Accepted upper division students can expect to have a variety of experiences in didactic, clinical and simulation settings. The state-of-the-art and nationally accredited Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning, along with innovative classroom teaching and experiential opportunities with expert faculty will prepare students to become leaders in nursing. With above-average NCLEX pass rates, students are well-prepared for the national licensure exam and have a high rate of success for employment at top-tier institutions across the country. 

Accepted students will receive an official acceptance form, which must be completed and submitted by the published deadline, or the offered seat will be forfeited.

All accepted upper division students must:

• Plan to attend a College of Nursing upper division orientation held on a Saturday in March. This session will provide an overview of the upper division BSN curriculum, clinical information, advisement, and review of required clinical health information, advisement, clinical, and course expectations. The upper division orientation session is restricted to students only and is a mandatory event or the accepted seat will be forfeited.
• Attend clinical experiences in rural and/or non-traditional clinical sites. 
• Participate in clinicals during varied days and times (such as 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and/or weekends).
• Provide transportation to and from clinical locations, which may be assigned anywhere within an 80-mile radius of the College of Nursing.
• Satisfactorily complete spring courses prior to beginning upper division in the summer or fall, or the accepted seat in upper division may be forfeited.

All accepted students are encouraged to review the following links and information in preparation for starting upper division:

• Upper Division Costs: review the BSN Start-Up Costs page for more information on what to expect for upper division costs.
• Tuition: visit the university's Bursar’s Office page for more information on tuition and required fees.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: visit the university’s Financial Aid page to learn more about cost, aid, scholarships, loans, FAFSA and more.
  • SC State Scholarships (i.e. LIFE, Palmetto Fellows): Students will need to contact Financial Aid and complete the necessary paperwork to apply these scholarships to Summer Start courses. Paperwork must also be signed by the student's primary advisor.
  • Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships: review the Scholarships and Endowments page for detailed information on available undergraduate and general nursing scholarships.
• Dining: For current semester dining hours of operation, visit the Dining Services page.

Accepted summer-start upper division students are also encouraged to review the below information specific to the summer semester:

• Summer Financial Aid: visit the University of South Carolina Financial Aid summer financial aid page for more information about available summer financial aid opportunities. Pay special attention to deadlines for summer aid.
• Summer Housing: accepted students beginning upper division in the summer term may be interested in the available housing options provided by the university.
  • University Housing offers the only official summer-only housing option for students. Housing availability is generally limited, and there are specific application timelines and move-in/out dates that must be adhered to. The summer housing application typically opens in April, and specific dates are released late in the spring semester. For more information and to apply for summer housing, please visit the University Housing page. In addition to University Housing, some students choose to sublease apartments from other students who are not on campus during the summer. Subleasing arrangements are managed independently between students and are not facilitated by the university. For more information about off-campus living visit the Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations page.

Expand allWaitlists

• Students applying to upper division may receive notice they have been placed on a waitlist for upper division. Typically, approximately 20 applicants are placed on the waitlist for upper division based on the applicant pool and the available upper division seats.  
• Waitlisted students will be notified if they rank in the top, middle, or lower third of the waitlist.  
• The waitlist remains open until the first day of the fall semester. If a seat becomes available, the waitlisted student will be notified via USC email and will have 72 hours from the time of the notification to accept or decline their seat. No reply is a declined seat after 72 hours from the time of notification. If an offered seat is declined, the student is then moved to the not admitted student category.
• Students who are waitlisted are required to complete the nursing course (NURS 220)during the spring term prior to potentially entering upper division in the summer or fall term. Students may also continue any other classes such as Carolina Core or classes required for lower division curriculum or minor.
• Waitlisted students should plan to meet with their assigned nursing advisor to discuss alternative options and have a plan in place should an upper division seat not become available. Options include changing majors within the university, reapplying to upper division* during the next admission cycle, or consider transfer to another nursing program.
  • **If a student chooses to reapply to upper division, it is recommended the student speak with their assigned nursing advisor regarding the feasibility of reapplication. Students who plan to reapply to upper division must submit a new application during the next admission cycle and will enter the new admission cycle applicant pool.  
• Waitlisted students are encouraged to seek out alternative majors and meet with Exploratory Advising.  

Non admits

• Students who are not accepted into the upper division should speak with USC Exploratory Advising if interested in another major. 
• If a student chooses to reapply to upper division, it is recommended the student speak with their assigned nursing advisor regarding the feasibility of reapplication. Students who plan to reapply to upper division must submit a new application during the next admission cycle and will enter the new admission cycle applicant pool.  
• Students who are not accepted may also consider transfer to another nursing program.  Please note, the BSN nursing advisors can only provide advisement for the University of South Carolina BSN program.