FIND YOURVOICE

“I love the sense of community at Converse. Even when things become challenging, I always have someone here to support me and encourage me to do my best.”

HOMETOwNSummerville, South Carolina

MAjOrBiology, Vanderbilt Nursing Program

My CONvErsEValkyries IHSA Equestrian Team (2014-2015 Team Captain)Student AmbassadorConverse Activities Board Representative

PursuINg yOur PAssION“After enrolling in Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing and obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing, I plan to become a Nurse Anesthetist.”

Addie Ledbetter ’17

“As a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, an award that represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and challenges young women to change the world, I was able to further develop my leadership, public speaking and project management skills. Converse has only reinforced those lessons as my professors and peers push me to step into my own strengths.”

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Want Results? As a women’s college, Converse can provide a better educational experience, better opportunities and better outcomes.

It’s a Fact!• There are more female role models and mentors at women’s colleges• More women’s college students enroll in traditionally male disciplines• Student leadership roles at women’s colleges are more accessible to women leaders• Graduates of women’s colleges are twice as likely as female graduates of co-ed institutions to earn a PhD, attend medical school, be involved in philanthropic activity, attain higher positions in their careers and earn higher incomes

2x56%

54%

39%

40%

of 2014

CLASS

• Discuss their career plans with faculty• Study abroad • Interact with faculty on activities other than coursework• Have discussions about ideas from classes with others outside of class

Had jobs or grad school acceptances upon graduation

Participated in independent research or independent creative project

Served as an officer in a campus organization

Are the first in their family to graduate from college

as manyConversestudents

FOR THE RECORDIn the National Survey of Student Engagement, Converse scored in the top 10% of colleges in the nation for enriching educational experiences.

SEIZETHE ADVANTAGE

converse.edu/ConverseAdvantage

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“Converse provides me with an environment conducive to growth and exploration. It has instilled in me a firm belief that I can make things happen”

HometownGreer, South Carolina

majorDouble major in Psychology and Philosophywith a double minor in Women’s Studiesand English

my ConverseCo–president, GSAVice-chair, Converse Diversity InitiativeSecretary, Ally ClubTreasurer, CivitasNisbet Honors ProgramOrientation LeaderWriting Center Peer Consultant

oFF CamPUsIntern at Brown & Brown Consulting, Philadelphia, PA

Anja Golden ’15

“As part of the Bonner AmeriCorps Program, I volunteered with Spartanburg’s SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition. This opportunity allowed me to apply my studies to my service. I hope to continue to help victims of domestic and sexual violence by using my degree to obtain a position advocating for those without a voice.”

It’s all aboUt tHe benjamIns Got Talent? Generous support from Converse alumnae and donors and a strong endowment allow us to provide a wide array of scholarships and need-based grants.

• Merit Scholarships• Converse Scholars Invitational• School of the Arts Scholarships• Athletic Scholarships• Scholarships & Grants for SC Residents

tyPes oF aId• Scholarships• Need-based grants • Loans• Work-study and payment plans

Rated a

Best Valuein the South

“at Converse, we believe in both the value and the affordability of higher education.” Betsy Fleming, Converse College President

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2014 Tuition $ 16,500Room and Board $ 9,500 $ 26,000*

Converse made headlines with news that we cut tuition by 43% …proving that a top-ranked private college can be affordable.

GREAT SCHOOL, GREAT PRICE

MakingNATIONAL NEWSfor all the right reasons

USA TODAY

CBS NEWS MSN NOWTHE NEW YORK TIMES

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Voice. Value. Vision.

Check out our Net Cost Calculator to estimate your bottom line.

converse.edu/TuitionReset

converse.edu/NetCostCalculator

* Before financial aid and scholarships.

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“there are so many opportunities for development at Converse. I’m trying things outside my comfort zone and becoming a more well-rounded leader.”

Emily Patterson ’15

HometownBelton, South Carolina

majorDeaf Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education

my ConversePresident, Pi Lambda ThetaSecretary, CivitasDance EnsembleOmicron Delta KappaMortar Board

real-world eXPerIenCe“The education program at Converse has allowed me to do my clinical work and field experience at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. Having the opportunity to use my sign language skills in the community has been extremely rewarding.”

