SPECTRA
Speedy Consolidation and Transition Program
SPECTRA is a multi-week program that provides students from underserved communities a preview of life at the College of Charleston while helping them make a successful transition from high school to college.
As a SPECTRA participant, you'll enroll in for-credit courses from July through August. In addition to your classes, you'll participate in instructional workshops and labs while living in College of Charleston residence halls.
Through SPECTRA, you'll get a head start to your college career, make new friends, and engage in a variety of social activities including meet-and-greet sessions, beach trips and other fun outings around Charleston.
I feel like it made me get out of my shell, and I think I’m going into college after this experience with more confidence.
— Desiré Johnson, SPECTRA '23
SPECTRA Program Details
- Participants in SPECTRA must be accepted to the College for the fall semester, have paid their enrollment confirmation fee and completed a New Student Orientation session in June or July before SPECTRA begins.
- SPECTRA students take two courses in the humanities. They are in classes for approximately three hours each day (not including workshops or time spent attending special presentations).
- All participants must remain on campus for the full program session (weekends included) and participate in all of the coursework, labs, workshops and structured activities.
- Tuition, room and board (College of Charleston meal plan) are covered by the SPECTRA program. Participants must pay for books, supplies and any personal expenses. In addition, the cost of any meals that are not a part of the College’s meal plan will also be the responsibility of the individual student.
REMINDER: Any student who participates in SPECTRA and decides not to enroll at the College of Charleston must repay the cost of his or her tuition, room and board to the College.
SPECTRA Eligibility
- SPECTRA is open to incoming freshmen from underserved populations only.
- You must be accepted for admission to the College of Charleston for the fall semester.
- You must confrim your intention to enroll by paying your $400 deposit before the May 1 deadline. If they don’t plan to live on campus, they must pay a $100 deposit by the same deadline.
- Attend new student orientation before the July start date for SPECTRA.
- Complete and submit the SPECTRA Program application.