2017 Upstate South Carolina National College Fair

2017 Upstate South Carolina National College Fair › Using high

school courses & activities to prepare for college

› Making the most

of your visit to the college fair

› Defining the

Differences in Schools

› Balancing

Act: Tips for Adults Returning to College

Register now at www.gotomyncf.com

TD Convention Center, Conference Hall Saturday, March 11 from 1-4pm

Welcome to the 2017 National College Fair Tips for Attending a NACAC National College Fair BEFORE THE FAIR…

Answer the following questions to help determine what kind of school would be best for you: • Do you want to attend a two- or four-year institution? Co-ed or single sex?

• What size school do you want to attend?

• What programs of study are you considering?

• How far from home do you want to go?

• Do you wish to participate in any specific extra-curricular activities or athletics?

AT THE FAIR… 1. Pick up a bag and a fair directory.

2. Visit with colleges and universities which you feel meet your criteria.

3. Talk with college counselor at the Counseling Center if you have any questions or need help with your college search.

4. Attend a workshop.

AFTER THE FAIR… Be sure to learn more about preparing for college and financial aid options at www.nacacfairs.org.

• Do you want to attend a school in an urban, suburban or rural environment?

• Do you require any special services (i.e. tutoring, note takers, readers, TDD or interpreters)?

1. Discuss your college plans with your guidance counselor, family, teachers and friends.

2. Research your colleges of interest on the Internet and in your guidance office/library

F

ree and open to the public, National College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions.

ABOUT NACAC The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 15,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.

NACAC is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice (SPGP).

A member-directed organization,

NACAC is governed by its voting members; an Assembly of delegates elected by voting members in NACAC’s state and regional affiliates and by an elected Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors sets the strategic direction for NACAC. Additionally, 10 standing committees, ad hoc committees, and an Affiliate Presidents Council lend their expertise and experience to the issues, programs and governance that keep the association vibrant in its service to members, the profession, and students.

NACAC’s award-winning publications and other media resources, professional development programs and practical research efforts have all been designed to give counseling and admission professionals the tools they need to improve the counseling services they provide to students.

apply now Spartanburg • Greenville • Online

3. Check dates and registration deadlines for college entrance examinations.

4. Register before heading to the fair! Visit www.nacacfairs.org/ ncfstudentregistration for more information.

5. Download and print the checklist to take with you to the Fair.

Register now for the March 11th Upstate South Carolina National College Fair

www.gotomyncf.com THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE STUDENT REGISTRATION:

Students register for the fair one time. • It eliminates the need for college contact cards. • Students are easily able to elaborate on special interests, extracurricular activities, and accomplishments.

uscupstate.edu/apply Register now at www.gotomyncf.com

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College Fair Details 2017 Upstate South Carolina Local Arrangments Committee NCF CHAIRS Rob Rhodes, Greenville County Schools, rrhodes@greenville.k12.sc.us Kathryn Taylor, Shannon Forest Christian School, ktaylor@shannonforest.com NCF COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tiffany Blackwell, TriCounty Technical College, tblackw7@tctc.edu Matt Cash, University of South Carolina Beaufort, cashmj@uscb.edu Melissa Cline, Furman University, melissa.cline@furman.edu Mark Fox, Presbyterian College, mfox@presby.edu Shawn Glover, Anderson University, sglover@andersonuniversity.edu Julia Hodge, University of South Carolina Columbia, HODGE@mailbox.sc.edu Samantha Monson, Greenville County Schools, sammonson@greenville.k12.sc.us Heather Najmabadi, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, hnajmabadi@sjcatholicschool.org Bartley Sides, Christ Church Episcopal School, sidesb@cces.org Danielle Staggers, Furman University, danielle.staggers@furman.edu Palmer J Straughn, Wofford College, straughnpj@wofford.edu Ann Marie Wesneski, Spartanburg Day School, annmarie.wesneski@sdsgriffin.org Amanda Wolk, Clemson University, wolk@clemson.edu

College Categories As you plan for college you have many options. Listed below are the College Categories that describe the different types of institutions available to you.

NON-PROFIT PRIVATE These Colleges and Universities: • Receive funding primarily from student tuition and endowments. Some funding comes from governmental support in the form of tax breaks and student loans • Follow the leadership of a board of trustees • Develop own institutional plans since they operate mostly on private support • Rely on private funds, which leads to a higher average cost • Offer financial aid opportunities to reduce the total cost .

