Diploma Seals of Distinction & College Requirements

College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Policy

For Entering College Freshmen Beginning in Fall 2030

As published by the SC Commission on Higher Education

FOUR UNITS OF ENGLISH: All four units must incorporate robust reading (covering both fiction and non-fiction), speaking, writing and research components. It is strongly recommended that students complete two literature-based units, such as American, British, or World Literature. 

FOUR UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These units must include Geometry with Statistics, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 with Probability. A fourth higher-level mathematics course should be taken before or during the senior year. A higher-level mathematics course is one that is intended for students who have already completed the content of Algebra 2 with Probability. Pre-Calculus and Calculus are strongly recommended. College-bound students should consider taking four years of algebra-based mathematics (e.g., Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus).  A higher-level mathematics course is defined as a course that requires Algebra 2 with Probability as a prerequisite, and AP Statistics does not meet that definition for this requirement.

THREE UNITS OF LABORATORY SCIENCE: Students must complete three units of laboratory science. Two units must be in two different fields selected from biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. The third unit may be from any of these fields or from another laboratory science course that requires biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science as a prerequisite. Introductory survey courses, including physical science, general science, integrated science, or similar courses, do not meet this requirement. Students planning to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics are strongly encouraged to take one course in each of the four fields: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. 

TWO UNITS OF THE SAME WORLD LANGUAGE: This course consists of two units that place a strong emphasis on language acquisition. 

THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History, half a unit of Economics, and half a unit of Government are required. It is strongly recommended to take World History or Geography. 

ONE UNIT OF ARTS: One unit in the appreciation, history, or performance of one of the visual and performing arts. This unit may be chosen from media and digital arts, design and media arts, dance, music, theater, or visual and spatial arts. 

ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR JROTC: One unit of physical education must include one semester of personal fitness and one semester of lifetime fitness. Marching Band, along with Physical Education can also be used. Exemptions are granted to students enrolled in Junior ROTC or those excused due to physical disability or religious reasons. 

TWO UNITS OF ELECTIVES: Two units must be taken as electives. A college preparatory course in Computer Science (i.e., one involving significant programming content, not simply keyboarding or using applications) is strongly recommended for this elective. Other acceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English; fine arts; foreign languages; social science; humanities; mathematics; physical education; and laboratory science (courses for which biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science is a prerequisite). 

NOTES:  

1. General Applicability: 

These prerequisites establish the minimum criteria for admission to senior public institutions in South Carolina. Individual universities may establish additional admissions requirements and grant exceptions for students who do not meet all prerequisites, but only in cases where the failure to meet one or more requirements results from circumstances beyond the student’s reasonable control. 

2. Enhancing College Readiness: 

In addition to the prerequisites, students planning to attend a four-year college are strongly encouraged to:  

• Complete four years of algebra-based mathematics, including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, PreCalculus, and Calculus. 

• Develop multimodal communication skills and to practice rhetorical analysis to support success in first-year college English courses. 

• Take one high school course in all four fields of science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics and earth science) if they are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. 

• Enroll in rigorous courses such as Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and dual-enrollment classes. 

3. Resources: 

a. South Carolina High School Course and Graduation Requirements: https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/high-school-courses-andrequirements/ 

b. College and Career Ready Mathematics standards: https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards/mathematics/standards/ 

c. College Preparation and Financial Aid: https://www.che.sc.gov/students-families-and-military/preparing-college 

Approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education: May 7, 2026