Counselor Blog – Admission

How to Make the Most of Your Relationship with Your College Counseling Office

ehawthorne / August 26, 2016March 27, 2017 / Counselor Blog

Today’s blog was written by admission counselor Laura Schmidt.

College Counseling Offices differ across the country in terms of size, and also the amount of time they are able to spend with each individual student. Some high school counselors work with one to two students, and some work with hundreds. That being said—no matter their size or the amount of time spent with each student they are very important in not only the college search process, but also the application process. As a high school student, you might feel overwhelmed and also under a lot of stress and pressure when it comes to the overall college search and application process. There are so many colleges and universities that offer wonderful opportunities—how could you pick just one? Your College Counseling Office is there to help you and relieve some of your stressors and pressures. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your relationship with your college counseling office:

Form a Relationship with your College Counselor as soon as Possible: The more you know about one another the more they will be able to help and advise you.
Ask Questions: The more you ask the more you know and the better prepared you will be when it comes to visiting schools and applying to schools.
Set up One-on-One Appointments: If your college counselor works with hundreds of students they might not be thinking about you and only you every day. However, if you set up an appointment to meet with them personally, they will have your undivided attention for that specific period of time.
Do Your Research: Come prepared when you meet with your college counselor. Know your wants, needs, and expectations when it comes to picking a college. Think about what you want to get out of your experience. The more preparation you do on the front end, the less surprised you will be about your experience in the long run.
Share Your Passions and Interest: Let your college counselor get to know you. The more aware they are of your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and career goals the more they will be able to help you and share with you colleges and universities that fit your needs.
Use their advice and resources: College Counselors are trained professionals. They know what they are doing, and they want to help you. If you are feeling stressed and under a lot of pressure—go talk to your counselor. They will work with you so that your list of colleges and universities is manageable and fits your needs.

What I Wish I Knew Before I Came to Furman

ehawthorne / August 19, 2016March 27, 2017 / Counselor Blog

This guest blog is by current senior Christopher Razo from Chicago, IL.

As a high school senior when student gear up to apply for schools and attend campus visits, they are instantly hit with fast facts presented by an admissions counselor trying to sell their respective institute. However, more often then not, students are left confused or simply are not fully attentive to the little things that make up a university and what makes each one unique. Furman University is a place that is no exception, and has several aspects to the institution that students who attend can take advantage of – They just have to find out what those aspects are.

First, lets start with what it means for Furman University to be a liberal arts institution. At a liberal arts school like Furman, all students must complete general education requirements (GER) as part of their curriculum. The GER’s include mind and body wellness, textual analysis, natural sciences, math/ formal reasoning, and empirical studies of human behavior, history, ultimate question, foreign language and world culture courses. This aspect of the university grants students the opportunity to find what he or she would like to dive further into during their college experience. I have found this aspect of the school to be vital to the growth of our students. It is okay to not know what you want to do after college or what you would like to major in, the moment that you begin taking courses your freshman year. It is normal and typical for students to be curious and passionate about several subjects before and during their college career. Furthermore, it is common for every student to have had a high school experience that has led him or her to admire and disregard certain subjects. However, due to the numerous supportive and rigorous academic departments students who might have never found interest in science, math, or a foreign language per say, can potentially find that they are in fact interested in those certain subjects. This has been the case for students such as myself and many others who have come to Furman believing they would like to major in pre-law or pre-medicine per say and then found that their true passion and gifts of wisdom lay in subjects such as environmental science, biology, or business.

Second, I would like to touch on the importance and potential impacts that Cultural Life Programs (CLP) have on students. While it is a requirement, and the first reaction to being told that we must attend a total of 32 CLP credit events might seem like another thing to add to the checklist, it is in essence an additional aspect of the learning experience. Each CLP has the potential of further educating or presenting students with valuable information that pertains to diverse subject matters and current events. A few of my most memorable CLP’s at the University have included guest professors from the University of Chicago presenting their understanding of political theories, and the former head of the DEA talking on terrorism and narcotic trafficking around our nations borders. The top minds and lead researchers come to Furman and allot their time and wisdom to our students and are open to any questions.

