The University of Southern California is known for having one of the most competitive applications in the world. With over 50,000 applicants vying for only 5,000 spots at this private college—it’s safe to say that USC is a top choice for anyone looking to make their dreams come true. But with an acceptance rate of 9.9%, there are still thousands of students who don’t get into USC each year but if you do find yourself on that lucky list—congratulations!
USC History
The history of USC is a topic that intrinsically ignites the passions of every student, alumnus, and community member. It’s more than a collection of events, dates, and individuals who have left their mark on this great university. Located at the San Gabriel Mountains base in Los Angeles County, California, the University of Southern California is one of the most famous universities in America. The university’s history began in 1880 when a young church minister named George T. Bolden established a private elementary school on Hill Street with just 25 students and three teachers.
USC Entry Requirements
In Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California is among the world’s most highly regarded private institutions. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,194 students, this university is one of the world’s most prominent universities. The USC acceptance rate makes the college highly competitive even though there are many admits each year.
To get the maximum number of points, you must carefully consider the essay you write for your application. You should make sure it highlights your academic achievements as well as your extracurricular activities. Be sure to learn about the cost of attending USC and the kinds of financial aid available before getting started on your application.
Overall USC Acceptance Rate
Out of approximately 80,790 applicants, just 8,032 students are accepted in Cornell University for the class of 2027. Therefore, USC acceptance rate was 9.9% in 2023. The figures include both applicants from within the state and those from outside the state as well.
| Class Year | Acceptance Rate |
| 2027 | 9.9% |
| 2026 | 11.9% |
| 2025 | 12% |
Why Study at the USC?
The University of Southern California is California’s oldest private research university, founded in 1880. Approximately 20,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in a bachelor’s program for the 2018-19 academic year.
Approximately 27,500 USC graduate students study business, law, engineering, social work, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and medicine. In addition, it generates $8 billion in economic impact on Los Angeles and all of California, which makes it one of the largest private employers in the city.
USC Admission Requirements
Get a High GPA
It is common for USC applicants to have a solid GPA when applying for admission. There was a wide gap between the 25th and 75th percentile of high school GPAs for the fall 2022 class. Consequently, many of the accepted applicants received relatively high grades, getting some or all A’s, with a few B’s thrown in as well.
There is a good possibility that you will have difficulty getting into USC if your GPA is below 3.75. Ideally, reach a 3.85 or a little higher, so you will be well above average but won’t suffer too badly if you get a B in one or two classes.
Think about spending more time studying for those classes or hiring a tutor to help you if you struggle to maintain high grades.
Have Challenging Course Load
USC looks for applicants who have taken challenging courses and have devoted a lot of time to their studies. Students ideal for this program should have taken AP, honours, and IB classes.
In addition to having excelled in a rigorous academic program, excellent academics will also have taken courses pertinent to their majors. Try taking AP, honors, and IB courses in the next academic year and every year after that. Class topics that you are already good at or particularly interested in are the best choices.
Earn good SAT/ACT Scores
Students who apply between 2021 and 2022 will not have to take the ACT or SAT for Students who use between 2021 and 2022. The number of students submitting SAT or ACT scores for the application year 2020-2021 was nearly 47%. Nonetheless, your test scores may still be considered if you have achieved highly or if you believe they are a better measurement of your abilities than your grade point average. Applicants who are strong in terms of their SAT/ACT scores can expect a few general things from USC regarding how they perform.
When applying to the University of Southern California (USC), having a very high SAT/ACT score is one of the most important things that applicants need to have. It is considered that most applicants would have a minimum score of 1420 on the SAT. This would be deemed to be the 95th percentile of all applicants.
Meanwhile, most applicants with an ACT score of 31 or the 95th percentile will have a minimum level of academic achievement. The 25th percentile at USC entails meeting just a score in the top 5% of test-takers. As such, you will need a score in the top 5% to meet the requirement.
Although not all applicants who score below USC’s 25th percentile threshold will be rejected, it does indicate that you’re more likely to face additional challenges in getting into USC.
Write Excellent Essays
The USC Writing Supplement requires two short essays. There is a limit of 250 words per essay, about half the length of an average college admissions essay.
A second essay will be required for the USC Writing Supplement in addition to this first essay. What you intend to take as your major at USC and your academic plans as a student are all that is asked of you in this prompt.
Ensure that you use specific details, are honest about your experiences and feelings, edit each essay, and make sure to proofread it before submitting it. Some schools and programs require short essays as well. In the Architecture Writing Supplement, for example, applicants must answer additional questions.
Build a strong portfolio
As part of specific USC programs, you will also need to submit a creative portfolio along with the more general requirements outlined above.
Generally, your portfolio will be one of the essential pieces of your application if one is required. To ensure that your portfolio follows all the instructions, it is 100% original, and it reflects who you are creatively speaking, your abilities, and your goals.