What We Look For

Here’s some data on our incoming students.

You are more than your grades or test scores. Above all, our admissions committee wants to know what makes you unique. But often, applicants want to know what the typical first-year student looks like. We are test score optional. Learn more about what that means on the Parts of the Application webpage. The scores below represent students that opted to have their test scores considered. The middle 50% of admitted first-year students scored typically scored like this:

  • SAT range: 1140-1310
  • ACT range: 25-30
  • GPA Range for South Carolina residents: 4.1-4.8 (SCUGS)
  • GPA Range for non-residents: 3.7-4.2 (4.0 scale)

The Big Picture

Our holistic review of your application includes:

  • GPA (weighted or unweighted).
  • class rank.
  • test scores (If you choose to submit them).
  • up to two letters of recommendation (optional).
  • high school coursework (see below).

High School Coursework Requirements

First-year students are expected to meet the minimum college prep high school core course curriculum required by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

English - four units

Literature, grammar or composition

Mathematics – four units

Algebra 1, algebra 2, and geometry (or an equivalent of credits in integrated algebra and geometry), and either pre-calculus, trigonometry, or calculus.

Laboratory Science – three units

Biology, chemistry or physics

World Language – two units 

These must be from the same language.

Social Science – three units 

U.S. History, World history/civilization/geography. Credits in economics, government, sociology, psychology, and similar topics are also acceptable.

Fine Arts – one unit 

One unit in appreciation of, history of, or performance in one of the fine arts.

Electives – two units 

Additional college-preparatory courses; additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree and additional world language credits are recommended for all students. The admissions committee will still consider applicants who have not taken these elective courses. 

Other First-Year Student Applicants

We encourage you to connect with your admission counselor to discuss any questions about your application.
  • Mid-Year High School Graduates

    If you are graduating high school in December and enrolling in the College of Charleston in January:

    • Submit an official letter from your principal or counselor confirming completion of graduation requirements (include the date you will receive your diploma)
    • Academic scholarships are generally not available for first-year students entering in the spring semester.
    • South Carolina residents must complete the Early Graduation form on the SC Commission of Higher Education website.
  • General Education Development test (GED)

    Applicants who have earned a GED must submit:

    • Official GED transcript and GED diploma. These must be submitted via your GED account.
    • Official high school transcripts, if you were enrolled in high school prior to GED instruction.
    • College transcript(s), if you have taken any dual enrollment classes while in high school.
    • SAT/ACT are not required. However, submitting a standardized test score is strongly recommended if it has been less than one year since you received your GED diploma.
  • Homeschooled Students

    We welcome homeschooled students and encourage you to review the following recommendations and requirements before applying:

    • Completion of a challenging college-preparatory high school curriculum. Consider adding dual-enrollment classes at a local community college to your curriculum.
    • Submit a transcript that includes the following:
    • all classes with specific course titles and descriptions.
    • the rigor of each class (honors, AP, etc.).
    • your grades (and how your grades were determined).
    • credits per class.
    • academic year during which each class was completed.
    • Official high school transcripts, if you were enrolled in high school prior to home instruction.
    • College transcript(s), if you have taken any dual enrollment classes while in high school.
    • Two years of a foreign language in high school is strongly recommended. Intermediate-level courses at a community college (201 and 202 level) can be substituted.
    • ACT or SAT is required for homeschooled students. The testing requirement is waived for students who complete dual-enrollment classes, AP classes and/or IB classes. If you are taking a dual-enrollment class during the second semester of your senior year, we will require your midterm grades to make an admissions decision.
    • South Carolina homeschooled students must be registered with a fully accredited homeschool organization, otherwise a GED diploma and transcript are required. If your state does not require an accredited homeschool curriculum, we will abide by those rules for admission consideration.