Third, the student organizations presence and impact on the all around structure and organization of social life on campus. Furman University is a 100 percent residential institution meaning that all students live on campus all four years. This allows for the student body to form a true sense of familiarity and community among the students of all walks of life. This truly allows for a diverse experience. Furthermore, the small student body allows for professors to become involved with multiple individuals, groups and organizations on a personal level and truly support the students efforts to push organizations forward whether it be to explore science, politics, or to discuss sports.
These are all things that I was told existed at Furman but I did not come to realize these things until I took a step back to reflect on my experiences here. As a Furman student you will be pushed to study and progress more than ever before and it is easy to get caught up in the world of stress and worriedness, however the sooner one takes the time to truly reflect and appreciate the sense of community and opportunities that derive from the institutions connections, your joy truly soars. As a rising senior I have enjoyed my years at Furman and truly do bleed purple!

5 Things That Defined My Furman Experience

ehawthorne / August 12, 2016March 27, 2017 / Counselor Blog

Today’s blog was written by admission counselor Coady Shovlain.

I love my job. As an admission counselor I travel all over the country, I meet motivated students, I read heart-warming applications, but none of that gets at the heart of why I completely love what I do. It is that I get to represent Furman through all of that in light of my own great experience as a Furman student – that is why I love what I do. Reflecting of my Furman experience comes with the territory. So as I reflect, here are five things I did as a student that defined my Furman experience.

I made myself the priority.

Yes, I feel a twinge of self-centeredness as I type these words, but it is a twinge I welcome and embrace. Being a Furman student was a wonderful four years in my life, and I made myself the priority in every part of that experience. I was the priority in that I made sure to not let my four years pass me by unfulfilled or unrealized. These are not the four years in your life when you should start to settle for the expectations of someone else. Quite to the contrary, there are few other spaces that foster the liberty to explore your own dreams and aspirations as well as a university. So yes, I welcome and embrace that twinge of self-centeredness. I invested my time and energy, both in and outside of the classroom, in discovering and pursuing my passions. Furman is a great place for that, and I am a lot happier for it.

2. I ate when I wanted and with whom I wanted.

I feel like, “I made my appetite the priority” would have followed my first point a little too well, so we went with this instead. Regardless, while food currently plays and will always play an important role in my life, I am not here to convince you when to eat and in whose company. Rather, and quite to the contrary, I challenge you to decide that for yourself – yourself and no one else. And no, we are not just talking about your next meal. We are talking about your individuality, about being a person of conviction, which is a lot more difficult than deciding where to go for dinner (that is, unless you have ever tried to decide on dinner plans with a sister or girlfriend, in which case the two are comparable). Being a person of conviction can be hard, whether we are talking about something as trivial as dinner plans or something as significant as where you attend college, or what you study while you are there. And all the decisions in-between—what parties you attend, how well you read for a class, who you spend your time with—they all add up to define you. And making those choices solely because of another person robs the world of something really special. YOU!

3. I never turned down free food.

Sorry to return to food, but I warned you earlier – food currently plays and will always play an important role in my life – and you best believe after four years as a Furman student I know where to find the best free food. In my experience the best free food can often be found at a club or an organization’s open house. There are groups on campus literally waiting to welcome you to their ranks, and getting involved it great! It truly was something that defined my Furman experience. I got involved in organizations I would have never previously anticipated, and I grew to love them and the people I met through them. And to think – it all started with free food at an open house!

4. I spent a summer on campus.

By now in the blog you may have gathered that I kept myself pretty busy as a Furman student. Between classes, clubs, and other commitments it seemed like I was always running to the next thing on my schedule. Summer at Furman is different. The course load seems to lighten. The clubs adjourn until August. The commitments become far and few between. “Finally,” I thought, “I get to slow down and take it all in.” Instead of running to a Residential Life Council meeting, I was able to take a sunset walk around the lake. Instead of tackling homework assignments in the library, I was able to take down some opponents on the sand volleyball court. Spending a summer on campus gave me an opportunity to experience the in-between moments at Furman through which I grew to fully appreciate what was under my nose the whole time – a beautiful campus with so much to offer so many.

5. I gave tours.

As I mentioned at the very beginning I love my job because it gives my time to reflect on my own great experience as a Furman student. However, before I was an admission counselor, before I even graduated from Furman, I was reflecting. I may not have known it then, but giving student-led tours with the admission office served that role in my life. I began giving tours in my senior year, later than most, and I saw it only as a fun way to spend time between classes. As it turned out, it was that and so much more. It was a fifty-minute block of time where, no matter what was going on in my life—the test I had just bombed, the friend who had just cancelled on me, the roommate who had forgotten to do the dishes again—no matter any of that, those fifty-minute tours brought me back to the wonderful gifts Furman had given over the last four years. Creating a space to reflect on that made all the difference for me in realizing what a special and perfect role Furman held and continues to hold in my heart.

