Inquiring minds STILL want to know
Here are some questions I have received lately to which I am sure others may appreaciate knowing the answers.
Q: Does USC accept rush scores from the testing services?
A: Yes, we accept rush scores, but ususally it is not necessary to pay the extra amount to rush scores to us, unless a deadline is approaching. Scores received by February 1 are considered to have met our credential deadline and may be considered in the admission decisoin and scholarship selection process. If you take the December administration of the SAT or ACT and indicate the University of South Carolina as a score recipient, we will receive them via normal score delivery in plenty of time to meet the February 1 deadline.
Q: I've already applied, but have new information and/or need to update my application. What should I do?
A: The best way to update your application if something changes is to send a letter to the admissoins office notifying us of the change. Typical changes that we need to know about include address changes, changing high schools, adding or dropping courses from your senior schedule, and changing your desired major. If there are extenuating circumstances that have arisen, explain that in a letter. If we need more information, we may contact you about it.
Q: I have heard that USC requires Economics as part of the college prep course requirements. Is that true?
A: USC requires three years of social science courses. One year must be US History, the other two years can be anything, but we strongly encourage students to take Government and Economics, if possible. The entire required College Preparatory Curriculum can be found here:
http://www.sc.edu/admissions/freshrequire.php
Q: I have a high GPA by my SAT score is only 1000 (math + critical reading). What are my chances of admission? Is there an SAT cutoff? Can I re-take the SAT?
A: Admission to Carolina is based on a combination of factors, including courses taken, grades, and standardized test scores. We also consider personal circumstances, leadership, activities, service, and other things about you that give insight to your potential to succeed at the collegiate level. Therefore, USC does not have an absolute minimum required SAT or ACT. But, we do like to see a strong SAT or ACT score, and typically students with less than 1000 on the SAT are much less likely to be admitted than someone with over 1000. We will consider SAT or ACT scores taken through the December administration for the coming fall semester. All scores must be received by our February 1 credential deadline. You do not need to tell us you are retaking the test; we will reconsider your application once the scores come in, even if a decision has already been made.
If you are planning on applying for the Fall 2008 freshman class, be sure to submit your application by the December 1 deadline. If you are completing the paper application, that means your application must be postmarked by December 1 to meet the deadline.
Happy Thanksgiving!