2021 Greenville County College Fair Guide by Community Journals

2021 college guide GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR • GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER MONDAY, September 27 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. SEMINAR: College Admissions: Keeping it in Perspective | 7:00-7:30 Like us on Facebook | GreenvilleCountyCollegeFair.org | Follow us on Instagram

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College Fair Participants Greenville County College Fair Agnes Scott College Anderson University, SC Arclabs Welding School Auburn University Barton College Belmont Abbey College Benedict College Bob Jones University Brevard College Campbell University Carson-Newman University Catawba College Charleston Southern University Clemson University Clinton College Coastal Carolina University Coker University College of Charleston Columbia College Columbia International University Converse University Denmark Technical College East Tennessee State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emory and Henry College Erskine College Full Sail University Furman University Gardner-Webb University George Mason University Georgia State University The Honors College Greenville Technical College Guilford College Hollins University Johnson & Wales University Johnson C. Smith University Kennesaw State University LaGrange College Lander University Lees-McRae College Limestone University Lincoln Memorial University Livingstone College Mars Hill University

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

Mercer University Mississippi State University Newberry College North Greenville University Oglethorpe University Paul Mitchell The School Pfeiffer University Piedmont University Presbyterian College Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Randolph-Macon College Roanoke College Samford University SC Student Loan South Carolina State University South College Southern Wesleyan University Spartanburg Methodist College St. Andrews University The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina Toccoa Falls College Tusculum University Universal Technical Institute University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Mississippi University of Mount Olive University of North Carolina Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of South Carolina University of South Carolina - Aiken University of South Carolina Beaufort University of South Carolina - Upstate University of Tennessee Knoxville Voorhees College Warren Wilson College Waynesburg University Western Carolina University Winthrop University Wofford College

Monday, September 27 5:30-7:30 pm 7:00-7:30 pm

College Fair Seminar

SEMINAR

College Admissions: Keeping it in Perspective

Where: Greenville Convention Center 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville, SC

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

PRE-REGISTER FOR THE GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR! Students are encouraged to visit https://app.strivescan.com /students to complete a registration form prior to attending the College Fair. By filling out one easy online form, you will be able to quickly share your name, address and academic interests with the colleges you are interested in. You will be texted and emailed a barcode that the colleges can scan. When a college scans your barcode, they will receive your information. After the event, you will receive an email with the contact information of the colleges that scanned you. Make the most of your College Fair experience and register today!

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CONTENTS: College Fair Schedule ��4

GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE:

List of College Fair Participants ��4

CHAIR: ALLYSON BROWN | Spartanburg Methodist College

Get The Most Out Of A College Fair ��7 College Research and Application Process �� 8 SC Tuition Assistance �� 10 Life and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships ��11 Application Platforms ��13 Optional Testing Explainer �� 14 Scholarship Insider �� 16 Financial Aid Resources �� 17

COMMITTEE MEMBERS JUDY BENEDICT Giraffe Web Design JAY BLANKENSHIP SC Department of Commerce TARSHA BROWN Greenville Technical College EMILY BUTLER Butler College Counseling

JENY KERSCHER Furman University ROB RHODES Greenville County School District *LINDA SCHULZ Christ Church Episcopal School SARAH STEEL Southside Christian School

* College Guide Coordinator

Make the Most of Your Campus Visit �� 18 Virtual College Exploration �� 19 Using the Internet in Searches and Applications .......... 19 Financial Aid: The Big Stuff and the Small Stuff..............20

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Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

800.848.5493 • admission@ehc.edu Schedule Visit: www.ehc.edu/visitnow

TAMING THE BEAST:

How To Get The Most Out Of A College Fair You 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 REMINDERS: the representative’s eye first and ask - Bring a supply of stick-on, self addressed labels your questions while everyone else in your group is still writing. - Ask questions about things you are interested in... It • Bring a tote bag (those will be provided will be your new “home” for four years at the Greenville County College Fair) to carry literature you collect – it comes by - Write a thank you note and MAIL IT, especially if this the pound. Maybe your parent will even is a college you are interested in lug it for you! • Arrive early. Parking may be an issue. TIPS:

Reminders & Tips:

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.

