University of South Carolina--Columbia

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School Says - Admissions
Freshman admission is determined by a combination of high school record and SAT I or ACT scores. The following college-preparatory high school courses are required for admission to the University for the 2001 2002 academic year: English: 4 units At least two units must have strong grammar and composition components, at least one must be in English literature, and at least one must be in American literature. Completion of college preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet this criterion. Mathematics: 3 units Algebra I and II and geometry (applied mathematics I and II may count together as a substitute for Algebra I if a student successfully completes Algebra II). A fourth, higher-level mathematics course is strongly recommended (i.e., algebra III/trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus). Laboratory Science: 3 units Two units must be taken in two different fields selected from biology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field as one of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) or from any laboratory science for which biology and/or chemistry is a prerequisite. Courses in earth science, general physical science, or introductory or general environmental science for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement. Social Studies: 3 units Units must include one of United States history. One-half unit of economics and one-half unit of government are strongly recommended. Foreign Language: 2 units Both units must be in the same language. Academic Elective: 4 units Four college-preparatory units must be taken from at least three different fields selected from the following: computer science, English, fine arts, foreign languages, humanities, laboratory science (excluding earth science, general physical science, general environmental science, or other introductory science courses for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite), mathematics above the level of algebra II, or social sciences. It is suggested that one unit be in computer science which includes programming (i.e., not just keyboarding) and one unit in fine arts (appreciation of, history of, or performance). Physical Education: 1 unit or ROTC High school seniors applying for admission should do so during the fall of their senior year. Transferring students are advised to apply at least three months prior to the semester in which they plan to enter. The application fee beginning fall 2001 is $40. (High school seniors presenting a total SAT score of 1300 or above or an ACT composite score of 29 or above at the time of application are not required to submit an application fee.)

Students Say - Academics
At the University of South Carolina's flagship campus, you'll find "a mixture of deep South tradition and an increasingly progressive education." You can get "a good degree in just about any field" here. The nationally recognized business school is "definitely a strength." There's a "great nursing program" as well. USC also excels in journalism, chemistry, and hospitality management. In most majors, the academic atmosphere is "not impossible, but a good amount of time goes into studying outside of class." "It is just the right amount of work to still have a good social life," opines a broadcast journalism major. Students in the "fantastic" honors college enjoy "small, discussion-based classes and a lot of personal attention." Meanwhile, for the run of USC-ers, classes are much bigger, teaching assistants are common, and the professors "vary vastly." A lot of professors are "very well-prepared," "very approachable," and "passionate about their subjects." "Most of the teachers I have had here have been outstanding," reports a business major. Other faculty members "just read through slides." Still others are "generally unhelpful, unapproachable, and more concerned with their research." USC's administration is "very friendly" and "student-oriented." Getting things done "can be slow" and advising can be "completely unorganized," but "the bureaucracy is easy to navigate," which definitely isn't the norm at your average state school.

Students Say - Campus Life
Students here enjoy "awesome" weather and a "pretty," "historical campus." "A lot of the buildings are very old" and could use a serious makeover, though. "Parking is a problem," too. For many students, "Attending college sporting events is the most fun thing to do at USC." "The school spirit is crazy," reports a senior. "In the fall, student life revolves strongly around football." Home games "are an all-day event." "The tailgating is epic." However, you can have "good fun year-round." "It's a big school, so there's a little of everything." "There are tons of resources for the students to use," including "a world-class gym." "Intramural sports are very popular." Guest speakers and big-name performers are numerous. Greek life is "huge" and Columbia is a "fun college town." "People party hard here at USC." It's easy to "get trashed on the weekends" because "the campus is surrounded by nightlife." Five Points is a bar district within "walking distance" "that is super fun." The Vista, which is similar to Five Points but a bit more upscale, is another bar-filled area of town that "students love to visit." When the hankering for road trips arises, students appreciate that the campus is "close to Charleston and Charlotte, and not too far from Atlanta."

Students Say - Student Body
Archetypal students at USC are "politically conservative, openly religious (mostly Christian), and traditionally Southern." The atmosphere "can be intimidating to non-Southerners at times." "If you are from a different part of the country," counsels a first-year student, "it's a culture shock." Students here are also "very involved on campus" and exceedingly proud of their school. "We all have Gamecock pride," explains a sophomore. Otherwise, this place is "a huge melting pot," with "a wide range" of students and organizations. Students who pledge fraternities and sororities constitute the most visible bloc. "A lot of the girls are the classic blond Southern girl and many of the guys are preppy" types sporting "boat shoes," "sunglasses around their necks," and a "frat-boy swoop" hairdo. "There is a different group for everyone down here," though. "Good old boys and some more progressive types," "artsy" kids, "gothic" kids, "theater kids, ROTC kids," and "self-proclaimed honors college nerds" all have their respective niches. "Every type of person goes to this school," says a sophomore.

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