University of Southern California (USC) Acceptance Rate 2026 |2023 Stats.
University of Southern California is a very competitive school, with admissions statistics that rank it among the top 50 most competitive undergraduate admissions programs in the world. Acceptance rates at the University of Southern California have been declining for the past eight years, and will almost definitely continue to do so in the future, as they have at all elite schools.
The application process for the Class of 2023 at the University of Southern California was the most difficult it has ever been. The University of Southern California received 64,256 applications for the Class of 2023, with 8,258 being accepted, yielding a 12.9 percent acceptance rate. Overall applications grew by 14.7 percent from 56,000 to 64,256 from last year (2021 to 2022).
University of Southern California (USC) Acceptance Rate
The University of Southern California (USC) average acceptance rate is 12%.
By Calculations, only 12 out of 100 applicants will get a chance to study at USC. With this, you can conclude that the University of Southern California is extremely selective and competitive.
Transferring to colleges can be quite a time consuming and overwhelming task. So, we have taken the time to explain USC transfer rates to you. This will help in transitioning successfully without much friction.
The acceptance rate for transfer students at the University of Southern California (USC) is 24.57%. The acceptance rate for transfers is slightly higher than the standard acceptance rate.
So, here is the list of documents for consideration if you want to transfer to USC.
| Admission Item | Required? |
|---|---|
| High School Transcript | Required of All |
| College Transcript | Required of All |
| Essay or Personal Statement | Required of All |
| Interview | Not Required |
| Standardized Test Scores | Required of Some |
| Statement of Good Standing from Prior Institution | Not Required |
USC GPA Requirements
Considering applying to USC? Check out our GPA Requirements article. It includes useful information on the USC GPA requirements, ACT score, Essays, and more! Also, learn about other factors that will influence your application. If you’ve applied to several universities, consider these tips to get the best grades possible. USC requires applicants to have at least an average GPA in high school. If you’ve received a mix of A’s and B’s, you’ll have to be sure to have more A’s than B’s. If you’ve earned lower grades, you can make up for it by taking harder classes. Taking harder classes will show you’re capable of handling more difficult academics.
Unweighted GPA
While many colleges consider the weighted GPA requirements for admission to be a primary factor, USC also takes unweighted GPA into account. Although AP courses raise your weighted GPA, they don’t affect your unweighted GPA. Listed below are the unweighted GPA requirements for USC. Read on to discover more about these standards. We’ve compiled some tips that will help you succeed at USC.
First, check the University of Southern California’s acceptance rate. While USC has a 16% acceptance rate, it is still a popular school with nearly 60,000 applicants each year. Students with an unweighted GPA of 3.88 or higher are likely to get accepted. USC also values extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal characteristics, as well as race/ethnicity and paid work.
USC SAT and ACT Requirements
USC does not require a student to submit an ACT or SAT score for consideration, but they do encourage it. Although they do not penalize students who do not submit the scores, USC students who choose to take the tests do not have a higher chance of acceptance. International students and homeschooled students also are not penalized by USC’s test optional policy. If you want to attend USC, high test scores are a great way to show that you are ready for the challenges of a California university.
USC’s GPA requirements are relatively straightforward. As a general rule, a student must have an overall GPA of 3.79 or higher. A high school GPA should have a mix of A’s and B’s with a tendency toward A’s. High grades in AP or IB classes are ideal, since they will boost a student’s weighted GPA. However, high grades won’t make or break an applicant’s chances, especially if the classes were related to his major. However, a few B’s or lower grades should be only in courses that are not relevant to his major.
Essays
Essays at USC can be a challenge, but you can overcome them by following a few tips. First of all, you need to know what the essay prompts ask for. USC will focus on leadership and achievements, as these provide the school with extra points. Community involvement may be in the form of volunteering or a job. This is an excellent opportunity to show your unique character. It is not necessary to include both components in an essay, though.
Essays should demonstrate research on the school. The essay should not read like a “robotic list” of items, but should show that you’ve studied the school and learned something about it. Moreover, you should link your research to your values and goals. Be specific, but don’t be overly general. The USC GPA requirements for essays are not a guarantee of acceptance. You can, however, try to meet them by being creative and expressing yourself authentically.