There you have it – five things I did that defined my Furman experience. As you continue in the college search process and continue to consider what you are hoping your next four years look like I hope you take these words with you. Attending Furman is a huge experience, and for those who take advantage of it, it can be a transformative one. Start asking yourself, “How will I define my Furman experience?”

What It Means to Be a Furman Legacy

Courtney Thomas / August 6, 2016March 6, 2017 / Counselor Blog, Guest Blogs, Uncategorized

Legacy /’leg-uh-see’/ n. a student whose parent, grandparent, or sibling has attended Furman University.

If you looked in a Furman dictionary between words like “The Lib” (Duke Library) and “The PAC” (Physical Activities Center), you would find the above definition for “Legacy.” I am a proud Furman legacy of my mom, who graduated back in ’87. In addition, my aunt was a member of the Class of ’90 and while this isn’t defined under legacy, Furman runs in the family. I’ve always been asked what it’s like to follow in my mom’s footsteps and if my Furman experience has been any different. Here are a few reasons why it’s awesome to be a Furman legacy and what many legacies can relate to as a Furman student!

You’ve had Furman (or a lot of purple) apparel since you were a young one.

⇐ To the left is my first purple outfit (stylish purple overalls) I wore to my first Paladin Football game. Since then, I’ve owned several Furman shirts and souvenirs. Because of this, people will assume you’re going to Furman since you own so much purple and Furman gear.

Also, everyone in your family probably has a lot of Furman apparel. ⇒

No need to buy apparel for your family because most of them probably own a lot already! It was easy for me to get everyone in Furman apparel when I decided upon Furman.

Maybe your first official campus visit has not been your first time on campus.

It feels weird checking in to your campus tour when you’ve already been on campus before. Everything that an ambassador might share on the official tour, you might have heard before from your favorite alumnus. Even though you feel like you know campus, you still learn more from another student’s perspective.

You have similar tastes.

Great minds think alike! You and your favorite alumnus must have similar tastes if you both chose the same school. You both were probably looking for a small, liberal arts college with excellent academics and a strong community.

You know about all the favorite Furman traditions before you even step foot on campus.

Laking, fountain hopping, kissing under the Bell Tower… yep, you’ve heard all of them before. You probably already know to stay away from the Bell Tower with your college sweetheart or be thankful your birthday is during the summer months. While you might partake in some of these traditions with fellow students, you feel connected to your favorite alumnus because they’ve done it before you.

Homecoming is a bit more meaningful.

⇐ Homecoming is a favorite Furman tradition for all students; however having an alumnus in the family makes the celebration a little bit more meaningful. Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate Homecoming with Family Weekend because you’re family will come to both. Homecoming literally means coming home for you and your favorite alumnus. Whether going to the festivities Friday night before the game or cheering on the Paladins in the big Homecoming football game, there are plenty of activities you can both attend and make Furman memories together.

You have the ability to see how Furman has changed and grown throughout the years.

I truly think this is one of the neatest aspects of having alumni in the family. While some Furman traditions don’t change over the years, there is still a lot of change happening on campus. Having alumni in the family from past years allows you to experience Furman throughout its changes. I will never forget my mom being shocked when she went into South Housing (the freshmen residential halls) for the first time, since it used to be the boy’s part of campus.

Whether you can relate to all of these or very few, there’s some sort of connection between Furman legacies. It just makes Furman a little bit more like home. Besides fellow legacies, I’ve also shared this special connection with my mom, which just adds to our bond. I love my favorite alumnus just as much as I love Furman. When people ask if I liked following in my mom’s footsteps, I always respond, “Yes, absolutely.” I am one proud legacy whose blood runs purple!

-Alex Doxey ’19

Study Away!

ehawthorne / August 5, 2016March 27, 2017 / Counselor Blog, Uncategorized

This guest blog was written by Christopher Razo, a current senior from Chicago, IL.

