Your odds at USC
Hard Reach
Acceptance
11.2%
SAT mid
1470-1540
USC admission outlook
Highly selective — admission is competitive for everyone.
Acceptance rate 11.2% · admitted GPA 3.79-4.00 unweighted (enrolled middle 50%)
Unofficial. Based on University of Southern California's published policy (as of 2025-26). Policies change, so always confirm with the USC registrar before making decisions.
Sources: USC admission data
Every value is taken from University of Southern California's own published registrar, catalog, or admissions sources and dated; this tool is unofficial and should be confirmed with the registrar.
Sources: https://admission.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/first-year-student-profile.pdf
University of Southern California has a 11.2% acceptance rate (2025-26) and is highly selective. Admitted students score about 1470-1540 on the SAT (middle 50%).
University of Southern California has a 11.2% acceptance rate (2025-26), making it highly selective. USC is test-optional, so SAT/ACT scores are not required.
The middle 50% of admitted USC students score 1470-1540 on the SAT and 32-35 on the ACT. Scoring above the 75th percentile (1540+) makes you competitive; below the 25th (1470) is a reach.
| Percentile | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| 25th (reach below) | 1470 | 32 |
| 75th (strong) | 1540 | 35 |
Yes. University of Southern California does not require SAT or ACT scores, so admission rests on your GPA, course rigor, essays, and the rest of your application. Strong scores can still help if you have them.
With a 11.2% acceptance rate, every part of the application matters. Push test scores toward the 75th percentile (1540+), strengthen your GPA and course rigor, and make essays and activities stand out.
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Result
A 1540 SAT sits at USC's 75th percentile, putting the applicant above the typical admitted student — a favorable position given the 11.2% acceptance rate.
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Result
Scoring below USC's 25th percentile (1470) makes admission a reach; balance USC with match and safety schools.
University of Southern California is highly selective, admitting 11.2% of applicants (2025-26). The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470-1540 on the SAT and 32-35 on the ACT. This tool compares your numbers to those ranges to give a quick Safety/Match/Reach read.
The outlook here is a heuristic based on published score bands and acceptance rate — not a true admission probability. USC, like most universities, reviews applications holistically: GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and activities all factor in beyond test scores.
Because USC is test-optional, you can apply without SAT/ACT scores. In that case your GPA, transcript rigor, and the rest of your application carry the weight.
Calculate your GPA on the official USC grade scale.
See how retaking a course changes your GPA under USC's policy.
Find the GPA you need to stay in good standing or get off probation at USC.
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Track your GPA across multiple semesters on a standard 4.0 scale.
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