Are you from out of state?  Do you think that Carolina tuition is too much?  Do you think that out-of-state tuition, in general, is too much?

Well, have no fear!  For all of you bright minds out there, the McNair Scholars Program is as outstanding of a scholarship program as I always attest to that of the Carolina Scholars Program.

I've constantly talked about the Carolina Scholars Program, as I am one.  But I also know a bit about the McNair's.  They are basically our out-of-state counterparts.  We rub elbows with each other at most of our scholar events.  Some of you may have already heard about them.  Maybe some of y'all have started to read into the program.  (With up to a $60,000 four-year value, I'd be sure to get cracking on this, too, if I were from out-of-state!  It's even $20,000 more than what we receive from the University's Carolina Scholar Program!)

So, what's the 411 on this great opportunity?  Generally speaking, these are the "cream of the crop" of the out-of-state applicants to the S.C. Honors College.  For the most part, applicants to the Honors Program boast of over 1300 SAT scores, excellent grades, and a diverse extra-curricular and out-of-class activities.  You can expect that these McNairs are well on top of these general Honors student characteristics.  But don't fret!  You don't have to be a "book-worm, anti-social, hunched-over-your-desk-studier, overachiever!"  These students, like my fellow Carolina Scholars, are just as outgoing, interesting, sociable, and awesome as your average Joe or Betty or even like the coolest kids of your high school.  Like I said, we rub elbows at our events, and these events I speak of are not always just your sit-down scholarly dinners.  We have tailgates and other such activities.  (Ice cream social in the beginning of the fall semester???  Man, we're wild!  Haha!)  Some scholars have also left their marks in the University by joining several of our 300 clubs, becoming a part of the Greek life, and by being just great active members of the Carolina community.

This program was started back in 1998 by a USC alumni who decided to truly give back.  Over the years, it has grown, and more and more students are finding out about the program and have been competing for a spot.  As of recent, 18 states are being represented by our McNairs.  I'm sure all of you out there would love to change that!

So, where is all the money coming from?  Business leader, Robert C. McNair...As I said, a USC alum has decided to give back.  Ten years ago, he started this program with a $20 million endowment.  Pretty hefty of a sum, eh?  But can I tell y'all more great news?  Hmmm...maybe I'll just let y'all find out on your own.  Click here!!!

Hope this gets y'all thinking about your next steps in planning and preparing for college.

Catch y'all later on the flipside, Gamecocks!

Posted by Kriska at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I was reading my fellow bloggers' most recent entries, and I happened upon the Director of Admissions, Scott Verzyl's recent entry about scholarship time drawing closer.  (To see what he has to say about the timeline of scholarship evaluations, click here!)

Scott's advice was to be patient, especially for those who applied for the Carolina Scholars Award, and I would definitely suggest the same for y'all.  We all know how anxious y'all are probably feeling right now as you await for your letters from all the different schools and scholarships to which you've all applied.  It's a hard thing to play this waiting game, but I'm sure that with your brilliant, diverse, and scholarly applications, y'all are bound to get great offers!

So, what happens when the waiting game is over, and that FedEx truck comes rolling down your street and the nice man in brown hands you that crisp FedEx envelope?  What do you do after you've jumped up and down over great excitement and have called all of your family and friends, even distant Uncle Bob?  What do you do to prepare for that fateful day of "THE INTERVIEWS?!?"

Dun, dun, dun...After all of the excitement, it begins to dawn on you that you have to get prepared for interviews that determine what scholarship you'll get.  BUT DON'T FEAR!  In addition to being patient, I'd love to add a couple more of advice for you prospective scholars. 

1) Think these thoughts:  "Dress to impress" and "Look the part"

This is probably not the most important thing on the list of things to start thinking about (I'll tell you later what is), but preparing that suit is definitely a key part of interviews.  You want to make sure that you make a really good first impression.  Not that the interviewers are close-minded and would not give you the time of day simply based on looks, but if YOU want to set the tone of YOUR interview, then you should definitely look the part!  Oh, and don't worry about pricey suits.  Ladies and gents, a good suit doesn't have to come up with a pricey tag.  Visit your local Kohl's, Belks, or Dillards stores, and you're bound to find a fitting suit for a fitting great scholar!

2) Know what YOU want!

When the interviewers asks you a question, just answer the way YOU want to answer.  No need to start thinking right now about what "they want to hear."  (Besides, who knows exactly what they want to hear!)  You applied to that school because it's what you wanted, and they picked you for their interview because they saw that in your application!  Also, in addition to knowing what you want, if you have questions about the university and their programs, you should ask those questions.  Actually, in my interview, they asked me if I had any questions about the S.C. Honors Program and the Carolina Scholarship.  I think my interviewers had a great idea about me, and I left knowing more about Carolina, too.  The interview is as much about what they want to know about you as it is about what you want to know about them!

