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APPLICATION GUIDE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
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APPLICATION AT A GLANCE
APPLICATION CHECKLIST (REQUIRED MATERIALS)
Completed application (including essay and activities section)
Unocial high school transcript
$65 application fee or valid fee waiver for eligible students
Self-reported or ocial SAT/ACT test scores
(if applicable for selected testing plan)
SOUTH CAROLINA HONORS COLLEGE
APPLICATION CHECKLIST (REQUIRED MATERIALS)
Submitted USC application (recommended by the
October 15 Early Action deadline)
Submitted Honors College application supplement
(including two essays and one short answer)
One letter of recommendation
Resume (optional, but highly recommended)
TEST-OPTIONAL POLICY
USC will be test-optional through the spring, summer and fall 2024 terms. This policy applies to general university and South
Carolina Honors College admission, as well as merit scholarships awarded by the Oce of Undergraduate Admissions. Freshman
admission will be based primarily on high school courses and grades. Students will indicate on the application whether or not
they want USC to consider their SAT or ACT test scores in the admission process.
IMPORTANT DATES
Application deadline
Credentials deadline*
Decisions released
EARLY ACTION APPLICANTS
October 15
November 1
Mid-December
HONORS COLLEGE / TOP SCHOLAR APPLICANTS
Application deadline
Credentials deadline*
Decisions released
November 15
December 1
Mid-February
Application deadline
Credentials deadline*
Decisions released
REGULAR DECISION APPLICANTS
December 1
January 15
Mid-March
*Last date to submit any outstanding items listed on your
USC Admissions Portal and to change your testing plan.
REQUIRED COURSES
LABORATORY SCIENCE — 3 UNITS
2 units from dierent elds: biology,
chemistry, physics or earth science
1 additional unit from biology,
chemistry, physics or earth science
or any other laboratory science with
biology, chemistry, physics and/or
earth science as a prerequisite***
SOCIAL STUDIES — 3 UNITS
1 unit U.S. history
½ unit economics
½ unit government
1 unit world history or geography
strongly recommended
WORLD LANGUAGE — 2 UNITS
Both units must be same language
ENGLISH — 4 UNITS
4 units with strong reading, writing,
communicating and research
Recommended that 2 of the 4 units are
literature based, including American,
British and World literature
College prep English I, II, III and IV
meet requirement
MATHEMATICS — 4 UNITS
Algebra I*
Algebra II
Geometry
Fourth higher level unit selected among
Algebra III, pre-calculus, calculus,
probability and statistics, discrete
mathematics or computer science**
*Foundations in algebra and intermediate algebra may count
together as a substitute for Algebra I if a student successfully
completes Algebra II.
**Computer science should involve signicant programming
content, not simply be keyboarding or using applications.
***Courses in general science or introductory science for which
one of these four units is not a prerequisite will not meet this
requirement.
**** Alternative electives include college-preparatory courses in
English, ne arts, foreign languages, social science, humanities,
mathematics and laboratory science (for which biology,
chemistry, physics or earth science is a prerequisite).
FINE ARTS — 1 UNIT
Art appreciation, art history or
performance in one of the ne arts
ACADEMIC ELECTIVES — 2 UNITS
2 units of college-preparatory
coursework****
Computer science with signicant
programming content recommended
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PREPARE TO APPLY
F Review USC’s deadlines and notication timelines
F Consider your application options
There are two ways to apply for admission to USC. You should choose the application you are most comfortable
submitting. There is no advantage in the admission process to using one application over the other, and there is
no separate application for merit scholarships.
The deadlines and notication timelines are based on which admission plan you choose: Early Action or Regular Decision.
If you apply Early Action, you will receive your decision by mid-December. To meet this deadline, you must have an
application submitted by October 15 and all required materials submitted by November 1.
If you apply Regular Decision, you will receive your admission decision by mid-March. To meet this deadline, you must
have an application submitted by December 1 and all required materials submitted by January 15.
The requirements are the same whether you apply Early Action or Regular Decision. Refer to page 2 of this guide for all
required materials.
PREPARE TO APPLY
STEP 1
Start your USC Application
This is our general university application available on our admissions website. It is a great
option if you feel more comfortable using each individual school’s application instead of the
Common App.
USC APPLICATION
Option 1
Our university, along with more than a 1,000 other institutions, accepts the Common App,
making it more convenient for you to apply to several colleges at one time.