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TAKE A CLOSERLOOK

toP sIX majors• Psychology• Biology• Business Administration• Interior Design• Art Therapy• Theatre and Musical Theatre

Whether you are still exploring your options or already set on a career path, you’ll reach your full potential with the possibilities offered at Converse.

• The southeast’s only undergraduate program in Art Therapy• South Carolina’s only undergraduate program in Deaf Education• South Carolina’s only BFA in Creative and Professional Writing• The country’s only women’s college with a comprehensive School of Music• One of only two colleges in South Carolina offering a degree in Music Therapy

Check out our newest academic offerings• Genetic Counseling• Sports Management• Collaborative Piano• Musical Theatre

converse.edu/Majors

ings.

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“to say my experience at Converse has been positive would be an understatement. never have I met people so dedicated to helping students to aspire to ideals of themselves, which they probably never thought possible.”

Kathleen Hines ’15

“I had the opportunity to go abroad for 10 days

with the Converse Chamber Singers and Converse

instrumentalists. We traveled all over the Black Forest in

Germany and sang at a wonderful local festival!”

HometownMayesville, South Carolina

majorEnglish

my ConverseModel League Debate TeamWriting Center Peer ConsultantMortar Board HistorianDirector of Publicity, Delta Omicron Music Fraternity

tHe road less traveled“This fall I’ll be moving to Dallas, Texas to pursue a six-

year PhD program at Southern Methodist University.”

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IPSREADY fOR THE REAL WORLDVampires in Eastern Europe, Japanese business culture, the economics and marketing of Harry Potter at Universal Studios – these are just a few of the opportunities that await you at Converse. Students at Converse are known for exploring the world and gaining real-world experience. Last year, students traveled everywhere from an orphanage in Belize to a Vacation Bible School in Haiti.

CHarleston

west vIrgInIa

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converse.edu/Travel

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“I first picked up a violin at five years old. It’s a part of me. the faculty at Converse have nurtured that love. I have a great respect and closeness to my professors.”

Mallory Hayes ’16

HometownWhispering Pines, North Carolina

majorViolin Performance

my ConverseConcertmaster, Converse Symphony

bravo!2014-2015 principal second violin, Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra2014 regional finalist, Music Teacher’s National Association Competition2013 winner, Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium Concerto Competition2013 winner, Converse Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition

“Converse has taught me to be a strong individual. I hope to use that determination and resilience as I work towards attending a music

conservatory for graduate school.”

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

the collaborative synergy within the school of the arts creates a dynamic hub for aspiring artists.

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PetrIe sCHool oF mUsICNo other women’s liberal arts college in the country has its own comprehensive professional school of music. With more than 150 recitals, operas, concerts and other performances staged annually and a 7:1 student to faculty ratio, you will find ample opportunities for hands-on learning.

Performance Opportunities• Converse Symphony Orchestra• Converse Wind Ensemble• Converse Chorale• Spartanburg Festival Chorus• Converse Opera Theatre

dePartment oF art and desIgnIn our 30,000 square foot award-winning Milliken Fine Arts Building you will learn at the hands of dedicated professional artists, award winning educators, and skilled professionals in their fields. We encourage Converse women to not only learn art and design, but to live art and design!

dePartment oF tHeatreand danCeStudents in the Department of Theatre and Dance are engaged by rigorous intellectual challenges that prepare them for careers in the arts, allied health professions or advanced studies. Our new Musical Theatre major enhances student learning by providing additional opportunities for collaboration with the School of the Arts.

converse.edu/Arts

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Take a Closer Look at Converse

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“my professors constantly challenge and encourage me, and I love all of the great friends I have made. the campus is beautiful and not an intimidating size; these were the first things that attracted me to Converse.”

Lily Sanchez ’15

“Negative connotations sometimes arise when the word ‘different’ comes up, but at Converse I don’t worry about that. There are a multitude of organizations on campus that are dedicated to promoting diversity, and there are students and staff who embrace it without conscious effort. I feel at home at Converse alongside my friends, peers and professors. I know I wouldn’t be happier or more comfortable anywhere else.”

