2011 College Guide

Find the perfect school for you

Advice on applications

Financial aid advice

Advice from the experts

SAT or ACT?

Tuition costs

Greenville County College FairTD ConferenCe CenTer

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Workshops 1:00 - 2:30 pm; College Fair 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Monday, October 24, 2011 College Fair 9:00 - 11:30 am (Public Schools)

College Guide2011

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2 G R E E N V I L L E C O U N T Y C O L L E G E F A I R 2 0 1 1

C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E 3C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E 3

Building Bridges to Higher Education

to this College Admissions Guide, a supplement to the Annual Greenville County College Fair. The Planning Committee is pleased and excited to offer this collection of professional articles on college admissions to students and families, in addition to the chance to meet college representatives and learn about their respective schools at the College Fair on October 23 & 24.

With the competitiveness for admission and the cost of college increasing over recent years, it has become more important for students and families to begin their college research sooner and to delve further into various options in order to fi nd those choices that will provide them with the best personal educational value. The Greenville County College Fair offers a great opportunity for students to explore and uncover numerous options and opportunities.

Begun in the late 1980s by a collaboration of The Greenville Urban League, Greenville Technical College, and Christ Church Episcopal School, the Fair has grown to be one of the largest in South Carolina. In addition to a large group of colleges and universities attending the Fair, there will be special college planning workshops on Sunday (see workshop schedule inside). The Planning Committee hopes that both students and colleges fi nd the program valuable for their needs.

Next to personally visiting a college, a college fair is the best way to get some fi rst-hand information about programs and opportunities offered at individual colleges and universities. It is a great time to get questions answered regarding the admission process, application requirements, student life, academic programs, and fi nancial aid. On Sunday, the Fair will be for students and parents from across the Upstate, with college oriented workshops beginning at 1:00 pm and the Fair running from 2:30 4:30 pm. On Monday, Greenville County students will be bused to the Fair in the morning.

In this guide, you will fi nd articles about using a college fair to your advantage, visiting colleges, writing the application essay, the SAT/ACT tests, fi nancial aid and much more. We have also included a list of the over 130 colleges attending the Fair.

We look forward to seeing you at the Greenville County College Fair!

Please visit www.greenvillecountycollegefair.com for more information.

The 2011 Planning Committee:

Judy Benedict, Giraffe Web DesignsBill Dingledine, Educational DirectionsIndia Fulkerson, Greenville Technical CollegeWill Gregg, Greenville Urban LeagueJeny Kerscher, Furman UniversityBJ Lindley, Greenville County SchoolsSue McCalmont, Greenville County Schools Esther Pinckney, Greenville Technical CollegeRob Rhodes, Greenville County SchoolsApril Ridgeway, The Princeton ReviewLinda Schulz, Christ Church Episcopal SchoolKarah Viola, St. Josephs Catholic High SchoolJewell Whitney, Greenville Technical College

Welcome


WORKSHOP SESSIONS TD Conference CenterSunday, October 23, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

A) SAT B) ACT C) NONE OF THE ABOVE College admissions tests SAT/ACT: Ways to prepare, which test(s) to choose, when to take, and how colleges use them in the admission processPresenter: Master Tutor, The Princeton Review

OPTIMIZE YOUR APPLICATIONGain an understanding of how to put together strong admission applications to collegesPresenters: Liz Phillips, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Georgia, Jennie Harris, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Wake Forest University

SHAKING THE MONEY TREEHow fi nancial aid works: Get advice as to how to prepare and apply for fi nancial aid and scholarships and how to manage the expenses.Presenter: Mike Fox, Vice President for Outreach, South Carolina Student Loan

Session Time Session A Session B Session C

1:00 1:40 SAT/ACT Financial Aid Application

1:45 2:25 SAT/ACT Financial Aid Application

Agnes Scott CollegeAmerican College of the Building ArtsAnderson UniversityAppalachian State UniversityAuburn UniversityBelmont Abbey CollegeBenedict CollegeBennett College for WomenBerea CollegeBerry CollegeBirmingham-Southern CollegeBob Jones UniversityBrevard CollegeBrown Mackie College - GreenvilleCampbell UniversityCarson Newman CollegeCatawba CollegeCentre CollegeCharleston Southern UniversityClafl in UniversityClemson UniversityCleveland Institute of ArtCoastal Carolina UniversityCoker CollegeColgate UniversityCollege of CharlestonColumbia CollegeColumbia International UniversityConverse CollegeDavidson CollegeDenmark Technical CollegeDickinson CollegeEast Tennessee State UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEmory & Henry CollegeEmory UniversityErskine CollegeForrest CollegeFrancis Marion UniversityFurman UniversityGardner-Webb UniversityGeorgia Southern UniversityGeorgia State UniversityGlenville State CollegeGreenville Technical CollegeHendrix CollegeHigh Point UniversityITT Technical InstituteJames Madison UniversityJohnson and Wales UniversityJohnson C. Smith UniversityKaplan Test PrepKennesaw State UniversityKing CollegeKings CollegeLaGrange CollegeLander UniversityLees-McRae CollegeLenoir-Rhyne UniversityLiberty UniversityLimestone CollegeLiving Arts CollegeLoyola University New OrleansMars Hill CollegeMercer UniversityMontreat College

