2016 College Guide by Kristy Adair

2016 COLLEGE GUIDE

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

TD CONVENTION CENTER

Monday, Sept. 19, 9am–11:30am & 5:30pm–8pm; Tuesday, Sept. 20, 9am–11:30am GreenvilleCountyCollegeFair.com | Like us on

Erskine College

Closely Connected

Christian College in South Carolina

NCAA D2 College in the Southeast

Will Frampton, Class of 2003 Television Journalist and Filmmaker

Will’s Erskine story turned an English degree into an Emmy.® Sparked by a CNN summer internship after his sophomore year, Will Frampton discovered his passion for journalism and filmmaking. Within five years of graduating, Will produced an Emmy Award-winning documentary while following a South Carolina National Guard unit in Kabul, Afghanistan. Now he’s a television journalist and filmmaker in Atlanta. “At Erskine I grew in ways I never would have expected. Even though I didn’t study traditional journalism, Erskine prepared me for the challenges of this career as well as any college program I can imagine.” For more than 175 years, Erskine has equipped students for lives of significance and service through rigorous scholarship in a family-like Christian academic community. Where will your story take you? Investigate Erskine, and uncover the advantages of starting small.

KNOW. BE KNOWN. ERSKINE.EDU/ DISCOVER

Due West, South Carolina

Our small size means some big advantages! You’ll know almost everyone, especially your professors. And they’ll not only know you, they’ll probably know if you’re having a bad day and why.

SMALL PLACE TO THINK BIG IDEAS

Erskine College has been equipping young people to flourish in lives of learning, serving, and leading for 175 years. Our rich heritage of thoughtful scholarship, spiritual devotion, and intentional community provides an academic experience that’s as distinctive as our students, faculty, and graduates.

Beautifully Located

Vibrantly Academic

Intentionally Residential

Nationally ranked among the best liberal arts colleges, our majors span the arts and sciences spectrum. No matter what you study, you’ll be personally challenged and profoundly inspired. You’ll work hard, think creatively and critically, explore options, and question assumptions across a variety of subjects.

Living on campus provides incredible opportunities for fellowship and leadership. In a community like this, you can’t fake it. Quality is revealed. Weaknesses are strengthened. Character is refined through meaningful relationships.

Authentically Christian

Distinctively You

What we learn and how we live are inseparable foundations for an excellent education. Erskine is committed to Christian authenticity that is intentional and pervasive, but never coercive. While we pursue knowledge, we seek grace and wisdom to answer the big questions.

Call it a custom-fit college experience. Call it handcrafted higher education. At Erskine, your unique talents, interests, and contributions really matter. You help shape the experience for others, while they do the same for you.

Due West of what? Not sure. But we do know that from tree-lined green spaces, gardens and gathering spots to stately architecture, comfortable hangouts, and convenient wi-fi, our campus in Due West, South Carolina, is a great place to learn and live.

GLADYOUASKED WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? The combination of excellent academics and a close-knit, vibrant community in an authentically Christian setting. WHAT IS HOUSING LIKE? Our residence halls are clustered into two residential areas. Both men’s and women’s residences are equipped with high-speed wireless internet and function like large, comfortable homes. WHAT ARE THE BEST HANGOUTS? The best hangout on campus is Watkins Student Center, which includes Snappers, a grill and rec area with pool and pingpong, a large study area and TV lounge, and Java City. You also have access to 95 beautiful acres of tree-lined campus. WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR CLASSES? In addition to our core liberal arts curriculum, our Winter Term in January (“J-Term”) allows for concentrated study in a wide variety of fields or interests. Semester-long study abroad opportunities are also popular. Erskine’s most popular majors are Biology, Education and Athletic Training. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO? It’s about more than just ratios. Even big schools can have low ratios. At Erskine it’s about face time. Our student-professor ratio is 12:1, but more importantly, very few classes have more than 25 students. That means more face time and more meaningful interactions with experienced quality faculty inside and outside the classroom. WHAT ARE THE STEREOTYPES ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND ARE THEY TRUE OR FALSE? People often confuse our rural setting with being “in the middle of nowhere” where there’s nothing to do. The truth is that aside from the hundreds of activities on campus, Erskine is just 20 minutes from almost anything you need, a couple of hours from two of the largest cities in the Southeast, and three hours from the beach. WHAT SPECIAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS? Don’t overlook a college because you think it’s too expensive. Erskine is actually very affordable for South Carolina students. In fact, many SC LIFE scholars attend Erskine for around $10,000 a year. College Admissions Guide

This Guide and How to Use TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction History of Greenville County College Fair........................................4 Planning Committee.............................4 Schedule for Fair......................................5 List of Participants...................................6 Mayor White’s Proclamation.................6 How to Use College Fair........................8 Questions to Ask............................ 10-11 Pathways to College............................ 12 “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be” Book Review....................... 14 Money For College............................... 16 SC State Tuition Assistance Programs........................ 18 Approaching the Redesigned SAT & ACT..................................... 20-21

Which Application: Common, Coalition, Universal?.................. 23-25

College Admission for the Student-Athlete.................... 28-31 Take Notes.............................................. 34

History of The Greenville County College Fair – 27 years of helping students

About 25 years ago, Xanthene Norris with the Greenville Urban League and Becky Godbey with Greenville Tech, partnered with Christ Church Episcopal School to hold the first Greenville County College Fair. In the next several years, LaBarbra Sampson of the Greenville County School District and Charlie Brock at Furman became involved. In time, the Fair expanded and relocated from CCES, to Fluor, to McAlister Square. It was at that time that India Fulkerson of Greenville Tech began to take a major role in the planning of the Fair. Through her organization and work with CACRAO (Carolinas Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers), it has evolved into one of the foremost college fairs in the Southeast. The City of Greenville and Mayor Knox White have recognized the value and added its support as well through the use of the TD Exposition Center – see how we have expanded! There are now over 120 colleges and 3,500 students who participate in the Fair and it has expanded from one evening to two days with several educational seminars for parents and students. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to get a great deal of information about all aspects of the college-going process and should not be missed by those who are thinking of and considering various college options. (See the “Using A College Fair” on page 8.) We hope all gain from this experience. Best wishes – The Greenville College Fair Planning Committee

College Fair Schedule PLANNING COMMITTEE: CO-CHAIRS

JUDY BENEDICT, Giraffe Website Development JULIO HERNANDEZ, Greenville Technical College

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

DEBBIE BAREFOOT, North Greenville University ALLYSON BROWN, Furman University TARSHA BROWN, Greenville Technical College BILL DINGLEDINE, Educational Directions JULIO HERNANDEZ, Greenville Technical College APRIL HOLTZCLAW, Private Test Prep JENY KERSCHER, Furman University BJ LINDLEY, Greenville County Schools KATIE MARSHALL, North Greenville University HEATHER NAJMABADI, St. Joseph’s Catholic School BRITTANY OGLESBY, Greenville County Schools ROB RHODES, Greenville County Schools LINDA SCHULZ, Christ Church Episcopal School SARAH STEELE, Southside Christian School KATHRYN TAYLOR, Shannon Forest Christian School

Monday, September 19: 9:00–11:30 am

Public Schools (Bussed in) arrive to attend

5:30–6:15 pm

Making College Pay Off – Return on Investment

– Jay Blankenship, Coordinator of the Greenville Region of Personal Pathways to Success, and the Coordinator of SC Works Greenville Youth Council

START A JOB IN WELDING IN 900 HOURS!

– Curt McPhail, Executive Director of “Space”, Wofford College

– Rene Sawyer, Assistant Dean for Academic Advancement and Support, Greenville Technical College

– Forrest Stuart, Director of Financial Aid, Furman University

6:00–8:00 pm

Private Schools & General Public – all who did not/could not attend in AM

7:45–8:30 pm

College Admissions 101 – An Insider’s Look at the College Application

– John Birney, Director of Admission, Wofford College

– Dalton Kelsey, Guidance Counselor, Eastside H.S.

