International students and transfer students are two key elements that contribute to student population growth. 2,090 transfer students enrolled at USC in 2012, and 382 new international students were welcomed to USC in fall 2013.
The new international students represent 103 different countries and are enrolled in a variety of different majors, including business and engineering programs.
International Students
In recent years, the number of international students studying at the university and the amount of Carolina students in study abroad programs has been steadily increasing, as the interest in overseas study has developed.
This year, 1,356 international students have been studying at USC and 545 USC students are involved in study abroad programs overseas.
“There are all sorts of programs that we work with,” said Rachel Hardison, the assistant director of the Study Abroad Office. “So there’s something out there for everyone.”
Students can get involved in foreign exchange programs at international universities, such as the University of Newcastle in Australia or at the University of Kent in England, and attend classes while being immersed in the foreign culture. In order to keep the costs down, students studying abroad are able to keep their regular USC tuition costs and simply pay for the new housing and meal costs while abroad.
Hardison said many students don’t look into study abroad programs because they are too concerned with timing, finances and coursework.
“I think there are still a lot of misconceptions about the feasibility of studying abroad with the costs and what it is,” Hardison said. “But [studying abroad] is possible for probably any student on campus and definitely something everyone should take advantage of.”
Faculty recognize the strenuous process of becoming acclimated to a new environment, so they work hard to help them succeed.
“We want our international students to know that we’re here for them and we want them to be successful academically and here at their time at USC,” said Jody Pritt, the director of international student services. “We also want them to have an engaged experience in the community, so that’s what we hope to provide them with.”
USC strongly encourages international study because it promotes global awareness and diversity.
“We … try to celebrate international students and their diversity on campus and highlight them to community,” Pritt said.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are one of the factors that contribute to student population growth with a total of 2,090 transfer students enrolled in 2012. A transfer student is anyone who has graduated from high school and has attended an accredited post-secondary institution and attempted a course.
There are two types of transfer students. The first type is a student who has earned less than 30 hours. For this type of student, USC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions requires SAT or ACT scores and a high school transcript. The student must also meet a minimum of the freshman requirements.
The second type is a student who has earned over 30 hours or has an associates degree. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions does not look at the student’s high school record, but it does still request a high school transcript.
The minimum GPA for a transfer student is a 2.25, but this may vary depending on the anticipated field of study. Programs like nursing or business require a higher GPA.
Unlike those who enroll as freshmen, transfer students may not enroll without declaring a field of study; all transfer students must apply for a specific major.
“Transfer students tend to do very well,” said Andrew C. Dalzell, an assistant director at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. “They have already proven that they can be successful.”
The majority of transfer students come from technical colleges, especially Midlands Technical College, which has campuses around Richland and Lexington Counties.
USC allows some students to enroll in a “bridge” program, Gamecock Gateway, which allows them to live on campus while taking class at Midlands Tech.