<p>From the Daily Gamecock:</p>
<p>" This year’s freshman class could likely be the strongest freshman class USC has ever seen. A group of more than 3800 college freshmen will set foot on the USC campus in the fall. These students come from numerous locations and backgrounds.</p>
<p>“We expect this class to be the best and brightest from the state of South Carolina. This class also draws very strongly from parts across the country, particularly from regions that have had a lot of students in the past go to South Carolina. It includes international students as well,” Provost Mark Becker said.</p>
<p>This year’s freshman class has impressive GPAs and SAT scores that may surpass classes in the past.</p>
<p>“This freshman class is extremely strong. We’re expecting, like the classes in the last two years, that the GPAs will definitely be high again,” Becker said. “We’re projecting the SAT average to be a little bit higher than last year, which was the highest ever. We’re expecting this class to be as good, or better, as any before.”</p>
<p>USC has numerous programs and opportunities available that attract students from all over the world to the university.</p>
<p>“I think there is a strong national buzz about USC. Exciting things are happening at the university. The undergraduate programs, as well as the graduate programs are very high quality,” Becker said. “Students that have come here and done well have had extraordinary opportunities available for them.”</p>
<p>USC’s study abroad program also draws students in to the university. Last year, approximately 800 USC students participated in the study abroad program. Study abroad enrollments at the university continue to increase each year.</p>
<p>Students are also attracted to USC for its value. USC is among the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.</p>
<p>“USC is a great value for students. They look at USC and see they can get a great education without having to pay private college tuition,” Becker said.</p>
<p>South Carolina has begun the routine re-accreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university must demonstrate that they have a real program for students that is well thought out and sets learning outcome objectives for students. The university is able to measure these objectives and determine how they are doing in meeting their goals.</p>
<p>“We’re continually looking at ways to improve the educational experience for students. This process makes sure that we are engaged as an institution in trying to provide outstanding education,” Becker said. “It is a stamp of approval.”</p>