– Suzanne Petrusch, Vice President for Enrollment & Financial Aid, Presbyterian College

– Connie Scrivens, Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions and President-Elect, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling

• • • • • • • •

Demand of Welders far exceeds supply Quick training Financial aid available for those who qualify Specialty classes to advance skill sets Day and Night Classes Highest paid skill trade Start a high paying career in welding in 6 months Job placement assistance

Intense Hands-on Welder Training

Tuesday, September 20: 9:00-11:30 am

Public Schools (Bussed in) arrive to attend

TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr. • Greenville, SC

Why Attend?: • Begin the next phase of your educational journey.

• Meet admission representatives from colleges and universities from across the country.

• Learn about college majors, extra-curricular offerings, the admission process, and much more. • Discover how to find the right college fit for you.

• Attend the evening seminars to gain valuable information regarding financial aid and the college application process as well as insight into job and career opportunities.

Greenville County College Fair 2016

For More Information visit greenvillecountycollegefair.org or facebook.com/GreenvilleCountyCollegeFair

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List of Participants Anderson University

Johnson C. Smith University

Armstrong State University

Kennesaw State University

Arclabs Welding School

The Art Institute of Charleston Auburn University

Augusta University

Belmont Abbey College Benedict College Berea College

Bob Jones University Brevard College

Campbell University

Carson-Newman University Catawba College Centre College

Charleston Southern University The Citadel

Claflin University

Clemson University

Clemson University - Institute for the Study of Capitalism Cleveland Institute of Art

Coastal Carolina University Coker College

Colby-Sawyer College College of Charleston

College of Coastal Georgia Columbia College

Columbia International University Converse College Davidson College

Denison University

Denmark Technical College

East Tennessee State University Eastern Kentucky University ECPI University Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Erskine College

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Florida State University

Francis Marion University Furman University

Gardner-Webb University Georgia College

Georgia Southern University Georgia State University

Greenville Technical College

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology King University King’s College

Lander University

Lees-McRae College

Lenoir-Rhyne University Living Arts College

Loyola University New Orleans

“#5 among Best Schools for Making an Impact”

Mars Hill University Mercer University

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

—The Princeton Review

Mississippi State University

Graduation Plus, an innovative 4K-12th grade approach to career and college readiness, provides many opportunities for students to learn about careers and graduate with college credits and/or advanced technical certifications. Initially, elementary school students are introduced to numerous career fields. Middle school students develop Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) that guide them toward education, career and employment goals. At the high school level, students have opportunities to earn technical certification in various fields, and/or college credit in a major through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual credit courses.

Montreat College Morris College

Newberry College

North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Central University North Greenville University Northeastern University Ohio Technical College Pace University

Paul Mitchell the School Columbia Pfeiffer University

Presbyterian College

“Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars” —Fulbright Awards

“Outstanding Academics, Affordability, and Career Prospects” —The Princeton Review

greenville.k12.sc.us • 864-355-3100 Like us on Facebook • Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The Princeton Review Purdue University

Queens University of Charlotte Radford University

Ringling College of Art & Design

Universal Technical Institute

Valdosta State University

Saint Louis University

University of California - Berkeley

Vanderbilt University

Samford University

University of Georgia

Sewanee - The University of the South

University of Mount Olive

Southern Wesleyan University

University of North Carolina - Greensboro

Roanoke College

University of Alabama

Salem College

University of Chicago

SC Test Prep

University of Kentucky

South Carolina National Guard

University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Spartanburg Methodist College

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

State University of New York College at Cortland

University of South Carolina

St. Andrews University

Stetson University

Johnson &Wales University

University of North Carolina - Asheville

Greenville County College Fair 2016

—U.S. News & World Report

Livingstone College

Sweet Briar College

“#1 College in South Carolina”

Limestone College

Greenville Technical College - EMT The Iron Yard

Greenville native. National stage.

Kaplan Test Prep

Tusculum College

University of North Georgia

University of South Carolina - Aiken

University of South Carolina - Beaufort

Valparaiso University

Virginia Military Institute Virginia Tech

Voorhees College

Vox Bivium Gap Year School Warren Wilson College

Washington University in St. Louis Webster University Wellesley College

Western Carolina University William Peace University

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Winston Salem State University - Anderson Center

USAeroTech Institute

Wofford College

Upstate Aggie Club

furman.edu/visit

Greenville’s University for more than 160 years

Winthrop University

College Admissions Guide

Making the Most of a College Fair

By Mary Stegmeir (The National Association for College Admission Counseling – NACAC)

eady to take the next step in your education? There’s no better place to explore your options than at a College Fair. It is much more than “time off from class”! If used right, it can be the springboard to college choices and going to college. 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.

Be prepared.

Before the big day, visit www. greenvillecountycollegefair.com 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 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 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 Greenville County College Fair 2016

you want to visit. But a fair draws representative from over 100 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 Fair 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. 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.”

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Questions to Ask

By Jeff Schiffman, Associate Director of Admission, Tulane University

dmission officers love sharing their experiences and giving prospective students as much insight as we can about our institutions. In that light, I thought it might be helpful for me to let you know about some of the best questions that we as admission officers get. I’ll give you six examples of great questions to ask your admission counselor when you visit us at a fair, visit our our campus, or when we are visiting your high school or hometown. These are interview questions and questions you could be asking students on these campuses when you visit, too. I’ll also share some questions that might be best left out. Ready? Let’s go! 1) What is the political climate on campus? Great question here. I think it’s cool to find out if the campus is red or blue, conservative or liberal. It says a lot about if that place is a good fit for you, and what kind of kid goes to

that school. For you seniors, you’ll be at this campus during an election year, a very exciting time to be on a college campus! 2) What kind of student fits in (or doesn’t) at your school? This one may put us on the spot a bit, and for some schools may be tough to answer, but I still think it’s a great question to ask. One of my favorite student tour guides at Tulane tells her tour to look at students’ shoes as they walk around Tulane on the tour. That will tell you what kind of kid can be found at that campus (and it will also show you just how crazy diverse our kids at Tulane are). Birkenstocks, Chacos, hightops, Converse, Sperrys, barefoot… you get the idea. 3) What was your favorite class when you were at Tulane? Or better yet, ask our current students about their favorite class. We like talking about this kind of stuff.

4) What did you do last night (or over the weekend)? This is one to ask our students (unless you want to hear about my Netflix marathon). Put them on the spot and I think you’ll enjoy hearing what our kids do with their nights. It’s everything from late nights in the library to late nights on Frenchman Street here in New Orleans. This is a great question to ask a student panel if you happen to hit one up. 5) What is the cost of living like in your city? And how easy is it to get around town? Good questions because they will make a real impact on you once you arrive on campus. Luckily for you New Orleans fans, we are inexpensive and there’s a streetcar (one is named “Desire”) that will take you to the heart of downtown for just a buck .25! 6) What kind of support can I get on campus? Schools have great resources that we want you to take advantage of. Tutoring, academic advisers, counseling, Tulane’s success coaches… ask us about them and use them when you get here. There you go! Remember these are just a few examples of great questions to ask during your visit; there are many more. And also, keep in mind that these are good questions to ask in person, rather than via e-mail. Now… selfishly, here are just a few questions that may not be the best ones to ask. If you have asked an admission rep one of these

Greenville County College Fair 2016

questions before, (and every single one of them has been asked many-atime) do not fret! Seriously! I am just offering positive suggestions for the future. You’ll thank me later, I swear. A good rule of thumb, if you’re asking a question just for the sake of sending an e-mail or just for the sake of asking anything, your question likely could end up on this list. We don’t track demonstrated interest that closely, so don’t feel the need to ask just for the sake of asking or e-mail just for the sake of e-mailing. Here are just a few… 1) Does your school offer internships? I’ve said the word “internship” 78,192,120 times in my career. I counted. Maybe that is an exaggeration. But in all seriousness, I am going to blow your mind with a fact right now: every single school in America can offer its students an internship. Every. Last. School. If you are a motivated student, are doing well in school, and take some time to explore options online (both your school’s site and a regular ol’ search), I can nearly guarantee you that you’ll be able to find yourself an internship. Northeastern has a great co-op program, GW offers great internships on Capitol Hill. Every school from Harvard to your local community college can help get you an internship, and, dare I say it, an internship is possible no matter where you go to college. If you apply yourself,

? ? ?

use your school’s resources and put in a little legwork, you can make this internship dream a reality!

admission reps at the schools you are applying to.

