USC SAT Scores

Average Score and SAT Requirements

University of Southern California is a test optional school meaning you are not required to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "considered but not required". If you do elect to submit your SAT scores, the following information is helpful to understand how you compare with other applicants.

Average SAT Score 1475

The average composite SAT score for admitted University of Southern California freshman is 1475 out of 1600. USC students have the 35th highest average SAT score in the United States. For perspective, a 1475 is in the 99th percentile of all SAT test takers.

SAT Score Range 1410 to 1540

The middle fifty percent of incoming students have SAT composite scores ranging from 1410 to 1540. The 75th percentile score is 1540 while the 25th percentile score is 1410.

Minimum SAT score requirement

The lowest SAT score accepted is not reported by USC but we estimate it to be around a 1340 total composite SAT score.

Average SAT Math Score 755

The average score for USC students on the math portion of the SAT is 755 out of 800. The 25th percentile of students score a 720 and the 75th percentile score 790.

Average SAT Reading Score 720

The 25th and 75th percentile range for SAT reading scores range from 690 to 750 and the average score for University of Southern California students is 720.

Number of Students Submitting SAT Scores

31 percent of students submit SAT scores with their application to University of Southern California

Admission Chances by SAT Score

Below are estimated chances of being accepted at University of Southern California based on SAT score ranges and the overall admission rate of 12.5%. These chances assume you have an average GPA for the school, around 3.83.

Can I get into USC with a 1540 SAT?

• Score competitiveness Very Good

An SAT score of 1540 or higher is very competitive at USC and is a better score than three quarters of students who are accepted. While having an above average chance of acceptance, admission is very competitive. The estimated chance of getting in is around 22% or higher.

Can I get into USC with a 1480 SAT?

• Score competitiveness Above Average

Scores between 1480 to 1530 are above average giving you an advantage over most applicants. While scores in this range are higher than many who apply, admission is extremely competitive. The estimated chance of being accepted is around 14% to 20%.

Can I get into USC with a 1410 SAT?

• Score competitiveness Below Average

SAT scores between 1410 to 1470 are still in the middle range of accepted students a but a little lower than the average. You can get in and have about a 7% to 12% percent chance of being admitted.

Can I get into USC with a 1340 SAT?

• Score competitiveness Reach

SAT scores from 1340 to 1400 are on the very low end of the range where students are accepted. Scores in this range are not competitive with most other applicants but you still have a chance. We estimate scores in this range have less than a 7% chance of admission to USC. SAT scores below 1340 likely fall out of the range where students are regularly accepted.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Admission chances to University of Southern California by SAT score

SAT Score	Admission Chances
1600	34%
1590	32%
1580	30%
1570	28%
1560	26%
1550	24%
1540	22%
1530	20%
1520	19%
1510	17%
1500	16%
1490	15%
1480	14%
1470	12%
1460	11%
1450	10%
1440	10%
1430	9%
1420	8%
1410	7%
1400	7%
1390	6%
1380	6%
1370	5%
1360	5%
1350	4%
1340	4%