Enrollment: 19765
Average SAT: 604
Average ACT: 26
Most Popular Majors: Biology/Biological Sciences, General,Experimental Psychology,Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN),
Regular Application Deadline: 12/01
Student Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Undergraduate Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid: 58
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $4,368.00

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
With a large in-state population and a proud football tradition, "The University of South Carolina is all about pride-in academics, athletics, and in life." Undergrads at this large research university embrace the entire USC experience, bragging of "an awesome mix of challenging academics and social activities." As at most large state universities, your academic experience at USC "is what you make of it." You can "blow off your classes," or you can "dive in and try and learn as much as you want to." A few students warn that "most departments are more research-oriented than education-oriented. The philosophy is that research pays the bills, not the students, and therefore more emphasis should be placed on research." Even so, the academic experience is not an impersonal one; on the contrary, professors "will do everything they can to help you out with any problem, personal or academic. The people here are amazing. A stranger is as likely to be friendly and helpful as your best friend." Students tell us that USC excels in business; mathematics; nursing; education; technology; library service; journalism; psychology; and hotel, restaurant, and tourism management. One USC booster sums up: "The University of South Carolina offers the complete student experience: A variety of student organizations and student activities, a great nightlife in the state capital, challenging classes taught by great professors, and opportunities for research-all within a great environment on a beautiful campus."

Students Say - Campus Life
USC "is a fun place," especially for sports fans, as life here "mostly revolves around football and basketball. Everyone's always talking about the upcoming game or what next season is going to hold. There's a great sense of school pride." Undergrads proudly assert that "USC is probably the best college for tailgating. Football game days are so fun!" But students don't need a sporting event to have a good time; on the contrary, "Many people party every weekend (beginning Thursday nights)." When they do, "A lot of people hang out in Five Points"-which "offers many nightlife and dining options for college students"-"or the Vista"-which is similar to Five Points, but a bit more upscale. Aesthetes have plenty of options as well; on campus "The Koger Center for the Arts brings [in] great performers every year," while the city's Colonial Center "offers big concerts…from Elton John to Jimmy Buffett." Other Columbia highlights include "a very nice zoo" as well as plenty of options for hunting and fishing within 25 miles of the city. Beyond the immediate vicinity, "the mountains are an hour away and so is the beach. A weekend in Charleston, shopping in Charlotte, [and] going to the mountains in [North Carolina]" are excursions "you hear about every weekend (when there's not a football game going on)."

Students Say - Student Body
With an undergraduate student body of more than 19,000, USC is home to "so many different types of people…involved in so many different activities." When pressed to describe a typical student, undergrads identify "a fun-loving football fan who is a business student or a bio major" and explain that "most students are Southerners who come from a similar Christian, suburban background (although not all remain in that mindset)." However, students also report that USC is home to a "diverse minority and international communities" who "are becoming more and more recognized by the rest of the students." One undergrad sums up: "There isn't a typical student at USC, [but] there are different…group[s] that students could be classified into. There are the frat guys and the sorority girls; the good ol' boys who love to hunt and fish; the debutantes [who] are only here to get a MRS degree; the northerners who came down to USC and had no idea what they were getting themselves into; and then there are the athletes, who pretty much interact only with other athletes."

Clemson University
College of Charleston

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