How to Get Accepted to University of Southern California

Is USC an Ivy League School?

The University of Southern California is not an Ivy League institution. The Ivy League is a group of eight private colleges and universities in the northeastern United States that are known for their high academic standards and significant history.

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for USC

To maximize your chances of admission into the University of Southern California (USC), aim for an SAT score of 1530 or an ACT score of 34 and maintain a GPA of at least 3.79. If your GPA falls below this benchmark, a higher test score can help balance your application. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1330 to 1520 and ACT scores between 30 and 34. The average scores for accepted students are between 1410 and 1540 for the SAT and 32 to 35 for the ACT.

Additional steps to strengthen your application include:

• Achieving a high school GPA of 3.83 or higher
• Earning grades of A- or better in high school courses
• Graduating within the top 10% of your high school class
• Providing teacher letters of recommendation

The deadline for regular admissions applications to USC is January 15.

Application Process for USC

The University of Richmond employs a comprehensive admissions approach that evaluates not just academic achievements but also extracurricular activities and diversity among applicants.

Important Dates:

• The cut-off for regular application submissions is January 1st.

Application Requirements:

• Applicants need to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, in addition to a concluding high school transcript.
• While SAT or ACT scores are optional, they are strongly recommended for those who have completed fewer than 60 college credit hours.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Starting in early January, the admissions committee undertakes an initial review of all applications.
• The committee looks at various factors, such as an applicant’s character, level of involvement in activities, unique skills, creativity, self-sufficiency, and life experiences.
• Traditional indicators of academic excellence, like grades, course rigor, test scores, and letters of recommendation, are also taken into account.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for USC

Through 2023, USC has adopted a test-optional admissions policy, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for applicants. Choosing not to submit test scores will not negatively impact your application. However, if your scores align with USC’s average SAT and ACT scores, it’s advisable to include them. USC will take into consideration any submitted test scores and will also “superscore” multiple test attempts. This means the highest score from each section of the SAT or ACT will be combined, regardless of when you took the tests.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at USC

USC provides a diverse array of financial assistance options to help students manage the cost of their education, sourced from the university itself, federal and state governments, and private entities.

• Merit Scholarships: Awarded for academic achievement, leadership, community service, and special talents, these scholarships can range from a modest sum to full tuition coverage. Notable examples are the Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Deans Scholarship.
• Need-Based Aid: Students with demonstrated financial need can receive various types of assistance, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The aid amount is determined by family income, assets, and the overall cost of attending USC.
• Athletic Scholarships: Student-athletes with notable athletic skills may receive scholarships that can cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.

Additional Resources for Affordability:

• Work-Study: Students have the opportunity to work part-time on campus to supplement their educational expenses.
• Loans: Borrowing options are available from both federal and private sources to assist with educational costs.
• Payment Plans: USC offers multiple payment schemes to ease the burden of tuition payments.

To find out more about financial assistance at USC, you can visit the USC Financial Aid website.

Specific Scholarship and Aid Examples:

• Trustee Scholarship: A full-tuition scholarship for exemplary students distinguished by academic excellence, leadership capabilities, and community involvement.
• Presidential Scholarship: A half-tuition award for students with robust academic records and a keen interest in USC.
• Deans Scholarship: A quarter-tuition scholarship given to academically strong students who are also committed to community service.
• Athletic Scholarships: These are provided to student-athletes excelling in a range of sports.
• Need-Based Aid: USC commits to fulfilling the entire demonstrated financial need for eligible admitted students, available in forms like grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.

Top Undergraduate Programs at USC