During my first three years at Furman, I have earned the opportunity to participate in two study away programs. The first program that I participated in was the “May by the Bay” San Francisco- May X, as a sophomore. The second program that I participated in was the “Washington Experience” semester away program during the spring of my junior year. Having the opportunity to interact and explore in person the adventures that we read about in the classroom is a reality at Furman and offered to any student for the standard tuition price!

Furman is a place full of bright minds and innovative thinkers, but having a chance to study away from Furman’s campus offers students the opportunity to go through a transformative learning experience. Whether a student chooses to spend a semester or a May term away, they will certainly encounter enriching academic experiences.

The May Experience is essentially an optional three week term following the spring semester that allows students to explore topics of interest, within in and outside of their majors, in two credit courses (typically without prerequisites) that are not offered during the academic year. When a student opts to study away from campus for the month of May in programs that explore topics such as the rhetoric of social activism in the San Francisco, religion and politics in Israel- Jordan, or food in Italy, the student has signed up to have an extravagant life experience. Having an opportunity to explore different destinations with amazing professors, is an example of engaged learning at its finest. The programs designed and led by Furman faculty ensures students that they will be receiving the rigorous Furman education while studying off-campus. My professor led the journey when we traveled along the Bay and met with famous activists from diverse groups. I had the chance of meeting NYU law professor Dr. Kenji Yoshino at Stanford, Dr. Clarence Jones at Stanford, David Harris in San Francisco, Chief Chris Magnus at the Richmond Police Department, United Farm Workers in Fresno, and survivors of the Japanese Internment camps in Fresno. Besides the academic opportunities, there is time for students to explore the city they are studying in. During my free time around the Bay area, I would tag along with my professor to small used bookstores in Eureka and Palo Alto and after one month I found myself interested in political commentaries and philosophy books more than ever.

Seventy percent of Furman academic departments require students to fulfill an internship experience credit. As a political science major I had three study away programs offered to me through the department. The programs were academic-internship focused semesters in Brussels, Edinburgh, and Washington D.C. The spectacular aspect about the study away programs within the academic departments is that the professors have the opportunity to customize a curriculum and lead the academic journeys. It is often the case that Furman professors have gone on the same trip for twenty years and are well acquainted with the cities students live and study in. Spending spring ’16 in Washington D.C. gave me the opportunity to live, study and work in the city that contains every branch of government and every government organization that I study in the classroom at Furman’s campus. The unique experience allowed me to study campaigns and elections during the national residential primaries. As a citizen of the Washington D.C. political climate, I also partook in protests, organization meetings, and met with with Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC), and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) two politicians I respect and follow regularly.

The greatest impact that I have had from my study away experiences in San Francisco and Washington D.C. was finding out how I want to incorporate the rigorous knowledge I am receiving at Furman into the political realm of our society as it stands today. I am a young Mexican-American from the south west side of Chicago. Growing up I found interest in political corruption and poor education systems because that what I was exposed to, and the corruption had affected my family’s personal life. As a young kid, it was easy for me realize these things early and I have been ambitious with my academic career at Furman to place myself in a position where I can return to the city of Chicago or to communities nation wide like the one I grew up in and be able to assist the young constituents who are effected by local school systems. Traveling with students of diverse political and social ideologies, and professors of great knowledge and experience has opened my mind to the billions of opportunities that exist for those who dare to chase their dreams. I had the chance of addressing the political issues that interest me the most through my media focused internship where I published articles, written while working along side political editors from TIME magazine, journalists from the Miami-Herald, and a former CIA agents.

I recommend studying away because between the ages 18-22, these are crucial years to the development of a person, their mind, body and soul. I believe that it is essential for a student of all backgrounds to use their college experience to explore perspectives on issues they find themselves interested in. A study away program may serve as a life changing experience in that through the program one may find their passion and or the place they would like to live out their career lives. The term could potentially create both professional and personal relationships with our professors who are both well connected and hold a lot of wisdom just waiting to be brought out by a vibrant and intellectual student, a Furman student.

Top 10 Ways to Finish Your Senior Year Strong

abrown2726 / April 13, 2015November 4, 2016 / Counselor Blog

It is spring of your senior year and your head is spinning with college decisions, spring break vacations, preparing for tests and exams, and oh…there’s prom. Here’s a list to help remind you of how to enjoy the best of both, your senior year and the anticipation of starting college in the fall!

