Your chances of getting into University of Southern California
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at USC is 12.5%. Its admission rate is the 7th lowest in California and the 37th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into USC and can you get accepted?
USC is a very highly competitive school to get into. You have a low chance of acceptance even if you meet the admission criteria. It's important that you meet their GPA requirements to get through the first round of consideration. Last year, only 8,884 out of the 71,031 who applied were admitted.
The school has exceptionally high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 4 percent on standardized admission tests. University of Southern California typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.83. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 41% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into USC?
13% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to University of Southern California you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.83 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1480 on the SAT
- Score 33 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
- Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers
USC GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into University of Southern California?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into USC are to have around a 3.83 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Meeting these GPA requirements alone is not enough for you to gain admission as USC is a very selective school.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at USC is 3.83 on the 4.0 scale. 26% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #15 in California for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since USC is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
USC SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Southern California. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 31% of students submitted SAT scores and 19% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 690 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 720 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1410 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 750 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 790 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1540 |
| Average SAT Score | 1480
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of Southern California?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at USC is 1480 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1410-1540. Students who get into University of Southern California score in the top 4 percent of all SAT test takers.. USC ranks #6 in the state of California and #35 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1480 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. USC regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1410 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1410, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1340, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
University of Southern California is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1480 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1475, you have around a 13% chance of being admitted. A 1540 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 22% chance of getting in.
USC ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 34 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 30 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 32 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Average ACT Score | 33
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into USC?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to USC is 33, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 32 and 35. The school ranks #6 in California and #29 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 33. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 32 and score in the score in the top 3 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 30.
19 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of Southern California.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of Southern California is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into USC for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 33 score has around 13% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 26% with a 35 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
80% of University of Southern California freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 80% |
| Top 25% of class | 95% |
| Top 50% of class | 99% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 39,613 | 31,418 | 71,031 |
| Accepted | 4,591 | 4,293 | 8,884 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 14% | 13% |
| Enrolled | 1,931 | 1,737 | 3,668 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 42% | 40% | 41% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Southern California is $85.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of Southern California and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Required |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because USC is very highly competitive, you have a low likelihood of acceptance. It is important that you earn at least a 3.83 GPA to have a good shot at getting in. Additionally, you need to score a 1480 on the SAT and optimally 1540 to place yourself in a strong position. For ACT scores, you need a 33 to have a competitive chance of getting in.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to University of Southern California often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123961 IPEDS survey data for University of Southern California.
FAQs
Does University of Southern California prefer SAT or ACT?
31% of students submit their SAT scores to USC. 19% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into University of Southern California?
13% of those who apply are granted admission to USC. Admission competition is very high and the college has elite admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for University of Southern California?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1410 and 1540. The average SAT score is 1475. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for University of Southern California?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 32 and 35. The average ACT score is 33. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.