3)  And last but most definitely not least...the most important of all: BE YOURSELF!

There is no need to worry about faking yourself or about pretending to be someone that you're not.  Like I said, you already got the interview.  There must have been at least one thing on your application that the admissions people already fell in love with, so you shouldn't worry too much about being anything but yourself!  In addition to being yourself, enjoy the moment!  There are so many incentives about going through an interview, and the experience itself is something to gain.

I wish all of you seniors the best of luck as y'all make your final choices for your college career.  Honestly, you've all already taken the right step to success by choosing to go for a degree!  If y'all have any other questions about the college application/interview process, let me know.  I'd be glad to share what I know and what my experience was like!

Catch y'all later on the flipside, Gamecocks!

Posted by Kriska at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I got to thinking...Two years ago, I was filling out college applications.  One-TWO!  It doesn't seem that long ago, but in fact it really has been two years.  About this time my senior year, I knew I was filling out on-line applications, spending some lunch time at the counsilor's office to get my transcript grades and such, and trying to determine which high school teachers did I need to ask for recommendations.  (TIP:  Which one did you suck up to the most. Hehe!  Just kidding.  Which one knows you the best is the rule of thumb!) 

I know for some people in my class this was quite a stressful time.  With application forms ranging from basic information to essays and 3-4 recommendation letters, the process can get overwhelming.  Of course, there are also numerous deadlines to keep in mind!!!  At some point all the forms will need to be sent in...oh and definitely postmarked on the right date!  With students now applying to an average of 4-8 colleges, it's hard to keep all of the dates straight!  So, I thought I'd help y'all out with the USC deadlines...

Here are some key dates to keep in mind for those wanting to be in the Freshman class next Fall:

October 1 (which is only four days away!) - Early Answer Application -- All of your materials need to be postmarked by Monday!

November 15 - South Carolina Honors College/Top Scholarship Application -- If you want to compete for the University's most prestigious scholarships, you better fill out the special application form and have it turned in by this date.  If you are just wanting to get into the Honors College, it will be a great idea to get your application turned in by this date as well.  By turning it in at this time, (1) you can be considered for the top scholarships and (2) after this date, consideration for acceptance into the Honors College will be based on space availability.

December 1 - Regular Decision Application

These are the most important dates to keep in mind for now for all of you seniors vying for a spot in the Fall 2008 semester.  The application pool gets bigger and bigger each year, so definitely get your application in early!  If you'd like to see more about these deadline dates, you can visit this link: http://sc.edu/admissions/freshdeadlines.php

Well, I hope that helps y'all out some.  I gotta bounce out.  It's time to study for my first Organic Chemistry exam.  Please keep me in y'alls prayers!!!  Hehe!  Catch y'all later on the flipside, Gamecocks!

Posted by Kriska at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

'Tis better late than never!  I know that Scholars' Day was last Saturday, but this week had just been so busy and hectic that I never got around to updating about it.  Overall, I had a pretty good time at Strom at the Scholars' Showcase despite the fact that I had to get up pretty early for it.  It was actually quite nice meeting ad chatting it up with prospective students of next year.  There were many interesting students and parents from all different parts of the country.  Some were from Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and even a family who drove all the way, all night long from New Jersey!  It was just cool getting to know them and sharing with everyone my college experience thus far.

We had to make a board for the showcase, and I really enjoyed that too.  It's been a while since I had to make a posterboard, but I still haven't lost my touch.  Everyone loved my board, especially the title--"a small but MIGHTY gamecock."  For all of you who may have not made it here to Carolina for the showcase, here is my board!

I numbered the sections of the board so that I can also share with y'all what I shared with everyone at Strom.

1)  That's a picture of my parents and I on my first day at Carolina.  Next to that are the Convocation papers that were given to us during that day too.  Dr. Sorensen, the provost, and Tommy Preston among other "important people" of Carolina were there to give us, incoming freshman Class of 2010, the first of many welcome speeches!

2) That's the list of "Tips for Freshmen" that I wrote back before Winter Break started.  To refer back to the article, click this link!

3)  That's the "Sports Section" on my board.  I had a couple pictures of my roommate, my boyfriend, and I at some of the games we went to.  I really enjoyed several football and basketball games over this past year!

4)  That's a picture of Shawn and I at Finlay Park.  I told students that not only are there a lot of things to do on campus but also several places to see and visit off campus that aren't too far.  Advenures off campus are pretty fun!

5)  That's my picture at the Convocation Reception.  It's funny because somehow whoever took the picture managed to keep me about focused and centered in the picture and everyone else in the background is sort of blurred--me, the small but MIGHTY gamecock!

6)  BEEZERS MENU!  I couldn't make a board without advertising the infamous Beezers.  Many late night cravings have been satisfied by this awesome deli place--and I don't even like subs!  There's just something about that Beezers!