Morris CollegeNashville Auto Diesel CollegeNewberry CollegeNorth Carolina A&T State UniversityNorth Carolina Central UniversityNorth Carolina State UniversityNorth Georgia College & State Univ. Cadet AdmissionsNorth Greenville UniversityOglethorpe UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityPeace CollegePfeiffer UniversityPiedmont CollegePresbyterian CollegeProfessional Golfers Career CollegePurdue UniversityQueens University of CharlotteRandolph CollegeRutgers UniversitySaint Augustines CollegeSalem CollegeSamford UniversitySavannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)Savannah State UniversityShaw UniversitySherman College of ChiropracticSouth Carolina State UniversitySouthern Wesleyan UniversitySpartanburg Methodist CollegeSt. AndrewsSyracuse UniversityThe Art InstitutesThe CitadelThe University of AlabamaThe University of Alabama HuntsvilleTusculum CollegeUniversity of FloridaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of KentuckyUniversity of North Carolina AshevilleUniversity of North Carolina Chapel HillUniv. of North Carolina CharlotteUniv. of North Carolina GreensboroUniversity of North Carolina School of the ArtsUniversity of South Carolina AikenUniversity of South Carolina BeaufortUniversity of South Carolina ColumbiaUniversity of South Carolina UpstateUniversity of the SciencesUniversity of the SouthU.S. Air Force AcademyU.S. Merchant Marine AcademyVanderbilt UniversityVirginia TechVoorhees CollegeWake Forest UniversityWarren Wilson CollegeWashington and Lee UniversityWesleyan CollegeWestern Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem StateWinthrop UniversityWittenberg UniversityWofford College

COLLEGE FAIR PARTICIPANTS

CHRIST CHURCH EPISPICAL SCHOOL

C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E 5C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E 5

AT SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, ITS NOT JUST ABOUT

GETTING AHEAD. Its about going BEYOND. Weve been taking

students beyond their dreams to their real potential for more than

100 years. So whatever your dreams, wherever you want to go,

Southern Wesleyan University can take you farther.

BEYOND SUCCESS > significance

BEYOND ACADEMICS > community

BEYOND RELIGION > reLationship

BEYOND ORDINARY > extraordinary

BEYOND OPPORTUNITY > calling

BEYOND TRADITION > reLevance

Southern Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Southern Wesleyan University. http://www.sacscoc.org/

AT SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, ITS NOT JUST ABOUT AT SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, ITS NOT JUST ABOUT

GETTING AHEAD.

(WA N T TO G OF A R T H E R ?SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY SOUTH CAROLINA

www.swu.edu


Make sure that you take the lead in your college admissions process. During this time, you will develop good organizational and time management skills and most importantly, youll discover more about yourself. All of these qualities will help you become a successful and happy college student! You can minimize the time you invest in completing college applications if you will utilize common application sites. Most South Carolina public colleges use a common application form from College Net (http://www.sccango.org/applyscholar.html) and others use the Common Application (https://www.commonapp.org). These on-line services will help speed the process of completing application data by sharing common elements. Suzette Stille, Director of Admissions, College of Charleston

Be successful in college admission! Four fool proof, easy steps: Read what the colleges tell you about the admission, fi nancial aid and scholarship application process. Do what the colleges tell you to do in the admission, fi nancial aid and scholarship application process. Have a couple of academic and fi nancial sure bet schools on your list that you like. Dont fall in love with any one school. This is dating. Marriage comes later. J. Carey Thompson, Vice President for Enrollment and Communications,Dean of Admission, Rhodes College

[As a college applicant] you are trying to convey to colleges that you are a strong, mature, independent, and intelligent student/citizen. Make sure that you show this to the colleges you are considering by taking care of things well before deadlines occur, being respectful of others (parents, guidance counselors, etc.), and communicating with admissions by yourself. Think of a great joke that you heard recently. Writing a strong admissions essay and telling a good joke actually have many similarities; be specifi c in the details, use an active voice in telling the joke/writing the essay, know your audience and do not offend them (PG-13 please!), and understand that both have a purpose and lead up to the punch line/climax of the story. Dave Graves, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia

Students should take charge. The college search process can seem intimidating and overwhelming, so some students avoid it by procrastinating, or take a passive approach and hope for the best. Parents end up pressuring (nagging) students to get moving, taking over the process themselves out of frustration, or avoid the subject, hoping the student will eventually engage. Picking a college is probably the biggest decision most students will have faced so far in their lives, and no one has a bigger stake that the student. Its your life, your future, and your decision. Own it. Visit the campus. I am always amazed when students decide on their college when they have never visited the campus. I wouldnt buy a pair of shoes without trying them on fi rst, so selecting a college without visiting seems like a much bigger risk to me. It doesnt count to visit on your own or with a friend that is already in school. Go on the offi cial campus tour, talk to the admissions offi ce, sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria, hang out in the student union, get a feel for the place. You will be there for four years, so make sure it fi ts. I suggest visiting a variety of schools so you can compare and contrast. Colleges and universities offer tours, open house events, information sessions, and similar programs for a very good reason, so take advantage of them. Dont stress too much. Picking a college is a big decision and it ushers in a time of change and uncertainty as students move from the relative protection and guidance of their parents towards life on their own. Friends, family, teachers, co-workers,

basically everyone you know, will be interested in what colleges you are considering, and everyone will have an opinion on where you should

go. There are several thousand colleges and universities in the US, so picking just one is daunting nobody wants to make

the wrong choice. If that isnt stress, I dont know what is. Try to keep everything in perspective, take time to relax, allow yourself some down time and get away from the college

discussion every once and a while. You are going to go to college and get a degree thats the most important thing, and that decision has been made, right? Just remember that selecting a college is a match to be made, not a prize to be

won. There is no such thing as a perfect college, but there is at least one, and more likely several colleges that are perfect for you. Dont worry, it will all work out for the best.

R. Scott Verzyl, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director

of Undergraduate Admissions, University of South Carolina

Advice from the College Experts

Dont fall in love with any one school. This is dating. Marriage comes later. J. Carey Thompson, Vice President for Enrollment and Communications,Dean of Admission, Rhodes College

[As a college applicant] you are trying to convey to colleges that you are a strong, mature, independent, and intelligent student/citizen.Make sure that you show this to the colleges you are considering by taking care of things well before deadlines occur, being respectful of others (parents, guidance counselors, etc.), and communicating with admissions by yourself. Think of a great joke that you heard recently. Writing a strong admissions essay and telling a good joke actually have many similarities; be specifi c in the details, use an active voice in telling the joke/writing the essay, know your audience and do not offend them (PG-13 please!), and understand that both have a purpose and lead up to the punch line/climax of the story. Dave Graves, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia

of their parents towards life on their own. Friends, family, teachers, co-workers, basically everyone you know, will be interested in what colleges you are

considering, and everyone will have an opinion on where you should go. There are several thousand colleges and universities in the

US, so picking just one is daunting nobody wants to make the wrong choice. If that isnt stress, I dont know what is. Try to keep everything in perspective, take time to relax, allow yourself some down time and get away from the college

discussion every once and a while. You are going to go to college and get a degree thats the most important thing, and that decision has been made, right? Just remember that selecting a college is a match to be made, not a prize to be

won. There is no such thing as a perfect college, but there is at least one, and more likely several colleges that are perfect for you. Dont worry, it will all work out for the best.

