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#5 Best Private Colleges in California

USC SAT Scores

Los Angeles, California

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SAT scores needed to get into University of Southern California

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%
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123961 IPEDS survey data for University of Southern California.