The school shall admit students in accordance with the admission criteria, standards, and procedures as established and approved by the board. To be eligible for admission to the school, an applicant must be a legal resident of South Carolina unless a special exemption is established to accept out-of-state or international exchange students. Students must be identified as artistically talented and possess a high level of commitment, motivation, and maturity. The board shall assure, as far as possible and without jeopardizing admission standards, that an equal number of students are admitted from each of the state’s congressional districts. Out-of-state or international exchange students admitted to the school shall pay tuition as determined by the board.