SCI-Arc Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at SCI-Arc is 59.8%.  Its admission rate is the 39th lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into SCI-Arc and can you get accepted?

SCI-Arc is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 307 out of the 513 who applied were admitted.

Southern California Institute of Architecture typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.5. 9% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into SCI-Arc?

60% 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 Southern California Institute of Architecture you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1130 on the SAT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Southern California Institute of Architecture?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into SCI-Arc are to have around a 3.5 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SCI-Arc accepts 60% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at SCI-Arc is 3.5 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #51 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since SCI-Arc 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 3.5 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Southern California Institute of Architecture. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 18% of students submitted SAT scores and 7% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Southern California Institute of Architecture?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at SCI-Arc is 1130 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1020-1230. Students who get into Southern California Institute of Architecture score in the top 57 percent of all SAT test takers..  SCI-Arc ranks #43 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1130 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SCI-Arc regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1020 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1020, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 910, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Southern California Institute of Architecture 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 "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1130 SAT score range.

Chance 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 1125, you have around a 60% chance of being admitted. A 1230 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 74% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern California Institute of Architecture is $85.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Southern California Institute of Architecture and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted