where you want to go and your potential major is key. As you live in the state of South Carolina, you may qualify for state scholarships and grants. Check out South Carolina’s Commission on Higher Education’s website for more details. (See link below.)
Beyond the state scholarships, where do students look?
Start with the College/University you wish to attend. Each school will have a link on their website regarding financial aid and scholarships. See if the school gives meritbased scholarships. Many schools review students for merit-based scholarships at the time of acceptance, so no separate application is required. Some colleges require a separate scholarship application, so research carefully. But, pay close attention to the school’s deadline for meritbased scholarships. The cut-off for applying often precedes the colleges’ regular decision deadlines.
For information on state scholarships visit South Carolina Commission on Higher Education at www.che.sc.gov.
Use your resources to narrow your search down to scholarships that fit your talents and academic successes. Take the time to write thought-provoking essays and make sure to get recommendations ahead of time. Most scholarship programs will ask for a transcript, recommendations, and essay.
Volunteering and Work
If you volunteer or work, ask the organization that you are working with if they have a scholarship for graduating students. Check with your local religious affiliations and your home church.
School Counseling Department
Visit your school counseling department and find out how they distribute scholarships to students. Most high schools use a college and career readiness software for sending transcripts and often they have a tab for scholarships as well, such as Naviance. If local companies reach out to high schools, often they are added to their scholarship bulletin and made accessible to their students.
Popular Search Engines
Most search engines allow students to create a profile to filter scholarships that fit their listed criteria: family income, grades, volunteer activity, test scores, race, etc. These sites are FREE! You should never pay for a scholarship search. A few reliable sources include: fastweb.com goingmerry.com bigfuture.collegeboard.org salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch unigo.com cappex.com
An additional great resource for undocumented students: getschooled.com/article/4334-financialaid-faq-for-undocumented-students/
Don’t delay! Start your scholarship search today.
4 COMMON FINANCIAL MYTHS ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION
What Every Senior (and Parent) Needs to Know About the Next Step
High school seniors get a lot of advice. Suggestions trickle in from aunts, uncles, friends, parents of friends, guidance counselors, neighbors, and even from the class valedictorian at graduation.
Some may tell you which college you should be attending based on their own experience. Others may tell you what you should consider doing for the rest of your life. While it can be helpful to get input from different perspectives, advice related to the cost and financing of college or trade school is often lacking.
We hear the same misconceptions year after year. So, with that in mind, here are four of the more common financial myths surrounding higher education and the truth behind them:
MYTH #1: FILLING OUT FAFSA IS A WASTE OF TIME
This may be the most common misconception we hear, and that’s especially the case with parents. But everyone should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It can help ensure you don’t leave any money on the table. There is no income limit for eligibility, so you should complete the form no matter how large your household income may be. Even if you don’t qualify for Pell grants or other federal aid, your college or trade school often uses your FAFSA information to determine grants or scholarships it offers. Some merit-based scholarships even use the information to determine awards.
It’s also important to note that the federal government isn’t using the information you share for any other purposes. The Department of Education does not share your personal information with the IRS, ICE, or any other governmental agencies. Finally, because most financial aid is awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis, be sure to fill out the form as soon as it becomes available (visit studentaid.org to receive updates on FAFSA release date).
MYTH #2: COLLEGE IS UNAFFORDABLE
While it’s true that the cost of higher education is higher than ever, study after
study proves the Return on Investment (ROI) makes the degree well worth the cost in many cases. Not to mention, there are numerous options to help finance your degree.
The starting point (after completing your FAFSA) is exploring grants and scholarships. After all, there is no better way to pay for a degree than with someone else’s money. And there are countless scholarships and grants available, each with its own set of eligibility criteria. Your options will fall into four main categories: merit-based scholarships, scholarships from the school itself, federal and state grants, and private scholarships.
After scholarships and grants, you can explore loans. You generally have two options—federal or private. While federal loans taken out in a student’s name do not require credit, private loans do. Because most people 18 years of age or younger have not built the credit needed to take out a private loan on their own, a cosigner will likely be needed. A cosigner is essentially someone who meets credit requirements (generally with a credit score of 670 or above) and guarantees the loan in the event the student is unable to repay it. Importantly, a cosigner does not have to be a parent.
