College Spotlight: University of South Carolina (visiting 10/13/11)

Link: University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina welcomes students from diverse backgrounds—freshmen from around the United States, transfer students from state technical colleges, international students from more than 100 countries, graduate students from other prestigious institutions, and students transitioning from one of the University's regional campuses to Columbia.

What they all find is a tradition-rich and growing institution with a host of opportunities—from challenging academics, to 300 clubs and organizations, to volunteer and service projects. The Horseshoe is the University's picturesque and historic campus, a gathering place for studying, sunbathing, Ultimate Frisbee—you name it. (Take a virtual tour of campus.)

A few blocks from main campus, the University's unique research and innovation district, Innovista, is taking shape with two large facilities, the Horizon Center and Discovery Plaza.
Other new or future facilities include:

• the $22 million Arnold School of Public Health Research Center
• West (Green) Quad, the world's largest "green" dorm
• the state-of-the-art Wellness and Fitness Center
• the Greek Village's 20 fraternity and sorority houses
• the South Carolina Honors College residence hall
• the 34,800-square-foot Dance and Marching Band facility
• the Gamecocks' new riverfront baseball stadium
• the academic enrichment center for student-athletes

South Carolina is a pioneer and national leader in the first-year experience, including its acclaimed University 101 program that helps students adjust to college life. The First Year Reading Experience also brings together more than 3,000 students from the freshman class the week before fall classes begin to discuss a book as a common point of reference. The 2010 selection: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.