Admission Requirements for University of Southern California

Ranked #125 on the QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities, the University of Southern California is one of the dream universities for international students to get into. However, with such great demands, the competition rises. Hence, the admission requirements for the University of Southern California are streamlined for international students.

Established in 1880, the University of Southern California is one of the oldest private research universities in the USA, and one of the best universities in the world. The university is known for its major in Marketing, Social Sciences, Related Support Services, and Business, Management, and Marketing courses. Apart from this, the majors in Visual and Performing Arts, Engineering, Communication, Journalism, and other related programs are also popular among international students. In this article, we will inform you what all things you need to get admission in the University of Southern California. As this school is considered as one of the top schools across the globe, you can expect that their admission criteria will also be harder in comparison to average schools. As getting into a top college is relatively harder than getting into an average college, this article will also cover how to make your application strong. You need to focus largely on these major requirements:

• Application requirements
• GPA requirements
• SAT and ACT requirements

First of all, applicants need to make sure that they are meeting the GPA/CGPA requirements along with the SAT/ACT requirements, else they won't be able to move ahead with the application process. After clearing these requirements, then comes the application requirements where you need to submit a letter of recommendation and essays.

GPA/CGPA Score requirements

Many schools have a specified minimum GPA score, which the candidate must have scored in previous qualifications. If the candidate is not fulfilling these criteria, then they can't move ahead with the application process. Here, you can expect to have competition with above-average students as the university requires a minimum GPA of 3.76. However, those with less than a 3.76 GPA can compensate with high SAT or ACT scores. This will enhance your chances of competing with other candidates who have a higher GPA than you.

SAT Score Requirements

You need to have either SAT or ACT scores to submit your application to the University of Southern California. It is important to score high in these exams to increase your chances of getting into the university. Although many schools deny that they have any cut-off, however, the SAT score is based on the school's average score. The average SAT score required by USC is 1440. A score above this will make you a strong candidate for USC.

SAT Super Score Choice for USC

With a score of 1530 or above, you will be considered as an above-average scorer and your chances of getting to the USC will increase. This is an important part of your application strategy; many schools follow this strategy while giving admission. USC follows the score choice policy of the 'Highest Section'. This is called SAT superscore. SAT Superscore is when a candidate has taken the SAT test multiple times and the Superscore composite average is the highest score he has achieved per section irrespective of the SAT attempt. Check: Which colleges Superscore SAT?

SAT Superscore enhances the chances of the aspirant of getting admission. With Superscore, one can give the SAT exam as many times he wants and can focus on scoring well in any one section. So, the candidate can send a Superscore of one section after the first attempt and super score of the second section in the next attempt. This way he will get the maximum superstore he can get.

ACT Score Requirements

Similar to SAT Scores, USC doesn't follow any cut off for ACT scores as well. However, if your score is too low then you won't have any chances of getting into the USC. The average ACT score at USC is 32. Although, USC has not set any minimum ACT score requirement for candidates, still if you have an ACT score of 30 or less than 30 then your chances of getting into the USC will be negligible, until you have an impressive profile to support it.

SAT Super Score Choice for USC

Generally, not many colleges superscore ACT and take the highest ACT score of the candidate from his one sitting only. So, in case of sending ACT scores, you can choose your single best ACT Score to USC.

Here, you don't have the advantage of sending the superstore, however, in case of ACT score, you can take the test as many times as you want and send your single best score to the college. It is a direct opposite of the SAT score, where many schools ask for all the test scores the aspirant has taken.

Also Read: Which colleges Superscore SAT?

From the above analysis, we can say that usually, USC considers above-average students.

Remember, a little hard work can be a make or break for your career. Studying in a top college will definitely have its own advantages. It will not only offer quality education, but also open up greater avenues once you complete your education.