MYTH #3: SCHOLARSHIPS ARE LOCKED IN BY FRESHMAN YEAR
You can apply for scholarships every single year you are in college. It’s not predetermined by any awards you may receive prior to enrolling in school. The flipside of that is
that the scholarships you receive for your freshman year are not guaranteed every year after that. Most have GPA minimums and other requirements that must be met in order to keep the scholarship.
The lesson here is to be sure you know your requirements, meet those requirements each year to keep the scholarships you have, and continue applying for scholarships you could be eligible for every year. Very little is set in stone, as they say.
MYTH #4: ALL STUDENT LOANS ARE BASICALLY THE SAME
Student loans come in different shapes and sizes. Interest rates, origination fees, and repayment terms can vary, which means you should shop around. For example, it’s in your best interest to secure a loan that covers exactly what you need—nothing more and nothing less. It can help reduce the amount you ultimately pay back. At the same time, a lower interest rate can reduce the overall amount you pay.
Nonprofit lenders like South Carolina Student Loan offer some of the best rates in the industry and often do not charge origination fees. The point here is to explore your options. It could literally save you thousands. A final note on loans: You do not have to stay with the same lender year to year. If you find a better rate or terms, you can switch.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear—especially when
it comes to paying for your degree. And, ultimately, no matter how you approach your next steps, no matter where your path leads, you have options. Many options.
Destra
Capers, Director of Marketing & Outreach, South Carolina Student Loan
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Federal Student Aid, part of the U.S. Department of Education, is where you can access and complete the FAFSA each year. https://studentaid.gov/
South Carolina’s Commission on Higher Education (CHE) offers a useful search engine for scholarships and grants for South Carolina residents. www.che.sc.gov/students-families-andmilitary/scholarships-and-grants-sc-residents
CareerOneStop is a government-sponsored tool with thousands of available scholarships. www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/ find-scholarships.aspx
South Carolina Student Loan’s College Planning Center is our own platform to help guide those planning for college. For more information and to explore some of the available scholarships in South Carolina, visit the College Planning Center by scanning the QR Code:
When you think about what the college process entails—crafting application essays, financial aid concerns, waiting to hear if you were admitted to your “dream” school—these potentially stressful situations don’t exactly put a smile on your face. However, you can still find room for joy this fall by following these easy and efficient tips.
Say Thank You. We’ve all heard that expressing gratitude can improve our lives. Specifically, saying “thank you” in a handwritten note (sure, an email or a text is fine too) to someone who has positively impacted you is one of the easiest and most effective happiness hacks. Thank your parents for taking you on a college tour, your teacher for writing your recommendation letter, or your friend for listening to you when you started to spiral about the “what ifs” ahead. If this isn’t a regular
practice, it might feel a bit awkward. Blame it on a classroom assignment and send the note anyway! Studies show that this experience improves your happiness immediately, and the positive effects last well beyond the few minutes it takes to write and deliver a note—up to six weeks of increased happiness!
Find the Joy. If you happen to be scrolling through social media instead of studying (shhh… I won’t tell anyone), check out the #romanticizeyourlife posts. It is possible to make seemingly mundane activities feel a little bit special! Need to work on your college essay? Find a cozy spot in the house, light a candle, and turn on some instrumental music. Time for a college budget talk with your parents? Plan to chat over donuts on a Saturday morning to add some sweetness to the stress. Contemplating the pros and cons
of colleges on your list? Take a walk around the neighborhood and record a voice note on your phone as you ponder out loud.
Shock the Senses. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might start to feel overwhelmed by your to-do list or by the uncertainty of the months ahead. When you find yourself unable to focus or gain perspective, it’s time to take a break. The quickest way to reset your stress is to find something that changes your sensory perception. Step outside for a few minutes and savor the difference in temperature, the change in sounds, or the transition to natural light. Find your pet and give them a (forced?) cuddle. Head to the kitchen to make your favorite snack and take the time to actually enjoy it without attempting to multitask. If you feel like you need something a bit more extreme, take a moment and cool off— literally. Stand in front of the open refrigerator to feel the cold air on your face or dunk your face in ice water. As your body adjusts to the dip in temperature, your mind resets from your worries.