Follow up.

2) What is your school’s best major? What is Tulane known for? There are approximately zero admission counselors nationwide who enjoy getting asked this question. Instead, try this: “what are some smaller majors that are very strong but not well known, or are doing some really cool things?” The best major thing… well to be honest, we would probably not have it if it wasn’t a strong major. 3) How’s your math major? See also: chemistry, English, communication, etc. Some of the schools you apply to may have over 150 majors. We, as admission staff members, know a lot about each major but when you zero in on a specific one, you’ll probably get an answer that includes things like “it’s interdisciplinary! “it’s broad!” “its’

focused!” “it’s great” or “it’s strong!” Try this: “I am interested in eventually going into politics. What are some majors I should be looking at at your school?”

4) Should I answer the optional statement? The answer is always yes. So there you go! Hope this helps get some good ideas generated for what you should be asking student and

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.”

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College Admissions Guide

Pathways to College T

here are many definitions of and pathways to a ‘college education’. Society (and education) are realizing that one does not have to follow the ‘traditional’ route of four years of college right after high school. There are many options open, and what ‘works’ for one does not necessarily work for another – one needs to determine what is best for him or her. There are a number of pathways that could mean success in a number of different way!

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING AND ATTENDING A 4-YEAR RESEARCH UNIVERSITY By Kelly Bird, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, The University of Georgia Research is a form of experiential learning which will enhance a student’s educational experience and personal and professional growth opportunities. Four-year research universities provide students with real world, hands-on learning experiences which will occur beyond the traditional classroom setting. Undergraduate research not only enhances a student’s understanding of the field, but can also be a springboard to future opportunities in graduate school or in the workforce. Research inside and outside of the classroom will allow individuals to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills that are learned through undergraduate research and are widely valued by professional schools and employers alike. Students graduating from research universities are well equipped and will have a competitive advantage. Four-year research universities are also often home to state-of-theart facilities, laboratories, teaching centers and are at the forefront of groundbreaking inventions, discoveries and creations. The tenured track faculty are all engaged in research, so regardless of a student’s major or interest, a student could potentially perform undergraduate research alongside distinguished professors or professional

Greenville County College Fair 2016

researchers. This means that students who are taking advantage of the opportunities at research universities are likely to be learning from world renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. Many of these research faculty members are widely known and can assist students with finding internships, writing powerful letters of recommendation for professional schools and help with paving a lucrative and rewarding career path.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING AND ATTENDING A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE By Lee Ann Backlund, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid at The University of the South (Sewanee); President of The Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) “Oh my gosh…I am graduating…now what am I going to do?…Where should I go? …What should I study?…What jobs will even exist when I graduate?...I am interested in so many things – how will I choose what to study?” Don’t worry – you’re not the only person thinking these thoughts right now. The good news: you sound like the perfect person to pursue a strong liberal arts education because of your curiosity, inquisitiveness, and your awareness that a huge percentage of the jobs you will be considering ten years from now don’t yet exist. What educational outcome best

prepares you for this unknown world ahead? The ability to gather and analyze information critically, read closely, develop sensitivity to differences, think clearly, write and speak with skill, work collaboratively, make inventive connections, and create solutions for challenges that don’t yet exist. This is the heart of what a liberal arts education helps you develop. Studying at a liberal arts and sciences institution provides you with a hunger for life-long learning, the capacity to continue your intellectual growth, and the continual development of your whole person – we don’t train you for your first job but for a life career that will likely change course several times throughout your life. According to results from a national survey of employers by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 93 percent of those surveyed say that “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than a candidate’s undergraduate major.” No one knows what the future holds; studying at a liberal arts institution will provide a broad foundation you will be able to use to adapt to new fields and career opportunities. The study of the liberal arts provides students with excellent preparation for a lifetime of leadership, learning and service.

BENEFITS OF TRANSFERRING FROM A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE By René Sawyer, Assistant Dean, Academic Advancement and Support, Greenville Technical College Beginning the education journey at a two-year community/ technical college is the right choice for many college

freshmen. Community colleges provide a great opportunity for students to transition from high school to college. The learning environment, transfer opportunities, and lower costs at the community college provide a solid foundation. Many courses taken at the community college are the same courses taught at the four-year college. South Carolina technical colleges are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, just as Clemson, USC, USC Upstate, and many other transfer destinations are, so students can be assured that quality is equal. One important benefit of the two-year college is that class sizes are smaller. For example, a community college biology class typically has 25 students compared to 100 plus at a large university. With smaller classes, students are easily able to engage in learning and connect with professors. Bridge, transfer, and articulation agreements with four-year universities provide seamless transfer opportunities. Bridge agreement students complete their freshman year courses at the community college and transfer to the four-year university as sophomores. Transfer agreements identify select courses, typically general education, that transfer to the university. In South Carolina, 88 courses transfer from the state technical colleges directly to the state four-year institutions. Students completing a 2+2 articulation agreement transfer their full associate degree and enter the university as juniors in their designated programs. Many students struggle to afford a college education. By starting at a community college, students will save thousands in tuition costs. Also, many four-year universities offer transfer scholarships for students who have excelled academically. Community colleges are a great place to begin the educational journey, staying close to home and gaining a strong educational foundation, before moving to the four-year institution.

University of South Carolina Upstate

programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). U.S. News & World Report released its 2013 college rankings and named USC Upstate #1 Public Regional College in the South.

s one of the leading metropolitan universities in the Southeast, the University of South Carolina Upstate has its main campus in Spartanburg, two locations in Greenville, and a growing number of programs online. Nearly 26,000 alumni have earned degrees from USC Upstate and approximately 85 percent choose to remain in the Upstate region to build their lives and careers, making a significant impact of the region’s economy and quality of life. Supporting the employment objectives of its students, the university provides opportunities for creative endeavors, professional and public service, basic and applied scholarship, and research. USC Upstate students are able to pursue their educational goals in a setting where they are known by name, not as a number. USC Upstate offers more than 40 degree programs, and is very proud of its nationally recognized schools of business, nursing, and education. The George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics, located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Nursing programs at the Mary Black School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the School of Education’s

The USC Upstate Spartans compete in NCAA Division I sports as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference. They field 17 teams, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. At USC Upstate, opportunities abound for students to get involved in campus and community activities. From living on campus, to joining fellow students in intramural sports, Greek life, student organizations, leadership programs, and community service projects, a student’s participation in campus life helps instill a sense of community, develop leadership skills, increase appreciation of diversity, and develop character – core qualities to help guarantee success in the professional and personal lives of our graduates. You are invited to learn more about the university online at www.uscupstate. edu or call (864) 503-5000. Campus visits are always welcome, too, and a number of Open Houses and “Fab Fridays” are scheduled throughout the year for future students to learn, see and hear all that USC Upstate has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!

