USC Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at USC is 12%.  Its admission rate is the 8th lowest in California and the 40th 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 8,304 out of the 69,062 who applied were admitted.

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?

12% 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 1500 on the SAT
• Score 33 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class

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.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Southern California. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 34% of students submitted SAT scores and 16% 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 University of Southern California?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at USC is 1500 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1450-1550. Students who get into University of Southern California score in the top 2 percent of all SAT test takers..  USC ranks #5 in the state of California and #27 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1500 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. USC regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1450 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1450, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1400, 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 "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1500 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 1500, you have around a 12% chance of being admitted. A 1550 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 21% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

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 #7 in California and #35 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.

16 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 "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance 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 12% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 24% 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.

Admission Statistics

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

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?

Credits Accepted

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 1500 on the SAT and optimally 1550 to place yourself in a strong position. For ACT scores, you need a 33 to have a competitive chance of getting in.