R. Scott Verzyl, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director

of Undergraduate Admissions, University of South Carolina >>

C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E 7

College admission is a marathon; not a sprint. And just like a marathon, it requires a great amount of preparation, perseverance, and effort. There will be some hills to climb, and many along the route to provide encouragement and support. It will take some time. But, in the end, youll feel a great deal of personal satisfaction and accomplishment. When beginning the college search, the fi rst thing to do is answer the question, Who am I?. In many ways its a tough question to answer (as we are often our own biggest critic). But a good look at yourself will help you fi nd the type of college that best fi ts your needs. Are you looking for a small college or large university? Public or private? Close to home or farther away? Single sex or coed? There are many other questions of this type to ask yourself, and only you can answer them. Robert S. Barkley, Director of Admissions, Clemson University

Find the right size for you. Be sure to fi nd a school that meets your needs and desires for size in all aspects...campus, classroom, total students, city/town size. Location matters! Distance from home and ease of travel to and from. This could be a hidden cost savings or cost increase depending on the decision. Dont be afraid of published price sticker shock. Know that many forms of need and merit based assistance are available. Be prepared to brag, this is the time to do it. Be thinking about accomplishments, commitments, awards, passions and interests and talk about them when visiting colleges and in applications M. Brad Pochard, Associate Vice President for Admissions, Furman University

We know that applying for college can be stressful, but it can also be one of the most exciting times in your life. Students should feel confi dent that their college search will lead them to a great place a place that youll love; a place where youll thrive. The odds are in your favor. One of the truths of college admission, which may be hard to

believe, but no less true, is that students who search faithfully fi nd the schools theyre looking for. Those schools may not be the ones they thought theyd fi nd, but theyre no less right for being unexpected, and no less a reason to rejoice. Stephen Farmer, Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina

Enjoy the process. The college search can be stressful at times, but it is also an opportunity for refl ection and self-exploration. Determining the features you are looking for in a college will develop a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual. Think outside the box. Look for a school that brings comfort, but also offers the ability to explore new areas. Step out of that comfort zone and take a few risks, whether it is a class youve never taken before, an independent research, or a study-abroad program. Road trip. Take advantage of the college visit. This is a big decision in your life and one that will determine the next four years. Do your research up front and feel comfortable with making a four year commitment. Colleges want you to be certain of your decision and will arrange class visits, meetings with members of the college community, and even overnight visits to ensure you have all the necessary information. Dont be scared by the sticker price. In todays economy, I understand that many families are concerned about the cost of education. It is a big investment, but one I feel is a necessity and within your reach. Never rule a school out based on sticker price. Most colleges are willing to invest in their students with merit scholarship and need-based aid. Brian Fortman, Dean of Enrollment Management Presbyterian College

The choice you make about where to go to college is less important than the effort you make once youre there. The most important thing you can do to prepare for college is...... your Homework. Brand Stille, Vice President for Enrollment, Wofford College

Our students average ACT college entrance test score exceeds the state and national averages.

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ProclamationWHEREAS, the need for post-secondary education is important for the future strength of our community and nation; and

WHEREAS, educating our students, families and community about the college admission process is essential to helping students transition from high school to college; and

WHEREAS, the Greenville County College Fair provides the opportunity for students and parents to actively engage in the process by meeting with college representatives and attend workshops; and

WHEREAS, schools, colleges and universities, businesses, parents, teachers, students, organizations and media will hereby demonstrate their commitment to Bridges to College Week by actively participating in higher education events; and

WHEREAS, the Greenville County College Fair will be held on October 23 &24, 2011 at the TD Convention Center; and

WHEREAS, the community of Greenville, South Carolina further believes in committing its resources to encourage and help students cross the bridge to higher education.

NOW THEREFORE, I Knox H. White, Mayor of the City of Greenville, South Carolina do hereby proclaim the week of October 23 October 30, 2011 as:

BRIDGES TO COLLEGE WEEKin the City of Greenville and on behalf of city council encourage all citizens to participate in educational programs and activities to make a visible statement that we are strongly committed to helping all students bridge the education gap in Greenville, South Carolina.

Signed, sealed and delivered this 6th day of October, 2011

Knox H. White, Mayor City of Greenville, South Carolina


Anderson University

If you are looking for a great education in a beautiful setting on one of the most warm and friendly campuses anywhere, Anderson is for you. One of the most rapidly emerging private universities in The South, AU is ranked in the top tier of southern colleges by U.S. News & World Report, and the #1 Up and Coming College of its type in America by the same magazine.

AU offers a rigorous education, combining the best of the liberal arts and professional studies in a warm, caring, Christian environment. The 2,512 students at Anderson enjoy a lively campus atmosphere with constant activities and opportunities to strengthen friendships, not to mention the games of 17 NCAA Division II athletic teams competing in The South Atlantic Conference.

For those looking to go back to college, AU offers the ACCEL program for completing your degree in a variety of fi elds in less time with more personal attention. Our graduate program offers Masters degrees in Education, Business and Ministry.

For students interested in The Sciences, Anderson is a perfect choice for getting an education and entrance into Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Pharmacy or graduate school. Anderson graduates comprise a higher number of students in the USC Pharmacy

school than any other private SC university. If you are interested in cancer research, you can do it as an undergrad in Andersons cancer research center.

The graphic design program at AU is one of the fi nest in the nation and two years ago, AU was the only university in America to win three national ADDY awards, including Best in Show and has won almost all of the ADDYs on the local level for the past several years.

