USC SAT Score, GPA cutoffs, ACT- Clever Harvey

Do you want to do your undergraduate degree at USC?

USC, or the University of Southern California is a private research university based in California in the United States that offers world renowned education. USC is only looking to admit the best candidates that most closely fit the rigorous USC admission standards. To make the most of your application, this article will outline the USC SAT requirements, USC GPA cutoffs and more details on the USC application process. 

USC SAT Requirements 

USC SAT requirements, like many other prestigious US colleges, are very high as the SAT provides a standardized unit to measure your academic ability. The school typically requires standardized test scores, but will allow super scoring to meet USC SAT requirements, and does not require subject SATs or the optional writing section. This super scoring policy also extends to the USC ACT considerations. Below are the key factors relevant to the USC SAT requirements. 

Also Check : Brown University SAT Requirements

USC SAT Testing Policy 2022

For all applicants for the undergraduate admissions cycle in 2022 and 2023 (including transfer students) USC SAT policy is test-optional. This means that while SAT and other standardized test scores like ACT can be considered if submitted, candidates are not required to do so and will not be disadvantaged or penalized if their Northeastern University application does not have SAT test scores. This USC SAT test optional policy extends to international students, home schooled students and scholarship programs at USC.

That being said, a great SAT score can help boost your USC application and by reaching the USC University SAT requirements you can prove your ability to admissions officers.

USC SAT Requirements 2022-23

The table below describes the average scores of previously admitted students via official USC internal data which can be used as the basis for USC SAT requirements in 2022-23:

SAT Section	Average Score (50th Percentile)	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Reading & Writing	700	660	740
Mathematics	740	690	790
Composite Score	1440	1350	1530

The first column provides the average score of admitted first year students, meaning a composite score of 1440+ will keep you comfortably in the USC SAT target applicant bucket. Scoring in the 25th percentile (or around 1350) puts you below average while still being considered whereas scoring in the 75th percentile puts you above average- or above 75% of other successful test takers with a score of over 1530. 

USC ACT Scores

USC ACT testing policy is the same as the policy for the SAT, i.e. it is test-optional. This means it is not required but can be considered if submitted in your USC application. According to Yale ACT data, the USC ACT average ranges between 30-34 for the applicants of fall 2019-20. (The last year before the test-optional policy).

USC GPA Requirements 

USC GPA requirements are typically around a 3.79 at minimum. While not explicitly stated by the University itself, this figure is the average GPA of successful applicants who succeeded in getting accepted to the University of Southern California. This makes USC a very competitive college, and requires you to achieve very high grades throughout your schooling. 

That being said, leading institutions like USC rarely have a concrete GPA requirement as it may change based on your field of study and your overall application. Aiming to evaluate all applicants holistically, a below average GPA or SAT score does not ruin your chances at USC.  A candidate with a GPA of below 3.79 may still get into USC if it is balanced out with extracurriculars, sports achievements, great standardised test scores or other outstanding achievements that show your application to be a cut above the rest.  

Also Check : Dartmouth College SAT Requirements

USC Acceptance Rate

USC has an acceptance rate of only 13%, meaning that of every 100 applicants, only around 13 are able to secure their admission and get accepted to USC. This low admissions rate makes USC a very competitive college to get into and so maintaining the USC SAT scores and USC GPA cutoff averages is essential. 

How to secure admission to USC 

The admissions requirements itself only start with a GPA of 3.70 and composite SAT scores of 1440+, in reality USC admissions officers are looking for extraordinary students that will go above and beyond to become the next generation of leaders and innovators.

A good way to demonstrate this drive to admissions committees is by providing proof of concept through real world experience. By interning and working in business environments you can demonstrate to the university that you’re able to apply theories and concepts you;ve learned in school- and show your prowess in your field of study.

Clever Harvey’s Junior MBA provides teens with a platform to hone these real world skills and work alongside industry leading companies like PUMA, Kellogg’s, Domino’s and more. Test drive your dream career in a variety of fields ranging from entrepreneurship and digital marketing to UX design and Data Analytics- before you spend years and money pursuing a degree and job in the industry.    

Also Check : Columbia University SAT Requirements