7)  Pictures of the Thanksgiving Dinner at MaxcyPad!  Yes, we had one...no turkey but rotisserie chicken was good enough!  Good times, good times--friends making the college experience!

8)  WORLD NIGHT PICTURES!  Me and the FASA Crew had a ton of fun dancing La Jota Manilena for the International Students' Association's Annual World Night--just one of Carolina's highly anticipated events of the year.

9)  A plug about RFL!!!  Man, I'm so excited about Relay for Life.  Only about two more weeks left.  Fab Five and Co. is doing really well in raising funds!

Anyways, I really enjoyed sharing my experience with all of the scholars and their parents at Scholars' Day, but even more...I'm "superdy-dooperdy" enjoying sharing my experience with y'all!  There's so much to talk about here in Carolina, sometimes I don't even know what to write about anymore!  (Note: But if there's anything you guys want me to specifically talk about, then just leave me one and let me know.  I'll be glad to address any of your questions or concerns.)

I'm glad that the weekend is just right around the corner.  I had a pretty traumatic week due to a horrible Chemistry exam.  I'm really looking forward to relaxing over the weekend.  Hope y'all are doing just great an leave me one!

Catch y'all later on the flipside, future Gamecocks!

Posted by Kriska at 04:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So.  Great title, eh?

Not much here really.  Just wanted to make a very last minute reminder...

Today is December 1, guys!  Freshmen applicants...don't forget to send in your applications by tonight to meet the priority deadline!!!

If you can't get your applications in today, as I've said before, don't worry.  They will be looked at by admissions whenever space is available, so just make sure to get them postmarked or submitted online as soon as you can.

Well, that's it for now.  Hope that all's well.  Cheer for the Gamecocks again my comrades for there will be another Carolina-Clemson match up this weekend.  The Gamecocks and the Tigers will meet at the Colonial Center for a basketball game tomorrow.  Hopefully we'll win and have more to add onto the bragging rights of last week's victory! 

Enjoy y'alls weekend and catch y'all on the flipside, future Gamecocks! 

Posted by Kriska at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey guys!  I know things are probably getting hectic on your side of the world too what with the semester coming to a close.  I'm piled with final exams and papers and essays.  I'm sure that your teachers are probably doing the same and are piling on projects, tests, quizzes, and stuff for you guys so that they can just get in those grades.  As if all of that weren't bad enough, I know that the whole applying for college thing is also probably stressing y'all out too...so just a quick reminder because I know that sometimes it's just easy to forget deadlines and such because things sometimes just begin to run together: The priority deadline is coming up...like in a couple days!

Don't worry.. DON'T PANIC!  USC will still look at your applications even if you don't get them in by December 1st, but those who do get their applications in before then will be prioritized.  Try to just fill up the on-line application as soon as you can, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

Well, hope y'all are doing great.   I know how stressful filling out those college applications can get, so just "holler" and I'll do my best to help you (or at least direct you to someone who can).

Catch y'all on the flipside, future Gamecocks! 

Posted by Kriska at 02:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s Thanksgiving, and it’s time to be thankful!  Gosh, there’s just so much to be thankful for—family, friends, and all the things that I have.  It’d take me forever to write about all of them…it’s just I feel like I’ve just been very blessed.  For one, being a Carolina Scholar has been a definite ginormous blessing.  As a Carolina Scholar, I am very thankful to so many people.  First of all, I have to thank the entire Admissions crew who reviewed my application and gave me the time of day.  Lord knows how huge the application pool was for the class of 2010.  Reports even show that my class has broken records with SAT and such.  Secondly, I’d have to thank the people who interviewed me because they made the process so smooth and not stressful at all!  I remember being worried and scared about the interview, but they were very casual and nice.  Still serious but not at all intimidating!  Thirdly, many thanks to Jan Smoak, Novella Beskid, and Ali Cook who continue to keep us updated and are just here for anything and everything.  The three of them work in the Fellowships & Scholarship Office, and they are a huge help when it comes to getting things done and figured out around the program.  Last but most definitely and certainly not by any means least, thanks go to Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, the donors of my scholarship.  People like them let kiddos like me go to college and not have to worry about how in the world we’re going to pay for the thousands of bills and such of a college education!!!  Being a Carolina Scholar also has a lot of perks—from cultural events, to mentors, to advisors, and most definitely some great receptions (food is always great—the caterers are always two thumbs up!).  It’s definitely nice to be a Carolina Scholar!!!

Oh, Thanksgiving!  On a side note…I know many of y’all have been looking at the application and such.  I’m not sure if the deadline for the Honors and the Carolina/McNair Scholarships have passed already, but if not… I encourage y’all to fill ‘em out!  If unfortunately the time for that has passed, don’t forget that the priority deadline is December 1^st.  With so many students applying daily…it’ll be to y’alls advantage to get those applications in soon!!!

Catch y’all on the flipside, future Gamecocks!

Posted by Kriska at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)