PUBLIC These Colleges and Universities: • Receive a large part of funding from state or local taxes. Some funding comes from tuition and endowments • Follow performance standards set by the state • Most are state-run which lowers the tuition for in-state students • Typically categorized as two-year, four-year, research, comprehensive, or community colleges

FOR-PROFIT/ PROPRIETARY These Colleges and Universities: • Receive up to 90 percent of their revenue from federal student aid • Operate under the demands of investors and stockholders • Usually offer a non-traditional format, • Have come under federal scrutiny for high pressure sales/recruitment tactics A close examination of the academic, social and financial factors will lead you to a best-fit college. To read more on the differences in college categories, please visit our web site at www.nacacfairs.org.

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Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2017

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

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Making the most of your visit to the college fair

R

36 QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A COLLEGE VISIT

eady to take the next step in your education? There’s no better place to explore your options than at a NACAC National College Fair.

Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college.

Take advantage of their expertise, and make the most of your time by following these simple steps.

ACADEMICS — How much time do students typically spend on homework?

— How much writing and reading are expected?

— What is the average class size of introductory classes?

— How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?

— What is the average class size of upper-division courses?

ACADEMIC PERKS

— What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?

BE PREPARED. Before the big day, visit nationalcollegefairs.org and scan through the list of colleges and universities that will be represented. Make a note of the schools that interest you the most, and plan to visit their booths at the fair.

Are you looking for colleges that are close to home, or those that are far away?

Are you interested in small, private schools, or large, public universities? Which of the institutions in attendance offer your projected major?

“Planning ahead can help you stay focused,” said Cynthia Kaan, a Ferris State University (MI) admission officer. “If you have certain schools you know you are interested in, don’t limit yourself, but make learning about those schools your priority.”

MAKE YOUR QUESTIONS COUNT. Like so many other things in life, a successful visit to a National College Fair is marked by quality, not quantity.

In other words: Rather than focusing on collecting a brochure from every college booth, make it your goal to have in-depth conversations with a few of the college reps on hand.

“I encourage students to not just stop by the table and pick up a brochure, but rather engage the representative with a few questions,” said Valencia Hamman, co-director of college counseling at La Jolla Country Day School (CA). “That means you want to come into the fair with a list of questions so you’re ready for that opportunity.”

Don’t waste time on softball queries, such as “Is your nursing program good?”

“That’s not a good question because it gets you nowhere … no one is going to tell you that their program is terrible, or that it is struggling,” Kaan said. “If you’re interested in a specific program, like nursing, ask

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— How many students participate in undergraduate research?

— Is there a culminating senior year experience?

— Do you have an honors college?

— Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience?

college reps what sets their program apart from other colleges, or ask them to compare their nursing program with one at another college that you’re considering.”

KEEP AN OPEN MIND. Take time to do a little exploring.

Yes, it’s important to plan ahead and select a few colleges you know you want to visit.

But each fair draws representatives from 175 to 400 campuses. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe.

You owe it to yourself to follow-up with colleges that catch your eye.

“Do your research, but also have an open mind,” Hamman said. “Sometimes students take time to talk with a representative from a school that they really hadn’t considered before and it becomes a part of their list.”

Chatting with representatives from a variety of colleges can also help you cement your own preferences, Kaan noted.

“It’s just as important to figure out what you don’t want as it is to figure out what is really attractive to you,” she said.

LEARN ABOUT THE PROCESS What’s the deal with college entrance tests? What do admission officers look for in a college essay? How can I find out if I’m eligible for financial aid?

No matter where you end up enrolling, you’ll likely encounter at least one of these questions during the college application process.

Use your visit to a National College Fair

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2017

to get a head start. Check out the fair’s education sessions, covering topics ranging from college costs, to student athlete eligibility and college selectivity.

Each fair also includes a counseling center, oftentimes an invaluable resource for students with specialized interests.

Do you love hands-on learning?

Counselors can help you pinpoint colleges that provide research opportunities for undergraduates.

“There are resources available and there are people available who can help answer very individualized questions about the college search process,” said Dana Lambert, a counselor at West Milford Township High School (NJ). “Take advantage of their expertise.”

FOLLOW UP. Ask college reps for their contact information and be sure to follow up.

“Not always, but often, the representative that is attending the college fair is the representative that will end up reading your application,” Hamman said. “Keep in touch with them; reach out with thoughtful, intelligent questions. That demonstrates interest.”

For the colleges you want to know more about, schedule campus visits.

Remember: Your trip to a college fair is the beginning—not the end—of your college search.

