New Student Checklist
The College of Engineering and Computing offers an easy to follow list that will give
you the information you need to know before arriving for class.
When You Are Admitted

Finalize Your Major
Deciding on a major will help you get the most out of your orientation day and first
advising!
If you are unsure which engineering or computing major is right for you, explore our 10 undergraduate programs. Still can't decide? Check out this video comparing the types of work in each field of study, the classes and curricula, and factors to consider
if you decide to change your major later.

Take the Math Placement Test (MPT)
The Math Placement Test is online and must be completed before New Student Orientation. You want your MPT
score to accurately reflect your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and other Precalculus
concepts. This is a critical step in your pre-enrollment process as many of your first
semester courses will be determined by your MPT score.
Before Orientation
Get the most out of New Student Orientation by doing your part to be prepared.

Register for Orientation
You must register for and attend a New Student Orientation session in order to sign-up
for classes. Click here to learn more about your session.
If you haven’t taken the Math Placement Test yet, do that now.

Prepare for Orientation Advising
During your day of Orientation you will also meet one on one with an academic advisor
and register for your first semester of classes. Review your program's recommended
four-year plan in the Major Map Repository and prepare a list of questions about the classes you need to take.
Before the Semester Starts
After orientation, there are a few more things you can do to get ready for classes
and our Office of Student Services is available to answer your engineering and computing
questions.

Identify Your Academic Advisor
Our academic advisors are dedicated to help ensure success in your transition to UofSC's College of Engineering
and Computing. They can help you identify resources, connect you with campus partners,
and help you identify your academic and professional goals. Keep an eye on your UofSC
email for a follow-up within two business days after orientation. Please note all
official communication after orientation will be directed to your UofSC email.

Consider Our Computer Recommendations
We recommend that all students have a good laptop or desktop computer and a reliable
internet connection. In addition, College of Engineering and Computing students have
free, 24/7 access to computer labs with computers capable of running all of the required
applications needed to graduate. If you are considering the purchase of a personal
computer, however, follow the recommendations from our IT support team.

Study Up
We recommend that all Engineering and Computing freshmen review algebra, trigonometry
and precalculus before the first day of class. Good resources include ALEKS Prep for Calculus, Khan Academy Precalculus, and Schaum’s Outline of Precalculus.
We also recommend that incoming freshman majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering
and Computer Information Systems work through a Java tutorial, particularly those
students who will use AP Computer Science-A credit to place into CSCE 146 Introduction
to Algorithmic Design II. A good resource for this is Oracle’s The Java Tutorials.

Walk Your Class Schedule
Remember to walk your class schedule before the first day of class. Find your actual classrooms, not just the buildings,
so that you will be on time. Don't forget to review the shortcut Dr. Lyons talked
about during orientation!

Attend Big Wednesday
Join us for CEC's annual Big Wednesday just before fall semester classes start. Meet
over 40 different engineering and computing clubs, important campus offices, and welcoming
department chairs and faculty.