Let's Get Started!

Here's what you need to know to submit your undergraduate application.

Applying to College of Charleston as a first-year student is simple once you understand the process. Let’s walk through everything you will need to complete your application.

Parts of the Application

Some information is required to complete your first-year application, other information is optional. You can expand each of the following sections to get more detail.
  • Undergraduate Application

    Complete the College of Charleston Application or the Common App. No preference is given to either application type, choose whichever you prefer.

  • Application Fee

    There is a non-refundable $60 application fee. You will be prompted to pay this fee when you submit your application.

  • Early Decision Agreement Form (if applicable)

    You will be prompted to complete the Early Decision Agreement form only if you have chosen to apply Early Decision. Early Decision is binding, if you are accepted, you agree to enroll at the College of Charleston and withdraw all other college applications.

  • High School Transcripts

    To expedite the application review process, you may submit an unofficial copy of your high school transcript. Upload the unofficial transcript in PDF format (maximum size 5MB). This transcript should include:

    • grades and courses through the end of your junior year.
    • your senior year schedule.
    • your full legal name.
    • your date of birth or permanent address.

    You may opt to have your counselor submit your transcript to us directly. Preferred methods:

    • SCOIR/Parchment/Naviance upload: College of Charleston (Charleston, S.C.)
    • Common App: College of Charleston (Charleston, S.C.)

    Your counselor may also send your transcript directly to the Office of Admissions via mail (Office of Admission, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29429-0001) or fax (843.953.6322).

    The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request an official transcript at any time to assist with the decision process.

    All scholarship offers, including state scholarship offers, are contingent upon receipt of an official, final high school transcript from the school of record directly. 

    Students who are admitted to College of Charleston will be required to submit an official transcript, verifying graduation from high school, prior to starting classes at the College. 

  • Dual Enrollment Transcripts (if applicable)

    Dual Enrollment programs allow students to take college classes while still in high school. If you have taken dual enrollment courses, transcripts may be submitted at any time but are not required to complete a first-year student application file.

    College transcripts must be submitted directly from the institution of record prior to the student beginning classes at the College of Charleston.

  • Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

    We are test optional. This means you will decide whether you would like us to consider SAT or ACT scores in the evaluation of your application.

    If you choose to have your test scores submitted with your application, we will accept either unofficial or official test scores to make an admission decision and award merit scholarships. However, state scholarships will be awarded based on official test scores only.

    Your unofficial scores should be sent via email to: admapplicants@cofc.edu.

    We accept unofficial test scores:

    • from high school transcripts.
    • forwarded from the testing agency by your high school counselor.
    • From testing agency websites (via screenshot, PDF or jpg).

    All scores must include your name, test date, all sub-scores and at least one personal identifier (address, email address or testing agency ID).

    Once you self-report your scores, if the rest of your application file is complete, your application will go under review immediately based on the scores you’ve provided.

    We reserve the right to request official test results at any point during the application review process.

    If you choose to apply using unofficial scores, you will still need to provide official results after you are admitted (by June 1 for fall entrance, by January 1 for spring entrance). Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency via their electronic transmission service. Keep in mind this may take up to three weeks and you will be unable to register for courses without your official scores on file.

    Additional Testing Information

    • Our institutional code for the SAT is 5113.
    • Our institutional code for the ACT is 3846.
    • Submit all scores from all test dates – we will use your highest scores.
    • SAT subject tests are not required but consider submitting your writing scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

    If you would like to send letters of recommendation, limit them to two and request them from guidance/college counselors and/or teachers. They may be submitted via:

  • Art Submissions and Auditions (Optional)

    We do not require arts submissions or auditions for admission, and there is no separate application for the School of the Arts. However, there are some departmental scholarships available requiring auditions or portfolio reviews. Contact School of the Arts for information on scholarship opportunities available for first-year students.

  • Honors College Application

    Applying to the Honors College is easy. To be considered, just indicate your interest on the College of Charleston application or Common App, and you will be prompted to complete the supplemental Honors College essay.

    Learn more about the Honors College