2019 Upstate South Carolina National College Fair

2019 UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR

Furman University – Timmons Arena Saturday, March 16 from 1-4pm REGISTER NOW: GoToMyNCF.com

Register now at www.gotomyncf.com

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Welcome to the 2019 National College Fair

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

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

A member-directed organization, NACAC is governed by its voting members; an Assembly of delegates elected by voting members in NACAC’s state and regional affiliates

and by an elected Board of Directors.

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

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

2019 Upstate South Carolina National College Fair Committee NCF CHAIRS

Melissa Cline, Furman University, Co-Chair Bartley Sides, Christ Church Episcopal School, Co-Chair

NCF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Meredith Biber, Spartanburg High School Haley Blackstock, Presbyterian College

Daphnie Glenn, Bridges to a Brighter Future, Furman University Dion Harry, Clemson University

Julia Hodge, University of South Carolina

Alexis Jackson, Clemson University

Dalton Kelsey, Eastside High School Collins McCraw, Wofford College

Heather Najmabadi, St. Joseph’s Catholic School Rob Rhodes, Greenville County School District

Ty Robbins, Winthrop University

Ann Marie Wesneski, Spartanburg Day School

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Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

Tips for Attending a NACAC National College Fair BEFORE THE FAIR…

1. Register online for the fair at www.gotomyncf.com to receive a barcode for easy onsite access to college representatives.

2. Print the barcode and bring it to the fair as your electronic ID. 3. Ask yourself following questions to help determine what kind of school would be best for you: • Do I want to attend a large, medium, or small school?

• What major do I wish to study?

AT THE FAIR… 1. Pick up a fair directory and bag for all of the materials you collect.

2. Visit schools that match or are the closest match to your search criteria. Be adventurous. Don’t just talk to the wellknown schools.

3. Ask the college representative to scan your barcode. This will allow the representative to follow up with you directly—and quickly.

4. Ask the same questions to each college representative you visit.

• Do I want to attend an urban, suburban, or rural school?

5. Take notes. Write down what you find most interesting about each college.

• Do I want to attend a two-year, four-year, single-sex, or religiouslyaffiliated school?

6. Attend an information session to learn more about the college search process, financial aid, and other topics

• Do I want to participate in athletics, clubs, fraternities, sororities, or special programs such as study abroad or cooperative education.

4. Research colleges attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria.

5. Make a list of questions to ask college representatives.

AFTER THE FAIR…

1. Review college websites, catalogs, and viewbooks to gather more information to help narrow your choices.

2. Send a thank you note/email to the college representatives you met. This simple gesture can show admission officials you’re serious about wanting to attend their college.

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5 Tips for Choosing a College Major 1

Don’t Panic

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Find out where your interests lie

Consider all the aspects of a potential career

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Explore your choices

Keep an open mind

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Making the most of your visit to the college fair

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36 QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A COLLEGE VISIT

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

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

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

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

— How much writing and reading are expected?

— What is the average class size of introductory classes?

— How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?

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

ACADEMIC PERKS

— What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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— How many students participate in undergraduate research?

— Is there a culminating senior year experience?

— Do you have an honors college?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

Use your visit to a National College 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.

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

Do you love hands-on learning?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINANCIAL AID — What is your average financial aid package?

— What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?

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

— What is the average merit award?

— What percentage of students receive college grants?

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

— What work-study opportunities are there?

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

— What is your five-year graduation rate?

— What does it take to graduate in four years?

— What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

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

— How do you provide academic advice to students?

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

— What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

OUTSIDE OPPORTUNITIES

— How many students at the college get internships?

— What percentage of students study abroad?

— What type of career services do you have?

STUDENT LIFE — What kind of dorm choices are there?

— What percentage of student live on campus?

— How long are dorm accommodations guaranteed?

— How many students live on campus?

— Do most students go home on the weekend?

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

— What activities are offered to students?

— What clubs do you have on campus?

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

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

PUBLIC These Colleges and Universities:

• Most are state-run which lowers the tuition for in-state students • Typically categorized as two-year, four-year, research, comprehensive, or community colleges

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

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The Who and Where of the 2019 Upstate South Carol

BOOTH ASSIGNMENT

BOOTH #

INTERNATIONAL Anglia Ruskin University.....................329 Bath Spa University.............................315 Richmond, The American International .

University in London......................321 Trinity College Dublin........................312 University of Roehampton, London ...................333 ALABAMA The University of Alabama.................122 University of Alabama

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in Huntsville....................................118 The University of Alabama at Birmingham...............................210 ARIZONA Arizona State University.....................226 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University....304 University of Advancing Technology.....................................323 The University of Arizona...................115 CALIFORNIA FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising..............113

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

COLORADO Colorado State University..................222 FLORIDA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.................304 Florida Institute of Technology.........203 Florida Southern College..................127 Florida State University..........................202 Full Sail University...............................116 Keiser University - Flagship Campus.........................123 Northwest Florida State College.......212

Nova Southeastern University...........332 Saint Leo University............................320 University of North Florida................230 The University of Tampa.....................108 GEORGIA Agnes Scott College...........................317 Augusta University..............................112 College of Coastal Georgia...............208 Fort Valley State University.................114 Georgia College and State University.......................218 Georgia Southern University.............314 Kennesaw State University.................412

lina National College Fair South Georgia State College............326 Middle Georgia State University.......117 Savannah College of Art and Design...............................119 The University of Georgia..................125 Valdosta State University....................105 Young Harris College.........................313

PENNSYLVANIA Duquesne University..........................229 Penn State University..........................126 University of Pittsburgh......................211

KENTUCKY Berea College......................................408 Eastern Kentucky University..............213 Western Kentucky University.............324

SOUTH CAROLINA Bob Jones University..........................206 Charleston Southern University........231 Clemson University..................................... 205 Clemson University Summer Scholars................................... 207 Coastal Carolina University................227 College of Charleston........................405 Converse College...............................209 Furman University...............................133 Horry-Georgetown Technical College..........................107 Lander University................................318 Newberry College..............................404 Piedmont Technical College..............407 Presbyterian College..........................128 The Citadel..........................................402 University of South Carolina..............217 University of South Carolina Beaufort..........................................121 University of South Carolina Upstate...........................................413 Winthrop University............................331 Wofford College.................................228

LOUISIANA Tulane University.................................307 MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts Maritime Academy...110 MICHIGAN College for Creative Studies.............319 MISSISSIPPI Mississippi State University................223 University of Mississippi.....................330 NEW YORK Long Island University -LIU Post Campus...........................327 SUNY Maritime College.....................311 NORTH CAROLINA Appalachian State University.............410 Barton College....................................322 Belmont Abbey College....................219 Brevard College..................................129 Campbell University...........................310 Catawba College................................334 East Carolina University......................406 High Point University..........................124 Queens University of Charlotte.........411 Salem College.....................................409 St. Andrews University........................120 University of Mount Olive..................305 University of North Carolina at Charlotte....................................216 University of North Carolina at Greensboro................................316 University of North Carolina at Wilmington................................328 Western Carolina University..............111 Wingate University..............................109 OHIO Kent State University...........................220 Ohio University....................................225

RHODE ISLAND Salve Regina University......................232

AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN

TENNESSEE Belmont University..............................308 East Tennessee State University........306 University of Tennessee.....................131 VIRGINIA Emory & Henry College.....................214 Hollins University................................325 Jefferson College of Health Sciences.........................309 Mary Baldwin University.....................224 Radford University..............................221 Virginia Military Institute....................215 Virginia Tech........................................204 This list was last updated February 5, 2019

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Using High School Courses and Activities to Prepare for College

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our post-high school years hold tremendous promise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You want to take the most demanding courses you can while maintaining your sanity and still achieving good grades,” Thompson said.

Look for courses that require lots of writing and critical thinking—two skills you’ll be asked to use in almost every college class. Don’t panic if the material seems difficult at first. Developing good study habits and time-management skills

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activities to show colleges who you are.”

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

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

FINISH STRONG.

in high school can help you persevere in college, even when times get tough.

