Online Diploma Program Application Requirements

Note: GSSM is not recruiting for STEM Foundations in 2023-24. Stay tuned to learn about exciting changes coming for this program.

Admissions Requirements

The application for STEM Foundations requires a high school transcript, an essay, reference contact information, interviews, and a GSSM math admissions score. All South Carolina residents who will be starting 11th grade next fall are eligible for this program. Applicants should show demonstrated success as online learners. 

Additionally, students must have completed at least 10.5 high school credits before enrolling in the program, including 1 credit hour of coursework in each of the following courses:

  • Algebra 1
  • Algebra 2
  • Geometry
  • English 1
  • English 2
  • a lab science course (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
  • a social studies course or foreign language
  • Application Checklist

Application Checklist

  1. Online application
  2. Academic Recommendation Contact Information (must be one of the following: English, Science, and Math teacher)
  3. One Essay (supplemental application)
  4. Official Final high school transcript (unofficial copies can be used for review but official are needed if offered admission) Transcripts must contain all hours/credits, rank and grades to be considered for admissions.
  5. If your transcripts are not in English, you must submit a certified transcript translated into English.  Applicants with foreign course work must submit a course-by-course evaluation with GPA from a NACES approved company. An admissions decision will not be made until the evaluation and all transcripts are on file. Credential evaluations are done by NACES approved companies and are not conducted by any member at GSSM. In order to get a credential evaluation you will need to contact the NACES approved company directly.
  6. Standardized Test Optional: Official PSAT, Pre-ACT, SAT or ACT scores taken since January 2020 are optional. For more information on our test-optional policy, please view our test-optional policy.

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 South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, 401 Railroad Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550, 843-383-3906. For further information on federal nondiscrimination regulations, including Title IX, contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at OCR.DC@ed.gov or call (800) 421-3481.