10. Study – Let’s start here. Just because you received the good news from your dream college does not mean you stop doing your school work. You were chosen for your hard work and academic achievements. Don’t let that slip through your fingers. Furman professors will be ready to dig in after the summer.

9. Plan a family trip this summer – This will be the last summer of your childhood and one you will want to enjoy to the fullest. Talk to Mom and Dad about doing something as a family, whether that be a day at the park, a shopping trip, or if you’re lucky, a trip to Disney World!

8. Let Mom and Dad pamper you – Soon enough, they will be carting you off to college…and leaving you to fend for yourself. Moving into your dorm room is not that daunting, but in their minds, it may be. You are and always will be their child so let them shower you with love, affection and whatever else they may want to do for you. You will never be too grown up to receive this kind of love.

7. Time with Friends – Plan to have dinner or go to the movies with your friends. Your senior year has been absolutely crazy so use this time to connect, catch up and share excitements and concerns about what you think your first year of college will be like. You will be glad you did and maybe it will become a tradition to re-connect every year with these special friends.

6. Connect with Furman – Look for special ways to connect with current students and professors. We are all over social media including: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and even Pinterest! The Freshmen Student Bloggers website is a great way to follow the experience of a first-year student. #furmanbound

5. Senior Day – The one day of the year when your high school recognizes you for the awesome class you are and lets you have some fun! Take pictures, participate in the activities, sign yearbooks and soak up every moment.

4. Plan your final college visits – Furman offers Accepted Student Day events as a great way to visit Furman in the spring, enjoy Greenville’s downtown, and get all your questions answered. Re-visit all admission and financial aid information and read the instructions so you know how to best proceed when you’re ready to share your final decision.

3. Go to prom – Prom is a fun way to enjoy time with your friends and is one of the last social gatherings with all of your childhood friends. If prom isn’t your thing, consider an alternative way to celebrate this fun time of year.

2. Commit to your college choice by May 1 – It is super important to communicate your decision to all the colleges you have been accepted to, those that you have chosen not to attend along with the institution that is excited to welcome you in the fall! Don’t forget to let your college counselor and other supportive community members know about your choice, as well. They have all been rooting for you and looking forward to hearing from you on your choice.

1. Enjoy high school graduation – This is a special milestone that will never be duplicated and an experience that you will look back on and remember forever. You and your classmates are all going in different directions and you don’t want to bypass it with the anticipation of college. Every member in your family has played a part in helping you achieve this accomplishment. Let them enjoy this time with you so you all can work toward the next graduation…from college!

Enjoy this spring. Go forth and be great. Furman will be waiting for you.

Allyson Brown – Assistant Director of Admission

Top 14 Things to Pack for College

eahlstrand / April 1, 2015November 4, 2016 / Counselor Blog

Whether you’re the type who stresses about packing for three weeks before an overnight trip, or more of an “hour-before” type packer, assembling all of your stuff for college can be daunting. Here are a few things we want to make sure you don’t forget.

Blazer
Blazers and sport coats are never inappropriate for an interview. Always have one on standby for student organization and internship opportunities.

Iron

No one likes a wrinkle-y shirt. Learn basic ironing technique so you don’t burn the building down.

Safety Pins

Clothing’s equivalent of duct tape. PS – bring duct tape, too.

Sewing Kit

Things Fall Apart isn’t just a book you read in AP Lit. Don’t neglect your buttons by making them hang on by a thread.

Stain Stick

Life is messy. Keep one of these in your backpack for when you drop Frito Pie on yourself in the DH.

Laundry Supplies

Once you’ve gotten a how-to lesson from your parents, make sure you have detergent and dryer sheets. We also suggest all-in-one pods if you’re not as familiar with the laundering arts.

Shower Caddy

Keep all of your shower stuff together. Pretty straight forward.

Reusable Water Bottle

Be sustainable. Stay hydrated. Go ‘Dins.

First Aid Kit

While the Infirmary is fully stocked, it’s always good to have band-aids, Neosporin, etc. on hand for the bumps and scrapes of freshman year.

Rain Gear

Our campus is stunning, but grass this green needs a good dose of rain. Invest in some rain boots and an umbrella; you’ll certainly be glad you did.

Surge Protector

With life becoming more-and-more techno-centric, you’ll definitely want more outlets to recharge.

Debit Card

The Trone Center at Furman has BB&T, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo ATM machines on campus. To avoid transaction fees, look into these banks or banks that do not have withdrawal fees!