What to ask/say to the representatives: •

I ntroduce yourself – name, school, year in school (or graduation date).

•

sk first if he or she is an admission A officer or a local alum.

•

I f 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?

•

hat things are you interested in – W 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.

- Pick up a map of the tables and a list of colleges present - Take a minute, plan your route, go to your top picks first - Be sure to thank the representative... it does matter!

• 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’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! Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021 | 7

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? Pre-professional advising (pre-med, pre-law, pre-vet, etc.)? Your counselor can help you think of many, many more questions to consider. And if you can…visit the college or university for a firsthand 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. 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, 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.

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling

CELEBRATING MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP!

School Types

There’s a place for your student. Discuss options and listen to where they think they fit. Colleges and Universities (4- year) • Made up of divisions called schools or colleges. • Geared toward preparation for professional occupations such as accounting, engineering, and health services. • Traditional classroom setting. • Offer BA or BS degrees upon completion of program.

Community and Junior Colleges (2- year) • Conveniently located in local communities.

Claﬂin University offers more than 40 nationally-accredited academic programs, including affordable and ﬂexible accelerated online and on-campus degree programs for adult learners.

• Specialize in college transfer programs often tied to area four-year colleges. • Usually respond to local employment needs by offering courses in high-demand areas.

U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2022 Rankings • Claﬂin was named a Top 10 HBCU for the 11th consecutive year and the No.1 HBCU in South Carolina.

• Offer associate degrees or certificates upon completion of program.

Also: • 7th Best Regional College in the South • 3rd Best for Top Performers on Social Mobility

Comprehensive Institutions • Award baccalaureate degrees, may also award associate degrees. • Offer graduate degree programs primarily at the master’s, specialist, or professional level, although one or two doctoral programs may be offered.

Military Academies • Combine education and training for the armed forces in large, structured institutions. • Require serving at least four or six years as officers in exchange for four years of tuition-free education. • Produce officers well-educated both academically and in the workings of the military. • Offer degrees upon completion of officer training.

Performing and Visual Arts Colleges • Universities, colleges, schools, and conservatories with programs of study in music, art, theater, dance, and related disciplines. • Emphasize auditions and portfolio presentation. • Offer degrees or professional degrees upon completion of program.

Specialized Colleges • Concentrate their offerings in one or two specific areas. • Include colleges offering studies in: agriculture, technology, art/ music, religion, business, engineering, health sciences, military, and teacher preparation.

Vocational, Technical and Business Schools • Specialize in trades or vocations by offering various courses and occupational programs. • Offer skill training (welding, cooking, hair styling, and word processing) required for a specific job. • Offer certificates upon completion of training program. Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling

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400 Magnolia Street | Orangeburg, S.C. 29115 1-800-922-1276 | www.claﬂin.edu Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

SOUTH CAROLINA TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS While most aid comes from the institutions themselves, South Carolina students considering South Carolina colleges have the potential of a wonderful advantage when it comes to paying for their collegiate expenses; our state provides a variety of both merit and need-based programs to assist in meeting these costs.

Consider the following options: THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP: administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, recognizes the state’s most academically talented high school seniors. Recipients will receive up to $6,700 their freshmen year and up to $7,500 for their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Presuming continued eligibility, recipients may receive Scholarship funding for a maximum of eight full-time terms of study toward their first bachelor’s degree at an eligible four-year SC institution.

THE LEGISLATIVE INCENTIVE FOR FUTURE EXCELLENCE (LIFE) SCHOLARSHIP: is administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent college and university in South Carolina. Recipients must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate’s degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional program. Award amounts are related to the academic program being pursued and the associated costs up to $5,000.

THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP: is administered by the financial aid office at each of South Carolina’s fouryear public or independent institutions for students who do not qualify for the Palmetto Fellows or LIFE Scholarships. The scholarship of up to $2800 is awarded for the freshman year only. Recipients may receive a LIFE Scholarship for their sophomore, junior, and senior years if they meet the on-going renewal criteria designated for LIFE Scholarships.

THE SC LOTTERY TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: was created to provide a supplemental resource to South Carolina residents attending two-year public and independent institutions. In calculating the award amount students are eligible to receive, all federal grants and the SC Need-Based Grant must be awarded first. The institution at which the student is enrolled will notify each recipient of their exact award amount. 10

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

THE SC NEEDBASED GRANT: provides financial aid to South Carolina’s neediest students. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each eligible public college campus administers this program to determine eligibility and the exact amount of award within program defined limits for each recipient. Recipients must be enrolled in a degree seeking program, in their first one-year program, first associates degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree. The South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission administers the NeedBased Grant Program for students attending a SC independent college or university The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education also oversees the administration of Enhancement Scholarships to Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship recipients enrolled in certain STEM educational programs during their sophomore, junior and senior years. Further, through the South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP), the Commission partners with SC National Guard in administering this educational support program that provides incentive for enlisting or remaining for a specified time in either the SC Army or Air National Guard.

For more information about award amounts and eligibility criteria, visit www.che.sc.gov and select “How do I... Find information on State Scholarship programs?” and then “Scholarships & Grants for SC residents”.

LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships

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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).

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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.

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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.

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*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.

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The Palmetto Fellows 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;

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— 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. ADMISSIONS@LANDER.EDU • WWW.LANDER.EDU • 1-888-4-LANDER

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

EQUIPPED for leadership. PREPARED for success. For biology major Roberto Monzalvo, Erskine is a perfect fit. As a student leader, he is making a difference in the campus community. In the classroom, he is preparing to follow his dream: to attend medical school and become a pediatrician or a pediatric surgeon. Erskine College can equip you to achieve your goals as well. We offer opportunities for leadership development, expert mentoring, and collaborative research with professors. Among Erskine students who apply to graduate school, 98% are accepted into their chosen program.

Use the waiver code PreparedToLead to apply for free!

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So Many College Application Platforms! Which One Should I Use? “Institutions use more than one application platform in order to give students options. Some platforms, like the Common Application or Coalition Application, allow students to complete a general profile We recommend section which can students choose be used for all the the application in schools to which a which they are most student is applying. comfortable.” This can help — Elizabeth Orehovec, Ph.D. students save time if they are applying to multiple colleges or universities on the same platform. At the University of South Carolina, we give students the opportunity to apply via the Common Application or our UofSC Application. We recommend students choose the application in which they are most comfortable. The application fee and admissions review process is the same regardless of which application is completed.” Elizabeth Orehovec, Ph.D. | Senior Associate Director| Office of Undergraduate Admissions | University of South Carolina

“At Rollins, we want to provide access to students and eliminate as many barriers and anxieties presented in the college application process. While we have three application platforms [Common Application, Coalition Application, school-specific], here’s how we would advise students: if you have created a Common Application profile and intend to only use that platform and Rollins is a school of interest, We want to provide you can complete your access to students and application in eliminate as many barriers one location. and anxieties presented in the While the college application process.” Coalition — Zaire McCoy application accomplishes the same goal as the Common App, we want to be an option for students who might be looking at Coalition exclusive schools, like the University of Florida was last year. Our school specific application is a great option because that is available in early July, providing the senior the chance to get started on their application prior to August 1st,

when the other two platforms are available.” Zaire McCoy | Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission | Rollins College “Emory truly has We encourage no preference students to connect with for the Common their school counselor Application when deciding which or Coalition application is most Application. You can apply to Emory beneficial...” — Lisa Coetzee online through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We are not partial to either application. Use the one that works best for you. We encourage students to connect with their school counselor when deciding which application is most beneficial for their individual circumstances and school. Oftentimes students choose the application based on the overlap between the schools to which they plan to apply.” Lisa Coetzee | Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications | Emory University