GLADYOUASKED WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? The diversity of students, cultures and backgrounds is what draws us closer together as a university community. WHAT COULD BE EVEN BETTER? The university has a writing center, tutoring labs, language labs, and a math lab, all of which could be utilized more by students. There is no excuse for struggling with course material when so much help is available for the asking! WHAT IS HOUSING LIKE? On-campus housing is a wonderful place to live. The RAs are cool and they’ll help you with anything you need to be comfortable. Facilities are new and clean, with state-of-the-art features. WHAT ARE THE BEST HANGOUTS (ON AND OFF CAMPUS)? On-campus hangouts are the Campus Life Center’s lower level, Jazzman’s Café, and when it’s a nice day, the Lower Quad fills with students between classes. Students have a variety of off-campus hangouts, including Wild Wing’s, Delaney’s, Paradise Lanes bowling, and numerous events sponsored by College Town in downtown Spartanburg. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO? The ratio is small and comfortable, 18:1. You are known by name, not as a number. WHAT ARE THE STEREOTYPES ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND ARE THEY TRUE OR FALSE? There are several stereotypes about USC Upstate that are false. Many think the university offers only nursing programs. The university was founded with a nursing program more than 45 years ago, but has grown to include more than 40 majors. You might also hear that the curriculum is easy, or that the university is easy to get into, a “safety” school. None of that is true either. USC Upstate has become a first choice school for many reasons, including accessibility, affordability and rigorous programs. Years ago the university was thought of as a commuter school. Today, over 1,000 students live on campus, and many more live in the apartment complexes adjacent to campus. College Admissions Guide

Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be

An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania Reviewed by Michael Roth President, Wesleyan University

y first thought on closing this compact volume was that Frank Bruni has written an important book for a pretty small number of people. He is speaking to young men and women competing to gain admission to Ivy League and other highly selective universities in America. He’s also speaking to their parents, guidance counselors, friends and teachers. Then I realized that his book also speaks to the culture of manufactured meritocracy — a culture of rankings and branding, of recruiting and rejection. When you begin pulling on the string of Bruni’s concerns, you find yourself tugging against the weight of current attitudes that are eating away at the soul of higher education in this country. In fact, he has written an important book for an audience much larger than would-be Ivy Leaguers. The title sums up its core message nicely: “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be.” Many talented high school students in this country receive exactly the opposite message. They are told to pack their résumés with activities that will impress admissions counselors; they are coached not to make any mistakes that might blemish their records; they are tutored and tutored and tutored so as to have every competitive advantage on high-stakes tests that are “standardized” in name only. It’s a dismal learning trajectory: The point of high school is to get into the college that rejects the highest percentage of its applicants; the point of college is to gain access to employers or graduate programs that turn away the greatest number of qualified candidates; the point of life is to have more of the stuff that other people are unable to acquire. What a sorry, soul-killing lesson this is: to value things only to the extent that other people are deprived of them. In ‘Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania’ by Frank Bruni (Grand Central), he tackles the roots of this lesson with example after example of successful, accomplished and happy

people whose college experiences were far from the elite halls of Stanford or Harvard. Some of the most compelling stories are of people who had their hearts set on getting into some hyper-selective school. They checked all the boxes, had the grades, the great SAT scores, the community service. But still they were denied admission (because there just aren’t enough seats for all the highly qualified applicants). Actually, according to a study cited by Bruni, where you apply is more important with respect to success later in life than where you end up going. And often, he finds, it is rejection by highly selective schools that turns out to be key to a person’s success. Learning to deal with rejection can be a much deeper lesson than figuring out how to fit into an elite institution that has granted you access. Bruni quotes star journalist Christiane Amanpour, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island: “I don’t think entitlement is good for a career.” But what families will do to gain that access! Bruni has horror stories of young people desperate to find a way to impress (or just be remembered by) admissions officers reading hundreds to thousands of applications: A kid who isn’t gay writes a coming-out story for his application essay to make it seem that he had overcome familial challenges; a group of students jokes about their increased chances for college admissions if a bus transporting class leaders crashes; a young girl tries to demonstrate how much she cares about ideas by writing on her application that she urinated on herself rather than interrupt a teacher. This last example gives new meaning to grit! “Yearning and scheming have long been part of applying to colleges,” Bruni writes, “but they’ve turned into something darker.” He describes “a swell of panic, a surrender of principle, a spreading cynicism” that has crept into the race to get into the best schools. But whoever came up with the idea that there is a best school?

BOOK REVIEW, AS PUBLISHED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES. BOOK WRITTEN BY Frank Bruni – Grand Central. $25

Some of Bruni’s most scathing pages confront the rankings systems, particularly that of U.S. News & World Report, whose listings have crept into the psyches of highly talented (and competitive) families. The magazine’s rankings encourage schools to spend more and more, thereby contributing to sharp increases in tuition. They also have prompted elite schools to pursue a perverse quest to reject more students: If you are more selective, you get points in the rankings. Some top schools spend buckets of money recruiting kids to apply just to be able to reject them. Against this mania, Bruni provides telling examples of many different kinds of schools that proved to have been just right for students who went on to do great things after graduation. Those examples include large universities and small liberal arts colleges (and not just the usual suspects) — a number of them may not have even crossed the minds of many students and their parents. So many students come here from around the world, Bruni says, because America has “a plenitude and variety of settings for learning that are unrivaled.” I should say that I teach at and am president of Wesleyan University, a highly selective liberal arts school, and although the author doesn’t write about my school in this book, he once interviewed me about my book on

liberal education. I am also the father of a high school senior who has just come out of the admissions frenzy Bruni describes. The message she kept getting from peers was that she had to find the best (most selective) school possible. Calming her anxiety, her mother and I kept reinforcing the notion that there are many great schools out there right for her. As an educator, I applaud Bruni’s advice to disregard the false rankings systems and recognize that hundreds of schools across the country offer fantastic opportunities for people eager to work and learn. As a father, I am grateful for his reminder of the importance of family for students: “something so much more essential and nourishing and lasting” than admission to a college — no matter how highly ranked. Bruni is not writing here about struggling community colleges, or about burdensome student debt, or about the dramatic defunding of great public university systems. Instead, he is addressing young people who find themselves gauging their worth by their success in a manic admissions race that makes little sense. Bruni doesn’t want strong students to simply hone their skills for getting into a vaunted institution. He wants them to develop “robust and lasting energy for hard work,” to cultivate “an openness to serendipity,” and to find meaning and happiness in their families and communities. In a world of frenetic arguments about the instrumental value of a college education, this is a humane, measured book. And in its authentic humanity, it has lessons for a very wide audience indeed. Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, CT., is dedicated to providing an education in the liberal arts that is characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism. At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students, taking advantage of fluidity among disciplines to explore the world with a variety of tools. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty, and staff who think critically and creatively and who value independence of mind and generosity of spirit.

Our graduates are ready to

At Lander University, we are committed to student success, and that has been our focus for more than 140 years. Lander students don’t just learn in classrooms. They experience their education through hands-on application in real-world settings, from local businesses and industries, to national Fortune 500 companies. Our approach is designed to engage and challenge, preparing graduates to be marketable in today’s competitive and evolving workforce.

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Money For College Everyone wants this!

oney for College can be divided into two types: Financial Aid (based on need) and merit (scholarship) based on talents (grades, test scores, athletics, arts, leadership, service, etc.) There are essentially two pathways to financial aid based on “need” or ability to afford higher education: • Federal Methodology (FM) – everyone must do this using the FAFSA • Institutional Methodology (IM) – only certain colleges (usually more expensive and selective) required this through the College Board or the institution’s own form.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you want to apply for federal and state financial aid. Many colleges and universities, especially public

institutions, also require the FAFSA. You must submit the FAFSA every year that you want aid.

OBTAINING A FAFSA The FAFSA is available in several formats, including online, PDF and paper versions. The best option is to complete the web-based version of the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov, known as FAFSA on the Web. It includes step-by-step instructions for completing the online FAFSA as well as preapplication worksheets. Obtain a FSA ID at fsaid. ed.gov/npas. All eligible students should fill out the form to create a FSA ID and follow all instructions. FAFSA on the Web offers several benefits, including: • You will get your Student Aid Report (SAR) sooner than with the paper or PDF forms.

