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Undergraduate Admissions

If you are looking for a bachelor's degree, whether you are a current high school student or want to transfer from another college, we can walk you through the application process online.

But being a Gamecock is more than just enrolling in classes at our university, and we can't wait to tell you about all we have to offer. South Carolina's campus, location, programs, services, options and people allow you to get what you want out of your college experience, and then some. It's why we're just a little bit "Cocky." And it's why we know you'll love it here.

Become a Gamecock

Applying to South Carolina varies according to your status as a student. But whether you're a high school student, a transfer applicant from another campus or a different school altogether, an international student or applying for readmission, we've got you covered.

Apply Now
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Freshman Dates and Deadlines

You have options regarding how and when you apply, but you do need to be mindful of some important dates. If you will not be a freshman applicant, check out all of our deadlines to make sure you apply on time.

  • October 15

    Early Action Deadline

    If you select the early action option and complete your application by Oct. 15, you'll get an admissions decision by mid-December.

  • November 15

    Honors College and Top Scholars Deadline

    Apply by Nov. 15 to be considered for Top Scholars awards and the South Carolina Honors College.

  • December 1

    Regular Deadline

    Apply by Dec. 1 and have a complete application filed by Jan. 15 to get an admissions decision by mid-March.

 

Requirements

Here you can review the requirements for admission as a freshman and all the information you will need before you apply. There are slightly different international student, transfer student and readmit application requirements.

Freshman Requirements
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Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Getting to the University of South Carolina should be exciting and confusion-free, and that's where the Office of Undergraduate Admissions comes in. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is full of experts ready to help you through the process.

Please note: South Carolina will be test-optional through fall, spring and summer 2023-2024. Freshman admission will be based primarily on high school courses and grades. The test-optional policy applies to students applying for general university and South Carolina Honors College admission, as well as to merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

At South Carolina, we've got you covered from day one. We've been a national leader in the first-year experience for generations. Our groundbreaking University 101 course, a national model, was first offered in 1972. Since then, our curriculum has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each class and our changing campus community. Our goals are to foster student success, development and transitions into, throughout and beyond the University of South Carolina.

USC stamp with text Nation's Best First-Year Experience, U.S. News Public Universities.

Invest in Your Future

Your college experience will challenge you in many ways, but paying for it shouldn't. We can help you navigate the financial side of college to make a Gamecock education affordable. And while posted tuition and fees costs are vital information, it's helpful to know that, last year, 98 percent of freshmen received some form of financial aid. Check out our tuition, cost and financial aid information to get started, and then contact us to learn more.

Tuition and Aid

See for yourself

Check out what makes South Carolina so great, and learn more about topics like enrollment, academics and student services from the comfort of your home or on campus, as scheduling allows.

Visit Campus
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Take a Closer Look

Majors. Housing. Scholarships. Campus life. Applications. Regardless of what you want to know or where you are, we’ve got answers. You can continue on your own, or get in touch and we’ll help you every step of the way.

 

Apply Now

If you will be a freshman or freshman international student, there are two ways you can apply for admission to the University of South Carolina. Choose the application you are most comfortable using; we do not prefer one over the other.

University Application
Common App

The atmosphere at South Carolina is unmatched. The campus is beautiful, the school spirit tremendous and the weather excellent. I like to describe it as a fantastic social environment meets top-notch academics.

Miranda Butler
Student wearing a back pack looking over the the wrought iron fence onto the lush green space of the Historic Horseshoe.
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