HometownHouston, Texas

majorPhilosophy and Spanish

my ConverseTreasurer, Hispanic Awareness AssociationConverse Student Ambassador

a new role“In my freshman year I was in a play called Los Papeles del Infierno. It was my first time being in a theatre production and I found it to be exhilarating. As introverted as I can be, I never imagined I would act on a stage. I loved the experience and am proud of myself for participating in something I thought I could never do.”

GOODT I M E SHAPPEN

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Whether it’s debating on our Model Arab League team, performing with the Palmetto Players, or fencing – there’s a club for you.

“Converse is my home away from home. Even the dining hall serves home-cooked meals and has lots of options so that everyone can be satisfied.” – Jordan Raska Williston, SC

“Living in the dorms is awesome! I love how close knit each hall is. You get to know those ladies as if they’re your sisters!” – Jennifer Barksdale Mountville, SC

1. Get involved in campus organizations2. Be active to burn stress and stay healthy3. Create study hours 4. Ask for help when you need it5. Get to know the faculty and staff

“My advice for incoming freshman, is to be yourself! The people you meet will become lifelong friends.” – Meghan Johnson Eau Claire, WI

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! College has many opportunities - just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s bad. Give it a try! ” – CJ Ramirez Tampa. FL

The Daniels Center for Leadership and Service offers opportunities to learn by understanding leadership, building teams, becoming agents for social change and helping others in the community.

The Emerging Leaders Program: A ten-week co-curricular course that prepares freshmen and sophomores to become agents for campus change and innovation

Bonner Leaders: Provides scholarship money to selected sophomores and juniors who commit to serve others through 750 hours of community service over the course of two years

Daniels Leadership Program: A four-year leadership program especially designed to prepare women for ethical and effective roles of leadership

Leadership Library: Materials focusing on team building, leadership skills, goal setting, diversity and icebreakers are available for checkout

UNPACK yOUR BAGS

STUDENT SOUND Off

BREAkING THE COLLEGE CODE:toP 5 FresHman mUst-Knows

ExpLORE YOUR pOTENTIAL

MORE THAN80 ELECTED SGA POSITIONS

OVER60 STUDENT CLUBS

RANKED#5 MASTER’S UNIVERSITy

IN THE NATION FOR RESEARCH,

SERVICE AND SOCIAL MOBILITy By

WASHINGTON MONTHLY

converse.edu/CampusLife

converse.edu/Lead2015Positive Sustainable Change

Want to create positive, sustainable change in the world? Learn more about LC15, a FREE leadership retreat for juniors and seniors in high school.

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“Converse has taught me to dream big, set goals, believe in myself and trust that I am capable of accomplishing anything. I feel so empowered being surrounded by other amazing young women.”

HometownBelton, South Carolina

majorPhilosophy

my ConverseValkyries Tennis TeamStudent Ambassador

CHIldHood asPIratIon“When I was a kid, I use to envision myself attending Converse – I’m literally living my dream life! I am majoring in my preferred field of study. I am playing my favorite sport and I get to help with admission events. I LOVE IT!”

“I experience courage, kindness, sisterhood, acceptance and friendship everyday – Converse is the ultimate environment to succeed!”

Laura Morales ’15

TRAD

ITION

S125 yEARS of TRADITION DID YOU KNOW?

The Class of 2019 is Ravishingly RED!! Learn more about Pink Panthers and Red Devils.

Big Sis/Lil Sis

10 events yoU don’t want to mIss

Converse is rich in tradition – creating closer friendships among students and instilling a sense of campus pride.

Sophomore Ring Ceremony

Hats on and Hats Off Parties

Honor Code Signing

Freshmen PinningSenior Candlelight

Casino NightSpring Concert

Festival of Lessons and Carols

1889 Spirit Week

converse.edu/Panthersvsdevils

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“Converse offers opportunities to learn new skills. I am pushed to achieve excellence and because of it, I have grown as an individual.”

Ashly Sutherland ’16

“From academics to athletics, I am inspired every day to work harder in every aspect of my life.”

