I need help in applying to University of South Carolina. I got a 19 on the ACT the first and only time I have taken it. My weighted GPA is a 4.021 and my unweighted is 3.489. I got selected for the palmetto boys state program last year (junior year). I am a Hispanic student. Basically what I need help on is knowing the best time to apply. I know the ACT score is very low but I am going to take it again on October 22nd and December 1st and I am studying quite a bit for it; something I didn’t do the first time, at all. I need to know whether to apply now so I could get housing benefits and meet the early answer deadline of October 15. The final application deadline is December 1st. Will the college judge me/decide based off of the 19 score if I apply now or will they wait to see my October and December scores? I am just worried they will decide before I can get a higher score later. Also if the deadline is December 1st, does that mean I cant take it now? So the main question is, should I apply now with the 19 ACT, just to get my complete application in to them before the deadline and take the act two more times (without them judging me or deciding based off of that first score). One more question, should I write an essay? What other tips do yall have on getting in? Thank you!
You will not get in right now. http://ipr.sc.edu/cds/cds2015/cdsc2015.htm Note that test scores are very important (section C7). Your score is Well below the 25%ile (section C9). Wait and retest.
I know I won’t get in right away, I am just worry they will have their decision made before my new scores come in. My counselor said just to apply with what I have in order to get my application sent in. I just don’t know what to do at this point.
I would wait for the Dec 1 deadline. I see no advantage in applying 15 October. With an ACT of 19, you are unlikely to get accepted – yes, they absolutely will take that score into consideration. I do not see any advantage to applying early. Any housing advantage is minimal, especially compared with not getting accepted. If you can write well, then I would write an essay. The more you show them of yourself, the more they will consider you. Remember, they are considering how you will do in college. If you show them that you will go the extra mile and put in effort, to them that means that you are trying harder, and more likely to succeed.
I would be weary of the early answer deadline. I’ve heard admission counselors claim that they rarely deny early answer applicants and they usually are deferred into the regular application pool. I recommend emailing the admissions office or even scheduling a visit and talk to an admissions counselor. If you really care for housing priority, I would say find a friend that applies early answer and try to room with them ( I had a friend do that). DEFINITELY do the essay and get a good guidance counselor rec. It may also depend on the weight of your extracurriculars and the major you want to pursue. I can help with essays or ACT (I scored a 29C), just let me know. I was also a participant at Palmetto Boys State this past summer and I’ll be glad to help a fellow Boys State citizen.
Thank you so much. What city were you in?
Wateree