Test scores
While there is no formal USC GPA requirement based on test scores, it is possible to gain an edge over other applicants by obtaining high scores. USC does not require test scores but accepts both SAT and ACT scores. If you are applying from outside the country or from a home-schooled school, you should be able to submit scores for both tests. USC does not require standardized test scores, but it is an excellent way to compensate for any shortcomings in other areas.
USC’s admissions process is also based on academic promise, with the majority of admitted students placing in the top 10% of their graduating class. It is best to have high grades in challenging classes, as they demonstrate the ability to handle the rigorous academic rigor at USC. Admissions officers also consider personality, values, and character, as well as letters of recommendation. They also look for contributions to the USC community, and spirit.
USC Admission Requirements For International Students
The University of Southern California, with foreign students from 135 nations and regions, reflects the rich diversity of the global community.
International students are those who are currently living in the United States and have other non-immigrant visas (such as an E2, H2, or L2).
General admission requirements for international students:
- Completed application form
- All academic transcripts from high school/ senior secondary levels
- Completed high school
- English Language Requirements- TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE Academic scores
- Self-reported grades form
- Submit any additional documents as requested by the USC Office of Admission.
Admission Requirements
International students interested in applying to the University of South California should follow the admission process below:
- Complete the admission application and also submit the required documents.
- Apply for a study permit and entry visa once you receive an acceptance letter from the university.
- Students can obtain applications for these documents from a U.S embassy or consulate before departing.
- In addition, international students can also apply for private loans with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen while facing unexpected challenges during their stay in the U.S.
Student Life At The University of Southern California
There are a variety of activities and events offered at USC and students are encouraged to participate in them. Many USC events are held to promote USC clubs and organizations. Students may be dressed in Trojan apparel, such as a sundress or shorts and an athletic jersey. USC students may also be found setting up tables and booths to promote a range of groups and clubs, including asian and black student associations, awareness organizations, and political groups.
Diversity
Diversity at USC is an important element of student life. Although the university is predominantly White, its minority population is substantial, with over 60% of students identifying as people of color or minorities. There are a large number of people of different genders and ethnicities on campus, including Asians, Native Americans, and Latinxs. In addition, USC has more women teaching here than men, with a ratio of 54% females to 46% men.
To increase diversity in USC, the university has added a Social Justice and Inclusion chair to each Building and Residential Student Government. These students participate in a diversity seminar held once a week and help facilitate programs focusing on diversity in residence halls. The Office of Residential Education coordinates diversity-themed Cardinal & Gold events and implements an Intergroup Dialogue program to promote diversity among students. In addition, the campus is expanding diversity education in residence halls, with plans to introduce more programs during Welcome Week.
USC also recently hired fourteen full-time faculty members, with twelve of them being people of color. Of these, six are women and four are men. Of course, the names of the new faculty members have not yet been revealed. Only four of these hires are tenure-track faculty positions. The rest are multi-year contract faculty roles. USC calls these roles “RTPCs,” which stands for Research, Teaching, Professional, and Clinical.
Cost
Room and board at USC is very expensive. Students who live on campus have to pay $19,876 in the first year. For first-time, full-time students, this amount is higher. The average student pays $14,951 a year, so living off campus is more expensive for students. If you’re wondering how much it will cost you to attend USC, you should compare costs. You can use websites such as College Combat to find out how much you’ll need to spend.
The campus at USC is sprawling and includes two main libraries with more than a million volumes. Popular cafeterias include Trojan Grounds and Ground Zero. There are many housing options, including Cardinal Gardens, Fluor Tower, Pardee Tower, and 30th Street Villas. If you’re not planning on living on campus, you can opt for off-campus housing like 30th Street Villas.
The cost of living on campus is different from home, so make sure you budget accordingly. Knowing your costs will help you prepare for the financial burden of attending UofSC. Be aware, though, that the cost of living in Los Angeles will be higher than in your hometown. You’ll want to plan carefully to avoid becoming stressed about the budget. You’ll need to find a job that can support your living expenses while attending USC.
Classwork
If you want to be a celebrity and work in the film industry, you may consider the University of Southern California (USC). You’ll be surrounded by brilliant faculty and the latest in technological developments, from augmented reality to artificial intelligence. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with students from all over the world. Although USC is a private university, financial aid is available for qualified students who may need it.