“Visiting a campus is by far the most important aspect of looking for a college,” Kaan said. “There’s no other experience like it. It’s the best way to find your perfect fit.”

FINANCIAL AID — What is your average financial aid package?

— What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?

— What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?

— What is the average merit award?

— What percentage of students receive college grants?

— What is the average college debt that students leave with?

— What work-study opportunities are there?

GRADUATION TRACK RECORD — What is your four-year graduation rate?

— What is your five-year graduation rate?

— What does it take to graduate in four years?

— What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

ACADEMIC SUPPORT — What type of tutoring program do you have?

— How do you provide academic advice to students?

— Do you have a writing center and how do I access it?

— What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

OUTSIDE OPPORTUNITIES

— How many students at the college get internships?

— What percentage of students study abroad?

— What type of career services do you have?

STUDENT LIFE — What kind of dorm choices are there?

— What percentage of student live on campus?

— How long are dorm accommodations guaranteed?

— How many students live on campus?

— Do most students go home on the weekend?

— What percentage of the study body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?

— What activities are offered to students?

— What clubs do you have on campus?

Mobile Registration: Register today at

www.gotomyncf.com The benefits of online student registration: • Students register for the fair one time.

• It eliminates the need for college contact cards.

• Students are easily able to elaborate on special interests, extracurricular activities, and accomplishments.

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The Who and Where of the 2017 Upstate South Carol BOOTH #

8

709 421 618 321 409 221

CONFERENCE CENTER ENTRANCE

EMERGENCY EXIT

INTERNATIONAL The American University of Paris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anglia Ruskin University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IE University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Temple University – Japan Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Kent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Manchester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ALABAMA Auburn University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jacksonville State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Samford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Alabama in Huntsville. . . . . . . . . .

ARIZONA Arizona State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Advancing Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CALIFORNIA FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COLORADO Colorado State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONNECTICUT United States Coast Guard Academy. . . . . . . . . . . .

University of New Haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FLORIDA Eckerd College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University . . . . . . . . . . .

Florida Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Florida Polytechnic University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Florida State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Full Sail University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keiser University - Flagship Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nova Southeastern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

St. Petersburg College Orthotics & Prosthetics. . . .

Trinity Baptist College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of North Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GEORGIA Armstrong State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Augusta University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

College of Coastal Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Georgia College and State University. . . . . . . . . . . .

Georgia Southern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kennesaw State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2017

103 202

203 302

303 402

105 204

205 304

305 404

107 206

207 306

307 406

109 208

209 308

309 408

111 210

211 310

311 410

113 212

213 312

313 412

413 512

116

117 216

217 316

317 416

417 516

118

119 218

219 318

319 418

419 518

121 220

221 320

321 420

421 520

123 222

223 322

323 422

423 522

125 224

225 324

325 424

127 226

227 326

327 426

129 228

229 328

329 428

102

112 114

120 122

220 301

206 401 101 302 305 611

301 400

110

605

401 500

201 300

108

203

COUNSE

101 200

106

106 504 608 403

507 504 711 202 205 703 701 306 710 702 607 412

100 104

616 516 102 502 201

124 EMERGENCY EXIT

BOOTH ASSIGNMENT

126 128 130

403 502 405 504 407 506 409 508 411 510

425 524 427 526

HOSPITALITY EMERGENCY EXIT Mercer University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Savannah College of Art and Design. . . . . . . . . . . .

The University of Georgia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Valdosta State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Young Harris College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

111 408 602 620 706

INDIANA Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . 503 KENTUCKY

Berea College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Boyce College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716

Eastern Kentucky University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 Western Kentucky University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 LOUISIANA Loyola University New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 708 Tulane University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 MAINE Maine Maritime Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520

lina National College Fair Michigan State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Western Michigan University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521

ELING / RESOURCE CENTERS

MISSOURI Washington University in St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420

701

601 700

503 602

603 702

703

505 604

605 704

705

507 606

607 706

707

509 608

609 708

709

511 610

611 710

711

513 612

613 712

713

517 616

617 716

717

519 618

619 718

719

521 620

621 720

721

523 622 525 624 527 626 628

623 722 625 724 627 726

MISSISSIPPI Mississippi State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700 NEW HAMPSHIRE Colby-Sawyer College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

EMERGENCY EXIT

501 600

723 725 727

629 728

MARYLAND Capitol Technology University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 Washington College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 MASSACHUSETTS Brandeis University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619 Merrimack College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 MICHIGAN Kettering University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510

NEW YORK Hofstra University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long Island University-LIU Post Campus . . . . . . . . .

