TOEFL An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 Internet-based, or 570 paper-based IELTS The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5. GRE The department expects a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and a minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 on the GRE for Master’s applicants and 305 for Ph.D. applicants (approximately 1000 and 1100 respectively using the previous scoring system). The mean GRE scores (using the newer scoring system) for those students admitted with funding for the 2015-16 academic year were 160 verbal (approximately 86th percentile) and 155 quantitative (approximately 65th percentile). Combined GRE scores of those admitted with funding ranged between 304 and 333 with an average combined score of 315.

PS A letter of intent (also known as a "statement of purpose" or a "statement of intent") that explains why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate studies in the Department of Geography at USC (see "Writing a Successful Letter of Intent" below for further guidance).  GPA The department expects a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Fee Degree Application (Includes Certificate Programs) - $50 Fee RL Two letters of recommendation, preferably from academic instructors. References should be very familiar with the applicant’s work and abilities Transcript Applicants should apply through the Graduate School’s online admissions portal.  Applicants may upload digital files and records, including transcripts and test scores, through this portal.  The portal can also be used to request and to submit letters of recommendation.  Any information that applicants are not able to upload directly into the electronic system should be mailed to the Graduate School:            The Graduate School            University of South Carolina            901 Sumter Street - Suite 301            Columbia, SC 29208