Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Carolina Elite brings together the University of South Carolina’s premier programs for high-achieving students— the Top Scholar Program, the South Carolina Honors College and the Capstone Scholars Program—offering an unparalleled academic experience for those invited to join. 

Capstone Scholars Program 

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• Is there a fee for the Capstone Scholars Program?

  Yes, there is a $150 per semester participation fee for Capstone Scholars. This fee is added to your tuition bill each semester and supports exclusive program events as well as funding to academic enrichment grants to enhance your Capstone Scholars experience.  

• How does the Capstone Scholars Program relate to my major?

  The Capstone Scholars Program focuses on beyond the classroom learning that complements a student’s major by offering academic enrichment and personal development opportunities. It will enhance your college experience through community engagement, leadership development and access to campus resources – all designed to support you in reaching your academic and professional goals!   

• Do I have to live in the Capstone Scholars Living and Learning Community (LLC)?

  While Capstone Scholars are encouraged to live in the Capstone Scholars LLC to easily connect with the program and other students, it is not required.  

• Are there Capstone courses?

  The Capstone Scholars Program offers a few shared courses, including Capstone-specific sections of University 101, English 101 and English 102.  

• I received an invitation. How do I confirm my spot?  

  Congratulations! To confirm your spot in the Capstone Scholars Program, submit your nonrefundable $200 university enrollment deposit by May 1. 

South Carolina Honors College  

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• Why should I apply to the South Carolina Honors College?

  There are so many reasons to apply to the South Carolina Honors College. Here are just a few:
  

  • Nearly 600 courses offered each year, ranging from honors versions of traditional subjects to signature “cool courses” like The Development of Modern Medicine and Artificial Intelligence and Shakespeare. 
  • Priority advising and course registration. 
  • Specialized beyond the classroom opportunities reserved for Honors College students beginning your freshman year 
  • Average class size of just 16 students. 
  • Opportunity to design your own major through the honors BARSC degree program. 
  • The opportunity to apply for guaranteed admission to pre-med and pre-law programs. 
  • Guaranteed admission into the Global International Business Program’s classic track and the Smart Start Nursing Program.  

• Will I receive honors credit for AP/IB and dual enrollment courses?

  Many students entering the Honors College have already earned college credits through various advanced placement programs. While these credits do not count directly towards honors requirements, they can be beneficial in many ways: 

  • Credit recognition: The Honors College accepts credits from AP, IB, CLEP and dual enrollment. 

  • Course placement: These credits often serve as prerequisites for higher-level honors courses. 

  • Curriculum flexibility: By fulfilling general education or lower-level major requirements early, students gain space in their schedules for a more challenging and diverse honors curriculum.  
• What are typical test scores and grades for students admitted to the South Carolina Honors College?

  The middle 50% of students admitted to the South Carolina Honors College have an SAT score between 1410-1510* or an ACT composite score between 32-34*. On average, students admitted to the Honors College were in the top 4% of their high school class and had an average weighted GPA of 4.6-5.2. 

  *SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission consideration.  

• Can I apply to the Honors College as a transfer student?

  Students in their second semester at USC who have a minimum 3.6 GPA in all attempted college work may apply for transfer admission to the Honors College. Please note that admission to the Honors College is very competitive.  

  For more information about transferring into the Honors College, click here. 

• I have been admitted to the Honors College. When will I hear more about scholarships?

  All students admitted to the South Carolina Honors College will receive a merit-based scholarship from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Scholarship offers will be released by mid-March. You will receive an email and an update in your USC Admissions Portal when your scholarship offer has been released. 

• I have not received my Honors College decision. When will I hear back?

  All Honors College applicants will receive a decision by mid-February. Please note that Honors College decisions are made separately from your university decision and are not released at the same time.  

• Can I update my application with mid-semester grades or additional information to improve my chances of admission?

  We are unable to accept additional information as part of your Honors College application. All honors applicants will receive a final decision by mid-February. 

• Can I appeal my Honors College decision?

  Appeals are intended for students who can provide justification of any academic or personal circumstances that were not considered at the time the original decision was rendered or if there was a substantive error in the initial review of the student’s application. More information on how to appeal your Honors College decision will be made available after decisions are released by mid-February.  

• Is there a program fee for the South Carolina Honors College?

  Yes, there is a $750 per semester fee. The fee supports the cost of offering nearly 600 Honors courses per year and allows the Honors College to fund student research, internships, study abroad, service learning and more.   

• Where can I find the Honors College application?

  After submitting your university application, access will appear in your USC Admissions Portal within 48 hours.  

• I said (yes/no) to applying to the Honors College on the general university application but have since changed my mind. How do I update this?

  • If you originally selected “no,” email admhonor@mailbox.sc.edu to request access.   

  • If you selected “yes” but no longer wish to apply, email the same address to remove it. 
    Choosing not to apply has no impact on your general university admission. 

• How can I confirm my spot in the Honors College?

  Congratulations on your admission to the South Carolina Honors College! To confirm your spot, submit your nonrefundable $200 university enrollment deposit by May 1.  

• How can I connect with current Honors College students?

  Reach out through the Honors Ambassadors website; they are always happy to help.

Top Scholar Program

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• Do I need to submit a separate application for the Top Scholar Program?

  No. Students should complete the South Carolina Honors College and Top Scholars application. Students invited to advance in the Top Scholar selection process will receive additional information about virtual interviews and finalist weekend in late January.

• When will I hear about the Top Scholar Program?

  Invitations to virtually interview for the Top Scholar Program will be released in late January.

• What are the benefits of being in the Top Scholar Program? 

  Top Scholars receive all the benefits of the Honors College plus four years of individualized support from the Office of National Fellowships and Scholar Programs. More information is available here.