HometownCowpens, South Carolina

majorDouble major in Psychology and Theatre

my ConverseValkyries Cross Country TeamValkyries Track TeamSecretary, Class of 2016Theatre Converse

settIng tHePaCe“Running for Converse is such an honor. In my first Outdoor Track season, I set a conference championship record in the 800m and was the first Cross Country runner in Converse history to qualify for Nationals.”

Converse is a member of Conference Carolinas and is the only women’s college to compete at the NCAA Division II level. ATHLETIC

SREAL WOMEN SWEAT.

9NCAADIVISION IITEAMS

1IHSAEQUESTRIANTEAM 10

REASONS TOCONVERSE COLLEGEVALKyRIES

++ =

converse.edu/valkyries

The Marsha H. Gibbs Field House opens fall 2014.

FOR CREATIVESOULS• HUB BUB offers more than 100 nights of art, culture, and entertainment a year• One of the largest artist co-ops in the region, West Main Artists Co-Op, is open to the public twice a week.• Home to 10 organizations, the Chapman Cultural Center brings together performing and visual arts, science and history. • The Hub City Writers Project has published more than 400 writers in 60 books and given away more than $15,000 in scholarships to emerging writers.

toP 10eats &treats• Cribb’s on Main• Wild Aces• Monsoon Noodle• Mellow Mushroom• The Coffee Bar• Cakehead Bakery• Willy Taco• Main Street Pub• Miyako Sushi• Groucho’s Deli

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5 entertaInment mUstsArt, culture and music all have a home here.

• Music on Main • Jazz on the Square • Jam in the Park• Spring Fling• Retro Fest

From live music to bike trails, from local dives to public art displays - Hub City has it all.

THE SPARTANBURG SCENE

visitspartanburg.com

FOR NATURE LOVERSYou’ll find rushing rivers, rugged hiking & biking trails, miles and miles of roads for riding, plus disc golf, yoga and a few more surprises.• The Cottonwood Trail gives nature lovers a 115-acre green place to play. • Walk, run, skate or bike the 1.9-mile Rail Trail and you’ll be traveling the path of the very first train that came to the Hub City in 1859.• Once an army training base, Croft State Park offers biking and hiking trails, camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of two lakes.• Glendale Shoals’ has a little bit of everything: waterfalls, a climbing wall, gothic-looking towers from a ruined cotton mill and hiking trails.

Want to go for a ride but don’t have a bike? Converse is home to one of four B-Cycle stations in the community.

• More than 80 pieces of outdoor art are on display in the Spartanburg area• The Beacon claims to sell more onions and more sweet tea than any restaurant in America• The Carolina Panthers train in Spartanburg during the summer• BMW’s only North American manufacturing plant is located in Spartanburg County• The Spartanburg Regional Classic, a multi-lap cycling race, takes place in the heart of downtown during Spring Fling weekend

IN THE CENTER Of IT ALL! A day at the beach, a weekend in Altanta, an evening of fun in Greenville, or outdoor adventures in Asheville – Spartanburg is in the sweet-spot, within easy driving distance of these and other urban areas.

DID YOU KNOW?

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Professor Susan Tekulve’s newest novel, In the Garden of Stone, is getting rave reviews on the national literary scene. As an award-winning author, she brings to the classroom the scholarship of an acclaimed writer along with the experience of a published author.

Recently featured in a Huffington Post blog about her research on sharks and her choice to attend a women’s college, Jordy is attending graduate school at the College of Charleston with a teaching assistantship position to study Marine Biology.

AWARD WINNINGfACULTY

ALUMSIN ACTION

Revered by his students as the guru of Philosophy, Dr. Kevin DeLapp was recently honored with the SC Excellence in Teaching Award. When he’s not in the classroom, this dynamic and highly revered teacher can be found doing fancy footwork as the Coach of the Converse Fencing Club!

Dr. Joe Dunn will tell you he was put on the planet to help students unleash their talents as leaders. It’s no wonder then that this professor of history and politics was named SC Professor of the Year in 2013. Dr. Dunn is the third Converse professor to receive the award since 2006.

Known for wearing bright purple Crocs on a daily basis, Dr. Mirko Hall is also recognized as one of the most popular professors on campus. Honored recently with a SC Excellence in Teaching Award, he brings a unique brand of flair and fun to the study of German and Arabic.