AUs School of Interior Design is one of the most sought after programs, as it is one of the few interior design programs to be found at a private Christian university. It attracts students from every corner of the country as well as several foreign countries. It is also one of several programs at AU that has earned national accreditation.

The nationally accredited College of Business is home to the three-time winning team in the national Sams Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge as well as one of the most decorated S.I.F.E (students in free enterprise) teams in the country.

AUs College of Visual and Performing Arts is home to theatre, music, and musical theatre performances that are consistently on par with much larger universities, and the College of Christian Studies features one of Americas most innovative programs in ministry with instruction from the countries most popular authors and preachers.

Anderson University features all of these highly ranked academic programs on one of the Souths most scenic campuses with 100-year-old oak trees shading beautiful lawns near gorgeous Old South architecture.

Schedule a visit today. Youll fall in love with AU.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?AU offers highly ranked academics in a genuine Christian atmosphere, so students who are serious about their academics and their faith dont have to choose between the two when selecting a college.

WHAT COULD BE EVEN BETTER?We always feel we can expand our program offerings and do so each year. We began offering doctoral degrees this fall and a planned School of Nursing is currently under construction.

WHAT IS HOUSING LIKE?With our 11 residence halls, including two just built last year, there is a wide variety of living options from apartment-style to suites, as well as traditional residence hall settings.

WHAT ARE THE BEST HANGOUTS (ON AND OFF CAMPUS)?On campus, students can be found hanging out in Java City, a hip coffee and dessert venue in the new Thrift Library. Also Food for Thought, a stylish new restaurant featuring gourmet pizza and hot Italian sandwiches. Students also fl ock to the emerging Anderson downtown district.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR CLASSES?When it comes to elective classes, the Fine Arts 200 class which combines music, theatre, and art appreciation into a lively semester class; in business, the marketing classes under Dr. Joe Spencer are cited as entertaining and challenging; the new musical theatre classes; and the most popular majors are education, business, interior design, science and Christian studies.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO?The low ratio at AU has always been a strength of the university. It varies between 14:1 and 16:1.

WHAT SPECIAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS?Apply early. AU is a hot commodity in higher education and freshman classes are fi lling up faster than ever before. Weve grown nearly 68% over the past 7 years. Be sure to visit the campus whether you know us well or not. 77% of the students who visit AU enroll here.

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Helpful Websites for the College Search and Application Processwww.collegeboard/com and www.actstudent.orgTwo biggies you cant do without. They are gateways to registering for the SAT and ACT as well as good sites for test prep information. The College Board also houses the PROFILE fi nancial aid application, required by some colleges. Both sites have great college search engines that allow you to search for colleges based on criteria you provide.

http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigatorThis website has a great deal of factual information about colleges, including costs and fi nancial aid, admissions statistics, and diversity and graduation rates.

http://nsse.iub.edu Visit the Student/Parent information section of the National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE). Gather information regarding surveys on college experiences and outcomes.

www.educationalconservancy.orgThis website focuses on what the college admission process should look like. Excellent advice for parents and students.

www.fafsa.ed.govThe website for all information about Federal Financial Aid a must for anyone planning to apply for fi nancial aid.

www.fi naid.orgThis site provides important information about fi nancial aid and scholarships.

http://eligibilitycenter.orgThis is the site of the NCAA Clearinghouse. All future college athletes must visit this site to learn the regulations and processes regarding athletic recruiting, including rules for eligibility.

www.che.sc.gov/scholarThis site is designed to ease the application process to multiple South Carolina schools.

www.commonapp.org and www.universalcollegeapp.orgThe Common Application is used by more than 400 colleges and universities nationwide, helping students and schools streamline the application process. The Universal Application is similar.

www.fairtest.orgThis site is dedicated to helping make the testing process for college admission fair and equitable. Here you will fi nd a list of all test optional colleges.

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by Forrest M. Stuart, Associate Vice President for Financial Aid, Furman University

The college-going rate is higher than in the past, but so is the price. The cost of college does mean that many families will have to go into some debt in order to pay for higher education. But think about why college is a better investment than just about anything else, including your house.

Cars, boats and furniture are financed over time, and we all know that as soon as you drive or sail away or plop in that recliner, these consumer

goods lose a hefty portion of their value. And when you borrow to take a vacation, the loan payments live on long after youve returned from the beach and are back at work.

On the other hand, homes and college degrees appreciate in value as years go by. Many financial planning professionals advise that home equity loans to finance improvements are considered sound investments because they usually bring a higher return on resale.

So, if going into debt to purchase or upgrade a house is seen as a prudent investment,

why do so many families hesitate to incur debt to finance a college education? Furthermore, why would families borrow for cars, boats, and vacations when these items will never bring a nice return on investment? There is plenty of evidence that the payback on a college degree may outstrip even the returns realized from investing in real estate. Baum, Ma, and Payea (2010) reported,

bachelors degree recipients earn 73% more than those with a high school diploma over their lifetimes, and the Census Bureau estimates that those with college degrees earn approximately $1 million more over the college graduates working years, not taking into account inflation (p. 4).

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Further, the research suggested that college degrees provide more than personal gain. Society benefits, too. Adults with higher levels of education are more involved citizens. Voting rates of those with bachelors degrees were higher than those with high school diplomas. Those with a college education led healthier lives and engaged in educational activities at higher rates with their children (Baum, et al., 2010).

If the numbers above are not impressive enough, think about the impact on your grandchildren. Your childrens children have a much higher probability of going to college if your children

earn degrees themselves. This has been supported by research, particularly that in which sociologists studied the impact of parental educational attainment on the likelihood of children pursuing postsecondary education. Simply put, the course of history can be changed by a child graduating from college.

Heres the bottom line for those worried about borrowing to help finance a college education. The national average loan indebtedness of four-year college graduates is approximately $24,000, about the price of a new car (Cheng & Reed, 2010). At 6.8% interest, the current interest rate for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized

Loan, the monthly payment over 10 years is $280.

