Prospective Students

Admissions

Find out how smart gets smarter at the SC Governor's School for Science and Math!

Students who apply to the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) have consistently experienced academic success and have demonstrated their interest, commitment and creativity in a variety of settings. Traditionally, there will be six strong applicants for each space available.

The School's Admissions Staff is eager to speak with students and their parents. Contact the Admissions Office with any questions or concerns at admissions@gssm.k12.sc.us or 843-383-3944.

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The Application Process

Submitting an Application

Applications are due by March 1 of the student's sophomore year.

To complete the application, students will need to take the ACT, PSAT, PLAN or SAT before January of their sophomore year. Applicants also will need to provide an official high school transcript and three recommendations. A prospective student must be a legal resident of the state of South Carolina.

What GSSM Looks For in an Application

GSSM is highly selective. The admissions process takes into consideration classes taken and grades earned, class rank, standardized test scores*, recommendations and extracurricular activities. The school considers not only aptitude, but also proven performance and demonstrated interest in science and mathematics.

Applicants must have completed Geometry, Algebra I and II, a lab science and English II by the end of their sophomore year. One year of foreign language is encouraged. PSAT/SAT scores of students attending GSSM typically range from 1000 to 1500. The grade point average (unweighted) generally ranges between 3.5 and 5.4.

*Important Note: All GSSM applicants are required to submit a standardized test score. This score must be a current score from sophomore year.  If you were unable to take the PSAT in the fall of your sophomore year or you would like to take an additional standardized test, you may take the SAT. To meet the March 1st GSSM application deadline, the January 28, 2012 test date is the last testing opportunity. The deadline for registering for the January 28, 2012 test date is December 30, 2011. You may register online at www.collegeboard.com. Please indicate the test date on your application.  

Admissions Committee Criteria

The Admissions Committee will evaluate potential students in several areas:

  • Mathematical interest demonstrated by specific achievements and/or activities;
  • Scientific interest demonstrated by specific achievements and/or activities;
  • Communication skills demonstrated by written responses to questions;
  • Ethical leadership based on reports of observed behavior by teachers;
  • Interpersonal skills demonstrated by evidence of understanding other viewpoints, accepting both leader and follower roles, and promoting cooperative behaviors among peers.

An application cannot be reviewed if it is incomplete. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the packet is complete and mailed by the deadline of March 1 of the student's sophomore year. GSSM will notify the student if any information is missing.

Hints For a Strong Application
  • The application file represents the student to the Admissions Committee. GSSM does not conduct admissions interviews. The care and thought with which a student completes the application is revealed by such things as correct spelling and punctuation, legible handwriting and attention to the intent of the question.
  • Applicants should type the responses on the application form in at least 10 point type.
  • Students are encouraged to let their personalities emerge from their file. The admissions staff likes to "see" their sensitivity, sense of humor, passion for learning and insight.
  • The evaluation forms completed by the counselor and teachers support the application. Make sure to allow them sufficient time to complete the forms carefully and completely.
Alternate List

The number of students appointed to attend GSSM each year is determined by the School's residence hall capacity. An additional group of students is identified for an alternate list. Invitations are extended to students from the alternate list if space becomes available. The number varies from year to year.

Proficiency Testing

All students appointed to attend the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics are required to complete a proficiency test in mathematics prior to registration. The results are used to determine the correct course placement. Date and time will be provided with the decision letter.

GSSM Alumni

GSSM graduates have attended colleges and universities throughout the country. More than half attend South Carolina colleges and universities. The rest go out of state to such prestigious institutions as MIT, Duke, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Cal Tech, Cornell, Stanford, and many, many more.

While graduating from the Governor's School does not guarantee students will receive a scholarship, the 50 students of the class of 2011 amassed scholarship offers in excess of $9.3 million! Traditionally, many of these graduates have been National Merit winners.

Fees

As a state public high school, the Governor's School does not charge tuition, but it does have a $2,000* annual fee to cover a portion of the meal plan. Financial aid is available, and no student is denied entrance based on the inability to pay the fee. Except for day-to-day expenses, a refundable damage deposit and a student activity fee, the remainder of the costs are covered by the state and by gifts from generous corporations and individuals who contribute money and materials to the Governor's School Foundation.

*Amount listed is for the 2011-2012 school year and is subject to change.