Lovingly called “Dr. Mad” by her students, Madelyn Young not only drives students to success in the study of business and economics, she leads a number of study abroad programs. So far the list includes; Finland, Russia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, England, Italy and Japan!

Mahal is back home in Africa working for the UN Women’s Liaison Office. With a passion for advancing social justice, she’s using her degree in politics to work with the UN on improving the reproductive health of women in developing countries.

Maya was awarded a tuition waiver and stipend through the Appalachian Bridge Scholar Program, providing an all-expense paid trip to Eastern Kentucky University to pursue an MS in Biomedical Research.

Arnisha grew up in a low socio-economic environment but will tell you that music opened her eyes to a world of possibilities. Currently working with Teach for America in rural Mississippi, she plans to establish a non-profit symphony orchestra for low income children.

Recently named one of 20 TEDGlobal Fellows for 2014, Tharanga earned her Master of Music degree in voice and opera at The Juilliard School in 2008, and in 2010 completed Juilliard’s requirements for an Artist Diploma in Opera Studies. She is also a member of the NY City Opera Company.

Jordy Taylor ’14Summerville, SC

Arnisha White ’14Jacksonville, FL

Maya James ’14Augusta, GA

Mahal Woldetsadik ’08Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tharanga Goonetilleke ’05Badulla, Sri Lanka

CONvErsE AT A gLANCE

Ranked: A “Best Value” in the South by

U.S.News & World Report; and #5 Master’s

University in the nation by Washington Monthly

Founded: In Spartanburg, South Carolina

in 1889 (among the first 15 women’s colleges

founded in the United States)

Students: 1,333 total enrollment (744

undergraduate and 587 graduate); 30 states and

12 countries represented; approximately 16%

minority undergraduate enrollment

Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1, among

the best in the nation, ensures personal attention

and mentoring

Academic Profile: Over 94% of

entering students have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or

higher; over 55% rank in the top quarter of their

graduating class; middle 50% SAT range: 940-

1120; middle 50% ACT range: 21-26

Academics: With more than 35 majors,

Converse offers a perfect merger of the liberal

arts and career-focused majors, with options for

double and self-designed majors; BA, BS, BFA and

BM degree programs

Study Abroad: Faculty-led study/travel

courses connect you with global learning in

Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, North America

and South America. Scholarships are available

to support off-campus studies

Athletics: Only women’s college in the nation

competing at the NCAA Division II level with nine

sports and an IHSA equestrian program.

Admission: Early action applications due

November 15; regular decision applications due

March 15; applications for transfer students due

June 1

2014-15 Tuition and Fees: Tuition $16,500; Room and Board $9,500;

Total Comprehensive Fee – $26,000 (includes

cable, phone and voicemail, internet service in

residence hall, student activities fee, parking,

laundry)

Merit Scholarships: Range from

$1,000 to $3,000 and are renewable for

three years. Students may also compete

for additional academic awards through the

Converse Scholars Invitational.

Easily Accessible: By car via I-85 or

I-26 and by air, served by Greenville-Spartanburg

and Charlotte-Douglas international airports. Get

driving directions and hotel discounts at:

Converse College does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Converse admits only women to undergraduate programs and services in accordance with its historical mission.

converse.edu/VisitUs

• Southeast’s only undergraduate program in Art Therapy

• South Carolina’s only undergraduate program in Deaf

Education and Gifted Education

• South Carolina’s only BFA in Creative and Professional Writing

• The country’s only women’s college with a comprehensive

School of Music

• One of two colleges in South Carolina offering a degree in

Music Therapy

Converse Distinctions:

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERS

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERS

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse

you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

$200

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERS

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse

you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

$200

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERSWe can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

CONTACT:Office of Admission864.596.9040 admission@converse.edu

Converse Admission Staff

We think your visit to Converse is so important, we’ll help you offset the cost to get here.

Use code VB2015 to redeem your travel voucher online.

converse.edu/TravelVoucher

YOUR NEXTSTEPSCome Visit

MakeConverseHappen.com

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #108

Spartanburg, SC