Montreat College, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, is an independent, Christ-centered, liberal arts institution that educates students through intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career.

September 19-20

Visit our booth in the TD Convention Center at the Greenville County Consolidated Fair.

Tuesday, September 27

Join us at a local Meet Montreat event. For more details and to RSVP, visit montreat.edu/MeetMontreatRSVP

We look forward to meeting you! 16

Greenville County College Fair 2016

• Your FAFSA will be more accurate, since the FAFSA on the Web has built-in edit checks to catch simple errors and you avoid errors introduced by the OCR process. • You will save the federal government money by reducing their processing costs. • The online FAFSA allows you to list up to ten colleges, while the paper FAFSA has space only for four colleges. • You may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to prefill the answers to some questions on the FAFSA by transferring data from your federal income tax returns. This will save time and may reduce the likelihood that your FAFSA will be selected for verification. PDF format FAFSAs are available in black and white and color versions in both English and Spanish. These versions of the FAFSA may be printed using the free Adobe PDF Reader software. Students may also obtain up to three paper copies by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-4333242) or 1-391-337-5665. (Hearing impaired individuals should call the TTY number 1-800-730-8913.) Paper FAFSAs can be ordered.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED You will need information from the following documents to complete the FAFSA and other financial aid application forms. • The student’s driver’s license and social security card. • The student’s income tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms for the previous year. If the student is married, you will also need the documents for the student’s spouse. • The parents’ income tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms for the previous year.

required by many private colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for non-government financial aid, such as the institution’s own grants, loans and scholarships. The biggest differences between the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA are:

• Current bank statements and mortgage information. • Records relating to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments. • Documentation of non-taxable income, such as Social Security income, AFDC, and Veterans Benefits.

• Submission dates: The CSS PROFILE can be submitted in the fall; The CSS PROFILE can be submitted in the fall; the FAFSA can be submitted as early as October 1st (beginning this year – 2016).

• Business and farm records. • Records relating to any unusual family financial circumstances, such as medical and dental expenses not covered by health insurance, tuition expenses at elementary or secondary schools, unusually high child care costs, death, divorce, and loss of employment. Make a photocopy of each document and keep it in a file folder with a photocopy of the completed financial aid applications. You will find this helpful not only because applications are sometimes lost, but in case your application is selected for verification. If your application is selected for verification, you will be required to provide the financial aid office with

copies of all of the documents listed above. All schools verify at least 1/3 of the students, and some do 100% verification. If you need further help on the FAFSA, you’ll find lots of helpful advice here at www.fafsa.ed.gov. President Obama recently announced that some significant changes will be coming to the FAFSA as of next year, one of which will be the ability for students and their families to report tax income information from an earlier tax year, rather than just the prior tax year. Under the current FAFSA, a person is only able report prior year (PY) tax income information. Under the PY policy, many students were not able to fill out the FAFSA until near April in order to wait for taxes to be filed, even though the form comes out on January 1.

WHAT DOES PRIOR-PRIOR YEAR (PPY) MEAN? The change will allow students to report tax information from a priorprior tax year (PPY) allowing tax information from two years ago. This will also allow students and their families to fill out the FAFSA form earlier than ever before in hopes to have their financial aid packages before making college decisions.

CSS FINANCIAL AID PROFILE The PROFILE form is administered by the College Scholarship Service (CSS), the financial aid division of the College Board. The CSS PROFILE is

• Specific questions: The CSS PROFILE contains questions specific to the school or program you’re applying to; FAFSA contains the same questions for everyone. • Different methodology: The CSS PROFILE determines your financial need differently than the FAFSA, taking into account such factors as whether your family owns a home. In general, the CSS PROFILE asks for more detailed information than FAFSA. • Minimum student contribution: The CSS PROFILE requires this; the FAFSA doesn’t. • Greater reliance on professional judgment: The CSS PROFILE gives financial aid counselors greater freedom to grant aid based on a student’s particular circumstances. • Cost: There is a cost to filling out the CSS Profile, though some families may qualify for fee waivers; the FAFSA, as the name implies, is free. You can complete the CSS PROFILE onlineprofileonline.collegeboard.com. Much of this information is available through www.finaid.org. A great resource.

MERIT Most of the merit aid is institutional (offered by the colleges themselves). Find a “good match” post-secondary institution and then see what merit money they offer. Some useful resources are: • College Kickstart (collegekickstart.com). • Cappex (cappex.com) College Admissions Guide

SC State Tuition Assistance Programs W

hile 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 four-year 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

Sorry. We're just not good at

BIG

We looked. We tried. But this (see above) is the best we could do. A Psychology class with 68 students.

That’s the biggest class we could find at Francis Marion University. No giant lecture halls, just classrooms filled (or not) with intimate groups of learners. FMU. The education here is higher, not bigger. Francis Marion University

fmarion.edu

Greenville County College Fair 2016

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. The SC Need-Based 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 Need-Based 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 http://www. che.sc.gov and select “How do I….. Find information on State Scholarship programs?” and then “Scholarships & Grants for SC residents”.

Approaching the Redesigned SAT and ACT By Jed Applerouth

hile After a tumultuous year in the state of college admissions testing, we are finally returning to a new normal. We are left with two assessments that have never been more closely aligned. Similar in structure and form, the Redesigned SAT and ACT both integrate Common Core standards, place a premium on critical thinking and analysis, and have integrated more challenging content than ever before.

READING

Both the SAT and ACT now assess reading using long form passages drawn from a variety of content areas. The SAT gives students 65 minutes to answer 52 questions drawn from 5 passages in the domains of science, humanities and narrative fiction. The ACT gives students 35 minutes to answer 40 questions drawn from 4 passages in the domains of humanities, prose fiction, natural science and social science. The SAT draws from more challenging passages, with more advanced vocabulary and sentence structure, and allows students significantly more time per item. The ACT, in contrast, is more straightforward, but much speedier.

MATH

The Math section is the one where the SAT and ACT have the greatest degree of divergence. The College Board writers crafted an entirely new math section for the SAT, adhering closely to Common Core math standards. Reading comprehension is critical to success on

SAT math, with more word problems and more words per question than can be found on the ACT. The SAT places a greater emphasis on math fluency and being able to translate words into math than does the ACT, which places a greater focus on solving. The calculator-prohibited section of the SAT, the harder of the two math sections, primarily assesses algebraic concepts in the abstract, and places a greater focus on hand-calculations (e.g., long division, multiplying by decimals). The calculator-permitted section places a greater focus on reading and translating. SAT math tests more concepts in combination, with 2/3 of items assessing multiple concepts simultaneously (e.g. slope, equation of a circle, and distance formula). The SAT is de-emphasizing Geometry, now representing a paltry 6% of items, and focusing squarely on algebra, which occupies over 60% of all items. The ACT continues to put more focus on Geometry, accounting for nearly ¼ of all math items, and a much broader array of difficult math concepts.

Hands-on Learning for Real-World Success UNC Asheville is a top 10 public liberal arts college with small classes, more than 30 majors, and a nationally recognized undergraduate research program.

The ACT has more trigonometry and is venturing into challenging domains of logarithms, matrices (conic sections such as ellipses and parabolas, asymptotes, domains and ranges of functions, vectors, permutations and advanced probability. Again, timing is stricter on the ACT, which allocates 60 seconds per question, compared to the more generous 84 seconds per question on the SAT.

WRITING

For most students, the Writing test is the easiest on both tests. Writing on both the SAT and ACT assesses the grammar and rhetorical skills of students through the use of long-form passages. The writing is slightly more challenging on the SAT. The mix of grammar and rhetorical skills is similar on both assessments. Timing does not pose a great challenge for SAT or ACT students on this section.