Tool Kit

This will be really helpful after you move in and are trying to assemble that bookshelf that an Ikea pro couldn’t even figure out.

Old costumes and tee-shirts

You never know when you’re going to need that old 1980’s windbreaker or oversized cowboy hat.

Figuring Out your Financial Aid Package

fstuart / March 17, 2015November 4, 2016 / Counselor Blog

As of this post, admission applicants for Early Decision and Early Action programs at Furman have received their financial aid packages. Regular Decision applicants…. hang in there. We will email those on or about April 1^st. So, once you have the numbers in front of you, what’s next?

First, your financial aid award email (we used to call them “letters” in the old, pre-email days) will give you the list of resources for which you qualify to help pay for some of your Furman expenses. These resources may include one or more of the following:

Merit/Athletic/Fine Arts/Departmental Scholarship funding: This is FREE money for you and is applied directly toward your costs (½ for fall and ½ for spring).
Furman Grant/Pell Grant/state grant of some sort: This is also FREE money for you, but these programs are usually based on demonstrated need as calculated by the mighty FAFSA and CSS Profile. Like scholarships, grants are applied directly toward your costs (½ for fall and ½ for spring).
Student Loan(s): Now, we know loans are not as fun as scholarships and grants. But, they are helpful for about 42% of our students, with the average indebtedness over four years being $25,903. This funding is applied directly toward your costs, just like the scholarships and grants. Going into debt with student loans, however, is YOUR CHOICE. Simply decline them if you don’t want them. Just understand that Furman cannot replace those loans with grant or scholarship money. So, talk with your parents before making any choice about the loans.
Federal Work Study: This is a program that has been around since your parents were your age (and much longer). Simply put, if you were awarded Federal Work Study, you may earn up to the dollar amount we listed for you. This money is earned in part-time (10 or so hours per week) jobs on campus (and some off campus). This money is paid to you as the worker. What you do with that money is between you and your parents. BUT, if your parents expect you to use that money to pay down your student bill, then do that. Otherwise, it might not work out too well for you….

Now, there will be a paragraph that shows how much it costs to come to Furman for the 2015-16 year. Take that amount and subtract your scholarships, grants, and student loans, and you will see what the remaining costs are likely to be. This is only an estimate, though, since we don’t know your individual spending habits!!

Also in this paragraph, there will also be an indication of how much a parent may borrow via the PLUS loan, if that becomes necessary. A little less than 10% of our parents borrow through the PLUS loan.

Finally, you will see that you need to respond to us by May 1^st. This is vitally important since we will likely reach our capacity by midnight May 1, so get that deposit in by that time!!

Furman’s financial aid office is more than just about money. We aim to listen and to build relationships over the four years most students are at Furman. That’s our goal. We don’t always get it right, but hopefully we improve each year. Let us know if you have questions or simply want to “chat” about financial aid at Furman, or anything else for that matter.

Go Paladins!!!

Forrest M. Stuart

AVP for Financial Aid

8 Ways to Know that Furman is the School for You

ehawthorne / March 13, 2015November 4, 2016 / Counselor Blog

Choosing a college can be a difficult experience. You want to choose a place that will feel like home for the next four years. You’re looking for a university that best fits the qualities and characteristics that you value in a school. In my own college search, I was looking for small class sizes, challenging academics, and a close knit community. I wanted to have the opportunity to participate in meaningful internships, groundbreaking undergraduate research opportunities, and exciting study abroad trips. At the end of my search, my choice was Furman, and I do not think I could possibly have made a better decision. I thought I might share a few of my favorite facets of the Furman experience in order to help you imagine yourself as a Paladin.

Furman might be for you if…

1. You want to be a part of a close-knit campus community. As a student at Furman, you’ll live on our campus all four years. Living on campus allows you the opportunity to get to know students and staff of all ages. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, you’ll live within walking distance of your professors’ offices, the dining hall, and all of our exciting campus events. With 2700 students, Furman is small enough that you will see familiar faces everywhere you go – a constant reminder that you are a part of the Furman family. At the same time that I appreciate these small-school charms, I also think that the size is large enough that there is always someone new to meet and something new to discover. Furman’s size is a perfect middle-ground between a small school and a large school, and that was the perfect fit for me!

