Finalize Your Major
Deciding on a major will help you get the most out of your orientation day and first advising!
If you are unsure which engineering or computing major is right for you, explore our 11 undergraduate programs.
When You Are Admitted
Math Assessment of Prerequisites (MAP)
The Math Placement Test is online and must be completed before New Student Orientation. You want your MAP score to accurately reflect your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and other Precalculus concepts. This is a critical step in your pre-enrollment process as many of your first semester courses will be determined by your MAP score.
Before Orientation
Get the most out of New Student Orientation by doing your part to be prepared.
Register for Orientation
You must register for and attend a New Student Orientation session in order to sign-up for classes. Click here to learn more about your session.
If you haven’t taken the Math Placement Test yet, do that now.
Complete the Pre-Orientation Worksheet
Before Orientation, complete the Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet located in your USC Admission Portal Checklist. List all the classes that you have or expect for college credit, such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment. This is important so your advisors can help you select the right classes your first semester, as USC does not always receive all your official records prior to orientation.
Learn more about how AP and IB credits are counted at USC.
Prepare for Orientation Advising
During your day of Orientation you will also meet one on one with an academic advisor and register for your first semester of classes. Review your program's recommended four-year plan in the Major Map Repository and prepare a list of questions about the classes you need to take.
Before the Semester Starts
After orientation, there are a few more things you can do to get ready for classes and our Office of Student Services is available to answer your engineering and computing questions.
Identify Your Academic Advisor
Our academic advisors are dedicated to help ensure success in your transition to USC's College of Engineering and Computing. They can help you identify resources, connect you with campus partners, and help you identify your academic and professional goals. Your official advisor assignment will be finalized one week prior to the start of classes. Please note all official communication after orientation will be directed to your USC email. Should you need any assistance throughout the summer please reach out to MCEC Student Services directly (studentservices@cec.sc.edu)
Consider Our Computer Recommendations
We recommend that all students have a good laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. In addition, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing students have free, 24/7 access to computer labs with computers capable of running all of the required applications needed to graduate. If you are considering the purchase of a personal computer, however, follow the recommendations from our IT support team.
Study Up
We recommend that all Engineering and Computing firts-year students review algebra,
trigonometry and precalculus before the first day of class. Good resources include
ALEKS Prep for Calculus, Khan Academy Precalculus, and Schaum’s Outline of Precalculus.
We also recommend that incoming first-yesr students majoring in Computer Science,
Computer Engineering and Computer Information Systems work through a Java tutorial,
particularly those students who will use AP Computer Science-A credit to place into
CSCE 146 Introduction to Algorithmic Design II. A good resource for this is Oracle’s The Java Tutorials.
Walk Your Class Schedule
Remember to walk your class schedule before the first day of class. Find your actual classrooms, not just the buildings, so that you will be on time.
Attend CEC Kickoff
Join us for MCEC's annual kickoff just before fall semester classes start. Meet over 40 different engineering and computing clubs, important campus offices, and welcoming department chairs and faculty.