The College Tour is an annual event for the PCA Junior Class, and the tradition continued last week with visits to Wofford, Clemson, and Newberry. Students collected a great deal of factual information such as application deadlines, admissions requirements, and majors, but what they enjoyed most was learning about the distinctives of each school. Of special interest were Wofford's creative Interim classes/travel/internships for the month of January, Clemson's placement of freshman students into classes in their majors for early exposure, and Newberry's high percentage of student-athletes.
Learning about campus life was another highlight of the trip. Walking among current college students gave PCA Juniors a sense of the student culture, and tour guides shared their personal experiences and campus traditions with the group. PCA Juniors learned about the history of the Wofford Boston Terrier mascot, the turning of the Clemson ring, and the ringing of the Newberry bell at graduation. For an even more in-depth experience, they went to Clemson's Fellowship of Christian Athletes worship service, had dinner with PCA alumni, and ate in college dining halls.
The College Tour trip is one of Academic Counselor Sally Pascutti's favorite PCA events. It is a memory-maker, but most importantly, "It introduces students to different types of colleges. It helps them to be informed and intentional about the places they pursue after high school. When they identify the major, the college size and location, the career preparation support, and the scholarship opportunities that fit them best, then we can focus in specific programs that will help them reach their goals," she says.
The Wofford, Clemson, and Newberry tours were in addition to PCA's one-day trip to USC-Columbia and Presbyterian College in the fall. Many thanks to chaperones Karen Jackson, Quinn Disrud, Bill Schenkel, and Dean Creed who made these two trips happen for our students!
