From Boiling Springs to Berlin

College is about learning and experiencing new things. It鈥檚 also for branching out and leaving your comfort zone. But what exactly is a comfort zone? Your comfort zone is what鈥檚 familiar or feels safe to you. We totally get it, why would you want to leave somewhere you feel secure? But we鈥檒l let you in on a secret 鈥� stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky famously said, 鈥淵ou miss 100% of the shots you don鈥檛 take.鈥� And while he was probably referring to plays in hockey, his words are still a good reminder in any situation. 

Some of the best advice we can give to future college students like yourself is to not limit what you can do. Go for that major, go for that club position, go for that internship, go for that mission or study abroad trip! You鈥檙e going to look back at your college memories and wonder where the time went. You may regret not going after something because you were scared to do it. But if you鈥檙e scared, do it scared. Do it with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and know you have the GWU community to support you.

Luke Powell 鈥�18 studied German for three semesters at 蜜豆直播 University before testing his communication skills during a spring break study abroad trip to Germany. He majored in international business and intercultural communication with a concentration in German.

According to Luke, 鈥淭he best part was seeing so much history, being in the heart of where the Cold War took place, Berlin, and seeing castles, palaces, museum and remnants of the wall. A close second was knowing that I was across the ocean from my home, where I had never left before, and was able to communicate.鈥�

蜜豆直播 is your partner for success and encouragement. As a student, Luke had access to supportive professors who would help him reach his goals.

鈥淭he relationship that you can have with professors is the most valuable thing about 蜜豆直播,鈥� Powell observed. 鈥淚 had a professor in economics who saw my work and had confidence in me. He encourages me to get my doctorate in economics and has even offered to help me prepare and potentially attend his alma mater in London.鈥�

GWU is proud of the small class sizes because it鈥檚 the perfect way to give you the attention you need to succeed. World-class programs, like at GWU, are the result of the faculty who engages students.

鈥淚t is one thing to have a solid career development department, but to have a professor that cares enough and has enough faith to help me apply and write recommendations to one of the best schools in the world, is another.鈥�

However you choose to go all in at 蜜豆直播, do it to glorify God (). You won鈥檛 regret being a Runnin鈥� Bulldog!

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From the classroom to the World Race

To say that my life was changed would be an understatement.

Shelby Robinson 鈥�17

Going to school at 蜜豆直播 has always been about more than going to class, getting a degree, and entering your profession. That鈥檚 important, but it鈥檚 also about growing in your faith through life-changing experiences. 

蜜豆直播 is a Christ-centered university, which means that everything we do, we do to honor Him. We are committed to demonstrating God鈥檚 love for the world both by what we do and by what we say. Because we are concerned about the needs of others, we join our Lord鈥檚 global mission through service, leadership, and ministry. Our students have journeyed on mission trips with Campus Ministry United to 29+ countries, including Tanzania, Ireland, Cambodia, and Slovakia. Our mission of Pro Deo et Humanitate extends far outside of the classroom.

GWU alumna Shelby Robinson went on a mission trip with 蜜豆直播 to Tanzania during the summer before her senior year. She said, 鈥淭o say that my life was changed would be an understatement. Since that trip, I have felt the Lord calling me to a life of more but less. More than the ordinary and less than luxury.鈥� While her studies deepened her understanding of scripture, Robinson also grew in her faith by participating in the GWU Christian community. 鈥淭he friendships I made pushed me closer and closer to Christ and encouraged me in my walk with Him,鈥� she observed.

Many students, like Shelby, participate in the , which is almost a year-long mission trip to multiple countries. Shelby ministered to 11 countries in 11 months! She credits her leadership opportunity to GWU鈥檚 Religious Studies Association. This club is open to all students from all majors for open community discussions and how topics and events coincide with our faith.

蜜豆直播 is a place to get plugged into many ministry opportunities. Whether you go around the corner or around the globe, GWU will prepare and inspire you to make a difference for God and others. If you鈥檙e interested in joining one of our 60+ clubs, organizations, and ministries, visit gardner-webb.edu/clubs.

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When you move on campus for the first time, it can be tough to decide what needs to make the trip and what needs to stay behind. Don鈥檛 make the mistake of bringing everything but the kitchen sink. Here鈥檚 our suggestions for 10 things to bring with you on Move-In day and 10 things you should leave at home.