Some rigorous courses actually allow you to jumpstart your postsecondary

“You want to take the most demanding courses you can while maintaining your sanity and still achieving good grades.” education. Students who do well on AP tests, for example, can earn college credit. Some high schools also partner with local colleges to offer dual-credit

Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

courses for high school students.

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

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

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

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

Your senior year of high school will be hectic.

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

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

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

When planning out your schedule, make sure that you’re on-track to meet college entrance requirements, including at least two years of a foreign language and four years of math, science and English courses.

“Colleges want to see that you know how to work hard, and that you have taken advantage of the courses and activities your high school has to offer,” Thompson said. “A strong finish in your senior year helps make you a more attractive candidate.”

Source: https://elearninginfographics.com/value-extracurricular-activities-infographic/

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Balancing Act: Tips for Adults Returning to College

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onsidering going back to college?

You’re in good company.

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

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

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

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

Learning the answers can help you decide which college is right for you. It

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

whether your credits will transfer and how many courses you’ll need to complete a degree.

“You want to make sure that from the beginning you have a clear understanding on how much it will cost and what your degree pathway will look like,” Christopherson said.

2: WHAT SORT OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?

Responsibilities at home and at work can change over your course of time that you’re enrolled in college.

Choosing a school that provides a variety of course options—from in-person, to online, to hybrid—increases your odds of staying on track.

“A lot of adults have full-time work schedules or child care responsibilities,” said Amber Harnack, student success center director of Ivy Tech Community College (IN). “They often need more flexibility when it comes to scheduling classes.”

Also ask about student support services, such as tutoring, recommends Michelle Christopherson, director of the Center for Adult Learning on the

4: HOW WILL YOUR INSTITUTION HELP ME MEET MY CAREER GOALS? University of Minnesota—Crookston campus.

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

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

Before you enroll in any program, learn

Begin your college search with the end in mind.

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

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

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF A COLLEGE DEGREE

65% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education by 2020

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Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000. Georgetown College Statistics. The National Center for Education Statistics.

Resources For LGBTQ Students

By Sean Nyhan

L

GBTQ students around the world face serious threats every day.

According to a 2015 GLSEN survey, 85 percent of students from this demographic reported cases of harassment. GLSEN, an advocacy group for LGBTQ K-12 students, says that this hostile environment can dramatically affect a student’s mental health.

It’s easy to see why students who report high levels of harassment view college as an afterthought. As GLSEN reports, these students are twice as likely to not even pursue a degree. Adding to the list of challenges facing this student population is the fact that identifying those who need help can be difficult, either because they have not publicly come out or have not arrived at the point of self-discovery themselves.

Today Brad Ward, a college counselor at Alto International School (CA), identifies as transgender, but when applying to college decades ago she didn’t use that nomenclature. “I did not realize in the mid-1980s that I was transgender, and there was no terminology at the time to

help me, or even an internet to find a community,” Ward says.

For Ward and students who share a similar experience, the sense of danger surrounding coming out or being outed without their consent is very real. In addition to the mental pain that can accompany associated harassment, many LGBTQ students fear physical violence.

In the case of transgender students, 35 percent report being assaulted, 80 percent report some form of harassment, and nearly 20 percent report being homeless or denied a place to live.

“Even if they want to disclose this aspect of themselves,” Ward says, “they can’t because of fear of actual violence and bullying against their populations.”

This fear presents serious obstacles that inevitably spill over into the college admission process, and the decision to not disclose certain aspects of who they are makes the search for the perfect fit an obvious problem. For students fearful of identifying themselves according to a particular category, Ward says “It’s OK!” “They can be in the closet in high school,

but 100 percent confident about who they are and still land at a perfect college fit.”

Fortunately, there are many resources LGBTQ students can use to find a path to higher education. LGBTQ students can find helpful advice through organizations like Campus Pride and the Trevor Project.

Many colleges and universities even offer information for LGBTQ students right on their websites, sometimes in the forms of formal LGBTQ policies.

While Ward had no means of finding likeminded people in her community when she applied to college, she encourages students to use the tools at their fingerprints to identify positive peer networks. “Connecting with people all across the country and around the world is empowering and will make you feel so much better, even if your family and immediate high school community are not accepting of you.”

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Upstate South Carolina National College Fair 2019

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