Pace University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paul Smith’s College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUNY College at Cortland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUNY College at Potsdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUNY Maritime College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Rochester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

606 318 416 120 601 217 104 712 604

NORTH CAROLINA Belmont Abbey College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brevard College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Campbell University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Catawba College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

East Carolina University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gardner-Webb University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guilford College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High Point University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Johnson & Wales University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lees-McRae College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lenoir-Rhyne University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Montreat College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pfeiffer University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Piedmont International University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salem College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Mount Olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of North Carolina at Greensboro . . . . . .

University of North Carolina School of the Arts. . . .

Warren Wilson College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Western Carolina University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wingate University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

300 402 500 121 105 413 713 603 103 216 407 404 513 212 609 610 617 707 508 317 113

OHIO Kent State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 PENNSYLVANIA Penn State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Pittsburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. . . . . . . .

Westminster College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RHODE ISLAND Bryant University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

107 704 613 509 308 311

SOUTH CAROLINA Bob Jones University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Charleston Southern University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Clemson University . . . . . . . . . 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 Coastal Carolina University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Coker College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 College of Charleston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Columbia International University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Converse College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518 Furman University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Horry-Georgetown Technical College . . . . . . . . . . . 405 Lander University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Limestone College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Newberry College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 North Greenville University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 Presbyterian College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511 Spartanburg Methodist College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Tri-County Technical College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 University of South Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612 University of South Carolina Aiken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 University of South Carolina Beaufort. . . . . . . . . . . . 304 University of South Carolina Upstate . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 Winthrop University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501 Wofford College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 TENNESSEE East Tennessee State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tennessee Technological University. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tusculum College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vanderbilt University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

312 100 506 718 519

TEXAS Southern Methodist University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 Texas A & M University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Texas Christian University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512 VIRGINIA Longwood University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mary Baldwin University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sweet Briar College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Virginia Military Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Virginia Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

719 419 309 517 505

WEST VIRGINIA Marshall University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Workshop Schedule 1:30 p.m. in Room 102C COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIMELINE & PREPARING FOR A COLLEGE VISIT

3:30 p.m. in Room 102A FINANCIAL AID

101

Register now at www.gotomyncf.com

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Using high school courses and activities to prepare for college

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our post-high school years hold tremendous promise.

At college you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, follow your interests and — hopefully— find a satisfying career.

However, nearly half of all students who enter college fail to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years.

“There are two reasons why kids flunk out,” said Amy Thompson, a counselor at York Community High School (IL). “They are either academically unprepared or they are emotionally unprepared.”

Increase your chances for success by making the most out of your high school years

college class. Don’t panic if the material seems difficult at first. Developing good study habits and time-management skills in high school can help you persevere in college, even when times get tough.

Some rigorous courses actually allow you to jumpstart your postsecondary education. Students who do well on AP tests, for example, can earn college credit.

Some high schools also partner with local colleges to offer dual-credit courses for high school students.

GET INVOLVED.

BUCKLE DOWN IN CLASSROOM. Taking rigorous classes in high school doesn’t only help you get into college, the knowledge and skills you acquire work double-duty, preparing you to be successful in your pursuit of a degree.

Seek out honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in subjects that interest you.

“You want to take the most demanding

experience

courses you can while maintaining your sanity and still achieving good grades,” Thompson said.

Look for courses that require lots of writing and critical thinking—two skills you’ll be asked to use in almost every

explore

From athletics to theater to volunteer work—there’s a whole world of extracurricular activities open to high school students.

“It can be overwhelming,” Thompson said. “But the one piece of advice I give students is don’t just join something to pad your resume. Pick something you’re genuinely interested in.”

Your goal: By senior year, “be in a position that shows not only your devotion to the group, but also some level of initiative or leadership on your part,” she said.

“Admission officers can see through the applicant who joins a million different clubs in their junior or senior year,” Thompson noted. “Use your activities to show colleges who you are.”

Universities are looking for students who will make the most of the opportunities available to them.

A high school record that includes extracurricular activities helps show admission officers that you’ll be a valuable part of their campus community.

FINISH STRONG. Your senior year of high school will be hectic.

In addition to applying for colleges, you may find yourself leading a student organization or sports team.

It can be tempting to sluff off in the classroom, but stay focused. Senior year grades and courses still count.

“You need to maintain your academic performance, and do at least as well—if not better—because you don’t want to have your admission offer rescinded,” Thompson said.