Things to Bring

• The right sized sheets. Mattresses can vary from residence hall to residence hall. Most have Twin XL size mattresses, but the University Commons Apartments have full-sized mattresses. Check out our Housing Quick Facts for the exact mattress size in your residence hall.
• Command Strips/Hooks. Since no nails can be used to hang things on the walls, command strips or hooks will become your best friend when decorating. These ensure damage-free hanging and are very versatile 鈥� you can hang everything from posters to curtains!   
• Study Lamp. Each room is equipped with a desk for each resident, with plenty of space for a practical decoration like a study lamp! Some even come with charging ports and plug-ins for all of your devices, so that you can hit the books while your devices are charging close by.
• Desk supplies. Don鈥檛 forget pens, notebooks, and highlighters! Grab some essential desk supplies to keep on hand while you study. If you want, you can bring your own printer to have in your room. There are printers centrally located in the Library and Tucker Student Center, so having one of your own isn鈥檛 a 鈥渕ust-have.鈥�
• Laundry Basket & Detergent. Laundry is free for residents, but you do have to purchase your own detergent. Tide Pods or other pod-form detergent works well as an alternative to liquid detergent. Don鈥檛 forget the laundry basket!
• Trash Can. Each floor typically has 1-3 main trash cans for residents to use. Having a small trash can allows you to keep mess under control in your room while not having to walk to the main one every time you need to throw something away. 
• Shower Caddy. The traditional residence halls on campus feature hall-style communal bathrooms. A caddy helps keep all of your shower supplies organized!
• Keurig or Coffee Maker. Do you need a daily caffeine fix? Don鈥檛 forget your Keurig or coffee maker so that you can brew a cup in the comfort of your own room.
• T.V. Each room is equipped with a cable TV hookup, which is free of charge to the residents! Talk with your roommate to see if they are bringing a TV and discuss sharing one.
• Mini-Fridge. You are allowed to bring a mini-fridge to have in your room, as long as it meets certain size requirements as specified by the Office of Housing and Residence Education. You can also rent these from the University.  

Things to Leave at Home

• Animals. Sadly, you can鈥檛 bring your dog, cat, lizard, bird, etc. You are, however, allowed to have a non-carnivorous fish in a 10 gallon or less aquarium.
• Extension/Drop Cords.
• Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners.
• Weapons (guns of any type, hunting knives, bow and arrows, swords, hatchets, etc.)
• Electric Frying Pan or Deep Fryer.
• Shot Glasses and/or other Alcohol Paraphernalia.
• Candles/Incense/Lighters/Matches.
• Gas, Charcoal, and Electric Grills.
• Halogen Lamps.  
• Any Item Identified in the Student Handbook as Prohibited. Make sure that you read through the Student Handbook, as it contains important information that will help you make the most of your GWU experience.

Check out the complete Guide to Residential Living for all things housing!

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Let鈥檚 face it, a lot of us don鈥檛 know exactly what we want to do with our lives when we come to college. That’s totally okay – while you can declare your major as early as the second semester of your freshman year, most students don’t declare until late in their sophomore year. It often takes getting into your intended major specific classes to truly gauge whether or not you want to continue with it. And, there’s no shame in changing your major or picking something that’s not mainstream. You’re the one that’s going to class and taking tests. You should be interested in what you’re studying!

College is a time to find yourself, discover the things you enjoy, and gain insight into what you could see yourself doing in the future. It’s important to spend some time exploring what majors may be a good fit for you. Here are some tips that may help you when it comes to choosing a major! 

LIST YOUR INTERESTS 

Think about the things that you thoroughly enjoy doing. Is it profitable? What industries have jobs that could relate to these interests? If it is possible to get paid for the things that interest you 鈥� embrace it especially if you can potentially get paid for it! Take time to jot down your interests and bullet point under each specific career that those could fall under. The number one thing that you hear growing up is to do something you love so that it doesn鈥檛 feel like a job!

CONSIDER YOUR STRENGTHS & ABILITIES

Understanding your skillset and abilities and where those strengths play a role in your success is very important. Do you enjoy writing? How about math? Consider what you will be doing in your major classes – if you don’t like performing chemistry experiments, you probably won’t want to major in it. Same goes with English – if writing or books bore you, this may not be your best fit. It’s also important to think about your general education classes and the abundance of things that you will learn just in your first year. New strengths and abilities may surface through the work that you do in these classes which can steer you in the right direction toward choosing a major.

THINK ABOUT YOUR DREAM JOB

What was the job you dreamed about doing as a kid? While you may not be interested in being an astronaut anymore, becoming a doctor, lawyer, police officer, or whatever your dream was, it鈥檚 still possible! College equips you with the tools needed to pursue your dreams – whatever they may be. Look at the that details every class in every major. What relates to the field you want to pursue? If the classes sound interesting to you, chances are you may be interested in that major. 