Contrast that with the 2002 U.S. average non-education, non-housing monthly debt payment of $1,070, which includes credit card and automobile loans (Baum & Schwartz, 2006).Which kind of debt would you choose, based on the sound advice that if you take on some debt, borrow for appreciating assets rather than depreciating items?

Forrest M. Stuart, associate vice president for financial aid at Furman University, has worked in higher education for 22 years and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Leadership at Clemson University.

REFEREnCES Baum, S., Ma, J, and Payea, K. (2010). Education Pays 2010: The benefits of higher education for individuals and society. Retrieved from The College Board website: http://trends.collegeboard.org/downloads/Education_Pays_2010.pdf

Baum, S. and Schwartz, S. (2006). How much debt is too much? Defining benchmarks for manageable student debt. Retrieved from The College Board website: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/pdf/06-0869.DebtPpr060420.pdf

Cheng, D. and Reed, M. (2010). Student debt and the class of 2009. Institute for College Access & Success. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED515403&site=ehost-live


High school students overwhelmingly agree how important it is to visit schools before completing an admissions application. College websites are very useful; however, very few people would buy a car or even a pair of jeans without fi rst test driving or checking out the fi t.

When choosing a college, you should be sure the college fi ts your criteria. Visiting schools during the college selection search can help you to focus on possible schools. You may fi nd that deciding on the college for you is not as diffi cult a process as you may have imagined. Visiting schools can help you begin to make some choices: size of the student body; academic programs; location; admission requirements; cost; etc. As you narrow your choices, your visits become more important and more attention can be given to specifi cs.

There is no best time to visit a college. During the summer months you may have more time available, and admissions representatives are usually available to meet with you. On the other hand, campuses,

especially small ones, can seem very empty when students are gone and there are no classes to attend. You cannot overestimate the difference of having students on campus opposed to visiting a school on break.

A good plan would be to do preliminary runs during summer or school vacations, and if possible, follow-up visits to fi rst choices later. Weekends are like summers: the campus is usually asleep until noon, but there are usually Saturday offi ce hours for prospective students who cannot come at other times. One should avoid visiting on party weekends such as homecoming.

An effective college visit should include a campus tour, a group information session, and a meal in the cafeteria. Seniors are also encouraged to sit in on classes and sleep overnight in a student residence hall, if permissible. Group information sessions are usually conducted by a member of the admissions offi ce and provide an opportunity to learn more about the school; they last about an hour. It is advised to call ahead to verify the schedule. Sessions address such areas as academic opportunities, social life, housing, student support services, security, fi nancial aid, and admission requirements.

Students should come prepared to listen and to ask questions during these informative sessions.

Campus tours are usually offered throughout the year. It is always best to call the admissions offi ce prior to your visit to verify times. Most tours are conducted by students who volunteer their time. Tours usually last anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes; the average length is one hour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and dont hesitate to ask the guide questions. If there is a specifi c building or department that you want to visit, ask the guide if it can be included on the tour. If the tour group is too large, or if time does not permit, it may not be possible to meet your request. You may want to allow extra time to investigate further on your own after the tour. >>

Make the Most of Your Campus Visits

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MUST SEE STOPS ON A COLLEGE VISIT INCLUDE:

RESIDENCE HALLS This is where you may spend the majority of your time while at college. See where students live in relation to classrooms, the student center, the library, the athletic center, etc. Are the residence halls/apartments within walking distance or will you need a car, bike, or bus to get to the main part of campus? Ask if housing is guaranteed, and what types of housing options are available. Guides can sometimes show their own room or friends rooms, or there may be a sample room available for showing. For students who stay overnight, some admissions officers suggest that you observe what happens after 10:30 pm noise, alcohol, etc.

CLASSROOMS, SCIENCE AND COMPUTER LABS Visiting different academic buildings can give you a sense of the average class size. Are the rooms you see mostly lecture halls with hundreds of seats, or do the rooms accommodate small numbers of students for seminar style classes? Visiting science and computer labs will allow you to see what type of equipment the school has, and whether it is well maintained, available for undergraduate use, and supervised by knowledgeable staff to provide assistance to students when needed.

STUDENT CENTER Is there a building on campus where students can cash checks, receive letters or care packages from home, or purchase books and munchies? Are the student activities offices located in the center? Does the center have meeting rooms, game rooms, and lounges? Is the center well maintained? Visiting the

student center can allow casual conversation with students. Review bulletin boards, student announcements, graffiti - these can tell you a lot. Pick up a recent college newspaper and look for discussions concerning safety, student life, etc. Many centers also contain the college bookstore. No visit can be complete without picking up a tee-shirt, cap, or sweats!

LIBRARYHow large is the library in terms of physical size and holdings? Are there rooms to meet with other students, and quiet places to get away from roommates and other distractions? Does the library cooperate with other libraries to obtain books that they do not have? Is there more than one library on campus? Also check the hours of operation.

ATHLETIC FACILITIESBesides knowing where the football, basketball, or swimming teams play, find out if there are athletic facilities available for non-team students. What are the hours of operation? That weight room, basketball arena, or ice rink may look inviting, but may be open only for varsity teams.

CAFETERIAPlan to have at least one meal on campus during your stay. Since many schools require students to participate in a meal plan, it would be smart to try the cuisine. It probably wont be as good as moms, but it may come close! Some meal plans offer various options at every meal, ranging from a choice of entrees, deli and grills, yogurt, ice cream, salad and fruit bars. National companies such as Subway, Pizza Hut, and McDonalds operate on college campuses. Ask if students are required to be on a meal plan, and how many meals per week are included. Many schools allow

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students to eat in different facilities on campus.

Having a meal on campus gives you a perfect opportunity to talk with students. Dont be afraid to speak with them while waiting in line to be served; even better, share a table with them. Ask students what they like most and least about their school, why they chose this school, what types of clubs and activities they are involved with, and to what other schools they applied. Most students welcome the opportunity to speak with others about their experience.

SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTS AND FACILITIES It is not always possible to include every building on the tour. If this is the case, ask the guide to point out the places that you want to visit on your own. A conversation with a professor, especially in your field of interest, can be worthwhile. Sometimes it is best to call ahead for an appointment with a professor or department chairperson.

One final piece of advice is to write down your impressions of your visit while they are new. Many students said that the colleges began to blur after they visited a few. Record your thoughts while they are fresh.

Robert Rummerfield is Director of COLLEGE VISITS, which organizes college tours for college-bound high school students. Rummerfield was previously an admissions representative at The Johns Hopkins University. For more information, contact COLLEGE VISITS, 215 East Bay St., Suite 401, Charleston, SC 29401, 800-944-2798, or 803-853-8149, email: [email protected]. or online at www.college-visits.com


by Bill Smith, Director of product and business development for Student Aid Services

A federal mandate requires all post-secondary institutions, which receive federal student aid funds and enroll first-time, full-time undergraduate students, to post a net price calculator (NPC) on their Web sites by October 29th.

Nationally-recognized college-planning expert Lynn OShaughnessy, author of The College Solution, calls NPCs revolutionary because they provide each family a reasonable idea of what a college will cost.

At a minimum, these calculators disclose with varying accuracy a students estimated net price, which is the difference between a schools sticker price (the sum of tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses) and merit and need-based grants (aid that doesnt need to be repaid).

To users, net price calculators are a set of specific questions about a familys financial situation, including income and dependency status, to assess eligibility for need-based grants and scholarships. Some NPCs also consider academic merit criteria, such as grade

point average, class rank, and standardized test scores.

While knowing net price is helpful, students and families typically want to know how they will pay for college. Sophisticated calculators can estimate a students out-of-pocket costs by presenting the full array of options in addition to grant aid from a college or federal and state governments. These typically include work-study programs, federal student loans, scholarships from the school, Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits, and self-financing from savings or current income.

Once an NPCs questions are answered, the technology generates an estimate of how much that school will cost that student.

NPC ACCurACy ANd College ComPArisoNs Using results from various NPCs to compare a students cost estimates of different colleges is possible. However beware - not all net price calculators estimate aid eligibility with the same level of accuracy. Generally, the more questions an NPC asks, the more accurate its student aid and net price estimates are.

Some of the most accurate customized calculators ask 30 to 40 questions and take 8 to 12 minutes to use.

Its just as important that NPC users remember that the accuracy of net price estimates also depends on the accuracy of a students answers. Students must answer NPC questions correctly to get an accurate net price estimate.

So far, about 1,000 post-secondary

institutions, including Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., have posted custom calculators developed by vendors specializing in NPC technology. (Other South Carolina colleges that will post custom NPCs are Erskine College, Wofford College, and The College of Charleston.) A few colleges, such as Princeton University, have developed their NPC technology internally.

Other institutions have posted NPCs based on the free federal calculator template, which is error prone because it asks far fewer questions, uses need-based information to determine merit aid, and is based on two-year-old historical data.

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of net price calculators, showed aid eligibility and net price estimates from an NPC based on the federal calculator template are inaccurate more than 50% of the time.

Providing ContaCt information ShowS intereSt Providing schools a students contact information is optional on net price calculators. Most NPCs offer registration that asks for a students name, address, and email address.

Colleges compete for students. They want to identify students who are good fits. Some colleges prefer to offer admission to students who they know are

interested. Submitting contact information directly to a college through its NPC communicates interest.

Student Aid Services NPC clients are already finding that prospective students who complete the institutions net price calculator are better prospects for their schools. By completing a colleges NPC and providing contact information, a student is showing interest in a college, which the college may view favorably when deciding admittance.

By starting college planning using a net price calculator, students and families will gain insight into which schools will be

most affordable for them before preparing college applications. One promise of NPCs is that they will encourage more students to apply to colleges because early on they will have identified colleges likely to offer them aid. Finding colleges to apply to that fit the family budget can help students and their families avoid overburdening themselves with education debt.

The minimum output for an NPC is defined by law. It includes the itemized cost of attendance (the sticker price) less merit and need-based grant aid (aid that does not need to be repaid). The difference between them is the net price.

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LIFE Scholarship Up to the cost-of-attendance, not to exceed $4,700, plus a $300 book allowance at four-year public and independent colleges in SC; up to the cost-of-tuition at USC Regional campuses plus a $300 book allowance at two-year Public and Independent; and up to the cost-of-tuition plus a $300 book allowance at regional technical colleges. The LIFE Enhancement for majors in specific math/sciences is an additional $2,500 beginning in the sophomore year.Eligibility Requirements for LIFE (2 out of 3 of following):1. Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) based on the

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2. Score an 1100 on the SAT or an equivalent 24 on the ACT taken through the June national test administration of the high school graduation year; based on the highest SAT Reading and Math scores from different test administrations. The ACT composite score must be at one test sitting.

3. Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class based on all students who received their diploma during the traditional graduation ceremony in May/June.

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LIFE and Palmetto Fellowship ScholarshipsThe Palmetto Fellow Scholarship The annual award amount for the freshman year is up to $6,700. The award amount for the sophomore, junior and senior years is up to $7,500 per year. Deadlines & Eligibility Requirements: For early awards, apply by December 15, 2009; For final awards, by June 15, 2010. High school seniors may apply if they meet one of the following sets of academic requirements:1. Score at least 1200 on the SAT (27 on the ACT) by the June national

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Erskine College

Erskine College is a place where you can know and be known. Erskines tradition of excellence in liberal arts higher education goes back nearly 175 years to its founding in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, making it one of the oldest, most respected church-affi liated colleges in the Southeast.

Erskine is also small by design. The student body is just under 600. Nearly all students live on the stately 95-acre campus in the town of Due West in historic Abbeville County, South Carolina. With a population of 1,200, its a quiet college town, perfect for study.

This combination of excellent academics and close-knit community means your experience will be uniquely yours. Any of Erskines two dozen degree programs can be customized by working with Erskine faculty to create an appropriate course of study that suits your personal and career interests.

