What kind of student does USC look for?

Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance — and the potential to do more. Most admitted students are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score, if submitted, is in the top 5 percent.

Can an average student get into USC?

The recommended GPA requirements to get into USC are between 3.75 and 4.0. You will need a very high GPA and will likely be graduating in the top quarter of your class in order to get into USC. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

What students does USC look for?

Freshman candidates are evaluated on the rigor of their high school course work, their grades, essays, counselor/teacher recommendations and test scores. Students are expected to have earned a grade of C or better in at least three years of high school mathematics, including Advanced Algebra (Algebra II).

What type of person should go to USC?

However, when USC evaluates your application, they do take into account your potential to be a good fit for the USC environment. Successful applicants are generally quite strong academically, but leadership and community involvement are important factors, as well as talent and character.

Does USC accept everyone?

The USC Acceptance rate for international students is around 10%, which means admissions are highly competitive. USC received 80,808 applications for the academic year 2023-24 and 8094 were admitted. The average unweighted GPA for entering freshman class is 3.79-4.00.

What does a typical USC Marshall student look like

What are my chances of getting into USC?

The acceptance rate at USC is 12.5%.

For every 100 applicants, only 13 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.

What grades does USC look at?

Generally, for the purposes of admission into USC, we first review an applicant's coursework from grades 9 - 11. Applicants are also expected to submit grades from the fall term of their senior year as soon as they are available by using the Mid-Year Report Form included in the Common Application.

Is USC tough to get into?

Is it hard to get into USC? The USC admission process is extremely competitive. Over 70,000 students applied last year, bringing the USC acceptance rate down to 12%. Over 25% of students admitted to the USC Class of 2025 had perfect grades in high school.

What subject is USC known for?

USC is also well known for its Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and its highly esteemed School of Cinematic Arts, which has graduated students such as directors Judd Apatow and George Lucas. Films including "The Graduate," "Legally Blonde" and "Forrest Gump" all filmed scenes on USC's campus.

What does USC look for in essays?

USC states on their website that they look for “a diverse group of students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions, who will enrich each other's education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out.” They expect your essay and short answer responses to help them “get to know your ...

Does USC care about legacy?

Yes, but not as high as you might expect. When we talk to alumni parents they often see legacy as a lock. We don't know USC's exact legacy acceptance rate, but it's not that high.

Does USC care about demonstrated interest?

Does USC track demonstrated interest? No. Applicant interest is not considered in the University of Southern California evaluation process. You should still engage with USC to make sure it's a good fit and to gather information for your supplemental essays, but don't worry about interacting to look good.

Why is USC so prestigious?

The selective university has an acceptance rate of 16.1%. USC is known for its prestigious academic programs, sunny location, strong athletics programs, famous alumni, and more.

What is the most popular degree at USC?

The most popular majors at University of Southern California include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Engineering; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Computer and Information Sciences and Support ...

Is USC considered elite?

Both Stanford and USC are elite, prestigious institutions, but they diverge when considering overall academic reputation. Stanford is a highly competitive institution and has an acceptance rate that dropped below 4% in 2023.

Does USC look at class rank?

We also consider class rank (if available) and the rigor of your curriculum, including the number of advanced courses taken (if offered by your school). Naturally, we are interested in consistently strong academic performance throughout your four-year high school record.

Which is harder UCLA or USC?

Is It Harder to Get Into USC or UCLA? Both schools are highly selective, though UCLA has a slightly lower acceptance rate. However, this doesn't mean that USC is easier to get into!

Why not to choose USC?

Price - This is a HUGE factor. Without receiving any sort of financial aid or scholarship, USC is not very affordable for most students and families. USC's cost of attendance is upward of ~$80,000 per year, which is almost three times the cost of attendance for a UC school. USC has too many fees on top of tuition.

Does USC accept A levels?

Students are admitted with predicted A-Level results and will be asked to verify their final results once they are released. Competitive applicants will have predicted results of a B or above for at least three A-Level/Pre-U exams. There are no subject requirements for entry into USC.

Why do people want to go to USC?

It's not just a school for aspiring entrepreneurs who like football or a university with a strong philosophy program who play Quidditch. It's actually the total package. USC has Trojan football and Greek life, but it also boasts a renowned film school and top-ranking business programs.

Does USC look at mid-year grades?

USC Admission's posts

Attention first-year applicants! Please be sure to submit your mid-year grades as soon as possible. Not sure if your counselor already sent us your fall grades? You can upload a mid-year transcript yourself via the USC Applicant Portal!

Is USC too expensive?

USC holds a reputation as an expensive school of pervasive wealth. It is the sixth most expensive college in the United States, ranking first in the same category among California colleges. Ivy League universities, which compete with USC to attract the nation's top applicants, also feature in that top 20.

How does USC accept students?

Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance — and the potential to do more. Most admitted students are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score, if submitted, is in the top 5 percent.

Is USC very competitive?

As you might imagine, the admissions process at USC is highly competitive. The university received more than 69,000 applications for the class of 2026 and admitted just over 8,300 students.