USE YOUR RESOURCES

 As an incoming freshman, you will be assigned an advisor who is there to help you determine which classes to take. They can help you decide what classes best suit your interests, and help you plan for the next four years.  Another great resource is the Center for Personal and Professional Development. In addition to hosting events like Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, and career fairs, they can help you connect with internship opportunities in a variety of areas. 

CAREER/STRENGTH ASSESSMENTS

There are a number of career and strength assessments that are very beneficial when it comes to exploring major and career paths. Our top two suggestions are: 

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

MBTI gives you your personality “type” according to their analysis. It allows you to understand what motivates you, makes you eager to learn, how you make decisions, and more. At the end of the test, it gives you a list of career paths based on your assessment results. This information can provide insight into your strengths and weaknesses, and it can be helpful to determine what type of major would be good for you.

Gallup Strengths Finder 

The Strengths Finder assessment gives you a number of questions and a specific time to answer each one. In the end, you will get a list of your top five strengths. It allows you to discover what you do best naturally, learn how to develop your greatest talents, and use your results to live a fulfilling life and career. 

All in all, remember to take your time when it comes to choosing your major. Consider what you’ll enjoy most in the long run – after all, four years is a long time to spend taking major classes that you don’t enjoy. Taking your time to explore your strengths and interests will not only help you choose a major but will prepare you for life and work after college.

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A question in any student’s college search is “how will I pay for it?” At GWU, a majority of students receive a generous financial aid package comprised of institutional scholarships and financial aid, mixed with federal aid and scholarships from outside sources. Financial aid plays a big role in your college search, but you shouldn’t let it keep you from pursuing the school of your dreams. Keep reading as we explore all the different types of scholarships, loans, and aid that you can receive to finance your education.

A great first place to start is by utilizing the Net Price Calculator. You can estimate your financial eligibility and receive an estimate about what your financial aid package could look like, based on the information you provide. The calculator is currently using costs for the 2019-2020 year.

Keep in mind that your financial aid package includes scholarships, grants, and loans from a variety of sources, including Federal and State Government and 蜜豆直播 University.   

SCHOLARSHIPS

GWU offers a variety of scholarships and grants to incoming students. Ranging from $5,000 to full-tuition, room and board coverage, some scholarships are offered based on academics, character, performance (athletic, music, marching band), church partnerships, or location. There are scholarships available specifically for transfer students as well. Check out all of your options on the Scholarships and Grants webpage!

If you鈥檙e a high school senior, you may be eligible to participate in the Ignite Excellence Scholarship Competition, held each year in early February.

• Ignite Excellence Full Tuition Scholarship (Academic Fellows)
• Ignite Excellence Participation Award

Don鈥檛 let the word 鈥渃ompetition鈥� scare you away 鈥� this scholarship opportunity is designed to be as non-intimidating as possible. Each part of the interview provides you and the committee with a unique opportunity to get to know you and learn why you want to make GWU your home.

The 鈥淔ree Application for Federal Student Aid鈥� is one of the most important sources of financial aid! While this application can seem pretty complicated to complete, it鈥檚 important that you get it done before October 1 to ensure that you get the most aid possible.

The FAFSA will tell you what types of federal aid you may qualify for. Remember, this is all based on the data that you put on your application, so make sure that it is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

But what kinds of aid will you qualify for? Here is a breakdown of the different types:

• Unsubsidized loans: there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need for these loans. Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on the cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive. If you choose to not pay the interest on these loans while you鈥檙e in school, your interest will accumulate and be added to the amount of your loan when you begin making payments.
• Subsidized loans: the amount you can borrow is determined by your school, and the amount may not exceed your financial need. The US Department of Education pays the interest on this loan while you鈥檙e in school at least half time, for the first six months after graduation, or during a period of deferment.
• Direct PLUS loans: available to parents of dependent undergraduate students, this loan can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
• Federal Pell grants: usually awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need, these grants do not need to be repaid.

OUTSIDE AID

There are lots of other opportunities for scholarships and aid outside of the FAFSA and your college. If you attend a church at home, check with leadership to see if they offer a college scholarship. Look at websites like and . They list hundreds of outside scholarships, including information about application deadlines and materials. Sometimes these scholarships only take a few minutes to apply to 鈥� so it鈥檚 worth your time for a chance to win!

