I was going to say the exact same thing. Sounds a whole lot like UGA. My daughter applied at both schools EA and got into both already. However we are in-state for USC and she heard back from them on 11/15. I am slightly shocked since USC was her safety school and we did not think it was that hard to get into.
“As far as notification, It was always this week that EA was coming so Im not sure what the fuss is about.”
Is it me or hasn’t UofSC traditionally sent notification via snail mail beginning in early November versus electronic in mid December? We don’t know much about the school but that’s what I’ve heard others say. Big change from past years with no mention that it was changing, with a surprise curve partial results release on Nov. 15th and an abrupt stop after that day. Personally, I understand the fuss for those with their hopes up.
Better late than never with the recent email though. I’d rather know what’s coming than be surprised when a lot of kids are deferred (which is what I assume will happen).
December 9-13: Early Action Decision Week Begins
Decisions regarding university admission status will be released on December 13 for all applicants who fully comply with the October 15 deadlines. Applicants may be admitted, denied or deferred to second review. Students who are selected for second review will be issued their final admissions decisions the week of March 9.
Copied frrom USC website re: notification timeline. The school has no responsibility to tell applicants they are rolling out acceptances electronically vs. snail mail. With technology changes and applicant portals an electronic notification is to be expected. Greater applications take more time for review. It is my understanding that all schools with EA applications accept the applicants with higher stats and defer the lesser to take a deeper look and give the applicant a chance to raise standardized test scores and GPA. The problem is the Common App and Coalition App because many applicants that apply have no intention of attending the school.
@OceanIsle when I wrote it was always this week , it was from the website that other poster commented on. Dec9-13th was what was on their website . Even College Hunch had Dec 15 for EA. I guess they decided that with all the additional applications they were going to change it up from snail mail. I think there will be a lot more deferred this year. Like UGA, there is no way possible for them to read all these applications
Regarding the comparison with UGA’s process, I’d like to point out that it depends on the weight UofSC gives to the GPA and/or Class Rank vs. the test scores. I applied to UGA with a superscored SAT of 1460 and a superscored ACT of 35 (UGA superscores both). I was not with the majority that was either admitted or deferred. I was in the small group that was outright denied. Based on my three OOS cousins who recently went to UofSC, I know that I’m way smarter w/better test scores. So, I still believe/hope that Uof SC remains a little bit easier to get into than UGA.
When we toured UGA we were told that they do not weigh Honors, only AP and IB (1 pt). They count A’s and that GPA is 75% of the equation. ACT/SAT was the next most important part and they only count Math and English for ACT. They do superscore ACT. We were also told with a 33 and a 4.05-4.1 wasn’t really good enough to get EA there. My daughter applied RD for UGA and EA at UofSC. Fingers crossed. UofSC Marine Science is her #1. She is graduating from the #2 public school in VA. I wish they would’ve told us it was going to be Friday at the beginning.
UGA denied you with a 35 ACT??? That is just crazy. I am so sorry!
@SlimJim001 I agree with @upstatemom, that’s crazy. I hope you are in contact with Admissions Counselors to try and find a path for appeal. Your scores should make you a strong applicant for just about anywhere.
@SlimJim001 What is your GPA through your Jr year? How many A’s have you made overall. UGA counts A’s. What are you taking this year? What have you taken in the past? You did way better on the ACT than the SAT. What was your ACT Math/English? That is what UGA looks at. Grades matter more than standardized tests at UGA.
@afbratmama ACT (35M, 35E, 35S, 33R). I have or am in the process of taking 12 APs. I’m in Calculus AB AP now, but previously took Statistics AP. Course rigor is not the problem. It was my GPA. I know that. I always took the toughest course load but didn’t worry about my grades. I’m paying for it now.
They definitely spoke in our tour about having a good mix. They want to see you have a rigorous schedule, but prove that you can succeed in the classes. I think taking too many APs and not making As in them becomes a problem. The admissions counselor for our area really said they count As.
Wow @SlimJim005 thats crazy. My son was deferred and he didn’t have near as many AP’s and his SAT was good but not near your ACT. These schools don’t like to see too many C’s so hopefully ou it more A ‘s and B’s than C’s.
@SlimJim001 are you also applying RD to some of your school choices? This may give your GPA time to show improvement.
Your scores show you obviously have the ability and your current classes will show that you are motivated. I don’t know what your GPA is, but I sincerely hope you are able to overcome. You sound like you know what needs to be done. Just know that this is the first of many life experiences.
Have all the students who applied to USC taken economics in high school? I was looking last night at the course requirements and 1/2 credit economics and 1/2 year government were listed under requirements for social studies. I’m concerned because I never took economics. Had no interest.
@Brooklynroots, My DS’s school took a require course Civics & Economics Honors. Check to see if you had something similar in the curriculum that satisfies the requirement.
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I had to take a financial literacy class. Not sure if this would satisfy the requirement.
@Brooklynroots my daughter is a freshman at UofSC, and she did not take economics at all in HS, and she does not have to at UofSC. It might depend on your major whether you are required to take economics, and if it is, I am sure you would be able to fulfill that requirement in your first or second semester!
@Brooklynroots my kid asked admissions about Economics. They said it’s a required class in South Carolina and not to worry since it isn’t required in our state.
Thank you! I’ve been so worried that a 1/2 credit of economics was going to determine my acceptance to USC! Really appreciate you all letting me know it’s only a requirement in South Carolina.
Does anyone have insight into how important the Fine Arts requirement is? That’s another course required to graduate from high school in SC, but our state doesn’t require it, and my son hasn’t taken Art. I haven’t been too concerned about it, but if they had a huge increase in applications I’m afraid they may be looking for anything to easily weed applicants out.