COMMON APPLICATION
Option 2
Start your Common Application
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F Consider your testing plan options
As you are deciding your preferred testing plan, we suggest reviewing our academic prole. It shows the ranges for
standardized test scores, high school GPA and class rank for general admission, Capstone Scholars and the South
Carolina Honors College. These ranges reect the middle 50% of students who were admitted in 2023 and give you
a general idea of where you may fall within each academic range.
Students are able to change their testing plan via their USC Admissions Portal until the credentials deadline
associated with their preferred admission plan.
If you choose to have your test scores considered in the admission process, you will self-report the scores in
your USC Admissions Portal.
PREPARE TO APPLY
PREPARE TO APPLY
STEP 1
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE** MIDDLE 50%
HONORS COLLEGE
4.5 - 5.1 HS GPA
1% - 5% Class rank
FRESHMAN CLASS
4.1 - 4.7 HS GPA
7% - 29% Class rank
CAPSTONE SCHOLARS
4.3 - 4.9 HS GPA
4% - 16% Class rank
STANDARDIZED TEST
SCORES* MIDDLE 50%
S.C. RESIDENTS
1150 - 1330 SAT
24 - 30 ACT
NONRESIDENTS
1270 - 1400 SAT
28 - 32 ACT
HONORS COLLEGE
1430 - 1520 SAT
32 - 34 ACT
CAPSTONE SCHOLARS
1340 - 1420 SAT
30 - 32 ACT
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F Verify you have the following required high school courses
PREPARE TO APPLY
STEP 1
• Copy of your transcript(s): Upload a legible unocial copy of your high school transcript or a web-based copy that
lists grades through the end of your junior year, and shows your full name and the name of your high school. You
may upload documents in PDF or JPG formats. Do not send an ocial high school transcript unless it is requested.
• Senior-year and middle school coursework: You will be required to self-report your senior-year coursework in
progress and any middle school courses that qualify as high school credits.
• A list of activities, work and family responsibilities: This includes work, volunteering, sports, research, clubs and
organizations, arts, taking caring of family members and other activities. If it’s important to you, we want to hear
about it!
• Academic honors and achievements: We want to learn about any areas in which you excel or achievements that
are meaningful to you.
• Parent/legal guardian information: This includes parent or guardian contact information, education level and if
they attended USC. This information is collected for demographic purposes.
• Test Scores: Compile your SAT/ACT scores if you intend to report them. You will also have an opportunity to report
AP/IB/AICE scores in your USC Admissions Portal.
F Gather your materials
English – 4 units
4 units with strong reading, writing,
communicating and research
Recommended that 2 of the
4 units are literature based,
including American, British
and World literature
College prep English I, II, III and IV
meet requirement
Mathematics – 4 units
Algebra I*
Algebra II
Geometry
Fourth higher level unit selected
among Algebra III, pre-calculus,
calculus, probability and
statistics, discrete mathematics
or computer science**
*
**
***
****
Foundations in algebra and intermediate algebra may count together as
a substitute for Algebra I if a student successfully completes Algebra II.
Computer science should involve significant programming content, not
simply be keyboarding or using applications.
Courses in general science or introductory science for which one of
these four units is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement.
Alternative electives include college-preparatory courses in English,
fine arts, foreign languages, social science, humanities, mathematics
and laboratory science (for which biology, chemistry, physics or earth
science is a prerequisite).
Laboratory Science – 3 units
2 units from dierent fields:
biology, chemistry, physics
or earth science
1 additional unit from biology,
chemistry, physics or earth
science or any other laboratory
science with biology, chemistry,
physics and/or earth science as
a prerequisite***
Social Studies – 3 units
1 unit U.S. history
½ unit economics
½ unit government
1 unit world history or geography
strongly recommended
World Language – 2 units
Both units must be same language
Fine Arts – 1 unit
Art appreciation, art history or
performance in one of the fine arts
Academic Electives – 2 units
2 units of college-preparatory
coursework****
Computer science with signicant
programming content recommended
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You will be asked to respond to one of the prompts below in the USC application or Common App. This is an
opportunity to tell your story and share more information about yourself in 250-650 words.
F Review the essay prompts
PREPARE TO APPLY
STEP 1
• Some students have a background, identity, interest
or talent that is so meaningful they believe their
application would be incomplete without it. If this
sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Reect on a time when you questioned or challenged
a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What
was the outcome?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization
that sparked a period of personal growth and a new
understanding of yourself or others.
