Applications and all supporting materials are due by February 15 of your sophomore year.

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Prerequisites

• US government, economics, US history, physical education, health, a second lab science, a computer science course, a fine arts course, and one or two years of a foreigh language are encouraged by end of sophomore year.
• Applicants must have completed Geometry, Algebra I and II, a lab science and English II by the end of their sophomore year.
• One year of foreign language is encouraged.
• Applicants must take the ACT, PSAT, PLAN or SAT before January of their sophomore year.
• Prospective students must be legal residents of the state of South Carolina.
• GSSM is a two-year, residential program for juniors and seniors. Applications are only accepted from rising juniors (10th grade students).

Application Checklist

• Complete online application
• Submit official high school transcript
• Transmit ACT, PSAT, PLAN or SAT scores
• Submit teachers' email addresses for online evaluations

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are complete and mailed by the deadline of February 15. We will notify you if any information is missing.

Standardized Tests

All applicants are required to submit a current standardized test score from sophomore year.  If you were unable to take the PSAT in the fall of your sophomore year or you would like to take an additional standardized test, you may take the SAT, ACT or PLAN.

Fees and Financial Aid

As a state public high school, the Governor's School does not charge tuition, but it does have a $2,000 annual fee to cover a portion of the meal plan. Financial aid is available, and no student is denied entrance based on an inability to pay the fee. Other costs GSSM students may incur are a refundable damage deposit and a student activity fee. Learn more.

Admissions Committee Criteria

GSSM is highly selective. Traditionally, there will be six strong applicants for each space available. The admissions process takes into consideration classes taken and grades earned, class rank, standardized test scores, recommendations and extracurricular activities. The school considers not only aptitude, but also proven performance and demonstrated interest in science and mathematics. PSAT/SAT scores of students attending GSSM typically range from 1000 to 1500. The (unweighted) grade point average generally ranges between 3.5 and 5.4.

The Admissions Committee will evaluate potential students in several areas:

• Mathematical interest demonstrated by specific achievements and/or activities
• Scientific interest demonstrated by specific achievements and/or activities
• Communication skills demonstrated by written responses to questions
• Ethical leadership based on reports of observed behavior by teachers
• Interpersonal skills demonstrated by evidence of understanding other viewpoints, accepting both leader and follower roles, and promoting cooperative behaviors among peers

Alternate List

The number of students admitted to GSSM each year is determined by the school's residence hall capacity, currently 176. An additional group of qualifying students is placed on an alternate list. Invitations are extended to students from the alternate list if space becomes available. The number of alternates varies from year to year.

Proficiency Testing

All students who plan to attend GSSM are required to complete a proficiency test in mathematics before registration, the results of which will determine course placement. Date and time will be provided with the decision letter.

Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Nondiscrimination Statement

The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be made to Mr. Ernie Boyd, Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, 401 Railroad Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550, 843-383-3906.  For further information on federal non-discrimination regulations, including Title IX, contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at OCR.DC@ed.gov or call 1(800) 421-3481.