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Knowledge for your Journey | Apply or learn more at AUOnline.com Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

DOES TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGE ADMISSION REALLY MEAN TEST OPTIONAL? The last 18 months have certainly brought about shifts in the college admission landscape. One of the most significant changes is the immersion of a test optional admission process for colleges and universities that have traditionally used SAT or ACT scores as an integral part of the freshman application evaluation. According to FairTest (fairtest.org), “…more than 1,700 colleges and universities will not require admission exam scores from applicants seeking to enroll in fall 2022.” While many of these schools may revert back to requiring tests in future years, the Class of 2022 certainly benefits from their current testing policy. Seniors in the process of applying this fall are able to make a choice at hundreds of colleges as to whether or not they submit their test results as part of their application. To guide these students in understanding the test optional process and with determining whether or not they should submit their scores, we are sharing perspectives from several wellrespected college admission professionals.

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY David Kuskowski, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management We recognize the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students, including access to standardized testing opportunities. We hope that our adoption of a test-optional policy will reassure students they will not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control. Our admissions review process has always considered a variety of factors, and a student’s academic performance in high school is the clearest indicator of potential success at Clemson. The adoption of this policy allows us to continue to assess students’ ability to thrive at Clemson according to these factors.”

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA Mary Wagner, Ph.D., Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Many institutions are now test optional and have adjusted their admissions and scholarship review to accommodate students who cannot access standardized tests or who simply do not want their scores considered at all. If a student has a test score and wants to know if it would ‘help’ for admission, they would be wise to review the profile of the most recently admitted freshman class. If their scores are within or above the middle 50% of students admitted, they may want to consider sending scores.”

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY Douglas L. Christiansen, Ph.D., Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Within Vanderbilt’s context-based, holistic application review process, students may choose whether or not to submit the ACT or SAT for the entering classes of 2021 and 2022. In this time of COVID-19 the test optional policy gives students more control over the process and allows each student to present themselves in the most positive light. Students are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged because of their choice to submit, or not to submit, the ACT or SAT.”

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE The following excerpt is taken from a post by Dartmouth College on February 1, 2021: As we stated last summer, the choice to include a test score or not is each student’s choice to make and that decision will be honored at Dartmouth without prejudice. Each application will be evaluated by what’s in the file rather than what is missing from it. For students who wish to submit testing as part of next year’s application, no preference is given between the SAT or ACT. Consistent with our previous announcement of the standardized testing policy pause, Dartmouth will not report testing profiles or testing-related data for the classes accepted and enrolled during this test optional period. We strongly advise students to focus on the many holistic elements of the application that showcase academic excellence and a personal narrative albeit it in more qualitative ways. Dartmouth has practiced holistic admissions review for 100 years, and that ancient ideal of the whole person continues to guide our application review during these unprecedented days.”

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND The following excerpt is taken from a post by Tom Nicholas on September 17, 2020: Tom Nicholas, Senior Associate Director of Admission

Nationally Ranked Liberal Arts College If you tell us not to consider your scores – or you simply haven’t had the opportunity to take the ACT or SAT due to the pandemic – what will our review of your file look like? Not all that different, to be honest. Richmond has always practiced holistic admission, where test scores were one piece of a much larger puzzle. Take away that piece, and the rest of the puzzle is still there. For students who choose the test-optional path, we’ll just rely a little more on the other things we’ve always considered: high school performance, grades and grade trends, rigor of curriculum, engagement and involvement, the myriad of things we glean from essays, letters of recommendation, and so on. There’s still plenty for us to draw upon in getting to know you. If you have test scores, should you submit them or not? Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider whether they will help provide a fuller picture, and whether you feel they are an accurate reflection of your abilities. Take a look at our academic profile – keeping in mind that our selection has always been holistic, even when we required testing. Your test scores could very well be an asset to your application, so you’ll want to weigh this decision carefully.”

