Freshman Application Process
Freshman Information
- Apply Now
- Test Optional Admissions FAQs
- Meet Your Admissions Counselor
- Freshman Admission Requirements
- After You're Accepted
- Merit Awards
- Other Scholarship Opportunities
- South Carolina Residency
- Admissions Home
How do I apply for admission as a freshman?
We strongly encourage you to apply for admission online. You will need to create an account and select a username and password. Make sure you keep this information so you can check the status of your application. You can also print out and complete the paper application Freshman Application 2024 or request a paper application by calling the Office of Admissions and Merit Awards at 800-277-7000.
There is a non-refundable $45 application fee that must be paid before you can submit your application to the University. Freshman applicants with financial need may request an application fee waiver by emailing admissions@coastal.edu.
What materials or documents do I need to send?
The following materials must be received in the Office of Admissions and Merit Awards before your application will be reviewed:
- Completed application for undergraduate admission.*
- Application fee ($45).
- Official high school transcript complete up to the time of application.
- Official entrance examination scores ** on the SAT or ACT (applicants 22 years of age or older are not required to submit SAT or ACT examination scores).
- If you have taken college courses while in high school, please send an official college transcript.
* As part of the application, all applicants are required to submit complete responses to a series of non-academic admissions review questions. Applicants must satisfy the non-academic admissions review portion of the application before the application file is reviewed or an admission decision made. The non-academic admissions review process supports the University's goal of maintaining a safe learning community.
** To be considered official, the standardized test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency (College Board or ACT). Test scores sent from the high school or from the student are not considered official and will not be used to complete the application file.
Although not required, you are welcome to submit additional materials to be considered as part of your application such as letters of recommendation or personal statements. Please email these materials to admissions@coastal.edu. Please include your full name and address with the email so we can match the additional materials to your application.
When will I get a decision?
- Early Decision (ED): Apply by October 15; notification by December 1; enrollment required by January 15.
- If Coastal Carolina University is your first-choice, then early decision is a good choice for you. Early decision is a binding commitment to enroll at Coastal Carolina University if admitted. If you are accepted early decision, you agree to withdraw all applications from any other colleges. You must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit by January 15.
- If Coastal Carolina University is your first-choice, then early decision is a good choice for you. Early decision is a binding commitment to enroll at Coastal Carolina University if admitted. If you are accepted early decision, you agree to withdraw all applications from any other colleges. You must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit by January 15.
- Early Action (EA): Apply by November 15; notification by December 15; enrollment required by May 1. Early action is non-binding and will notify you of your decision by December 15. To be considered, your application must be complete by November 15. NOTE: The Fall 2024 enrollment deposits deadline has been extended to May 15.
- Regular Decision (RD): Apply by February 1; notification by March 1; enrollment required by May 1. Your application must be complete by February 1. NOTE: The Fall 2024 enrollment deposits deadline has been extended to May 15.
How do I check the status of my application?
Once you have applied, you can check the status of your application online and see what materials you may be missing. Please Note: If you applied via the Common Application, we will be sending you instructions via email on how to create your application status portal account. We begin sending out those emails to applicants who completed the Common App around the middle of September each year.
You can check your admission status by logging into your application status portal at https://apply.coastal.edu/apply. Under the "Returning users:" section, click the "Login in to continue an application" link and then "Log In". If you don't know your username and password, use the "Forgot Your Password?" link to retrieve this information. Once you are logged in, click on the link for your "Submitted" Undergraduate Application, then click the "Open Application" button in the message box that will appear. You will then be presented with your Application Status Portal. Viewing your "Application Checklist", you can see if your materials have been received. Please allow at least 10 days from the time you submitted your application to check your status.
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
You have a personal admission counselor who is available to assist with questions related to applying and enrolling. To locate your counselor, go to the Meet Your Admissions Counselor page. You can also call 800-277-7000, e-mail admissions@coastal.edu, or find us on Facebook.