Don鈥檛 forget resources like the , either. They offer a 鈥溾�� tool which allows you to enter your personal information and search for scholarships that are the best match to your profile. They have also launched a program called the 鈥溾�� that awards $5 million in scholarships annually.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

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An exciting newer scholarship opportunity is available for students interested in attending 蜜豆直播 University!

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship annually awards full tuition, room, board, and required fees to a student who exemplifies the principles and values of Christian service as embodied by Carolyn and Robert Tucker.

THE SCHOLARSHIP EMPHASIZES FOUR AREAS: HEART, SOUL, MIND, AND STRENGTH.

Heart signifies the capacity to love God and our neighbor. It calls us to serve with compassion and understanding so that the Kingdom of God may be advanced in this world.

Soul represents the life of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”) that is nurtured by the 蜜豆直播 experience and that compels all of us to serve God’s Kingdom, for “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Mind denotes that intellect, well-developed by the 蜜豆直播 experience, must be fully applied if service is to be effective as it is God who gives us our mind.

Strength, coupled with perseverance and resilience, is imperative for one to face the inevitable challenges brought by a life of faith, service, and commitment. 

If you know a student who stands apart from their peers by the depth of their character, faith, and service-driven life, we ask you to consider nominating them for this scholarship. At GWU, students enjoy a vibrant Christian community based on the values of Mark 12. We hope you will consider nominating a student who exemplifies these values and would continue to grow in them during their time here.

To nominate a student, please complete the . For FAQs and additional information about the scholarship, please visit the Tucker Scholarship page.

The Tucker family desires to enable and encourage new generations of 蜜豆直播 students to carry forward this legacy to make other peoples’ lives better, in the spirit of the University motto, Pro Deo et Humanitate – For God and humanity. In their personal lives and through the operation of their highly successful business, Shoe Show, Inc., the Tucker Family has exemplified the core values of 蜜豆直播 University through faith in action. Because of their belief in 蜜豆直播’s Christian foundation and purpose, they generously support the University. Most notably, they made our most transformative facility to date, the Tucker Student Center, a reality. By Mrs. Tucker’s direction, the plaque on the front of the building carries the verse from Mark 12:29-31: “The Lord our God is one, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

The directive to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength provides direction for the development of men and women who will go forth into the world as graduates enabled to live out the University’s motto.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

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Finding a college that鈥檚 the best fit for you is an important task! While no college is 100% perfect, don鈥檛 settle for something that doesn鈥檛 feel right. Here are the four major things that you should consider when exploring colleges and universities, to find the best fit for YOU! 

Small VS. Large

GWU鈥檚 student to faculty ratio is 13:1, meaning that we offer smaller class sizes across all majors. This ratio means that your professors will know your name after the first day. Your classmates will become your friends. Classes tend to be more discussion based, with higher instances of hands-on learning. Not only will you learn the material, but you鈥檒l also learn valuable skills about listening, giving feedback, and working closely with others. 

蜜豆直播

With 60+ majors and minors to choose from, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing what you want to study. There is also a high degree of customization, allowing you to double major, minor, and mix and match majors/minors between departments. When you come in as a freshman, you鈥檙e assigned an Academic Advisor that will help you build your course schedule, recommend classes for you to take, and help create a framework for your next for years. 

What makes 蜜豆直播 unique is our blend of excellent academics with a genuine commitment to Christianity, a dynamic combination.  At any school, you will gain the relevant skills and knowledge to prepare you for your field. At GWU, we go beyond that by preparing you for life and work beyond college, dedicated to the service of God and others. 

Opportunities

All majors at GWU require that you fulfill the 鈥�Professional Readiness Requirement鈥� or PRE in order to graduate. This requirement has greatly expanded the opportunities that are available to all students 鈥� opening up the doors to complete original research, complete internships, serve in leadership positions, study abroad, and more. The PRE allows these opportunities to be built into your academic plan, so you won鈥檛 have to worry about sacrificing your academic journey over pursuing your passions. Opportunity is not limited at GWU just because we are a small university. Our students pursue multiple internships on and off campus. They study abroad across Europe and South America. They hold leadership positions on campus and in the community, and they find ways to make their dreams a reality by networking with engaged faculty, staff, and alumni.

Community

If you ask any student about their favorite part of GWU, they鈥檒l say it鈥檚 the community. It鈥檚 the heartbeat of this place 鈥� the diverse, vibrant people who are engaged in all that this campus has to offer. From the moment you step foot on campus, you are part of a community whose faith is deep and care for each other long.  The college experience is challenging in order to help you grow. At GWU, you do not have to take on the challenge alone.