99%

of students have a positive career outcome within six months of graduation

1,772 students from 37 states and 18 countries

12:1

student-tofaculty ratio

#9 in the nation for percentage of students who study abroad for academic credit

Wofford College is a “fantastic option for students seeking a ‘rigorous’ liberal arts experience.” PRINCETON REVIEW

@WHYWOFFORD | WOFFORD.EDU

Where thought leads.

Bring your own greatness Clemson University prides itself on bringing out the best in its students. Here, we combine a small-town feel with large university resources, creating a special experience on campus that you won’t find anywhere else. • • • • •

13 years ranked as a top public university (U.S. News & World Report, 2021). R1 highest research activity designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. No. 2 Best Career Services (The Princeton Review, 2021). No. 11 Happiest Students (The Princeton Review, 2021). Best Value Colleges (The Princeton Review, 2021).

A visit here will help you know us a little better. And to know Clemson is to truly love it. Visit clemson.edu/visit to set up a tour and see for yourself!

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

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 merit-based scholarships. Many schools review students for meritbased 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 merit-based 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. 16

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

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: www.fastweb.com www.cappex.com

Don’t delay! Start your scholarship search today.

Important College Financial Aid Resources The most reliable resource for information regarding applying for financial aid: US Department of Education Federal Student Aid site: https://studentaid.gov The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year of college in order to be considered for, or to receive, need-based college financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed online at https://studentaid. gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and is available beginning on October 1 of the student’s senior year. This is a FREE application. Many families can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import tax information into the FAFSA. Learn more at www.studentaid.gov/irsdrt 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.gov Many private colleges and some selective public universities require the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE form in addition to the FAFSA; you may register for the PROFILE on-line at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org . Search college websites for their school-specific Net Price Calculators, which provide an estimate of how much and what types of financial aid you might qualify for if you were a college student that year.

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

SMC IS MAKING THE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT PROCESS EASY. • No application fee • No SAT/ACT scores required • Full Tuition scholarships for 3.0+ GPA

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CAMPUS VISIT By Federico Glitman, Associate Director of Admission, Lynn University

BEFORE YOUR VISIT:

Silver Linings:

Yes, this will sound extremely superficial, but prior to enrolling, it is crucial to observe the physical features. As you drive up to campus, begin to notice factors such as:

Unfortunately, COVID-19 changed our way of life. However, it also provided us with some incredible silver linings such as virtual programming. Imagine – in one day you can visit three colleges or universities in three different parts of the world without leaving your home. Take advantage of all the different virtual opportunities colleges offer, but know that nothing can truly replace that gut feeling once you step foot on a campus and determine if this is where you will call home for the next four years. As you begin to visit campuses, remember the 3 C’s: Community, Culture and Career Placement. As we talk about fit, these become essential. The most common question I receive during a visit is, “What is your acceptance rate?” Just remember: A college doesn’t pick you - you pick the college! As you visit campuses I would recommend asking: • What is your retention rate = how many students stay from first year to second year? • What is your graduation rate = how many students value the education so much that they want to graduate from here? • What is your career placement = how is your institution viewed when I’m applying for a job afterward? Now that we found our “fit” and knowing which questions to ask, let’s plan for our ideal campus visit.

IDEALLY YOUR CAMPUS VISIT SHOULD FOLLOW THIS PATH: • Try to attend a virtual program or two as a Junior before you begin to visit. Make sure that community fits your needs. • Visit during your 2nd semester as a junior or during your senior year prior to decisions being released since demonstrated interest is tracked at many institutions. • Visit during your 2nd semester as a senior before making your final decision prior to the National Reply Date of May 1st.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN ONLY ATTEND A VIRTUAL PROGRAM? • • • •

Turn on your camera to have a stronger experience and to demonstrate your presence. Make sure your clothing and background are appropriate. Be prepared to ask questions in the chat. Remember this session was created for you. Ask them which virtual sessions they would recommend.

