Clemson, CofC, or USC Columbia?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello. I am an African American high school junior attending a rural high school. I am an A+ student with a high GPA (top 10% of my class). My coursework includes an AP class, dual credit classes and honor classes. Currently, I am on track to receive the state Palmetto Fellows scholarship if I attend a college/university in South Carolina. I am getting started with the college search process and am split between the three big schools in the state.

I am leaning towards majoring in Political Science for my undergraduate studies and then attending law school for a J.D. Location is not a huge factor for me as I have experience living in the rural and now urban setting. However, $$$ is. As I wish to attend law school, I don’t want to be overburdened by a massive undergraduate student debt. As of now, I know the CofC would pay off most or all of my college tuition with their Cougar Advantange and that one year would be covered at Carolina/Clemson with the state scholarship.

I have visited USC and plan to visit Clemson and CofC in the spring. If anyone has any personal experience good or bad (you can PM it to me if you want) with any of the aforementioned secondary institutions or any advice that can assist me along this process, it would be much appreciated.

P.S. I felt like I left out some important information, so feel free to ask any additional questions if needed.

2

If Law School is the plan, then your definitely going to want to save money for that. Typically, what school you go to for that goal doesn’t typically matter as long as you have a challenging major with good grades. If CofC is cheapest option and more importantly YOU LIKE THE SCHOOL then that would seem to be the best option.

3

From what I’ve read about the Cougar Advantage, it doesn’t always cover everything (some students only get tuition covered) would your family be able to afford the rest of the costs if you didn’t get a full ride? Not trying to be rude at all, just something to look into. :slight_smile: Wishing you the best!

4

Yes but I’m definitely going to seek local and private scholarships to minimize the amount that I would have to pay out of pocket.

5

okay that makes sense! I agree with the other commenter that you should definitely visit, but if you like the campus and it seems to be a good fit, that sounds like a great opportunity for you!

6

@preparationiskey My son is a William Aiken Fellow at CofC. It is wonderful school. With your stats , you would be competitive for the Honors program most likely. They also offer scholarships for first generation students . I think you should take a look.