SCIENCE

The ACT boasts a stand-alone

40-item Science test, which for many students, is the most challenging and speedy section on the test. Students must navigate charts, tables and graphs, read passages, and draw from an expanding background in scientific principles. The Science section is a speed test, par excellence. Students will need to learn to move more quickly to finish the 40 questions in the allotted 35 minutes. In contrast, SAT science is relatively easy and much less speedy. The SAT lacks a standalone science section. Instead science items, which assess skills such as graph, chart, table reading and analysis are sprinkled throughout the math, reading and writing sections of the test. A science subscore is calculated from performance on the various science items.

ESSAY

Both the SAT and ACT have optional essays at the conclusion of each test. The SAT essay is a document-based question drawn directly from the AP language exam. Students must analyze a text and expound upon the author’s strategy to convey his/ her point using quotations, evidence and rhetorical devices. The ACT essay asks that students analyze three perspectives on an issue that might affect them, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Students are given adequate time, a generous 50 minutes on the SAT and 40 minutes on the ACT. Not all colleges require the essays, so students should explore the requirements for the

schools on their list to determine whether it would serve them to prepare for the SAT or ACT essays. If a student is still building their college list, completing at least one SAT or ACT essay will provide good insurance.

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE SAT AND ACT?

The best way to determine the optimum test is to take a baseline practice test for the SAT and the ACT. Use an official test, normed by the College Board and ACT, Inc., and maintain proper conditions. A student could also take a practice test with a testing company, at school, or actually take an official SAT or ACT. Once the scores are back, compare the percentiles for each test, and go with the stronger test. In the event a student

frequently perform better on their second and third official tests. Have a goal in mind when you prepare for these tests, and use each official test as a stepping stone towards your final goal. attains SAT and ACT percentiles that are very close and within the margin of error, roughly 40 points on the SAT, then defer to the student’s preference. Some students will feel more comfortable on the SAT with its more generous pacing, while others will prefer the more straightforward, albeit speedy, ACT.

HOW TO BEST PREPARE FOR EITHER THE SAT OR ACT?

Once you’ve identified your optimal test, it’s time to hone your skills and prepare for the official test. Distributing practice over time, such as doing a few hours per week, is far superior to massing practice into a few intense cram sessions. Timed practice tests are

essential to hone time-management, mental endurance, and self-regulation skills. Time on task is key: the more hours you put in, the more you review test content and the items you miss on practice tests and assignments, the greater the chance you’ll achieve mastery over the material. Critical feedback on your performance is crucial to shifting strategies and overcoming deficits. If you understand why you missed a problem, and learn a more efficient way to solve it, you’ll be in a good place. It’s also key to plan on taking the test two or three times. Many colleges will accept your best section scores from different test dates, a policy called “super-scoring” and students

Jed Applerouth is a teacher and an educational innovator. A Nationally Certified Counselor with a PhD in Educational Psychology, Jed has researched student cognition, memory, motivation, and learning strategies to enhance the pedagogical strategies of Applerouth Tutoring Services. He has delivered presentations at the national meetings of the Association of College Counselors of Independent Secondary Schools (ACCIS), Independent Educational Consultant’s Association (IECA), Higher Educational Consultant’s Association (HECA), and the National College Advocacy Group (NCAG) on topics ranging from test preparation, test anxiety, student motivation, procrastination, self-regulated learning strategies, and optimizing chances for college admissions.

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uscupstate.edu/admissions College Admissions Guide

Common, Coalition, Universal…Which One Should I Use?

By Scott Verzyl, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at University of South Carolina

Anderson University

nderson University is one of the South’s most rapidly emerging private universities. Ranked in the Top Tier (top 20) of universities of its type, Anderson features a rigorous education in a warm, supportive, Christian environment. On one of the most beautiful campuses anywhere, 3,400 students enjoy great academics and great campus life with an emphasis on fun as well as finding one’s place in the world and preparing to make an impact. With more than 50 areas of study, there are opportunities to enter most any field from business, to theatre, education, ministry, interior design, graphic design, criminal justice, and the list goes on. There is a school of nursing offering undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees all the way up to and including the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Anderson has one of the premiere interior design programs at a private, Christian university, a graphic design program that consistently wins national awards, an education program that has school districts lining up for its graduates each year, a program in the sciences that has its own cancer research center, and a business program whose free enterprise and supply chain management teams win national and regional competitions every year. Additionally, the performing arts program at The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson draws fans from the entire Upstate, and recently musical theatre performance of Barnum was honored by the Kennedy Center for its excellence.

Greenville County College Fair 2016

On campus, there are dozens of organizations and fun activities to get involved in. AU is an NCAA Division II school competing in the South Atlantic Conference in 16 sports. Both of AU’s basketball teams routinely make the NCAA Division II tournament and the soccer and tennis programs rank at or near the top of the conference every year. wrestling, baseball, golf, tennis, softball and volleyball are also top sports at AU. There is always a game to enjoy with friends somewhere on campus or if you’d rather play than watch, the intramural program attracts almost everyone on campus. Anderson is a national leader in the use of technology in the classroom. Under the university’s landmark Mobile Learning Initiative, the experience of learning has grown outside the classroom and the limitations of a class time. Each Anderson freshman is provided with an iPad, and the professors in every college of the University have specially designed courses that harness the power of mobile learning. Schools throughout the country as well as Apple itself, have traveled to Anderson to see how best to utilize the power of tablet technology to make learning more fun and effective. Last year, Anderson was named an Apple Distinguished School by Apple, Inc. We’re one of a handful of universities in the world to win such a distinction for technology and innovation. The tag line for Anderson University is “knowledge for the journey.” That means that we believe you were created for a special purpose and we do all we can to help you find that purpose and maximize your gifts and talents to build a life of significance after college. Preparation in the classroom is vital to what we do, but it doesn’t end when you walk out of class. We strive to help you develop academically, spiritually, and physically. The best way to learn if Anderson is right for you is to schedule a campus visit. You can do that on our website www.andersonuniversity.edu. We look forward to meeting you this year!

GLADYOUASKED WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? Anderson University offers highly-ranked academics in a warm, caring, friendly Christian environment where professors know their students and support them in their journey. WHAT COULD BE EVEN BETTER? We strive to identify and develop new programs each year both in Anderson and Greenville to meet the changing needs of today’s students. WHAT IS HOUSING LIKE? The vast majority of AU student choose to live on campus in 18 different residence options ranging from apartment-style to suite style, to more traditional college living arrangements. 5 of the residence halls are brand new and all of them feature close-knit, fun communities.

oes it matter which application I use? This is a frequent question asked of admissions offices, and it’s no wonder because many colleges and universities offer more than one way for high school seniors to apply for admission. Back when the parents of today’s aspiring college students were applying to college, there was just one option: Fill out a paper form, carefully handwritten or typed out on a typewriter (“What’s that?”), and send it in by mail, postmarked by the application deadline. But today the old paper application is non-existent at most colleges and universities, replaced by a menu of online options made possible by the advent of technology and the Internet. In fact, according to a survey by the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 92 percent of all admissions applications in 2013 were submitted electronically. You can even fill out college applications on your

phone or other mobile device from just about anywhere, anytime. Online applications have made it easier for students to apply to more

and more colleges as well, and 81 percent of fall 2013 college freshmen report having applied to three or more colleges. While it is easier and more convenient to apply electron-

ically, it can also be confusing when trying to decide which application to use. There are several choices available, including: the Common Application, which has been around the longest and is accepted by nearly 700 colleges and universities; the Universal College Application, accepted by over 30 schools; the Common Black College Application, accepted by 49 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and the newest option, the Coalition for Access, Affordability & Success, also referred to as the “Coalition App.” Each of these have been created by high school and college counselors who worked together to standardize the most frequent and similar components of all college admissions applications. In each case, their goal was to make it easier for students to complete applications without having to fill out the same information repeatedly, continued on page 24