From experience:

WHEN VISITING A COLLEGE MAKE SURE THAT IT CHECKS OFF THESE TWO BOXES: • Does it have similar or better resources than what you are currently accustomed to? If it does not, do not visit. A college should enhance your life and provide social mobility. • 85 percent of students will change their major their first year in college. Make sure that wherever you decide to visit, it has your three top interests. If the first major doesn’t work out, you can always change to your second or third choice. Don’t pick an institution just for one major and be forced to transfer out. I personally went from majoring in Hospitality Management to Criminal Justice to International Business.

Therefore, let’s maximize your campus visit experience! 18

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

Distance from building to building; i.e. how far is the cafeteria from classes and from your residence hall? Are you permitted to bring a car to campus? If so, is it an additional fee? Where can you park? In today’s society, safety is crucial. Ask about safety and look to see how far the security offices are from where you’ll be spending most of your time on campus. Ask how the campus has adjusted to COVID-19. Try to observe if the facilities are kept in good condition. Once you arrive, if you have an information session, which is usually run by the Office of Admission – take notes on averages, such as the GPA and testing ranges as well as minimum requirements.

DURING YOUR VISIT: Remember that your tour guides are students. The last thing you want to ask is: Why did you attend? We all have our reasons for selecting a college – major, finances, location, etc. As you invest your time and resources, your most crucial question needs to become: Why are you going to graduate from here? That will lead you to realize the importance of resources on campus to support you. As you walk through campus try and notice the following: SCHOOL PRIDE - Are students wearing the colors and the apparel of the institution or do you see majority of students wearing the apparel of other schools? MAJOR - When are you required to declare a major? CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT - Are they led by faculty or teacher/graduate assistants? How accessible are faculty members? Is it in an actual classroom or a large lecture hall? Which learning style is best suited for you?

Virtual College Exploration

DURING YOUR VISIT CONTINUED: CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS – Are there any that you would love to join? How restrictive will it be-come? Can you find your social core of lifelong friends here? CAFETERIA - Are students eating by themselves or with a group? Ask the tour guide about their favorite meals both on and off campus. RESIDENCE HALLS - Are the doors open or do you need to swipe your card key to enter? If you’re in a community bathroom, how many students share it and how many stalls and showers are within them? Is housing guaranteed? SUPPORT SERVICES - Ask if the services are an additional fee. Statistics show that many students arriving to college have more than one diagnosed learning difference (ADD, ADHD, Anxiety). Don’t be afraid to stand up and advocate for your wellbeing! How are the support services? Are tutoring sessions held by faculty or peer-led? STUDY ABROAD - Is it already included within the tuition? When can you travel? What are the popular destinations? FITNESS - Ask if there is more than one fitness center. What are the hours of operation for the gym/fitness center?

The pandemic has certainly changed the way in which colleges and universities are connecting with prospective students and their families. In the spring of 2020, college admission offices across the country were forced to suspend traditional in-person college fairs, high school visits, evening information sessions, and most importantly, campus visitation programs. They faced one of the greatest Morris College challenges ever in the world of college admissions: How do theyEnter to Learn; Depart to S effectively connect with students in a virtual world? Admission professionals responded to this challenge in a robust way, creating an impressive world of virtual information platforms for students and families! I encourage you to visit college and university websites and explore the myriad of virtual opportunities they have created to help you explore their communities, both academically and socially. You will discover comprehensive campus tours and information sessions, opportunities to connect with students and professors, insightful college admission blogs, and in many cases, cool connections to campus life through social media platforms. For instance, consider connecting with special interest groups on a campus through Instagram; what better way to learn about student life and discover more about the personality of a campus community.

