Test-Optional Admissions FAQ
Students are not required to submit standardized SAT or ACT scores through the spring, summer or fall 2023 terms.
General Requirements
The University of South Carolina will be test-optional for the spring, summer and fall 2023 terms. This applies to general university and South Carolina Honors College admission, as well as merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Freshman admission will be based primarily on high school courses and grades. Students will indicate on their application whether or not they want UofSC to consider their standardized test scores in the admission process.
Required Materials
All domestic first-year applicants must submit the following items:
We accept the Common Application or the UofSC Application. Choose the application you are most comfortable using; we do not prefer one application over the other. You must select two major choices and complete the essay and activities section regardless of application type. List your top major choice first, and select two different majors.
Regardless of which application you select, you must pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee or use an ACT, College Board, NACAC, or Common App application fee waiver, if you qualify.
Your high school counselor should submit a school report form on your behalf. This form documents your academic progress and may include a school profile. Your counselor can access this form regardless of which application platform you choose. Letters of recommendation are not considered for general university admission. Do not send letters of recommendation unless you are applying to our South Carolina Honors College.
Upload a clear, legible unofficial copy of your high school transcript in a JPG or PDF format. The unofficial transcript must list grades through the conclusion of your junior year and include your full name and high school name. A web-based copy of your transcript will meet this requirement. You will self-report your senior year schedule and credits on the application. Do not send an official high school transcript to the admissions office unless it is requested.
If you have already graduated from high school, you must request to have your official high school transcript with your graduation date sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the deadlines. You do not need to complete the “Senior Year Schedule” section of the application.
Required High School Courses
Students entering UofSC as freshmen are expected to complete the minimum high-school core course curriculum.
AP, Cambridge Intl. and IB Credit
Discover how to receive UofSC credit for Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.