• Reect on something that someone has done
for you that has made you happy or thankful in a
surprising way. How has this gratitude aected or
motivated you?
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter
can be fundamental to later success. Recount a
time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure.
How did it aect you, and what did you learn from
the experience?
• Describe a topic, idea or concept you nd so
engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why
does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to
when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be
one you’ve already written, one that responds to a
dierent prompt, or one of your own design.
There are also two optional questions about extenuating circumstances. Answer these questions if you would
like to provide more context for your application. USC cares about impacts to your health and well-being, safety,
family circumstance, future plans and education.
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Common Application
USC Application
Access the USC application and select the term in which you expect to start college. Then click
“Start Your App.”
Select “First-time users” and then enter your email address, name and birth date on the "Register" page.
We suggest using an email other than your high school email so you will have access to important
messages once you graduate. A temporary, unique pin will be sent to this email.
Enter your temporary pin and birth date on the "Login" page and create your new secure password
on the "Set Password" page. Make note of your login information as you will need it to access your
USC Admissions Portal and view your admission decision.
Click on “Start New Application” and then “Create Application” and “Open Application” to begin
completing the application.
Access the USC application and click “24-25 Freshman” under “Your Applications.”
Click on “Open Application.” Your application will appear on the page where you last le o.
CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
STEP 2
To create your USC application account, follow these steps:
Once you start your application, you can update it as many times as you want and submit it when you're
ready. To continue your application:
To create your Common Application account, follow the steps in the Application Guide for First-Time Students.
If you choose to complete the Common App, your USC Admissions Portal login information will be emailed to you
24-48 hours aer we receive your application.
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In this section you will complete three steps. First, add your high school information, your weighted GPA and your
class rank, if available, as listed on your transcript.
Second, list your senior year schedule. Be sure to enter all the courses you will take throughout your senior year.
Obtain a copy of your high school transcript, or take a clear photo if you have a paper copy. Make sure your name,
high school name and your grades through your junior year are clearly displayed. You can double-check this in the
preview before you upload the le.
Our top-ranked South Carolina Honors College (SCHC) provides a comprehensive and individualized academic
experience. If you have excellent high school grades and an outstanding resume, we encourage you to apply to
the SCHC. To be considered, you are required to submit the application supplement that will become available on
your USC Admissions Portal aer submitting your general university application. The deadline to complete the
application supplement is November 15.
F Enter your high school information
F Upload your transcript
F Decide if you want to apply for the South Carolina Honors College
F Select your term and plan
Start by selecting the term in which you expect to begin at USC. The majority of freshmen will select the Fall 2024
entry term as a 2024-2025 freshman.
Next, familiarize yourself with our application deadlines and select your preferred admission plan. The requirements
are the same whether you apply Early Action or Regular Decision, and all our admission plans are nonbinding. If you are
interested in being considered for the South Carolina Honors College, we recommend applying by the Early Action
deadline to give yourself one full month to complete your honors application supplement.
Finally, decide if you want your ACT or SAT scores considered as part of your admission and scholarship decisions.
You have until the credentials deadline to change your testing plan through your USC Admissions Portal. Refer to the
credentials deadlines on page 2 based on the admission plan you selected. Remember, we superscore both the SAT
and ACT, which means we will use your best subscores from dierent test dates to give you an overall higher score.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the application, regardless of which one you choose.
F Select your major
First, select the college your major falls under. View our full list of colleges and majors. Then, select a rst-choice
and second-choice major. This is not a double major, but two academic programs that interest you. We will consider
your rst-choice major rst. However, we require a second-choice major since some majors are competitive based
on student's academic achievements. If you’re unsure of what you want to study, you can select “Undeclared” under
the College of Arts and Sciences.
COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
STEP 3
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COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
STEP 3
In this section, you will enter your high school graduation information, course rigor information and junior high/
middle school coursework.
In the high school equivalency section, be sure to only check “yes” if you have taken or plan on taking an equivalency
exam instead of graduating from high school. (e.g., GED instead of a high school diploma).
Pay close attention to the junior high/middle school coursework section. It’s important to enter any of the required
courses you took in middle school that may not appear on your high school transcript. Skipping this section could
delay your admission notication.
This section allows you to list and explain up to 10 extracurricular experiences you’ve been involved in throughout
high school. If you’re unsure of how many hours you participated in each activity, give us your best estimate. In the
description, indicate your duties, recognitions or leadership roles. Explain the activity and your specic involvement.
