Order the Pimiento Cheese Dip at Market on Main! South Carolina College Report, Part 2

The University of South Carolina 

I was reminded of UGA as we walked around the wide green known as the Horseshoe, admiring the many National Historic Register buildings. The campus is a major draw, as is the city, which offers some cool shopping and restaurants in a few areas in different directions from the school (we liked coffee and shoe shopping in 5 Points). Flags touted USouth Carolina’s prominent International Relations, Honors College, and Best Value Public University status. The South Carolina State House abuts the campus as well. And the southern staple mentioned in the headline was amazing, as were the truffle fries!

Applications are rising. Out of state applicants face a new challenge: USC committed to accepting the top 10% of all South Carolina high school graduating classes starting in the fall 2024 admissions cycle. Popular programs like the Darla Moore School of Business and International Business and Studies are no longer a predictable admit for a B+/A- student. Students range from conservative to alternative, and everyone looked happy. Our senior tour guide is headed off to Emory for her PA degree.

Coastal Carolina University

Mid-sized Coastal Carolina University, about an hour northwest of Myrtle Beach, has 10,600 students, with 58% coming from out of state. The beautiful, classically southern campus with ponds and bridges features new dorms and guaranteed housing for two years. Recreation and Sports Management students, in the new College of Health and Human Performance, have internships with the many local professional teams, and the Health Sciences Program prepares students to enter all allied health fields and get hands-on experience at the Conway Medical Center.  Big news: the college is introducing a direct admit test-optional nursing program (test scores required for applicants with a <3.5 GPA). Coastal’s ABET-certified engineering program is an easier admit than many. Lots of students enjoying sunshine on the green!

Next week…a full post on the College of Charleston. I'll be posting trip photos on the college pages under Notes.