WHAT ARE THE BEST HANGOUTS (ON AND OFF CAMPUS)? AU just opened the $24 million, 90 thousand-square-foot G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center with a brand new dining commons with every food option imaginable, Einstein’s Bagels and Chick-fil-A, a new store, fitness center and game rooms. It’s transformed the campus experience! WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR CLASSES? Business students love their marketing classes for the entrepreneurial projects they get to do. The introduction to Fine Arts classes are popular as well as those in the nationally-ranked graphic design area. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO? Anderson students enjoy smaller class sizes than in most universities. On average the professor to student ratio is 1/17. Professors here know your name. WHAT ARE THE STEREOTYPES ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL AND ARE THEY TRUE OR FALSE? Anderson’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing private universities in the South is true. We’ve more than doubled in enrollment in the past decade. Because Anderson is a highly ranked private university, some think that it is expensive, like other private universities. In fact, Anderson has been named one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” for 9 years in a row, meaning it’s of high quality, but also affordable. WHAT SPECIAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS? Apply early! AU has become extremely popular and the earlier you apply, the better.

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 | Anderson, SC

College Admissions Guide

application. If you apply to a college or university that and also to make it easier exclusively accepts only one • The College Board’s comprehensive college planning resources – bigfuture.collegeboard.org to submit applications to application, the choice of • The Coalition for Access, Affordability & Success Application – coalitionforcollegeaccess.org multiple colleges at the which application to use has same time. already been made for you. • The Common Application – commonapp.org In most cases, however, you • The Common Black College Application – commonblackcollegeapp.com Some colleges also offer will find that colleges and their own individual, or schools accept two or more • The Universal Application – universalcollegeapp.com “home grown” application, of these applications. For sometimes managed example, the University of • CollegeNet’s ApplyWeb – applyweb.com through a third party South Carolina has its own • XAP’s National Application Center – nationalappcenter.com provider like CollegeNet’s application offered through Applyweb or XAP’s National CollegeNet’s Applyweb, Application Center. There and is also an inaugural are some states and systems, like application for their public colleges some schools are “exclusive,” meanmember of the Coalition Application, California, that provide a shared and universities. You may find that ing they only accept one kind of which will go live for USC in early continued on page 23

COLLEGE APPLICATION RESOURCES AND PLANNING TOOLS:

Greenville County College Fair 2016

September. Furthermore, many of the Coalition member schools are also members of the Common Application, and many HBCUs are also Common App members. So how do you decide which application to use? The answer depends largely on which colleges are on your “short list” of schools that you want to apply to and what applications they accept. Usually you can find this out on a college’s admissions website, or on the website for the application provider. Once you know which applications are accepted by your short list, then

you need to take a closer look at the various options and the benefits to you for each kind of application. For example, the new Coalition Application, launching this year, not only includes the application itself, but also an integrated toolkit that students can use to organize and review an online portfolio as well as manage multiple college applications. These tools may be useful to students and their counselors, advisors, and others who are providing assistance and feedback to students as they refine and submit their applications. Then again, if you find that all your schools

are Common App members, it may be more convenient for you to just use that one application platform. So does it matter to the college which application you use? Do colleges care? Are they favoring one application over the other, and judging students based on their choice of application? Absolutely not! It makes no difference which application you use. Colleges and universities may accept more than one kind of application, but they do not care which application a student chooses to use. In fact, some colleges import the application

data into their systems so that the admissions staff reviewing the applications do not even know which application the student used. So don’t stress over which application to complete; just pick the one that suits you best. After all, it’s far more important to focus on the content of your application than the application platform you select! Scott Verzyl is the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. He has worked in college admissions for nearly 30 years.

College Admissions Guide

CAMPUS QUAD

DORMS

LIBRARY

STUDENT UNION GYM DINING HALL

ACADEMIC CENTER

CAREER CENTER

WELLNESS CENTER Greenville County College Fair 2016

❑ How friendly are welcoming is the campus? ❑ How easy is it to get around campus? ❑ How easy is it to get from campus to the nearest town or city? ❑ What is the relationship between the school and neighboring community like? ❑ Where do students do their shopping (groceries, dorm essentials, clothing, etc.)? ❑ What is the campus crime rate like? ❑ Is there any sort of late-night shuttle service? ❑ How many dorms are there, and how do they differ? ❑ What is the dorm’s security protocol like? ❑ What are the off-campus living options, and what do they typically cost? ❑ What’s the academic vibe like on campus? ❑ What are midterms and finals like? ❑ How many computer labs are available to students, and is there IT assistance? ❑ How many quiet spaces are there for studying? ❑ Does the school have access to any additional library collections (local or other school libraries)? ❑ What’s the social vibe like on campus? ❑ What’s the campus like on weekends? ❑ How involved are students in extracurriculars? ❑ Which activities are most popular? ❑ Are any art or music practice spaces available to non-majors? ❑ What’s Greek life like, and how do students feel about it? ❑ What do students do for fun on campus and off? ❑ How popular is the gym, and how late is it open? ❑ Do non-varsity players have access to all athletic facilities? ❑ How active is the student body in terms of sports? ❑ How engaged are student fans in campus sporting events? ❑ How’s the food? (Pro tip: eat it!) ❑ Are meal plans required? ❑ What other dining options are there on and around campus? ❑ Do they cater to food allergies or other special dietary needs? ❑ Do teaching assistants ever teach classes? ❑ How accessible are professorts typically? ❑ What student-facility research opportunities exist for undergraduates? ❑ What kinds of mentoring and advising relationships do students and faculty have? ❑ What tutoring services are available to students? ❑ How do class sizes compare between freshman/introductory courses and upper-level classes? ❑ Where have students interned? ❑ How long does it typically take recent grads to find a full-time job in their career field? ❑ Are there any formal internship arrangments with companies in the area? ❑ What kind of career advisement is offered? ❑ Do students have access to these services after they graduate? ❑ What networking or career fairs are held each year? ❑ How involved are alumni? ❑ What kinds of on-campus or local part-time jobs are available? ❑ What services does the health center offer? ❑ How do students typically pay for wellness center services and treatment? ❑ What kinds of counseling and/or mental health services are available on campus? ❑ Are any stress-relief initiatives offered during midterms and finals?

College Admissions Guide

College Admission for the Student-Athlete By Brand R. Stille, Vice President for Enrollment at Wofford College

hoosing a college is a big decision. For most high school seniors, this choice is the biggest decision they’ll make at this stage of their life. For those who plan to play sports in college this decision can be more complicated because there are more factors to consider. Timelines can be influenced by signing dates that don’t match admission or application deadlines. Coaches may call with new opportunities at any time and they can apply pressure on students to commit. This is why student-athletes need to get organized, get to work and get moving on their college decision. There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. The most common include academic reputation, student body size, course offerings, cost, financial aid, scholarships and distance from home. For every student it is important to find a college that is a good fit. To find a good fit, you need to know what factors are most important to you. College guides, rankings and websites are the most common places to start your college search. You can learn about admission requirements and majors offered, as well as your favorite sport. Use your list of priorities to guide your questions and your search. For example, if academic reputation is the most important factor for you, check out the faculty in the majors you’re considering and a profile of the student body to see how you compare to the competition in the classroom. In addition, learn more about the athletic programs. Is this college a member of the NCAA? What Division? What conference? Which schools do they play? Where do their athletes come from? How long has the coach been there? What’s their record? Most college websites include athletic questionnaires that you can complete and send to a coach. This is a good way to let a coach know you’re interested. Coaches are limited as to when and how often they can contact prospective students so you may not hear from the coach right away. Also, some coaches are inundated with YouTube highlights, athletic vitas and questionnaires. The best way to learn about a