Like most things in life, the college application process is a season, and it too shall pass. However, the best part of these happiness hacks is that they don’t expire when this process is over. Find which tips work for you and bring this knowledge to your new college home. By cultivating these habits now, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and joys that lie ahead in your college journey and beyond. Embrace the process and remember that your well-being is just as important as the outcome.
Lindsey Waters Associate Director of College Counseling Christ Church Episcopal School
COLLEGE RESEARCH AND APPLICATION PROCESS IN 4 STEPS
1. PREPARE
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?
3. APPLY
Applying for admission to a college is not as intimidating a task as you may think. Yes, you’ll need to complete forms online; gather information about yourself, your family, your activities; and, most likely, you’ll need to write a personal statement. However, it is all very doable. Your counselor is there to help—ask.
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER:
• Don’t miss deadlines—submitting an application for admission or financial aid after the deadline may automatically make you ineligible.
• Fill out the FAFSA and/or additional financial aid forms. Financial aid procedures can differ from school to school. No application for admission can be due prior to Oct. 15.
You need to be the sole author of your application—complete it yourself. You may ask for advice, but the words need to be yours.
• No college should ask you where they rank on your list. You aren’t obligated to tell a college where else you are applying.
• You should never feel pressured into applying to a college— admission officers are there to tell you about opportunities and give you accurate information.
2. RESEARCH
Learn as much as possible about colleges to discover if they are right for you. Go beyond just finding out whether they offer your major. Empower yourself by collecting the necessary information to make knowledgeable decisions. Fortunately, learning about colleges has never been easier— information is just a click away.
SOME QUESTIONS TO GET STARTED:
How much does it cost to attend and do you qualify for financial aid? (The online Net Price Calculator for each school is a good place to start, but contact the admission/financial aid office too.)
• What types of financial aid are available?
What resources are available? How do the colleges support students with learning differences or those with physical challenges?
What activities and clubs are available?
• What are your housing options?
Does the college have a career guidance and placement office?
Your counselor can help you think of more questions to consider. And if you can…visit the college or university for a first-hand experience.
4. DECIDE
Once you hear back from the admission offices, it’s 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 is best for you.
No college can require you to commit to attending prior to May 1, National College Decision Day, with the exception of Early Decision or NCAA athletic scholarship programs.
If you have received financial aid offers, compare them carefully. Determine exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be to attend each school.
• Attend prospective student events. Talk to your family, your counselor, and those you trust.
• 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, learn what you need to do to be an active member.
• Be sure that you have a school to attend if you aren’t offered admission off the wait list.
Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling
DEMONSTRATED INTEREST Advice from the College Experts:
From essays and application fees to letters of recommendation and test scores, the college admissions process can be daunting for students and parents alike. While adding another box to that checklist is something you do not want to hear, I encourage you to ensure that demonstrated interest is a piece of the college application process that you do not miss.
What is demonstrated interest you ask? Demonstrated interest is a student’s intentional interactions with a college or university throughout their admissions process. Institutions may track this level of interest and use it as a piece in their decisionmaking process while others do not consider it at all. As a rule of thumb, I encourage you to interact with each of the colleges you
Really, any student-led form of interaction with the admissions office or your specific admissions counselor shows that you have a genuine interest in their university.
Another piece of demonstrated interest includes college fairs and high school visits. Often, admissions counselors fly and drive hundreds of miles to visit your city and even your high school during what we dub “travel season.” Check in with your high school college counselor to see if admissions representatives are visiting your school or are participating in a city-wide college fair near you. Taking the time to have these one-on-one conversations in person and filling out inquiry cards with your contact information shows some of the strongest forms of demonstrated interest that colleges
All-in-all, it is important to remember that, while showing this demonstrated interest is important, most college applications are reviewed holistically, meaning that, if you lack demonstrated interest, it will not be the main deciding factor against you regarding admission. However, with that in mind, it is important to check off the box of demonstrated interest to give yourself a leg-up. Colleges can be meticulous and choosy with who they accept but, if you have shown genuine interest in them, you will be setting yourself up for success in the college admissions process.
Caitlin Kirby ’22 Admissions Counselor, Furman University
COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY WRITING
The dreaded college essay. When it comes to the writing portion of an application, nervewracking questions often fill a student’s mind: What should I write about? How can I write about myself? How do I stand out from other applicants? For those students wondering these same things…here is a question for you: What if writing your college essay could be fun? From reflection to creative exploration to self-discovery, I’m here to tell you that writing your college essay may just be the very best part of your application process!
FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT IS A COLLEGE ESSAY?
I’m glad you asked! A college essay, also referred to as a “personal statement” or “personal essay,” is a piece of writing that College Admissions Professionals use, to varying degrees, in the application review process. For most colleges, this will be a response to
Common App prompts, that is, at minimum, 250 words and, at maximum, 650 words. These essays typically give the reader (a.k.a., the Admissions Counselor or Admissions Committee) insight into who the student is as a person.
Depending on the institution, the college essay will hold varying weight in the admission review process but, at minimum, will demonstrate a student’s writing skills and ability to self-reflect. Additionally, some colleges or universities may utilize supplemental essays which are specific to that institution’s application and ask additional questions or present additional prompts for the student to respond to. These responses can vary in length but are typically shorter. Most students will focus on their general college essay first (when starting the application process) and then focus on the supplemental questions as they come across them individually.
Your values, your interests, your character, your story.
Think about it: the Admissions Committee will learn about your academic information and even your activities from other components of your application. This is your place to really show who you are. Colleges want to envision how you will fit into their campus community; how you will contribute to their campus culture and what they, as a higher education community, can give back to you. It is also the last piece of the application puzzle that you have complete control over; enjoy this moment! Here is how to get started…
BRAINSTORMING, OUTLINING, AND DRAFTING, OH MY!
Before you can write an awesome essay, you must have a solid foundation. Students often hesitate to put in the work at this point in the process thinking it wastes time or not knowing where to begin. I’m here to tell you that quality brainstorming, outlining, and even drafting will lead to the best version of your college essay. Here’s why:
Brainstorming – This is what gives you your stuff. What values are most important to you as an individual? What stories or moments from your life come to mind when reflecting on what has made you who you are? Through what vehicle or method would you like to convey this information to the admissions committee? This is the step where you will most likely find your topic (or topics, if you would like to try out a couple) as well as the big pieces of content to include in your essay. The College Essay Guy has some great brainstorming exercises available on their website!
(continued on page 31)
Outlining – A construction worker uses a house blueprint; a hiker uses a trail map; a teacher uses a syllabus. These maps/ guides/outlines provide the individual with a sense of direction and purpose before beginning on their journey. Similarly, an outline can guide a writer through the major components of their essay before they even begin. The best part: if the outline isn’t working, you can go back to the drawing board without wasting too much time!
Drafting – Draft, draft, and draft again! While it may seem tedious, second and third drafts are usually where students see the most improvement in their essays. Bonus points: try writing a completely new draft without even looking at your previous drafts. You’ll be surprised with what new ideas/ values/stories come out!
ANY FINAL RESOURCES OR TIPS?
Of course! The College Essay Guy has
some amazing, free resources available on the website; be sure to check those out! Additionally, here are a few tips & tricks:
Use the language and writing style that is true to you. If you are funny, feel free to bring some humor to your essay! If you feel comfortable being vulnerable with the reader, do so!
Show don’t tell where possible. Use anecdotes, memories, & moments that are specific to you in order to give the reader insight into who you are.
Utilize your English teachers, family members, and friends to review your essay. Caution (and this is most important): be sure that you never lose your voice.
Be sure to hook your reader from the start. Remember, Admission Counselors are reading hundreds if not thousands of these essays. Make yours
stand out by being as true to yourself as possible. An enticing opening paragraph is helpful as well!
Read your essay aloud. Or better yet, have someone else read it aloud to you! Make sure that it conveys who you are and your story in the way that you hoped. After that, go ahead and just submit it!
Finally, have fun! This is one of the most exciting and adventurous pieces of writing you will complete. How many times in life do we get to talk about ourselves? Enjoy the process and have a blast!
Happy Writing!
Source: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/ Jenn Albright, Assistant Director of College Counseling Saint Joseph’s Catholic School
HELPFUL WEBSITES
to Support Your College Search
www.commonapp.org and www.mycoalition.org
Apply to college online! Over 1000 colleges and universities accept the Common Application, helping students streamline the application process. The Coalition Application is accepted by 150 institutions.
www.che.sc.gov
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education; a great resource for state scholarship program information.
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), search for scholarships.
www.act.org
Register for the ACT, send scores to colleges, and link to free test preparation.
