March 20th, 2015

bracket busted but wofford is a winner

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Each year, my family participates in the NCAA March Madness Bracket. Each year, I learn about more schools that are basketball favorites. Before I became a college admissions counselor, I never gave these schools a second thought, but as I guide more and more students in their college searches, I have come to realize many of us never hear of so many great schools because they "fall off the radar." With Baby Boomer parents focussed on pedigree and status, it is easy to see why great schools are passed over for those with more "name brand" recognition.

Recently, at a presentation to my daughter's junior class, I had the opportunity to hear Maria Furtado, CEO of Colleges that Change Lives discuss the college search process. During her remarks, she informed the students that none of her co-workers had any idea where she was going as they had never heard of my daughter's high school. She asked the students, "Do you think you attend a good high school? Do you think you have great chances of getting into great schools?" She answered her own question in the affirmative and then followed up with the caveat - "Just because a group of very knowledgable college professionals have no idea this school even exists does not mean it isn't a good school. It only means they've never heard of it. Remember this when you look at colleges. Just because YOU'VE never heard of a college doesn't mean it isn't a great school." I couldn't agree more. 

Perhaps Wofford College fits this category. Founded in 1854 and designated a National Historic Site in 1974, Wofford College is a small, liberal arts college in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Its approximately 1600 students live and learn on its beautiful campus, also designated as an arboretum. With a 1:11 student to faculty ratio, classes are taught by full professors. You can choose from one of 51 majors and enjoy DI sports, many of which (eh hem, BASKETBALL) are nationally known. You can study on campus or abroad. Wofford is particularly proud of their program The Space  "the only space of its kind at any liberal arts college where you can prepare, impact, launch, consult and explore, and we believe it will give you a unique competitive advantage after graduation." Focussed on a broad and traditional liberal arts education, Wofford is also focussed on getting you a job after you graduate. 

They may not have won on the court, but they are certainly winning in the classroom! Go Terriers!

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