Greenville County College Fair 2016

particular college is to visit campus. When you visit, be sure to take part in the regular admission presentation and campus tour. Don’t rely on a coach to arrange your entire campus visit. When making arrangements with the Admission Office request to meet with a coach while on campus.

an “unofficial” visit. An unofficial visit can include a meeting with a coach. An “official” visit is one in which a DI or DII college invites the prospective student-athlete to campus and pays for any part of the experience. The NCAA limits the number of official visits a student can take to five. Expenses covered for official

When you meet with the coach here are some questions to ask:

visits may include airfare, reimbursement for mileage, hotel accommodations and meals. Because student-athletes are allowed only five official visits, it is important to use these wisely. Most official visits include an overnight stay on campus with a member of the team, a class visit and a meeting with the coach. It is customary during an official visit for the coach to make an offer of a scholarship (full or partial) at the end of the visit. Once an offer is made the coach will usually request a verbal commitment from the student. According to the NCAA, a verbal commitment is non-binding. However, you’re only as good as your word. Don’t get pressured into making a decision you’re not ready to make. If you’re invited to an official campus visit at the college’s expense, be prepared to respond to the coach’s offer. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for more time or to explain that you need to visit more colleges. However, a coach may not be willing to offer as much time as you might like. Most coaches expect a student to take some time in making this decision.

• What’s the graduation rate of the team? • How do you balance academics and athletics? • What academic support services does the college offer? • How do you support and encourage the academic interests of your players? • How much time is required for athletics in season and out of season? • What are my chances of getting a scholarship? • What are my prospects for playing time? For DI, DII and DIII schools, student-athletes are allowed to visit a college as often as they choose. This type of visit, initiated and paid for by the student, is

However, coaches usually put time limits on an offer of scholarship. If you’re not ready to commit or are unsure about this college, the coach may feel the need to move on to another prospect. This is why it is so important for student-athletes to begin this process early. You may be invited to an official visit early in your senior year. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the largest and most recognized organization of its type with the large majority of colleges and universities as members. The NCAA includes Divisions I, II and III. Colleges choose the division that suits them best. The difference between these divisions is the number of sports and scholarships offered by participating schools. Generally speaking, Division I schools (Clemson, USC, Furman and Wofford for example) offer more sports and more scholarships. Members of NCAA Division II offer fewer sports and fewer scholarships (North Greenville, Erskine and Converse). NCAA Division III members do not offer athletic scholarships (Emory and Rhodes, for example). Every student athlete who plans to participate in athletics at an NCAA member institution must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by visiting www.NCAAEligibilityCenter.org no earlier than the end of their junior year of high school. Student-athletes submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) through test agencies (by entering code 9999 in the Score Reporting section of the test registration) and request to have their high school guidance counselor send their official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Initial eligibility is reviewed by the Eligibility Center and, for Division I, operates on a sliding scale that considers high school GPA in 16 core courses and SAT or ACT scores. The higher your GPA, the lower the test score necessary to be eligible and vice versa. For more information about Initial Eligibility, core courses and the sliding scale visit www.NCAA.org .

SIGNING DAY

Signing Day is a big event in the life

continued on page 30

continued on page 28 of any high school athlete. After all, how often do you have the chance to host your own press conference? Signing dates vary by sport and it’s important to know when yours will occur. For a list of signing dates, by sport, visit www. NCAA.org . The NCAA allows colleges and student-athletes a period of time to sign a National Letter of Intent to participate in athletics. This is a binding contract between the college and the student. It includes information about the amount of scholarship offered. A student athlete must have a scholarship offer to sign a national letter of intent. Letters of intent are not necessary for walk on athletes. The large majority of athletic scholarships are partial and do not cover the full cost of attendance. You should be absolutely certain about what you and your family are expected to pay before signing with a college. As mandated by the NCAA, all letters of intent and athletic scholarships are good for only one year. In addition,

all letters of intent are contingent on admission at the college. It is highly unlikely that a student-athlete would sign a National Letter of Intent and not be admitted to a college. The reason this rarely happens is that coaches are very sophisticated in their recruiting practices. By the time a student begins his or her senior year of high school many coaches know who their top prospects are and how

likely they are to be admitted to their college. Prior to signing a player, the coach has reviewed the student’s transcript and forwarded a copy to the admission office for review. Admission offices often review transcripts for prospective student athletes and give the coach a preliminary indication regarding the probability for admission. Official decisions on admission cannot be made until the student-athlete

has completed all requirements for admission. The NCAA requires that student-athletes complete the same process for admission required of all students. This process works best when coaches and admission officers work together in recruiting student-athletes and when the students keep athletics in the proper perspective during their college search. If you have your priorities for selecting a college organized, you do your homework in researching some college options and then visit the colleges at the top of your list, it is highly likely you’ll have a full and successful college experience. If you get to play sports along the way this can be the icing on your cake. Keeping athletics in the proper perspective is the key to making a good decision about college. As the NCAA TV advertisement states, “All college athletes will become professionals, 99.9% in something other than athletics.”

Wondering what life as a Winthrop Eagle is really like? Don’t take our word for it – take advantage of upcoming visit opportunities:

Check out our scholarship opportunities!

Preview Day, Oct. 29 Spend Saturday morning at WU – take a tour, meet students and faculty, and have lunch on us!

www.winthrop.edu/ finaid

Saturday Visits, Oct. 1 or Nov. 12 Enjoy a campus tour with a student guide and meet an admissions counselor. Weekday Visits Come visit any weekday; tours are at 9:30 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733 admissions@winthrop.edu

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To schedule your campus visit, call 800/WINTHROP (946-8476) or visit us online at www.winthrop.edu/admissions.

It isn’t easy in here. Because it isn’t easy out there. Bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs. Four fields of study: culinary, design, fashion, media arts. The hardest thing you’ll ever love.

artinstitutes.edu/charleston 1.843.727.3500

The Art Institute of Charleston is one of The Art Institutes, a system of over 50 schools throughout North America. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all online programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University or Argosy University. The Art Institute of Charleston, 24 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401 © 2015 The Art Institutes. All rights reserved. Our email address is materialsreview@aii.edu. See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info. Ai_CharlestonFair_10.375x11.5_RD4.indd 1

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WHO WILL YOU BECOME?

A DIFFERENT KIND OF

Advanced Biblical & Theological Studies Bible Teaching Business & Organizational Leadership Church Ministry Communication Digital Media & Cinema English General Studies Global Business Development Global Media Communications Humanities Intercultural Studies International Community Development Media Arts Middle Eastern Studies Music Philosophy Psychology Sports Management Teacher Education Youth Ministry, Family, & Culture

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

swu.edu/visit

ONE FOCUS. OUR MISSION. YOUR SUCCESS.

Limestone College’s combination of a small campus and a liberal arts emphasis provides students with individual attention and a personalized experience. Students choose from over 50 MAJORS AND CONCENTRATIONS, nationally ranked NCAA DIVISION II ATHLETIC PROGRAMS and OVER 30 CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. At Limestone College, you are the focus, the mission, the success!

CHECK US OUT! Call, email, or log on to schedule a personal tour or register to attend an Open House.

limestone.edu > 1115 College Drive Gaffney, SC 29340 (800) 795-7151 (864) 489-7151 admissions@limestone.edu www.limestone.edu

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Earn more than a degree. Columbia International University cares about growing you as a person as well as increasing your skill set, whatever your calling. Because CIU students are grounded in a biblical worldview, they thrive in a changing job market and in ministry to an increasingly complex world. Who will you become? Discover your potential at CIU. Learn more at www.ciu.edu/more.

www.ciu.edu/more (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024 yesciu@ciu.edu

Columbia International University admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin and complies with Title IX regulations. College Admissions Guide

Take Note

Things that come to mind

Greenville County College Fair 2016

College Admissions Guide

Greenville County College Fair 2016