A parent’s guide to Greenville College
WE NEVER HAD TO WORRY ABOUT OUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY WHILE AT GC. The small college atmosphere was very reassuring to us. We also loved the small class sizes and the fact that our kids were more than just a number to their professors. They developed friendships with many of their professors. Greenville also offers many educational opportunities. Denee was the AgapeFest assistant director last year, and this year is serving as the director. This is excellent experience for her future in the communications field. Our son served as history
Ron and Lisa Menghini
tutor and as a teaching assistant for one of his professors.
Denee Menghini ’14
We feel our kids could not have gotten a higher quality
Communication & Religion [double major]
education than the ones they received at Greenville College.
Hillsboro, Illinois
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETION: PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC Research shows students who attend private colleges such as Greenville often reach their educational goals and enter the workforce with a completed degree in four years, while it often takes students at state institutions five or six years to finish a degree.
AVOID STICKER SHOCK It’s vital to consider the final cost of education after financial aid has been awarded. Why? Because 96 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. A typical financial aid package for a Greenville student amounts to $19,978 – which makes Greenville extremely affordable! An investment in Greenville is an investment in your child’s future. Because Christ is at the core of who we are, our students undergo transformation for lives of character and service. This experience strengthens their faith and introduces them to lifelong friends – and life changing opportunities.
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS – FOR LIFE The average college student changes majors three times and the average graduate goes through six careers. That’s why it’s essential to distinguish between the colleges that will provide job preparation only and those that will provide career and life preparation.
“Our son (‘07) and daughter (‘13) are the third generation of our family to attend Greenville College. They have both grown spiritually and academically, and have developed lifelong relationships with fellow students and members of the faculty.” — Al and Lorianne Sample Sherman, Illinois
We teach the transferable skills, such as writing, communication, teamwork, learning how to learn, critical thinking, and problem solving. These skills make our graduates extremely adaptable and effective in whatever they do.
ENVIRONMENT DOES MATTER Research shows that during college, students experience a significant “search for identity.” College years are critical in determining the value structure by which students will live as adults. These people who will have a direct influence upon your student – the people of Greenville – are honest, humble, compassionate, and courageous.
COLLEGE SEARCH TIPS Have an open dialogue Communication between you and your student is key throughout the college search process. Encourage your student to explore a variety of colleges and share opinions openly and honestly.
Find the right fit Encourage your student to think about what he/she wants in a college – big or small, urban or rural, academic programs and overall experience.
Stay organized Help your student plan ahead by knowing dates and deadlines for standardized tests, applications, FAFSA and scholarships. Work with your student to gather materials, take practice tests and file the appropriate paperwork on time.
Plan a campus visit The best way to get the real campus experience is to visit. Plan to visit while students are on campus and classes are in session. If possible, take the opportunity to talk to professors and students about their experiences. Go to greenville.edu/visit for details about visiting Greenville College.
Encourage academic challenges Having a high GPA is great, but completing advanced coursework will ultimately help students be better prepared in college-level courses. Encourage your student to take AP classes when possible and to stay focused during his or her senior year.
Talk with parents of current college students Talking with friends who have been through the college search process can be extremely beneficial. They can share their experiences, tips they wish they knew earlier and questions to ask admissions and financial aid counselors.
Research careers While your student may not have chosen a career, an ongoing dialogue might help him or her narrow down the field. You can assist with researching careers and looking up major and minor requirements at different schools. Go to greenville.edu/academics to view Greenville College majors and minors. Explore leadership opportunities College admissions counselors love to see students become leaders. Encourage your student to get involved with a community or school-related program that interests him or her such as drama, the school newspaper, or philanthropic activities. Look beyond the rankings While rankings can be helpful at a glance, be sure to evaluate curriculum, diversity, educational opportunities, and other criteria that you and your student find important.
SAFETY Greenville provides a safe, small-town setting for students to learn and grow. To ensure your child feels safe and comfortable on campus, we utilize: • Electronic access systems for all buildings on campus • Monitored video surveillance systems • Student patrols/safety escorts
More information about campus safety can be found at greenville.edu/student_life/campus_safety
FOCUS ON STUDENT SUCCESS Our campus-wide focus on student success is backed up by:
• Approachable faculty • Strong academic advising • Student services for leadership training, career development, and academic success • Professional technology accessible to students like research equipment, recording studios and design software
We found that, in every aspect, from campus life to spiritual priorities, to intentional investment in the students by faculty and staff, Greenville College was a safe place for Caleb to be challenged and encouraged to become all that he had the potential to be and do.
— Dave and Shelly Romoser Caleb Romoser ‘12 Spanish Education Edwardsville, Illinois
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Each application is evaluated individually. We review all aspects of the application before making an admission decision. Generally, we look for the following: • ACT composite of 18, or SAT (Math + Critical Reading) of 860 • High School GPA of at least 2.25/4.0
HIGH SCHOOL COURSEWORK RECOMMENDATIONS Completing a college preparatory curriculum in high school will ensure a smooth transition to college. The chart below is our recommendation for high school students but is not required for admission. Certain degree programs may have additional course recommendations – contact your admissions counselor for more information. Subject
Recommended Years
English
4
Math
3
Social Studies
2
Lab Science
3
Foreign Language
2
to send me so far away
Our students are making a worldwide impact combining their passion with the skills and knowledge they learned at Greenville College.
from home, but after visiting campus, we knew this was the place God had in mind for me. I’ve developed Godly and spiritually encouraging relationships that I know will last forever. I know I’m exactly where I need to be and my parents feel at peace about me being at Greenville. — Ali Lund ‘15 Music Major Parker, Colorado
Jason Kozemczak ’07 Mathematics & Physics [double major] Now an engineering manager at Twitter, Jason credits his time at Greenville College for learning how to “selfteach”. This independent learning skill has equipped Jason to learn from those around him, hone his craft and develop his passions. Now he uses this skill to learn how celebrities use Twitter to interact with fans and promote their projects. Andre Anjos ‘09 Music Business Anjos has developed a unique philosophy on remixing; he creates new incarnations of songs by expanding their genre and musical
arrangements. In just a few years, Anjos has worked with a wide variety of high profile artists from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Lana del Ray, U2, Lady Gaga, and the Kings of Leon. Jamie Harling ’13 Elementary Education & Spanish [double major] Jamie intended to teach abroad, but felt led to serve in her own community. As director of The Simple Room, a non-profit organization that provides Christ-centered social development to youth, Jamie found her perfect balance between education and ministry. She claims that Greenville College taught her how to educate children, but also to love ministry.
Read about these, and other stories, at greenville.edu/experiences.
STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES My parents were hesitant
Office of Admissions 315 E. College Avenue Greenville, IL 62246
GREENVILLE COLLEGE AT-A-GLANCE ABOUT Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Illinois, 45 minutes east of St. Louis MISSION Greenville College empowers students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO 18-1 FACULTY About 75% of our professors have doctoral or terminal degrees. ACCREDITATION Greenville College is a fully accredited Christian college. For a full list of our accreditations, visit greenville.edu/accreditation.