Youll be taught by excellent professors (not graduate students), and Erskine faculty members get to know you outside the classroom. They become mentors, taking a personal interest your success in both life and learning.

More than half of Erskine graduates go on to some type of graduate education. In fact, in the

past several years nearly 100% of all graduates applying to medical graduate programs were accepted. Erskine alumni lead businesses and organizations both large and small throughout the world.

But we produce more than simply competent professionals. We seek to equip the whole person intellectually, physically and spiritually to fl ourish in life and leadership.

Erskines close-knit academic community helps students focus on whats really important. More than a great college experience, its a place to begin pursuing a lifelong calling. A smaller residential campus means you cant fake it. Quality is revealed and weaknesses are strengthened. Character is refi ned through intentional, individual relationships.

Erskine offers an unparalleled education that is surprisingly affordable. Over 90% of our students receive some form of fi nancial assistance from federal, state and institutional aid sources. The college offers a variety of scholarship opportunities that recognize students academic abilities, athletic talents, or honor their dedication to the performing arts, community service, and more.

Erskine competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the NCAA Division II and Conference Carolinas. The college fi elds 15 teams: mens and womens basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball; womens softball and lacrosse; and mens baseball.

Erskine College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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 six residence halls are clustered into two residential areas. Both mens and womens dorms 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 ping-pong, 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 fi elds or interests. Semester-long study abroad opportunities are also popular. Erskines most popular majors are Biology, Education and Business Administration.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE STUDENT/PROFESSOR RATIO?Erskines student-professor ratio is12:1 and classes are capped at 25. This enables students and professors to move beyond lecturing to engage discussions both during and after classes. Personal relationships with professors and small group projects are some of the major advantages of small class size.

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 theres 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?Its important to understand what kind of environment you want to learn and grow in. If you want to be challenged academically and be part of a close-knit academic community, not just go to college, Erskine might be a good fi t.

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Our decision, based on research suggesting that standardized tests are not valuable predictors of college success was also infl uenced by studies indicating that performance on the SAT and ACT is closely linked to race, family income and parental educational level. By removing a required standardized test, Wake Forest

broadened the defi nition of academic merit, encouraging applications from high-achieving students from a wide expanse of background and viewpoint who may have seen the test score as their single impediment to selective college admission.

For the past three years, we have been delighted by the response from outstanding high

school

students who are drawn philosophically to an admissions selection process which includes a personal interview, a creative and thought- provoking application and an emphasis on intellectual curiosity and character. Our student body is now not only more racially and socioeconomically diverse than ever, the number graduating in the top 10% of their high school classes has increased each year since we became test

optional.

With these changes, our admissions selection

process has become decidedly more labor intensive. We carefully examine curriculum, rewarding students who have pursued the most challenging courses that are available, especially the International Baccalaureate Diploma and

the Advanced Placement Program. The admissions application is more writing intensive for the Wake Forest applicant thus; it is more reading intensive for the Wake Forest admissions offi cer. Thirty- minute personal interviews, conducted on our campus or remotely via Skype, consume hundreds of hours of admissions staff time, June through December. From December through March, during our long admissions committee deliberations, there exists no SAT cutoff to sort applications, no standardized test crutch to speed along the deliberation. Each applicant is evaluated as a multifaceted individual and each application is scrutinized.

Even though we are test optional, most of our applicants continue to submit high standardized test scores. Many fi ne students are also excellent test takers. SATs, ACTs, SAT II Subject Tests, AP exam scores, and IB scores are considered in the

In the summer of 2008, Wake Forest became the fi rst top 30 national university to become test optional in undergraduate admissions, publicly recognizing that years of achievement

should not be negated by one Saturday morning.

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evaluation process if they are submitted. It is however, for the student who is at the top of her class, who has excelled in the most demanding curriculum in her high school, who is talented and hard- working but whose standardized test scores do not reflect her excellence that test optional is designed.

Wake Forest is not alone. According to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing (www.fairtest.org) more than 850 four- year institutions in the United States now have flexible standardized test policies. At the urging

of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, universities and colleges throughout the country are examining their test policies and determining how they fit with institutional mission and goals. National conferences such as Rethinking Admissions held on the Wake Forest campus and The Case for Change in College Admissions at the University of Southern California are contributing to a growing national conversation on the democracy of access to higher education, the future of college

admissions and the role of standardized testing.

Shortly after Wake Forest announced its decision to become test optional, President Nathan O. Hatch in a guest column in The Washington Post stated, Our decision to reevaluate our admissions policy grew out of a close look at the state of higher education and some long, hard thinking about the kind of university we want Wake Forest to be This step away from standardized tests will help us and other institutions of higher education move closer to the goals of

greater educational quality and opportunity.

We at Wake Forest are pleased to be in the midst of this national conversation and the effort to rethink admissions.

Martha Blevins Allman is Dean of Admissions at Wake Forest University and a contributor to the recently released SAT Wars: The Case for Test Optional College Admissions edited by Joseph A. Soares


To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what youre being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT Writing Test (their name for the essay):

SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?

ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. If youre an ardent wordsmith, youll love the SAT. If words arent your thing, you may do better on the ACT.

The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not. You dont need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your

reading and reasoning skills, based upon a given set of facts. But if youre a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.

The ACT tests more advanced math concepts. The ACT requires you to know a little trigonometry, in addition to the algebra and geometry youll find on the SAT. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.

The ACT Writing Test is not required. The 25-minute SAT essay is required, and is factored into your Writing score. The 30-minute ACT Writing Test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite scoreschools will see it listed separately.

The SAT is broken up into more sections. On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning) in one big chunk, with the optional Writing Test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) are broken up into ten sections, with the required essay at the beginning.

SAT or ACT: WhiCh TeST Should you TAke?

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You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. Will it distract or refresh you to move back and forth between different content areas?

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by Mr. Brand R. Stille, Vice President for Enrollment at Wofford College

Choosing a college is a big decision. For most high school seniors, this choice is the biggest decision theyll 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 dont 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.

