Join the waitlist

What it takes to get into University of Southern California

The numbers admitted students had, and the parts of an application University of Southern Californiareports it weighs. Both come from the college’s own reporting.

Acceptance rate

9.8%

Admitted GPA

~3.80

unweighted, 4.0 scale

SAT middle 50%

1450–1550

median 1475

ACT middle 50%

32–35

median 34

Testing

optional

34% submitted an SAT

Top 10% of class

73%

of admitted students

Reported by the college

What University of Southern California weighs

Requirements tell you what to submit. This tells you what happens to it once you do, which is the more useful of the two and the part almost nobody looks up.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor
    • Test scores
    • Essay
    • Recommendations

  • Important

    Weighed, though below the factors above.

    • Extracurriculars
    • Talent or ability
    • Character and personal qualities

  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • First-generation status
    • Legacy
    • Volunteer work
    • Work experience

  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Class rank
    • Interview
    • Demonstrated interest
    • State residency
    • Where you live
    • Religious affiliation

From University of Southern California’s Common Data Set, 2024, section C7, where colleges report how heavily they weigh each part of an application.

Where you stand

Run your own numbers

These are the numbers admitted students had. The next question is where yours land inside them, and what to do about the gap.

Your chances at University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California essay prompts (14)

Common questions

University of Southern California requirements, answered

What matters most for University of Southern California admissions?

University of Southern California reports that it treats grades, course rigor, test scores, essay as very important. Those are where the work pays off, and the college is the source, not a guess.

What does University of Southern California not consider?

University of Southern California reports that class rank, interview, demonstrated interest, state residency, where you live play no part in its decision. This is worth knowing because effort spent on any of them does not count here, whatever it does elsewhere.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Southern California?

Admitted students average around a 3.80 (unweighted, 4.0 scale), and 73% were in the top 10% of their high school class. There is no minimum, and grades are read alongside course rigor.

Does University of Southern California require the SAT or ACT?

No, University of Southern California is test-optional. About 34% of the enrolled class submitted an SAT, so applying without one is common here.

What Spike does with this

Build toward what University of Southern California actually reads.

Spike takes the factors a college weighs and works them into your courses, testing, essays, and activities over time.