USC has a large campus and many research centers, including the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, the East Asian Studies Center, and the Southern California Earthquake Center. It also has twenty libraries and extensive collections in the arts and sciences, including a renowned film and television library. In addition to its academic reputation, USC is a popular set for movies. USC is known for its innovative research, and students benefit from cutting-edge technology and the expertise of leading Hollywood professionals.
If you’re having trouble keeping up with your course load, USC tutors can help you. These professionals can answer all your questions through video chat or a virtual whiteboard. Plus, they can help you prepare for tests, assignments, or exams. And if you’re a college student, they can help you study for your upcoming tests. Tutoring at USC can be a valuable tool for improving your grades.
Participation
The main objectives of participation in student life at USC are to promote student growth and involvement, and to promote Total Student Development, which prepares students for independent living beyond the academic environment. Student organizations, such as the Associated Student Organization (ASO), are a great way to become involved in student affairs. They allow students to voice their opinions and participate in campus democratic processes. However, participation in these organizations isn’t mandatory.
The Student Life Office offers several activities and programs to foster student engagement and diversity. The Summer Bridge Program provides students with academic planning, tutoring, and student leadership opportunities. The Summer Bridge Program features cultural events, study skills seminars, FAFSA workshops, and personal counseling. All Summer Bridge programs provide a supportive environment for students to learn and develop. Participation in these activities promotes academic excellence and social integration, while creating opportunities for mentoring relationships with future USC faculty and staff.
Student organizations are free to organize and run events, as long as they adhere to the University’s regulations. Student organizations are responsible for submitting statements of purpose, rules, and procedures, and a list of current officers and members. Student organizations are open to all students, and all of these activities can be found in Student Life and Leadership Programs. They’re also a good place to find out more about campus activities.
Medical services
There are many health care options available to students at USC. The USC Student Health Centers are full-service health centers that provide primary care and refer patients to specialty care or off-campus providers as necessary. The USC Student Health Fee provides coverage for health care services and is automatically charged to your student account if you’ve earned six or more units. Depending on your plan, you may see a physician, a nurse, a physician assistant, or a psychologist.
USC Student Health is the university’s student health plan, which works with the school’s student health centers. It’s recommended that students seek primary care at the student health centers, as they are closest to campus. Those who do not have insurance can opt out of the program by providing proof that they have health insurance through another source. However, some insurance plans don’t provide coverage in Los Angeles, so you’ll need to make sure you can get quality care wherever you are.
USC SHIP also works with an organization called Array Behavioral Health Services, which offers video chats with mental health and medical professionals. Array services are covered by USC SHIP, and those who have waived USC SHIP can also use them. It’s a good idea to contact the student’s insurance provider for more information on the program. These services provide a range of health care options, including mental health and disability services.
Study abroad
USC has several study abroad options for undergraduate students. These programs are designed to help students afford the expenses of studying abroad, including vaccinations, plane tickets, and passport fees. To apply, students must complete the financial aid application process and be admitted for a full semester or year of study abroad. Students may request funding for a program before the normal disbursement schedule. Several programs offer prearranged transportation for students during the term.
Depending on the course of study, students can choose from semester-long or year-long programs in nearly 30 countries. Programs can range from volunteer work in a hospital to laboratory research, and can include internships with the Australian government in Canberra and Costa Rica. Students can also participate in weekly field trips to historical sites and museums in China. The University of Southern California is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. The USC Language Center supports the study of a foreign language and provides instruction in 15 languages.
USC Overseas Studies requires students to apply for admission to study abroad. To study in Madrid, students must be accepted by USC’s Overseas Studies office. The USC Title IX office will also check for student conduct records. Study abroad can be beneficial for academic and professional development. It will enhance students’ skills and broaden their perspective. Study abroad also enhances students’ communication skills. They will gain valuable international internship experience.
FAQs On The University of Southern California Acceptance Rate
The University of Southern California (USC) average acceptance rate is 12%. By Calculations, only 12 out of 100 applicants will get a chance to study at USC. With this, you can conclude that the University of Southern California is extremely selective and competitive.
An acceptance rate of 12% shows how competitive their admission rates can be.
So, it’s important to have a very high admission score.
For admission at USC, your GPA should be 3.78 and above.
Yes, USC is a good school. In fact, based on several international and local rankings, we can say that the USC is the best university in the U.S. It is also one of the most sought after universities in the world.
In addition to having achieved a high-grade point average throughout high school, applicants must present good scores in SAT (Reasoning) or ACT examinations.
