Orientation (SOAR)
Student, Orientation, advisement, and registration
Welcome to USC Upstate, New Spartans!
As you begin or continue your college journey at USC Upstate, our Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) programs will help you every step of the way.
- Get academic information and learn about USC Upstate resources and services before beginning classes.
- Meet with an advisor to determine the best courses for you to take.
- Student Orientation Leaders will help you register for classes.
- Transfer student? A faculty advisor in your major will be ready to discuss your transcript evaluation with you.
How to register for orientation:
If you need to reset your USC Upstate password you will need to know your USC Upstate username and have set up your phone or email as a recovery option. Find more information about to reset your password. |
Placement Testing
To ensure you are placed into the appropriate courses, Upstate requires new students in certain majors to complete a set of online placement tests through the Blackboard account.
Math Placement Testing:
If you are majoring in one of the majors below and you have not successfully completed a college level Algebra or Calculus course with a C or better or scored 3 or higher on a Calculus AP course, you must take the math placement test before attending orientation.
Accounting, Advanced Manufacturing Management, Biology, Chemistry, Child Development & Family Studies, Community Health, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Education, Economics/Finance, Elementary Education, Engineering Technology, Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Exercise Science, Health Informatics, Health Information Management, Information Management & Systems, Learning Disabilities, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Math, Psychology, Secondary Ed -Biology, -Chemistry, and -Math
Anatomy-Physiology Placement Test
If you are majoring in Exercise Science, Nursing, or Pre-Physical Therapy and you have not successfully completed a college level anatomy-physiology course, you must complete the anatomy-physiology placement test before you attend orientation.
World Language Placement Test
Students can also be permitted, upon request, to take the World Language Placement Test to determine appropriate course levels in French, German, and Spanish. Native speakers, legacy speakers or students with advanced language skills in these languages, may place out of the introductory language requirement by completing the placement test. For more information on taking language placement tests please contact Languages, Literature, and Composition at evanswd3@uscupstate.edu.
South Carolina Residency
If you believe you are a South Carolina resident, you must complete the SC Residency Certification Form in Self Service Carolina in order to qualify for in-state tuition and fees. For more information visit the Next Steps page.
The resources below are in PDF forrmat 
Important Orientation FormsPlease print, complete and bring these forms with you to Orientation. |
Orientation ResourcesFeel free to review these resources before and after orientation. |
To register, select the student type tab below that applies to you.
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First Time in College (age 20 or younger)
All new freshman students uner the age of 20 are required to attend one of our orientation, advisement and registration programs. Dates are offered according to your intended major. Check out the Freshman Orientation FAQ. -
Transfers and Non-Traditional Freshmen (age 21 and older)
Transfer orientation, advisement, and registration is designed specifically for students transferring to USC Upstate from other institutions. OAR is an opportunity to learn everything you will need to prepare yourself for your first semester at USC Upstate, including information about campus services and organizations, financial aid, and fee payment. For more information, check out the Transfer Orientation FAQ. -
As an international student at USC Upstate, you are also required to attend orientation. If you are a freshman student, you will register for and attend freshman orientation. Otherwise, you will register for and attend transfer orientation. Within these orientation programs, a special session is held for international students to help you get better situated at USC Upstate.
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Orientation for high school dual enrollment students is coming up so stay connected!
Parents or Guardians
We did not forget about you. We will provide information on our website and through email to help your student get off to a good start. Call 864-503-5246 or email admissions@uscupstate.edu if you have questions or concerns.