Three steps to choosing a college
1.





Think about you
How do I learn best? In large lecture-style classes or in small discussion settings?
Do I learn more quickly when structure is clear or would I rather have more freedom?
What extracurricular activities have been most important to me? Which will I want to continue in college?
Who are my friends? Do I want my relationships in college to be similar or different?
How were my grades in high school? What are my chances of admission?
2.
Think about the type of college
Community or Junior Colleges generally offer the first two years of a liberal arts education, in addition to
specialized occupational preparation. The admission policies range from open to liberal.
Historically Black Colleges offer students a unique educational opportunity and cultural experience. They have a
range of admission policies.
Liberal Arts Colleges focus on the education of undergraduates. Because most liberal arts colleges are smaller than
universities, classes tend to be smaller. Students who attend liberal arts colleges are exposed to a broad base of
courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences as opposed to a specific career path. Tend to be selective or
highly selective admissions.
Technical Institutes and Professional Schools enroll students who have made clear decisions about what they
want to study and emphasize preparation for specific careers. Usually have an open admission policy. Some, like a
school of nursing, require certain grades in certain subjects.
Universities are generally larger and include a liberal arts college, as well as some professional colleges and
graduate programs. They offer a great range of academic choices. Class size often reflects institutional size.
Admission policy ranges from traditional to highly selective.
Women’s Colleges, with their larger number of female faculty and administrators, offer female students role models
and greater opportunities to serve in a full range of student leadership positions.
3.
Think about the Admission Policy
Highly Selective
ACT score of 27 – 32
Furman; USC Honors
Selective
ACT score of 22 – 27
SAT score of 1010 and higher
Clemson; College of Charleston; Columbia College; Converse College; Presbyterian
College; USC; Winthrop; Wofford
Traditional
ACT score of 20 – 30
SAT score of 930 and higher
The Citadel; Coastal Carolina University; Coker College; Lander University; Limestone;
Newberry College; USC – Sumter; South Carolina State University
Liberal
ACT score of 18 – 21
SAT score of 850 and higher
Allen University; Anderson College; Claflin College; Francis Marion University; USC –
Lancaster
Open
SAT score of 1200 – 1600
May not require ACT or SAT scores
York Technical College; Greenville Tech; Benedict College; USC – Union; Clinton
Junior College
Most 2 year schools require a placement test. You may not need to take the SAT/ACT.