top of page

South Carolina, University of

Columbia, SC

Travel:

1 hour, 30 minute drive from Charlotte

Local Airport:

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Planning Your Visit
Places to Stay Near Campus

  • Courtyard Columbia Downtown

  • Clarion Hotel Downtown

  • Sheraton

  • Columbia Mariott

  • The Inn at USC

Places to Eat

  • Mr Friendly's

  • Mediterranean Tea Room

  • Motor Supply Co. Bistro

  • California Dreaming

  • Blue Marlin

  • Tin Roof

  • Hunter-Gatherer

  • Halls Chophouse

  • Hendrix

Other Schools You Could Add to Your Trip:

  • Clemson University

  • College of Charleston

  • Furman University

  • Wofford College 

  • Presbyterian College

College Snapshot

The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, is the state’s flagship university known for its top-ranked Honors College, strong programs in international business, and a campus buzzing with Gamecock pride.


📊 Admissions Overview

  • Freshman Applicants (2025): 52,703

  • Acceptance Rate: 60.1%

  • Waitlisted Applicants: 7,332

  • Admitted from Waitlist: ~500

🎓 Who Gets In

  • Class Rank: 93% of freshmen were in the top half of their HS class; 29% in the top 10%.

  • GPA Profile:
    16% had a 4.0 GPA
    34% had 3.75–3.99
    28% had 3.50–3.74
    The majority of admitted students had GPAs above 3.5.

  • Test Scores:
    Middle 50% SAT:     1190–1350
    Middle 50% ACT: 24–30+
    Nearly 49% scored 30+ on the ACT.

📝 What Matters in Admissions

  • Very Important: Academic GPA

  • Important: Class rank, rigor of coursework, standardized test scores

  • Considered: Essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, volunteer work, work experience, talent/ability, state residency

  • Not Considered: Demonstrated interest, alumni relation, character/personal qualities


College Snapshot
bottom of page