Located in the foothills of North Carolina, we pride ourselves on our southern hospitality. Students, faculty, and staff support each other, pray for each other, and genuinely invest in each other for God and humanity. It鈥檚 just what we do.  

The best way to find out if a college or university is the best fit, is by coming for a campus visit! During your visit to 蜜豆直播, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to meet with your personal admissions counselor. You鈥檒l explore campus on a full tour and go inside of academic buildings, residence halls, the student center, and more. You have the option to meet with faculty and even sit in on a class when school is in session. Plus, you鈥檒l get to chat with a current student ambassador who鈥檒l serve as your tour guide and campus liaison during your visit. Schedule your personal visit today at gardner-webb.edu/visit! 

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Completing the  is an essential part of your college admissions process. It’s important for two main reasons:

1. It will show you what federal financial aid you’re eligible for.
2. It’s an essential piece of your overall financial aid package from GWU.

The FAFSA opens on October 1, and aid is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. That means the earlier you apply, the more assistance you could be eligible for. Don’t miss out on your full financial potential because you were confused about the process. We’re taking frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and answering them, crystal-clear.

What is it?

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that you complete via the . It is the most important thing you can do if you’d like to receive federal financial aid to help pay for your education.

When does the FAFSA open?

It officially opens on October 1! Remember – the sooner you fill it out, the more aid you may be eligible for. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Why should I fill it out?

You should fill it out if you’d like to receive federal financial aid. There are a variety of types of federal aid that you may be eligible for, outside of traditional student loans. You won’t know what you qualify for, or how much you qualify for until you complete the FAFSA.

What happens after I complete it?

After completing your FAFSA, it can take anywhere from three days to three weeks for your application to be processed. Your information is sent to the schools that you list on the application. Once those schools receive your information, they will factor any available federal financial aid into your overall financial aid package. This will help you gain a complete understanding of your financial aid package at the universities you had your information sent to. GWU’s school code is 002929! 

Still have questions about the FAFSA or financial aid in general? Check out GWU鈥檚 financial aid page for additional resources. 

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Questions To Ask Your Admissions Counselor

Your college admissions counselor is a fantastic resource to utilize during all parts of your college search process. It’s their job to help you every step of the way – from submitting your application to learning more about the school and deciding where will be the best fit. At GWU, you’re assigned a personal admissions counselor that works with you from day one. If you come to campus for a personal visit, you’ll get to sit down with them and discuss all of the things you need to know about becoming a student at GWU. Can’t make it to campus? No worries! Our counselors are available via email, phone, and text to answer anything that comes to mind. As you’re continuing your college search, here are some great questions to consider asking your admissions counselor.

What Is Student Life Like?

The student community on campus is diverse, engaging, and full of excitement. From cheering on the Runnin’ Bulldogs from the Student Section, signing up for a Student Activities event, or joining one of our 60+ clubs and organizations, there are plenty of ways to get involved on campus and get the most out of your college experience.

What Scholarship Opportunities Are Available?

GWU offers a variety of merit-based and talent-based scholarships. We also host two scholarship competitions each year for the Ignite Excellence Scholarship and the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship. Make sure you talk to your counselor about these opportunities!

Is There Support to Help Students Find Internships? What are Some Internships Students Have Done in the Past?

The Center for Personal and Professional Development helps connect students with potential internships and hosts an Internship Fair each year. Our students have interned all over the country, working for nonprofit organizations, in state and local government, with small businesses, large corporations, and more. Past internship sites include Red Ventures, Wells-Fargo, Walgreens, the U.S. House of Representatives, and more.

Are There any Kids of Career Services Available? 

The Center for Personal and Professional Development also hosts a variety of career development programs throughout the year. These events cover topics such as resume development, networking tips, and leadership skills.

Does GWU Offer Study Abroad Opportunities? 

We sure do! You can choose to study abroad through the Office of International Programs and study for a semester or academic year at one of our international partner universities. Interested in Spanish? Spend the summer in Costa Rica, studying Spanish and immersing yourself in the culture with other GWU students while earning credit towards your degree. These are just a few of the study abroad opportunities available to students!

What are Some Missions Or Service Opportunities Available? 

Participate in one of the many mission trips offered each year that serve communities at home and abroad. Past mission trips have taken students to cities like New York City, NY, San Francisco, CA, and Atlanta, GA. Students have served internationally in Honduras, Guatemala, Africa, and a variety of other countries.  

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

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