2. You want to create sincere and meaningful relationships with your professors. Throughout my four years at Furman, I was constantly amazed by the kindness, generosity, and dedication of Furman professors. Experts in their fields of study, Furman’s faculty members are always eager and willing to give of their time and talents. They encourage their students to think critically, to ask tough questions, to challenge their assumptions, and to seek a better understanding of the complex world in which we live. Their passion for their subjects and genuine interest in their students create unique and personalized opportunities for learning and reflection. Serving as lifelong mentors and friends, professors at Furman help students to grow and mature into better scholars and more engaged members of the world community. When I was searching for the right college, I was looking for a school where I would have the opportunity to get to know my professors. I definitely found that kind of connection at Furman.

3. You want to spend four years on one of the most beautiful campuses in America. Don’t just take my word for it. Furman is listed as one of “The 30 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the South,” one of “10 Uniquely Stunning College Campuses from Around the World,” and one of “41 Scenic College Campuses that Were Made for Instagram.” Furman’s 750 acre campus is breathtakingly beautiful and a truly amazing place to call home.

4. You want to live in a growing, vibrant, and welcoming city. Furman’s campus is only a ten minute drive from downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville is a lot more than a college town. The Main Street of Greenville is home to over ninety locally owned restaurants and an endless supply of shopping opportunities. Businesses throughout the city offer countless opportunities for internships and there is never a shortage of things to do!

5. You’re up for a challenge. In my college search, I was looking for a school that would challenge me to be all that I could be. I wanted to be challenged in a classroom setting, as well as encouraged to be an active part of a diverse and dynamic community. At Furman, you will be asked to live up to your potential. You’ll have to learn to juggle your academic commitments with your commitments to student groups. You’ll have to seize opportunities for meaningful internships and seek out opportunities to participate in undergraduate research. Join some student groups and seek leadership positions. Because Furman has so much to offer, you will have to learn to juggle all of your new exciting responsibilities. These new time management skills will be invaluable as you move throughout your college years and beyond.

6. You want to forever join the Furman family. It is such an honor to be a part of the Paladin family. As a student, I was immersed in the Furman community. I found a home on Furman’s campus and established lifelong friendships. Now, as a graduate, I’m gaining an ever better sense of what it means to be a part of the Furman community. Whenever I meet a fellow Furman alumnus, I feel an instant connection. Common ground comes easily – regardless of our graduation year, we can compare memories of throwing a classmate in the lake on their birthday or the President’s Picnic during Orientation week. We share the same traditions and the same legacy – and that’s a pretty powerful thing. (To learn more about that trademark Furman experience, click here.)

7. You want to take advantage of once in a lifetime opportunities. Maybe you dream of publishing a paper based on your research with Mountain Lions in New Mexico. Perhaps you hope to present a paper on bioethics at a national conference. Your dream might be to land your dream internship at Goldman Sachs or The Kennedy Center. Or, you might hope to study abroad in the British Isles, intern with the Scottish Parliament, or embark on a May Experience to Fiji, Iceland, or the Galápagos Islands. All of these opportunities and more will be available to you as a Furman student. Seize the moment and enjoy a once in a lifetime chance!

8. You’ve visited campus and envisioned yourself as a member of the Paladin family. You can learn a lot about a college from websites and brochures, but the best way to gain clarity in your college search is to take a trip to campus! We would love for you to be our guest. Come for a tour, meet with a professor, have lunch with a current student, and stay overnight with one of our student hosts. We hope that you will feel immediately at home in our community and start to envision yourself wearing Paladin purple for the next four years!

Elizabeth Hawthorne ’14

Admission Counselor

Top 10 Things to Do in the Greenville Outdoors

ehawthorne / January 27, 2015November 4, 2016 / Counselor Blog

Hopefully you’ve been following along with our counselor blogs and are beginning to get a sense of the wonderful experience that four years on Furman’s campus can be! You’re excited about small class sizes, accessible professors, and the possibility of being a part of a close-knit and supportive campus community. You’ve researched your major of choice, explored some internship possibilities, and started brainstorming a topic you’d like to research alongside a Furman professor. Hopefully, you’re also getting a sense of all that Greenville has to offer to the Furman family. You’re already crafting a list of restaurants to try, events to attend, and shows to see. How could it get any better? Well, I think it can. Surrounding Furman (and the Greenville area in general) are an endless supply of opportunities for adventure. I just wanted to take a moment to showcase a few of my favorite things in this area’s great outdoors. Serving as a perfect home base, Furman sits right in the middle of all kinds of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. If hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors are your passions, the Greenville area is a perfect place to call home!