Get OrGanized Armin Kinigadner arrived in Greenville with his family from Munich, Germany in 2005. He enrolled at Christ Church Episcopal School. He had experienced much success in soccer in his home country so he was a welcome addition to an outstanding Christ Church team that had accumulated several state championships already. During his senior year Armin was an All-State selection and his team notched another state championship. He was recruited by 20 colleges, but was able to focus on his top five choices because he knew what factors were most important to him.

Academic reputation was Armins number one concern. Beyond that, he wanted a close knit campus environment with a low student to faculty ratio. Athletic facilities, the coach and the social atmosphere all played a part in his college decision, too.

So, what advice would Armin give a high school student-athlete looking for a college?

Academics should always come first, Armin advises. Dont make your college decision based on athletics alone. Athletic success isnt worth much if you dont get a good education or feel like you fit at an institution.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. The most common include distance from home, academic reputation, student body size, course offerings, cost, financial aid and scholarships. 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.

Get tO WOrk Rachel Woodlee moved to Mauldin with her family from New Hampshire in the summer before her 9th grade year. At 14 years old she was already 61 tall and a high school coachs dream. Tall, agile and smart, she played both basketball and volleyball before deciding to devote her full attention to volleyball. As a senior captain of the Mauldin High School team and an All-State selection that year, Rachel was recruited by more than 25 colleges ranging from NCAA Division I to Division III schools. Her choices seemed endless, but what was most important to Rachel in selecting a college? My dad always told me that you play college sports for four years, but youll have that diploma for the rest of your life! I really looked for institutions that were strong academically and had good programs in the majors I was interested in, as well as a place that had a good feel around campus, she said.

To learn more about academic programs and campus life, Rachel spent lots of time on college websites and with college guides. She visited many colleges with her family before the recruiting process officially started in her senior year. By this time she had reduced her list to her top four. She didnt wait to see which colleges might recruit her. She determined what her goals where and set out to find the college that was the best match.

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 an important factor for you, check out the faculty in the majors youre considering and a profile of the freshmen to see how you compare to 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? Whats 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 youre 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. Target your college search appropriately. If youre second string on your high school football team dont expect Coach Spurrier or Coach Swinney to come calling anytime soon.

Get MOvinG Ryan Hursts senior season was what every high school athlete dreams about. He captained his J. L. Mann team to the state championship and was named the AAA State Player of the Year. Nine colleges courted Ryan and offered scholarships for soccer. No doubt about it, soccer had opened some college doors, but heres what he has to say about his college decision.

Sports wont last forever. If you get injured it could be career ending so academics is key. Make sure you choose a school that you will enjoy. If a school fits your academic and social goals, then look at the athletics. Does the team play the way you are comfortable playing? Do you like the coach? Can you play at that level, or will you sit the bench? There are many factors a student-athlete must

look at when choosing a school. Always remember, student comes before athlete.

The best way to learn about a particular college is to visit campus. When you visit, be sure to take part in the regular admission presentation and campus tour. Dont 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.

When you meet with the coach here are some questions to ask: Whats 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 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 visits may include airfare, reimbursement

College Admission for the Student-Athlete

>>


for mileage, hotel accommodations and meals. Because student-athletes are allowed only fi ve offi cial visits, it is important to use these wisely.

Most offi cial 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 offi cial 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 meaningless. However, youre only as good as your word. Dont get pressured into making a decision youre not ready to make. If youre invited to an offi cial campus visit at the colleges expense, be prepared to respond to the coachs 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. However, coaches usually put time limits on an offer of scholarship. If youre 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 offi cial visit early in your senior year.

FIRST THINGS FIRST 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 visitingwww.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 offi cial 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 DAYSigning Day is a big event in

the life 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 its 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 usually includes information about the amount of scholarship offered. 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.

THIS IS HOW WE DO ITIt 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,

go.cofc.edu/admissions

the coach has reviewed the students transcript and forwarded a copy to the admission offi ce for review. Admission offi ces often review transcripts for prospective student athletes and give the coach a preliminary indication regarding the probability for admission. Offi cial 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 offi cers 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 youll have a full and successful college experience. If you get to play sports along the way this can be the icing on your cake.


by John H. NewellDean of the Honors College at the College of Charleston

as you make the transition from high school to college, many of you should give close and serious consideration to applying to an honors college or honors program at a state college or university. Honors colleges and programs frequently provide you with by far the most bang for the buck a superb education at a fraction of the price you would pay for comparable opportunities elsewhere. You will graduate with a liberal arts foundation, a range of enhanced experiences, and personalized advising that will enable you to differentiate yourself when you apply for graduate and professional schools, nationally competitive awards, or your fi rst real job. As the Honors Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill puts it, Come here, go anywhere!

Honors programs spread widely in the 1950s and 1960s as state universities moved to offer special academic opportunities to keep students in state rather than losing them to private schools out of state. It was clear that highly motivated, academically gifted students were looking for colleges

that would challenge and engage them in an education that would prepare them for both a career and life-long learning. As Dr. Virginia McCombs, President of the National Collegiate Honors Council, said in 2005, Honors Programs and Colleges pride themselves in cultivating just the right balance of stimulation and excitement, nurturing and community that allows students to stretch and grow. Honors colleges and programs provide a living-learning community within the framework of the larger college or university as well

as a network

of scholars both students and faculty who will help you to make the most of your undergraduate education and to discover who you really are to fi nd yourself and your calling.

One clich about honors programs and colleges is that they give you the best of both worlds the best of a mid-sized to large public university and the best of a small liberal arts college. You will fi nd the range of majors, classes, and extracurricular activities that you would expect at a large or mid-sized public university, and you will also fi nd the tuition and

overall cost to be far lower

than

what you will encounter at most private schools. Simultaneously, an honors college or program can provide you with a core group of similarly motivated students, small class sizes, engaged faculty, personalized advising, and the intense intellectual experiences that you would experience at the best small liberal arts college.

In most honors programs and colleges you take only a portion of your classes at the honors level, typically between 20 to 35%; the rest you take in the regular curriculum.

Why You Should Find Yourselfi

Documents

2011 College Guide