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Vanguard University of Southern California Admission Requirements

Costa Mesa, California

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Your chances of getting into Vanguard University of Southern California

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

74.8%
Admission Difficulty for Vanguard University of Southern California
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Easy 
Applicant Competition Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Vanguard University of Southern California is 74.8%.  Its admission rate is the 56th lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Vanguard University of Southern California and can you get accepted?

Vanguard University of Southern California is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 2,079 out of the 2,778 who applied were admitted.

Vanguard University of Southern California typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.31. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 26% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Vanguard University of Southern California?

75% 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.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Vanguard University of Southern California you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.31 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1090 on the SAT
  • Score 22 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Vanguard University of Southern California GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.31

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Vanguard University of Southern California?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Vanguard University of Southern California are to have around a 3.31 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Vanguard University of Southern California accepts 75% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Vanguard University of Southern California is 3.31 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 #73 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Vanguard University of Southern California 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 3.3 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.

High School GPA's for admitted Vanguard University of Southern California students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 5.27% Good
3.75 to 3.99 16.43% Good
3.50 to 3.74 18.46% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 18.66% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 19.27% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 16.02% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 5.48% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.2% Reach
less than 1.00 0.2% Reach

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Vanguard University of Southern California SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

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

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

980-1200

Applicants Submitting SAT 

-
SAT Scores for Vanguard University of Southern California
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 500
Math 25th Percentile 480
Composite 25th Percentile 980
SAT Scores for Vanguard University of Southern California
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 610
Math 75th Percentile 590
Composite 75th Percentile 1200
Average SAT Score 1090

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Vanguard University of Southern California?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Vanguard University of Southern California is 1090 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 980-1200. Students who get into Vanguard University of Southern California score in the top 64 percent of all SAT test takers..  Vanguard University of Southern California ranks #50 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1090 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Vanguard University of Southern California regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 980 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 980, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 870, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Vanguard 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 1090 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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 1090, you have around a 75% chance of being admitted. A 1200 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 85% chance of getting in.

Vanguard University of Southern California admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1200 and Above Good >85%
1090 to 1200 Avg + 75%-85%
980 to 1090 Avg - 61%-75%
870 to 980 Reach 45%-61%
Less than 870 Low <45%
Calculate My Chances 

Vanguard University of Southern California ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

19-25 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

-
ACT Scores for Vanguard University of Southern California
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile 19
ACT Scores for Vanguard University of Southern California
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile 25
Average ACT Score 22

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Vanguard University of Southern California?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Vanguard University of Southern California is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 25.  The school ranks #43 in California for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

0 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Vanguard University of Southern California.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Vanguard 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

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Vanguard University of Southern California for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 75% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 85% with a 25 ACT score.

Vanguard University of Southern California admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
25 and Above Good >85%
22 to 25 Avg + 75%-85%
19 to 22 Avg - 61%-75%
16 to 19 Reach 45%-61%
Less than 16 Low <45%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

78% of Vanguard University of Southern California freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 44% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Vanguard University of Southern California students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 15%
Top 25% of class 44%
Top 50% of class 78%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Vanguard University of Southern California admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 1,913 865 2,778
Accepted 1,417 662 2,079
Acceptance Rate 74% 77% 75%
Enrolled 358 183 541
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 25% 28% 26%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2025

Days left to Apply

219

Applicants have 219 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Vanguard University of Southern California is $45.

Application Requirements

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

Vanguard University of Southern California Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Vanguard University of Southern California
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Vanguard University of Southern California is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.31 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1090 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Vanguard University of Southern California often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123651 IPEDS survey data for Vanguard University of Southern California.

Last updated February 24, 2024