Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Gamecock Gateway is an exciting one-year residential program offered jointly by the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College. Designed for first-time college students, the invitation-only program provides comprehensive support from both institutions while offering an affordable pathway and the opportunity to transition to the University of South Carolina.

Gamecock Gateway students enjoy a wide range of benefits while working toward meeting USC’s admission requirements. Students live on campus at USC Columbia while completing their first year of coursework at Midlands Technical College’s Airport and/or Beltline campuses.

As a Gamecock Gateway student, you will:

• Receive student ID cards for both USC and Midlands Technical College
• Have access to campus facilities at both institutions
• Participate in many programs and activities at USC and Midlands Technical College
• Live in a USC residence hall
• Have access to USC’s intramural sports and state-of-the-art fitness center
• Enjoy library privileges at USC
• Receive free tickets to many USC athletic events and attend concerts, cultural events and more

Transfer Requirements

To transfer to USC Columbia after one year at Midlands Technical College, you must:

• Earn 30 transferrable credit hours
• Have a 2.25 GPA or higher (Some USC programs require a higher GPA for admission.)
• Be in good standing with both USC and MTC

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Gamecock Gateway FAQs

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• Where do Gamecock Gateway students attend classes?

  Depending on your major, you will take courses at Midlands Technical College's Airport and/or Beltline campuses. You will have an academic advisor at Midlands Technical College who will work closely with University of South Carolina academic staff to ensure the transferability of coursework.

• Where do students in Gamecock Gateway live? May I live at home if I live in the Columbia area?

  Gamecock Gateway students will live together in the Bates House residential community on USC’s Columbia campus. Bates House is a traditional residence hall that offers wireless internet, a micro-fridge in each room, a 24-hour computer lab, a Student Success Center satellite office, an all-you-can-eat dining facility and more. Laundry and kitchen facilities are conveniently located within the residence hall.
  

• Is transportation provided between campuses? May I keep a car on the USC campus?

  Gamecock Gateway students are encouraged to not bring their vehicle to campus as parking near Bates House is limited. Students who choose to bring a vehicle on campus must purchase a parking pass for both USC and MTC. USC will provide a scheduled shuttle service between the Midlands Technical College Airport / Beltline campuses and the USC campus. Additionally, Gateway students are eligible to ride the Comet Bus to MTC for free with their MTC student ID card.
  
  Note: due to specific coursework, some students may require individual transportation.
  

• Are there any participation restrictions for Gamecock Gateway students?

  Gamecock Gateway students cannot join social fraternities or sororities, hold office in a club or organization, participate in intercollegiate athletics or take part in activities that require USC course enrollment, including ROTC. Gamecock Gateway students are eligible to participate in the Carolina Dance Team, cheerleading and marching band (excluding the marching band course). Students interested in one of these programs should reach out to the specific office to learn more about the audition or tryout process. 

• How long do I participate in Gamecock Gateway?

  Gamecock Gateway students must participate in the program for one full academic year, including both fall and spring semesters. Students must also earn 30 transferable credit hours at Midlands Technical College and be eligible for transfer admission consideration by the end of the spring semester. Students who do not meet USC transfer admission requirements after participating in Gamecock Gateway may continue to be enrollment at a local technical or community college if otherwise eligible. However, they will no longer be enrolled in Gamecock Gateway.

• How can I be considered for financial aid in Gamecock Gateway?

  Financial aid for Gamecock Gateway students is administered through Midlands Technical College’s Student Financial Services. Students should complete the FAFSA by April 15 using Midlands Technical College’s school code (003993). Additional financial aid information is available on the Midlands Technical College website.

• Am I eligible for any of the state scholarship and financial aid programs as a student in Gamecock Gateway?

  Yes, Gamecock Gateway students who qualify for state aid programs, including the SC LIFE Scholarship, Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC need-based grants. are eligible to receive those awards. For specific eligibility requirements, please refer to the Commission on Higher Education's website. Note: South Carolina state scholarships are available only to South Carolina residents.

• Do I have to purchase a meal plan at the University of South Carolina?

  Gamecock Gateway students are required to purchase the Residential All-Access meal plan with $250 meal plan dollars at USC. This cost is included in the total semester fees you will pay through your Midlands Technical College (MyMTC) account.