Remember, this section is about quality, not quantity.
F Enter your additional education information
F Complete the activities/work experience section
The essay allows you to provide information about who you are beyond the numbers. It is a great place to share
more information about yourself or to further explain a topic or activity. We suggest draing your essay outside of
the application so you can review it for completeness and accuracy.
Here are a few additional tips for writing your essay:
• Be creative.
• Make it less about the topic and more about you.
• Let your personality and character shine through.
• Imagine how the person reading your essay will feel.
• Don’t feel pressure to include every detail of every experience.
• Tell a specic story rather than a generic one.
• Make sure it addresses how the experience aected or changed you.
• Write, rewrite, edit and proofread.
F Write your essay
Remember, you can always reach out to the Oce of Undergraduate Admissions at 803-777-7700 if you have questions.
You can also contact an admissions representative.
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When you have completed either the USC Application or Common Application and are ready to submit it, you will pay a $65
nonrefundable application fee or select an approved application fee waiver. We accept SAT or ACT college application waivers,
as well as NACAC, Scoir, TRIO or Common App fee waivers. Your application is not completed until this step is fullled.
If using an SAT or ACT fee waiver, be sure to submit the college application fee waiver and not the actual SAT or ACT test fee
waiver. Students who are eligible for the SAT or ACT application fee waiver may use it to waive the application fee even if
they do not report a standardized test score.
SUBMIT THE APPLICATION FEE/WAIVER
STEP 4
Your USC Admissions Portal serves as your personal landing page for important information and reminders. You will
receive an email with instructions for accessing your USC Admissions Portal.
Through the portal, you can:
EXPLORE YOUR USC PORTAL
STEP 5
• Update your testing plan
• Self-report your SAT/ACT scores
• Self-report your AP/IB/AICE
test scores
• Check for and upload missing
credentials
• Complete any application
change requests
• Connect with your admissions rep
• Check out our events
• View your admission decision
• Receive important updates
Does USC accept letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not considered for general university admission. Do not send letters of recommendation
unless you are applying to the South Carolina Honors College.
How do I apply for the South Carolina Honors College?
For students who appear competitive for the South Carolina Honors College (SCHC), the application supplement will be
available via the USC Admissions Portal aer they apply. Students can also request the South Carolina Honors College
application supplement aer they apply for general admission. We recommend students interested in applying to the SCHC
submit their general university application by October 15 in order to give themselves enough time to complete the Honors
College application supplement by November 15. There is no additional application fee.
How do I apply for merit-based scholarships?
Students who meet our December 1 Regular Decision deadline and have a complete application on le by January 15 are
automatically considered for merit-based scholarships awarded through the Oce of Undergraduate Admissions. Students
who wish to be considered for the university’s most prestigious scholarships must also complete the Honors College
application supplement by November 15.
How do I report dual enrollment or dual credit coursework?
Credits that appear on your high school transcript may be used in the review process. To receive college credit, students who
enroll must send an ocial transcript directly from the awarding institution.
Can I major in pre-med, pre-law, pre-health or another pre-professional subject?
You cannot major in a pre-professional subject. Instead, you will indicate your interest in one of these tracks on the
application. USC’s Oce of Pre-Professional and Graduate Advising oers support for interested students.
Should I write a dierent essay if I am applying to more than one Common Application school?
The personal essay section will be sent to every institution that requires it in the Common Application. Pay attention to any
supplemental essay prompts for dierent colleges and universities, and make sure you address each prompt.
Does USC accept Cambridge (AICE) credits?
The university awards college credit for A Level courses if students earn a specic grade on the A Level exam. View USC
course equivalencies for A Level exam credit. Students can submit their ocial Cambridge International Examinations
Subject Results Transcript on the USC Admissions Portal.
I completed coursework on a pass/fail basis. How will this impact my admission?
Courses with a grade of “pass” will satisfy appropriate course requirements. These will not be calculated into a student’s
GPA since no numeric grade is available. Additionally, we will be exible with students missing a course requirement due to
extenuating circumstances.
ADMISSIONS FAQ
@uofscadmissions
803-777-7700
800-868-5872 (toll free)
admissions-ugr[email protected]
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in
educational or employment opportunities or decisions for
qualied persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation
or veteran status. Updated July 2023
Lieber College
902 Sumter Street Access
Columbia, SC 29208
sc.edu/admissions
