Prospective Students
Admissions
Become part of a very select group of students from across the state.
In most cases, students who apply to the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) have consistently experienced academic success and have demonstrated their interest, task commitment and creativity in a variety of settings. Traditionally, there will be three to four strong applicants for each space available.
The School's Admissions Staff is eager to speak with students and their parents during each step in the process to ensure application packets are fully completed before submission. Contact the Admissions Office with any questions or concerns at 843-383-3944.
Click the link below to be added to the School's mailing list for prospective students.
The Application Process
Submitting an application
Applications are due (postmarked) by March 1 of the student's sophomore year. Download an application packet here or call the Admissions Office at 843-383-3944. Students who receive application packets will receive periodic mailings to keep them informed of all deadlines and activities pertaining to their application.
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 written 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, which means that everything is important, including all the classes students have taken and the grades they have made. The process also takes into consideration 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. Plus, 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.
The number of students appointed to attend GSSM each year is determined by the School's residence hall capacity of 128 students. An additional group of students is identified for an alternate list. Appointments are extended to students from the alternate list if space becomes available, and the number varies from year to year.
Proficiency Testing
Applications are due (postmarked) by March 1 of the student's sophomore year. Download an application packet here or call the Admissions Office at 843-383-3944. Students who receive application packets will receive periodic mailings to keep them informed of all deadlines and activities pertaining to their application.
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 written 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, which means that everything is important, including all the classes students have taken and the grades they have made. The process also takes into consideration 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. Plus, 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.
Admission Committee Criteria
The Admission 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 Admission Committee since 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. Lack of care and thought causes the Admission Committee to question the student's commitment to the task, and, in turn, his or her probable commitment to the GSSM academic program.
- If possible, 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 admission 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.
The number of students appointed to attend GSSM each year is determined by the School's residence hall capacity of 128 students. An additional group of students is identified for an alternate list. Appointments are extended to students from the alternate list if space becomes available, and 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 for the correct course placement in the math curriculum. Date and time will be provided with the decision letter.
And after graduation?
GSSM graduates have attended colleges and universities throughout the country. Approximately 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 class of 2010 amassed scholarship offers in excess of $10.2 million! Traditionally, many of these graduates have been National Merit winners.
Fees
And after graduation?
GSSM graduates have attended colleges and universities throughout the country. Approximately 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 class of 2010 amassed scholarship offers in excess of $10.2 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 does have a $1,800* fee for each student to cover food. 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 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.
