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It’s not so difficult to get admission to the University of Southern California (USC). Prospective students are advised to take their test seriously, beat the average SAT/ACT score, and also get acquainted with the USC acceptance rate.
It might interest you to know that USC has the largest number of applicants each year because of the benefits attached to it.
USC opened its doors to fresh graduates in 1880 and, to date, has been known for its academic excellence.
However, in this article, we will feed you with detailed information on all you need to know about the University of Southern California (USC), its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT score, GPA, benefits, tuition fee, environment, and many more.
I urge you to keep reading to get all the information you might need.
About USC
The University of Southern California is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles. USC is the oldest private research university in the West. It opened its doors to fresh graduates in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers.
Today, USC is among the world’s best research universities. That is to say, the University of Southern California has always been the best choice for those in America and around the world.
It’s one of the world’s leading private universities. USC has a large number of applicants each year; over 60,000 students applied for admission in the 2021 full term.
Reasons You Should Attend USC
The University of Southern California is not only among the top universities; it is also one of the top private research universities in America.
USC is also recognized globally as one of the top universities in the country. Knowing you are receiving a first-rate education from proven professionals in their respective fields should be a major focal point for anyone considering applying.
What is the USC ranking?
In a comprehensive 2021 ranking, The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranked USC 18th among more than 1,000 public and private universities.
Among all California institutions—public and private—only USC, Caltech, and Stanford University ranked within the top 20. Of the 150 universities surveyed in the western U.S., USC ranks No. 3.
Among the top 25 schools, USC ranked No. 2 in engagement and No. 5 in environment, a measure of diversity and inclusion.
The university also earned the 22nd spot on the U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings for 2019, tied with Georgetown University and UC Berkeley.
But now USC ranks #116 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
What is the USC acceptance rate?
The university of southern California has almost the largest number of applicants in 2021 Out of 60,000 applicants, only 9,535 have been offered admission, with an acceptance rate of just under 11.4%.
USC has 27,500 graduate and professional students in different programs, including engineering, law, social work, business, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and medicine.
There are three teaching hospitals, and schools of medicine and pharmacy are grouped together on a separate Health Sciences campus to the northeast. Specialties include cancer, stem cells, regenerative medicine, and sports medicine.
What is the USC transfer acceptance rate?
Transferring to colleges can be quite time-consuming and overwhelming, so we have taken the time to explain USC transfer rates. Your consistent progress toward a degree and strong academic performance greatly influence your admission decisions.
This will help in transitioning successfully without much friction. So, here is the list of documents for consideration if you want to transfer to USC.
| Admission Item | Required? |
|---|---|
| High School Transcript | Required of All |
| College Transcript | Required of All |
| An essay or Personal Statement | Required of All |
| Interview | Not Required |
| Standardized Test Scores | Required of Some |
| Statement of Good Standing from Prior Institution | Not Required |
However, USC does not report a specific number of credits required for transfer.
By transferring as early as your sophomore year, you can take more of your general education and elective courses at USC. You will be part of the USC community for a longer time and have more opportunities to get involved with campus life and make the connections that can help you after graduation.
Estimated GPA Requirements and Average GPA
Applicants must have a good GPA in high school to be able to apply to the University of Southern California. A total GPA of at least 3.73 on the 4.0 scale.
Sometimes meeting these requirements is not enough, as USC is a very selective school.
Therefore, in order to feel secure when applying to this school, it is incredibly useful to score higher than 90% or more of US test-takers, above 1390 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT.
Though, of course, all schools strive to look at the holistic image of each student, a high standardized test score can give you a competitive edge over other qualified applicants, making sure that admissions are able to focus on the most exciting aspects of your application.
USC SAT/ACT Scores
It is a standardized test widely used for college admission in the united state The University of Southern California typically requires applicants to be in the top 8 percent of SAT test-takers.
The University of Southern California’s average SAT score is 1390; this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale).
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 650 | 770 | 710 |
| Reading | 630 | 730 | 680 |
| 2019 Total | 1280 | 1500 | 1390 |
| 2018 Total | – | – | – |
| 2017 Total | – | – | – |
The University of Southern California’s average SAT score is 1390. For applicants to the University of Southern California, your SAT score should be above average. To stand a great chance, you should aim for a score of at least 1500.
USC ACT Requirements
The University of Southern California’s average ACT score is 99, giving applicants a higher chance. Applicants must have an average score of at least 104 and above.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 30 | 35 | 32 |
| Reading | 34 | 36 | 35 |
| Writing | 30 | 33 | 31 |
| 2019 Total | 94 | 104 | 99 |
| 2018 Total | – | – | – |
| 2017 Total | – | – | – |
USC Admission Requirements For In-State Students
As a high school graduate in the U.S., if you want to get into USC, the first thing you look out for is the acceptance rate. This shows how serious their admission requirement is.
If you’re currently a junior or a senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications.
If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.76, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.
The average SAT score composite at USC is 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale. So, this makes USC strongly competitive.
USC Admission Requirements For International Students
With international students from 135 countries and regions, the University of Southern California mirrors the rich diversity of the global community.
Students already residing in the United States and holding other non-immigrant visas (for instance, an E2, H2, or L2) are also considered international students.
General admission requirements for international students:
Admission Process
International students interested in applying to the University of South California should follow the admission process below:
What is the USC tuition fee for 2023?
The following are the estimated two-semester costs for a full-time USC undergraduate (taking 12–18 units each semester) living in university housing:
| On/Off Campus | With Parents or Relatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 units for two semesters) | $57,256 | $57,256 |
| Fees | $939 | $939 |
| Housing | $9,616 | $0 |
| Dining/meals | $6,300 | $1,810 |
| Books and supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | $1,564 | $1,564 |
| Transportation | $584 | $1,946 |
| Total** | $77,459 | $64,715 |
(Add $450 to the Fee for your first semester.)
To learn more about financial aid at USC, please visit the USC Financial Aid website.
University Of Southern California Campuses
USC has two primary campuses, both located in the heart of Los Angeles.
- University Park campus
- Health Sciences campus
The 229-acre University Park campus, home to the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School, and most of USC’s professional schools, is adjacent to Exposition Park with its world-class museums and recreational facilities.
A few miles to the northeast is the 79-acre Health Sciences campus, home to the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the School of Pharmacy as well as three major teaching hospitals.
USC also conducts programs in locations throughout Southern California, from downtown Los Angeles to Orange County to Santa Catalina Island’s Sacramento, Calif., and Washington, D.C.
Does USC consider age before offering admission because I have read about some institutions asking about age.. please I want to know if it applicable here
Hi, Elle
YES, according to USC, you need to be at least 17 years of age or have completed Year 12 or equivalent for domestic applicants or be at least 18 years of age for International applicants.
Thanks