FAL

COLLEGE ADM

CAREER PREP - Ask them how many career fairs they have on campus. How many paid internships can they connect you with? How often can you meet with this office? Are there co-op programs? Do they have partnerships with businesses and graduate schools?

Virtual college exploration is here to stay! As you research colleges, take full advantage of opportunities to get to know a STILL ACCEPTING APPLIC college or university through online platforms. The more you discover about a school, the more you will know if it is the rightwww.morris.edu “fit” for you. Happy exploring!

SURROUNDING AREA - Find out what everyone does on the weekend. Do you need a car or is it walking distance? I cannot stress the importance of location since it can ultimately determine your success after college. Is the location internship-friendly? Would you be able to professionally network in Participate in virtual college fairs this fall! the surrounding area? Make sure your experience and network opportunities Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve Students can get an early start on college planning by signing up to extend beyond campus. attend free NACAC Virtual College Fairs at virtualcollegefairs. org/conventions Congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a college visit The eight fairs happening this fall offer students the chance to expert! Now that you are ready for your college visits, it’s time to interact with hundreds of institutions as they pursue their college schedule them! They are extremely easy to schedule and most can be dreams. Register today!

CALL US (803) 934-32

Morris College

done by going to the colleges’ websites and scheduling your tours and information sessions. Enjoy and good luck!

ENTER TO LEARN;

DEPART

TO SERVE.

FALL

Linda Schulz | Director of College Counseling | Christ Church Interactive Learning Episcopal School

Mean

ENROLL NOW GROW

ACHIEVE

SUCCE

Special programs include: Army ROTC, Cooperati

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING Education, APPLICATIONS Call Me Mister, and Morris College Serv

CALL US (803) 9

COLLEGE ADMISSION ENROLL NO Morris College Morris College

Learning. New majors: Criminal Forensics and Cybersecurity.

Morris College is accredited by the Southern Association of

Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award

Semester Cla Enter to Learn; Connect Depart toFall with us on:Serve STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

baccalaureate degrees. Also accrediated by ACBSP and CAE

Morris College

www.morris.edu CALL US (803) 934-3225

Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve

August 19, 2021

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

FINANCIAL AID

The Big Stuff and the Small Stuff By Carolyn B. Sparks Director of Financial Aid, Wofford College

Believe 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 need-based 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. • 20

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

• Apply for outside scholarships. Your guidance office probably maintains 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!

Using the Internet in the College Search and Application Process www.commonapp.org and www.mycoalition.org Over 900 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.collegeboard.org

www.collegeportraits.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

free, reliable information on public colleges and universities

www.ucan-network.org

www.act.org

admission and enrollment data for private colleges; includes real costs, graduation rates, most popular majors, etc.

www.unigo.com

www.sccango.org

www.fairtest.org

feedback and reviews by college students and alumni and more

Link to SC schools’ respective websites and their applications

www.che.sc.gov

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.

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator National Center for Education Statistics (valuable, unbiased data)

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

WE WILL open the doors of opportunity.

Who will prepare you to take on the future?

WE WILL. Together. admissions@converse.edu | 864.596.9040 converse.edu/apply

Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

Definitions of Admission Options in Higher Education Which college admission process best suits you? REGULAR DECISION Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.

ROLLING ADMISSION Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.

Commitment: NON-BINDING

EARLY ACTION (EA)

Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.

Commitment: NON-BINDING

Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.

EARLY DECISION (ED)

Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll and withdraw all other applications. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early. Commitment: BINDING

RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION (REA)

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.

Commitment: NON-BINDING

Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions. Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling

LEARNING FOR LIFE At Piedmont University, small class sizes ensure you recieve personal attention. We are passionate about your success in the classroom and beyond. We are practical, too, about what a Piedmont education can do for you. That is the Piedmont Promise.

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Greenville County College Fair – Fall 2021

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