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State of SC High School Graduation Requirements
The South Carolina Department of Education requires students to earn a minimum of 24 credits in order to graduate with a high school diploma.
Credit requirements are as follows:
4 Credits of English
4 Credits of Math
3 Credits of Science
1 Credit of PE 1 or JROTC
1 Credit of Foreign Language or Career/Technical Education Course
1 Credit of U.S. History
1/2 Credit of U.S. Government
1/2 Credit of Economics
1 Credit of an additional Social Studies Elective
1 Credit of Computer Science
7 Elective Credits (including 1/2 Credit of Comprehensive Health)
Must include 1/2 credit of Personal Finance beginning with students entering the 9th grade in 2023-2024 school year.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
As a high school student, your grades have an impact on your GPA (grade point average). Your GPA determines your class rank. It can determine the types of scholarships and amounts of scholarship money you are eligible to receive, as well as the colleges/universities that you will be accepted into during your Senior year. It can even impact your eligibility to participate in extra curricular activities.
You GPA is calculated from the very first time you take a course for high school credit. Some students take courses for high school credit in the 7th and 8th grade, while most do not begin taking courses for high school credit until 9th grade.
Keeping consistent attendance, completing/submitting assignments on time, and asking for assistance in class when you need it will help you to keep your grades as high as possible. The higher your grades, the higher your GPA. The higher your GPA, the more options that you can potentially have for your future.
High School Course Requirements for Applicants to a South Carolina 4 Year Public College/University
Students intending to enroll in a 4 Year College/University will be subject to the following requirements for high school coursework:
4 Credits of English
4 Credits of Math (Must include Algebra 1 OR Foundations in Algebra/Intermediate Algebra combo, Algebra 2, Geometry, and one other higher-level math course)
3 Credits of Lab Science (Biology 1 & 2, Chemistry 1 & 2, Earth Science, or Physics)
3 Credits of Social Studies
1 Credit of PE or JROTC
2 Credits of Foreign Language (must be same language) (Students are advised to check with individual colleges/universities as some may require additional units.)
1 Credit of Fine Arts
2 Credits of Academic Electives (Computer Science course is strongly recommended. Other acceptable electives include additional Fine Arts, Foreign Language, Social Science, Humanities, Mathematics, PE, or Lab Science courses)
*Students are advised to check with admissions department of each institution they intend to apply to for any additional requirements.
Having trouble choosing a college? Click here to view a list of colleges/universities in South Carolina
Information you may be asked to provide on a college application:
Social Security #
Phone Number
Email address (personal, do not use your CHS email)
Home Address
Parent Contact Information (phone number/email/mailing address)
GPA
Class Rank
ACT/SAT Scores
The month/year you began high school
Expected Graduation Date
Credit Card to pay application fee
Click here to search the CollegeBoard website for schools that will accept application fee waivers.
If you think that you will qualify for an application fee waiver, see Ms. Darby to fill out the Alternate Household Income Form.
Approved students may use no more than 3 application fee waivers
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