When planning out your schedule,

»

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

POINTS OF

PRIDE wasCCU the right choice the for me.

The professors care on about ICCU chose because moment I stepped my success and building the knowledge and skills to prepare campus, it felt like a place I could call home.” me for life after graduation.”

Kennedi Brunstad Greenville, S.C., theatre arts BFA major

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Choose from 73 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate degree programs, two specialist programs and one Ph.D. program.

Ranked in the top 10 in the South among all schools in the Best Value Category by U.S. News & World Report.

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» make sure that you’re on-track to meet college entrance requirements, including at least two years of a foreign language

and four years of math, science and English courses.

“Colleges want to see that you know

how to work hard, and that you have taken advantage of the courses and activities your high school has to offer,” Thompson

said. “A strong finish in your senior year helps make you a more attractive candidate.”

Imagine what it’s like to

BE A BLUE HOSE Blue Hose are those who are inspired for a life of personal and vocational fulfillment.

They are individuals who go out into the world and make an impact on the global community. Give your imagination a break, visit our campus, and let us show you what it’s like to be a Blue Hose.

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Balancing Act: Tips for Adults Returning to College

C

onsidering going back to college?

You’re in good company.

Nontraditional students now make up the majority of US undergraduates, and one-in-four college students are age 30 or older.

But although colleges are serving a greater number of adults, finding the right program—a place where you can balance your education with employment and family responsibilities—is key to your success.

Here are four questions every nontraditional student should ask when researching schools.

1: WHAT IS YOUR COLLEGE’S TRACK RECORD WITH NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS? Ask some tough questions: What’s the graduation rate of nontraditional students at your institution? Are adult students eligible for merit aid? How much debt do students typically accrue?

What’s the average time to graduation?

Learning the answers can help you

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success center director of Ivy Tech Community College (IN). “They often need more flexibility when it comes to scheduling classes.”

Also ask about student support services, such as tutoring, recommends Michelle Christopherson, director of the Center for Adult Learning on the University of Minnesota—Crookston campus.

“You want to make sure that you are going to be supported, and you want to make sure that those services aren’t going to end up costing you extra,” she said.

decide which college is right for you.

It can also help you estimate how much time— and money—you’ll need to complete a degree.

2: WHAT SORT OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER? Responsibilities at home and at work

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2017

can change over your course of time that you’re enrolled in college. Choosing a school that provides a variety of course options—from in-person, to online, to hybrid—increases your odds of staying on track.

“A lot of adults have full-time work schedules or child care responsibilities,” said Amber Harnack, student

3: WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET A DEGREE? The majority of nontraditional students have already accumulated some college credits by the time they re-enter higher education.

Before you enroll in any program, learn whether your credits will transfer and how many courses you’ll need to complete a degree.

“You want to make sure that from

»

» the beginning you have a clear

understanding on how much it will cost

and what your degree pathway will look like,” Christopherson said

4: HOW WILL YOUR INSTITUTION HELP ME MEET MY CAREER GOALS? Begin your college search with the end in mind.

What’s spurring your decision to return to school? Are you looking for advancement options in your current field, or do you want a career change?

Ask college officials about the types of jobs landed by recent program graduates. Inquire about the services offered at the campus’ career center.

“Make sure that your goals match up with what the college is able to provide,” Harnack said. “You want to be certain that the degree program you ultimately choose is a good fit.”

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Defining the Differences in Schools 4-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: • 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.

2-YEAR COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES: • Conveniently located in local communities.

• Specialize in college transfer programs often tied to area four-year colleges.

• Usually respond to local employment needs by offering courses in highdemand areas.

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.

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.

• Include colleges offering studies in: agriculture, technology, art/music, religion, business, engineering, health sciences, military, and teacher preparation.

VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS SCHOOLS:

• Offer skill training (welding, cooking, hair styling, and word processing) required for a specific job.

• Offer degrees upon completion of officer training.

• Offer certificates upon completion of training program.

Courtesy of military.wikia.com

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2017

• Concentrate their offerings in one or two specific areas.

• Specialize in trades or vocations by offering various courses and occupational programs.

• Produce officers well-educated both academically and in the workings of the military.

• Offer associate degrees or certificates upon completion of program.

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SPECIALIZED COLLEGES:

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Come see why these three AU education graduates were handpicked by the prestigious Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, and why graduates in business, interior design, the arts, nursing, and a host of other disciplines are continuing their journey with the nation’s top firms.

Visit: AndersonUniversity.edu/knowledge

knowledge for your journey South Carolina