The Office of Undergraduate Admissions welcomes your student's interest in the University of South Carolina. Here you'll find that a consistent theme throughout a student's career is that someone is always available to help. We call it the Carolina Difference. The University is a big research university, but it has a big heart, too.
A Sense of Community
"It just feels like home."- Kriska Carandang '10, Carolina Scholar, USC student blogger
Carolina students are welcomed into the Carolina community right from the beginning. On move-in day in August, you'll find that USC staff and faculty members are helping your son or daughter carry belongings from the car to their new home. Our award-winning University 101 course helps students settle in and get used to university life. Long-term studies have shown that students who take this class at Carolina are more successful than those who don’t. From day one, this class helps students focus academically, make important connections on campus, and find out about the wealth of resources they can rely on throughout their college years. Thomas Rickenbaker, '10, says "My University 101 instructor helped me find my voice in the classroom."
Outside the classroom, students can get involved in one of the more than 300 student organizations on campus. These clubs are a great way for students to discover their interests and meet new friends. Early each fall, a student organization fair takes place outside the University Union on Green Street. This is a great way for freshmen to join in at USC.
Academic Success
"I took the initiative one time, and now my professors can't wait to help me set up research opportunities."- Amy Anderson, '09
From the very first week on campus, the message is clear that academics matter. The entire freshman class gathers together at the Carolina Coliseum and meets to discuss a novel they’ve all read before arriving at school. The assigned reading is always relevant to the freshman year experience and generates lots of discussion. The personal attention continues in courses like our first-year English classes. Each class is limited to 24 students, ensuring a high level of interaction. Assistance is available after class as well. Our Academic Centers for Excellence provide free academic success coaching, after-hours Writing Center consultations, and math tutoring, all in the convenience of our residence halls.
Students are encouraged to pursue their intellectual passions outside the classroom. Competitive undergraduate research grants are awarded in amounts up to $3000 per individual project. Undergraduate students representing any major on campus are encouraged to apply for a Magellan Scholar award. This program is managed by the Office of Undergraduate Research, which specializes in matching interested students with faculty research mentors.
For about the same price as regular tuition, Carolina students can spend some time studying abroad and earn course credit at the same time. The easy part is deciding to take advantage of this great opportunity. The difficult part is choosing from more than 50 institutions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, and South America.
Their Future
"USC has been great- the career center really prepared me. There's no excuse for students not to have a great resume when they leave." - Ashley Cole, '09
The University of South Carolina is the state’s capital city, a bustling place that includes a diverse employment base. State and federal agencies, banks, health care providers, corporations, high-tech companies, retail outlets, and more make Columbia, SC the perfect place for college students to secure internships and conduct job shadowing. USC’s Career Center serves as a liaison between employers and Carolina students. The Center offers skills and interest assessments, resume writing workshops, job fairs, and interviewing skills training. Career Center staff begin working with students during their first semester freshman U101 classes.
Undergraduate students meet with academic advisors before each semester in order to determine the best choice of courses to meet their needs. Many advisors become mentors for students throughout their college years. Touching base at least once a semester keeps students on track and prepared to graduate and begin their new careers or enter graduate school.
For students interested in pursuing professional degrees such as medicine or law, the Office of Pre-Professional Advising offers invaluable advice on taking the MCAT and the LSAT, and on what it takes to become competitive for graduate school.
Bottom Line
The “Carolina Difference” lies in the sincere words of encouragement from a staff member who takes the time to help even when she is too busy. It lies in the pride that students feel about being a Carolinian. It lies in the trust that parents place on our institution to give their sons and daughters the very best possible education. Bottom line: We mean it when we say, “We care!”
Is your student currently in high school and thinking about coming to USC? Take a look at our freshman requirements page.
The Office of Parents Programs provides numerous resources for parents to stay connected while their student
is at Carolina.