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.ncaa.org
Home page for the National Collegiate Athletic Association; students planning to compete in collegiate athletics at the Division I or II level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
WHAT IS NIL?
Important Information for Recruited Student-Athletes
It’s imperative that school counselors and athletic directors develop a coordinated, intentional plan to assist their high school student-athletes and provide guidance in understanding today’s athlete scholarship recruitment process for students who have a desire to be recruited to play college Division I sports.
College athletic recruiters are considering various factors beyond just the student’s ability to play a sport. The landscape of college athletics changed in 2021 when athletes finally became able to profit from and receive compensation for use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Schools still can’t pay their athletes, but brands and companies can. Student- athletes today must have a true understanding of the student recruitment and the compensation rules of Name, Image, and likeness (NIL).
WHAT DOES NIL MEAN?
NIL stands for name, image, and likeness. The definition of NIL is simple: It is the possibility of compensation paid to NCAA student-athletes for their autograph, development of their own merchandise, promotion of products or services, and event appearances due to their personal celebrity. Now, athletes are starting their own brands, endorsing brands, and becoming their own brands.
Students must be provided opportunities to understand the importance of their personal brand and how their actions affect their ability to be recruited for an athletic scholarship and their compensation potential. Their personal brand is the image and reputation that they project to the world, based on their skills, values, and passions. Basically, students are being paid to represent an institution with the opportunity to represent other products and services in
conjunction with their ability to play a sport. In today’s age of technology, students must be careful of what they say in person, who they allow in their circle and what they post on the different social media platforms.
A college or university representative is monitoring their actions before they decide to make an athletic scholarship offer. Employers are also looking to see what individual’s post and say in considering students for internships, fellowships, career opportunities, etc.
HOW TO MANAGE NIL INCOME
Consider a Marketplace – If you’re hoping to monetize your NIL, you may want to join a marketplace, a digital platform that helps match student-athletes with companies or individuals who want to work with you. Working with a marketplace isn’t required to monetize one’s NIL, but it can make the process easier. Studentathletes should report all NIL activity to their school, which evaluates every deal to ensure it’s compliant with state law and the school’s policies. College and university marketplaces automatically process NIL contracts through their compliance
departments, so the student doesn’t have to submit the paperwork.
Get Professional Help – Managing NIL rules and income, in addition to keeping up with athletics and academics, can be overwhelming. Consider hiring a professional, such as a financial advisor, and thoroughly vet anyone before adding them to your team.
NIL income qualifies student-athletes to contribute to individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, and their self-employed status unlocks access to simplified employee pension IRAs and solo 401(k)s.
With the NIL now in its third year, some athletes have leveraged their brands to the tune of millions of dollars. Not only does the individual represent themselves, but the other brands that are connected to and compensated by.
Jay Blankenship Director of Workforce Engagement, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa)
USING MILITARY SERVICE to Get a College Degree
Let’s cut to the bottom line: The United States Armed Forces provide amazing education benefits to service members! If used to their fullest, they can help students graduate college debt-free. In over six years of working in college admissions and five years in the South Carolina Army National Guard, I have worked with hundreds of active duty and reserve service members who have used military programs to achieve a college degree. Let’s talk about how you can do it.
Now more than ever, military service stands as a way to attain a college degree and develop a career. A brief conversation with any military recruiter will highlight the benefits of consistent pay, access to more financial aid, and additional credentials that each branch can provide. While navigating this
information and planning appropriately can be difficult, this article hopes to provide some recommendations to guide you towards making the most out of your military service. In choosing to serve in any capacity, recognize that you are set to join a small percentage of the US population that sacrifices time and energy for our country. In return, I hope the United States can give back to you in a meaningful way.
UNDERSTAND WHAT IS POSSIBLE
The routes and resources towards attaining a degree while serving in the military are plentiful. The various chapters of the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Student Loan Repayment (SLRP), Army Credentialing Opportunities On-line (Army COOL), Air Force
YOUR FUTURE IS HERE Here !
YOUR FUTURE IS HERE Here !
Clemson University is a place where you will find a close-knit community and quickly feel a sense of belonging. As a Tiger, you will have all the support and resources you need to explore your passions, achieve your dreams and make a difference in your community.
