❄️ JANUARY 2026 ❄️

📣 5 Things You Need to Know Now

• U of South Carolina Early Admissions Data

  With the continued popularity of Southern schools, the Early Action cycle for the University of South Carolina was historic.
  A record number of applications.
  A record number of deferrals!
  Here’s a peek at the data:

  50,000 = Total Early Action Applications

  40,000 = Applications from Out of State students

  18% = Increase in Out of State Applications over last year.

  3,800 = Number of students admitted in early cycle

  Admitted Student Profile

  4.1-4.7 = Average GPA

  1260-1390 = Average Out of State Student SAT Score

  1140-1330 = Average In-State Student SAT Score
  

  Bottom line? The number of students admitted in the early cycle remained the same as last year. But high application volume led to a lower acceptance rate, around 9.5%.

  South Carolina typically admits a total of 7,000+ students each year. So, if you were deferred and still want to go to South Carolina…stay in the game! If you have an update to your application (a work promotion, an award, improved grades, etc.) send a quick email to your regional admissions rep and let them know. Attend a virtual info session for your major, continue to demonstrate interest and engagement. Decisions for regular decision and deferrals come out in Mid-March.

• Important Test & Registration Dates

  After years of test-optional policies, test scores are regaining importance in the admissions process. Here are upcoming dates and registration deadlines for SAT & ACT tests.

  SAT Test Dates (Register at collegeboard.org)

  • March 14 (Reg. Deadline 2/27, Late Deadline 3/3)

  • May 2 (Reg. Deadline 4/17, Late Deadline 4/21)

  • June 6 (Reg. Deadline 5/22, Late Deadline 5/26)

  ACT Test Dates
  Register at ACT.org.

  • April 11 (Reg. Deadline 3/6, Late Deadline 3/24)

  • June 13 (Reg. Deadline 5/8, Late Deadline 5/29)

  • July 11 (Reg. Deadline 6/6, Late Deadline 6/24)

• Should You Join ZeeMee?

  This popular app helps students connect with colleges and future classmates. But there’s more happening behind the scenes. We break down what ZeeMee really is, how colleges use it, and how students can use it to their advantage in our blog, What is ZeeMee? How Students and Colleges Really Use It.

  👉 Click here to learn what you need to know about ZeeMee

• 3 Course Selection Mistakes to Avoid

  As college counselors, we’ve reviewed tons of transcripts. We know:

  • Which course decisions matter most

  • Which mistakes are common…and avoidable

  • How colleges actually read transcripts (not just what they say publicly)

  This insight allows us to spot issues early, when they can still be fixed. So, check out our full blog on 3 of the most common…and impactful high school course selection mistakes we see. We go in depth into what colleges are looking for versus what high schools require, why your interests REALLY matter, and why loading up on APs might NOT be the best strategy.

  👉 Click here for Course Selection Mistakes that Impact College

• Seniors: It’s YOUR year NOW!

  For the “Class of 2026”…it is finally…2026!

  As college counselors, we often focus on the future, but we want to take this moment to encourage our seniors to honor where you are RIGHT NOW!

  College time will come. It’s time to embrace your high school experience, before it’s done.

  Please check out our special message for the Class of 2026.

  👉 Click here for the full blog post

Email us at Coach@EmblemCollegeCounseling to ask a question, set up a call or appointment, or get more information.

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