University of Southern California

Getting in is the hard part. University of Southern California admitted 9.8% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1450–1550 on the SAT and 32–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Southern California actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

USC is for students who want to blend liberal learning with media, business, research, entrepreneurship, service, and the professional gravity of Los Angeles.

USC explicitly encourages interdisciplinary major/minor combinations and professional-school pathways inside a broad research university.

• Renaissance Scholar pathWidely divergent fields · coherent story
• Cinematic Arts + Iovine YoungMedia · design · technology · business
• SOAR, SURF, SHUREFaculty-led and self-directed projects

Verified from and usc.edu and campusactivities.usc.edu.

• Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from usc.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.

  Up to 250 words

• Describe yourself in three words.

• What is your favorite snack?

• Best movie of all time

• Dream job

• If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

• Dream trip

• What TV show will you binge watch next?

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from usc.edu.

The sticker price is about $90,300, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $32,740.

USC combines a high sticker price with substantial institutional aid; run the net price calculator and scholarship search before assuming the real cost.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $92,498.

Verified from usc.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“A place for students who turn interests into projects, networks, ventures, films, research, and public work.”

The Trojan Family, residential colleges, creative production, D1 spirit, and 800+ student organizations make USC feel social, ambitious, and industry-facing.

Is University of Southern California test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at University of Southern California is optional.

How hard is it to get into University of Southern California?

Very hard. University of Southern California admits 9.8% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1450 to 1550 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does University of Southern California cost?

The list price is about $90,300, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $32,740.

Is University of Southern California worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $92,498 ten years after enrolling, and 92% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.