Clemson University is a place where you will find a close-knit community and quickly feel a sense of belonging. As a Tiger, you will have all the support and resources you need to explore your passions, achieve your dreams and make a difference in your community.
The best way to get to know us is to schedule a campus visit. And we hope you discover that your next steps are right here at Clemson. Plan your trip now at clemson.edu/visit.
Community College, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) are just a few of the popular resources you could use to attain a college degree or other education credentials. Not only is there a wealth of information online, but each military branch trains their recruiters on the available benefits of their specific branch. Having a conversation with these recruiters is a great first start to determine what is possible with their organization.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PRIORITIES
It is easier than you may think to lose sight of the benefits you stand to gain from serving in the military. The enticing nature of bonuses, military schools, and outside life can lead you away from your original goal. Before signing (continued on page 38)
any document, it is in your best interest to acknowledge what you are looking to gain from your military service. Are you looking for access to the TAP or Post 9-11 GI Bill? How about other benefits like access to Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans or medical insurance? Writing down the benefits you hope to use can keep them locked in place for you to revisit when speaking with a recruiter or doing your own research. If those benefits are not available for whatever reason, it may be possible to look at other military branches to achieve your goals. Each branch of service and type of service obligation offers slightly different perks that may cater to your long-term goals.
UNDERSTAND THE FINE PRINT
Using many of your military benefits is not as simple as signing the dotted line. Depending on your terms of service, you may find specific criteria that you need to meet in order to gain access to programs. Two examples of this include mandatory
monetary contributions and time in service requirements for specific types of education benefits. Additionally, staying in good standing with your military unit and with your college or university is an expectation of continuing to use many VA education programs. To avoid missing critical requirements, it is recommended to utilize the expertise of military recruiters, verified online resources (like va.gov), and professionals who administer the aforementioned programs. Having this information in official writing can be exceptionally helpful for creating an action plan.
THINK AHEAD, THEN KEEP GOING
So often, we focus on the immediate challenges and goals. Instead of focusing on the challenges of initial military training or arriving at your first unit, it is important to think about your five or ten year plan. Once you have this in mind, you can begin to plan backwards. If I am interested in reserve
service while going to college full time, when would I hope to graduate? When would I be eligible for the benefit I am looking for? How many classes would I need to take to stick to this graduation timeline? As you piece together this information, you may develop more questions to ask your military recruiter or college admissions professionals. Asking a few questions can help you stay on track to graduate using the benefits you have earned through hard work and dedication.
My best advice for making the most of military education benefits is this: Ask questions, stay flexible, and act tenaciously! Your opportunities are limitless.
Ty Robbins
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Furman University
1st Lieutenant, Field Artillery, South Carolina Army National Guard
One of the few advanced public, residential high schools of its kind, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) creates uniquely challenging experiences for the Palmetto State’s top students within a culture that promotes high achievement.
With 50+ STEM classes and opportunities to study everything from robotics to biochemistry, GSSM lets committed students devote themselves to their interests and prepare for bright futures.
Our rigorous curriculum guarantees that students are ready for the advanced course work required in college, and later, GSSM grads find they are well-positioned to succeed in a competitive job market.
Gardner-Webb IS ALL ABOUT YOU
A university education has never been more important. The New York Times just counted GWU among the top universities in America for economic mobility for our graduates. Gardner-Webb is committed to making your degree affordable. We grant millions of dollars in student aid every year, for students like you.
GARDNER-WEBB IS:
• One of the leading private Carnegie Doctoral Universities in North Carolina, with Duke and Wake Forest.
• A liberal arts University with a 118-year tradition of excellence.
• A beautiful rural campus in the foothills of North Carolina.
• Home to students from 44 U.S. states and Puerto Rico and 36 countries.
Gardner-Webb University is the Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education.
HOME TO:
• Six professional schools
• Fourteen academic departments
• More than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, online and seated
• A world-class faculty from across the globe
Our goal is to educate the whole student, which means we want our graduates to be equipped with both intellectual breadth and professional readiness. Faculty here have worked hard to shape, and then reshape, a curriculum that attracts, engages, and prepares students for society’s diverse and dynamic needs. It’s wonderful to see their efforts externally validated and to have our University come out on top.”
— GWU President Dr. William Downs
The New York Times Ranked Gardner-Webb University the #1 Safest Campus in North Carolina.
