Hello! I’m a current junior who is interested in studying international business in college. I noticed on a few rankings that U South Carolina has the top ranked international business program. I thought this was weird considering that South Carolina does not academically compare to other top international business programs.
Does anyone know anything about this program/degree at South Carolina? How challenging is it to get into compared to the actual university? Does the program only offer direct admission or can a student transfer into the program? From what I’m reading it seems that they don’t accept very many applicants. Any help is appreciated! Thank you!
There’s a recent thread on this topic on the South Carolina-specific forum. Sorry, don’t know how to link it but it’s titled IB Program Competitive Admission.
Yes, this specific program is a tough admit. If you are admitted to the South Carolina Honors College (SCHC) as a freshman and choose it as your major before you start school, you can be admitted directly (at least that’s how it worked this year). Otherwise you compete partway through sophomore year for admission. Check the university website for specifics about applying to the SCHC. Be warned, it is an arduous application; but the payoff may be worth it if you are set on IB. Also very nice merit (both in and OOS) available if your stats are strong.
OP not sure how USC doesn’t compare to others when it’s had this ranking for several years and the Masters in IB has been in the top 3 since I was in grad school (MBA) 25 years ago. Lots of big universities have overall uneven prestige depending on department. USC’ s honors college has about the same profile as many top LACs.
All IB students spend a semester abroad and have to competency in a language. Lucky is correct, you have to apply to program after sophomore year after taking certain courses. If you can get into Honors College you are direct admit as long as you complete required courses and maintain certain GPA. If not in honors, it’s tougher. Know student with 4.0 that didn’t get into upper level, probably lack of EC related to major. There use to be direct admit from Capstone program but that seems to have been discontinued.
My D is friends with a couple of IB students - one has great job with top firm starting next month. The other is going to grad school. Both have traveled abroad and done research.
Check and see if you are competitive for honors. It makes the school a great deal for OOS students, since most will qualify for OOS tuition waiver. Plus the honors college has other benefits of small classes, great housing and extra advisement, etc.
@LuckyCharms913 thanks for the response! I’ll check it out a bit more on the website and in the other thread.
@scmom12 seems very compelling for me. After looking at the website I should receive some financial aid as an OOS student, which makes IB seem like a great option. Thank you for the help!