1. Visit a Pretty Place– Never has a location been so aptly named. (And pretty is putting it lightly!) Located inside the YMCA Camp Greenville, the Symmes Chapel (more often referred to as “Pretty Place”) overlooks a gorgeous expanse of mountains. You can visit any time of day, but any Furman student can tell you that sunrise is best. Grab some friends, and make sure to have lots of coffee on hand… there has never been a better reason to wake up at 5 am!

2. Hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail– The Swamp Rabbit Trail used to be a railroad, but is now a paved path that runs straight from the heart of our campus to the heart of downtown Greenville! It also connects Furman to the small town of Traveler’s Rest. If you are hoping to go for a run or a bike ride, your dorm room is just seconds away from this smooth and scenic path. When you’re ready for a break, stop for a scone at the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery!

3. Fall in love with Falls Park– Whether you are studying for a biology exam, throwing a frisbee with your roommate, or discussing the latest episode of Scandal with a group of friends, Falls Park is the place to be. The view of the downtown waterfall is breathtaking, and there is never a shortage of things to do! Take a walk through the shops downtown, grab a cup of coffee from your favorite café, and then spend some time relaxing in the grass in the heart of downtown.

4. Seek out the best Waterfalls– There are over 35 accessible waterfalls in the upstate of South Carolina, with drops ranging from forty to seven hundred feet! Visiting some of them will require that you hike several hours into the woods, while others will barely require you to get out of your car. See how many of them you can collect throughout your time as a Furman student!

5. Go wild at the Greenville Zoo– Over 300 animals call the Greenville Zoo home! Spend some time exploring the exhibits and getting to know the lions, tortoises, and orangutans. Be sure to say hello to Kiko, the newest addition to the giraffe family!

6. Track down the best Parks and Hiking Trails– If hiking is your passion, you are in just the right place. Furman is located very close to the Foothills Trail, a seventy-seven mile trek through the gorgeous upstate of South Carolina. One of my favorite things about this area is the vast number of hiking trails. There are far too many hiking opportunities for me to even begin to name them all. Sassafras Mountain, Whitewater Falls, Table Rock, Jones Gap, and Caesar’s Head are just a few of my very favorites. This list should get you started, and then you can begin to build your own list of favorites!

7. Spend a lazy day at the lake– Furman has its own lake, but it might not be quite big enough to accommodate all of your swimming and boating needs. Luckily, Furman sits less than an hour from three beautiful lakes – Hartwell, Keowee, and Jocassee. Go for a swim, lay on the beach, and spend a day in the sun.

8. Celebrate fall at the Apple Festival– Every fall, Hendersonville plays host to the NC Apple Festival. After you’ve driven the short thirty minutes to the festival, spend the day mixing and mingling with Furman students and community members of all ages. Dance to the live bands, drink some apple cider, eat some apple pie, and be sure to go home with a basket full of apples for the week ahead!

9. Take a trip to Asheville– Less than 45 minutes away, the city of Asheville has all kinds of opportunities for fun. You may find yourself drawn to the area for any number of reasons – a chance to go white water rafting, the opportunity to have dessert at the Chocolate Lounge, or an offer of tickets to a show at the Orange Peel. Asheville is also home to Biltmore Estates, the famous former residence of the Vanderbilt family. Be sure to tour the house and learn about the history of the mansion and its expansive grounds. In the spring, admire the endless gardens, or in December, marvel at the Christmas trees. (How do they get that forty-foot tree inside?) The Furman University Student Activities Board raffles off fifty pairs of tickets for a trip to the Biltmore every December. If your number is called, you’ll receive transportation, a delicious buffet dinner, and a chance to tour the house!

10. There’s no place like Furman– From the moment I stepped onto Furman’s campus as a prospective student, I have been overwhelmed by the beauty of Furman’s 750 acre campus. Walking with friends became one of my very favorite things to do. I found that the very best conversations took place on those walks around the lake and through the Furman Mall. Forbes named Furman one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. I think that title couldn’t be more deserved. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect college home.

Elizabeth Hawthorne ’14

Admission Counselor