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• Applying to take a limited number of courses at Carolina while you are still a high-school student. (Note: This option is open to high-school juniors or seniors who present excellent high school grades, plus PSAT scores of at least 125 or combined critical reading and math scores on the SAT of 1250 or higher.)
• Applying to attend the University beginning in the summer or fall immediately following your graduation from high school.
• No longer a high school student and have not attended a college, school or university since receiving your high school diploma or your GED.

What credentials should be submitted in addition to your application and $50 application fee?

• Official high-school transcripts sent directly from every school you have attended. The transcripts should be directly from your high school to the admissions office. If you have completed any college courses while enrolled in high school, request that the college send an official transcript to the admissions office.
• Official SAT or ACT test scores (for all dates you have taken) sent to us directly from the CollegeBoard or ACT, respectively. Unfortunately, we cannot accept scores from official high-school transcripts. If you take the SAT, you must designate USC Columbia as a score recipient using the school code of 5818. If you take the ACT, you should use the USC Columbia school code of 3880.
• Fee waiver forms are accepted only by those who are eligible as follows:
  • If you are a South Carolina resident who is currently enrolled in high school and you receive a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT. A fee waiver form, obtainable from your high-school guidance counselor, must be submitted with the admission application.
  • If you are a high school senior who is a dependent of a full-time USC Columbia faculty or staff member.
• For honors applicants only: two letters of recommendation

Do I have to worry about deadlines?
Yes! Deadlines are very important. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you'll hear back from us. It will provide you with peace of mind knowing your application is not one of the thousands that is sent to us during the week of the priority deadline. Deadline options for freshmen have changed this year, another reason to take note.

When will I hear back from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions?
It depends upon which deadline you meet. Typically, it takes four to six weeks for us to make a decision on your application. During the busiest time of our admission season (November through January), it can take up to 12 weeks.

How do I apply?
The easiest way to apply is by completing an online application. Before you can begin your online application, you must first set up an account with a unique user ID and password. Once you've begun your application, you may save it and return to it as many times as you wish.

I do not want to complete an electronic application. I want paper instead. What are my options?
You may call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 803-777-7700 or toll-free, 800-868-5872, and ask to receive a paper application. We can mail you a hard copy or give you a Web address to download a PDF.

What if I have a problem while completing my online application?
E-mail help@collegenet.com, and state your problem as clearly as possible. Documenting the steps that led up to the error you are encountering is especially helpful. In the unlikely event that you experience an error, troubleshooting assistance is available at this address.

Still have questions? Contact us or try our virtual advisor.

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