What Does it Take to Get Into USC?

The University Of Southern California Offers Students An Enriching Learning Environment Along With The Tools They Need To Succeed...

Surrounded by historic architecture, over 20 libraries, and a plethora of cultural attractions, students who attend USC often grow to become worldly academics over the course of their education. As a prestigious research university, USC employs a selective admissions process that ensures every student on campus is just as devoted to their education as you are.

What You’ll Find In This Article

• USC’s Ideal Student
• What You Need to Get Accepted into USC
• USC’s Campus Life
• From Application to Career: What You’ll Experience at USC
• Your Future at USC

USC's Ideal Student

The University of Southern California is a competitive private college known for its dedication to educating the next generation in a wide variety of majors and disciplines. USC’s ideal student is driven to challenge themselves to new levels of academic and personal success. To find these ambitious students, USC takes into account a student’s personal background and long-term academic performance during the application process.

The average test and grade scores of an incoming USC student look like this:

• GPA: 3.76
• SAT: 1400
• ACT: 32

USC’s ideal student body is diverse in both backgrounds and their interests. Therefore, the admissions process uses a combination of letters of recommendation, short-answer responses, and other supplemental materials to help determine what values and talents each student could bring to campus.

The ideal USC student displays a certain set of values outlined below.

AMBITION

Students at USC are given the tools needed to propel their ambitions further than they ever imagined. Those that thrive at USC are students that are willing to take big risks in pursuit of their dreams. Naturally, this means that students with a natural ambition to challenge themselves and improve in everything they do will find themselves in good company at USC.

WILLING TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO

USC students aren’t afraid to challenge “the way things have always been done.” Students who succeed in USC classrooms and lecture halls are those who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves, and others, or to think outside of the box. For those unafraid to take on the elephant in the room, USC provides a training ground to learn civil discourse, debate, and critical thinking.

PROFESSIONALISM

Don’t let the happy-go-lucky Los Angeles backdrop fool you; USC students are recognized across the country for their sense of professionalism. Students who truly represent the university are those that know how to carry and present themselves as professional and avid learners.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

If you thrive on getting involved in your community and making an impact on those around you, USC will give you the support and resources you need to take your involvement to the next level. Students are encouraged to develop relationships within their communities and give back using their skills, talents, passion, and time.

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PROGRAMS

USC offers a wide range of research programs and general education programs. Students are encouraged to explore their academic passions using the school’s unique opportunities for learning. Popular programs within the university include:

• Film & Photography (Ranked 1st nationwide)
• Design (Ranked 1st nationwide)
• Business (Ranked 2nd nationwide)
• Communications (Ranked 2nd nationwide)
• Public Policy (Ranked 5th nationwide)

IN SUMMARY: USC’S IDEAL STUDENT

The ideal student for USC is one that’s unafraid to be a leader and that encourages others to think outside of the status quo; all while remaining focused on their academic future. If you are the type of student that always looks for a new way to approach complex issues, you’ll thrive at this private research university widely recognized as one of the premier universities in California.

Students that succeed at USC are those who willingly challenge themselves every day to pursue their interests both academically and personally.

What You Need To Get Accepted Into USC

USC’s competitive 17% acceptance rate means that students should be prepared to spend a lot of time perfecting their application in order to have the best chances of admission. The students with the best chance of admission are those who deliver strong essay responses, have a pattern of academic success, and show a commitment to their extracurricular activities and community.

THE COMMON APPLICATION

The University of Southern California accepts the Common Application to help simplify your college admissions process. The Common App allows students to stay organized and use one platform to apply to a variety of colleges. Learning how to properly use the Common Application is a great first step in preparing to apply for USC.

TEST SCORES

USC asks that all first-year students submit their official SAT or ACT scores. For the SAT, the university will take the highest score from each section, even if they were completed during different test sessions. For the ACT, the highest composite score is considered.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Students should submit official copies of their high school transcripts, including any college coursework or AP courses. You should also submit your senior year fall grades through the Common App as soon as they become available.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

You are required to ask for at least one letter of recommendation from either a school counselor or teacher. Specifically, students who wish to apply to the School of Cinematic Arts are required to submit three letters of recommendation.

USC WRITING SUPPLEMENT

USC asks students to complete four long-form essays and ten short response questions. These questions range from deep dives into your academic interests to answering what your favorite movie is. Students should seek to give precise and honest answers. Don’t write the response you think USC is looking for; write the response that best represents who you truly are.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

Select majors require additional supplemental materials (such as portfolios and essays) to be considered for entrance into the program. Students should take care to make sure their portfolio and any other additional materials are the best possible representation of themselves they can create, rather than something thrown together last minute.

“DO I HAVE A CHANCE?”

Due to the holistic admission process that USC uses, your chances of admission are not solely based on your academic record.

Your chances of being admitted weigh on the entirety of your academic record, extracurricular activities, essay responses, letters of recommendation, and college application. Therefore, students should seek to improve everything they can in order to raise their chances of being accepted. For instance, if it’s too late to meaningfully raise your test scores, consider taking the time to present your extracurricular activities so they’re irresistible to college admissions officials.

USC's Campus Life

Despite the university’s location close to the heart of the vast city of Los Angeles, California, USC places a big emphasis on their tight-knit community. Students at USC can enjoy their studies surrounded by a campus culture that promotes critical thinking, leadership, community, and USC Trojan pride.

CAMPUS

The University of Southern California sits on the sprawling 226-acre USC University Park Campus. Only three miles south of Log Angles’ bustling downtown, students can relax in historic landmarks such as Alumni Park or Doheny Memorial Library. USC takes care to create a bustling campus culture; most students live either on campus or nearby.

GREEK LIFE

USC recognizes a wide variety of fraternities and sororities. From the Multicultural Greek Council and its twelve organizations to the sororities of the Panhellenic Council, there are plenty of different forms of greek life for students to become involved in. Students who participate in Greek life are encouraged to complete community service, network, and engage in other activities that help develop their skills for the working world.

SPORTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

USC Trojans represent the greatness of their university in a diverse array of sports. Students can cheer the Trojans on in football, men and women's golf, baseball, or women's soccer as well as a variety of other sports.

Students looking for activities and excitement off the court won't be disappointed by the over 1,000 active organizations on USC's campus. Students can build meaningful relationships and make a true difference through a variety of cultural and social organizations.

HOUSING, FOOD, AND TRANSPORTATION

USC's campus culture promotes on-campus living. Students are encouraged to create communities within their housing to both socialize and adjust to college life together. Students can choose between residence halls, suites, or apartments. All freshmen are housed within the residential colleges.

Students have access to meal plans based on their house location and access to a wide variety of both traditional and non-traditional food options. From restaurants to convenience stores, students have no shortage of options when it's time to grab something to eat between classes.

While students may choose to bring a car to campus, it's not required to get around. Many students choose to walk or bike through the sprawling campus. USC also provides a safe-ride program that is partnered with Lyft in order to ensure every student has a safe way to get home.

PURE OLYMPIC GOLD

Not only has USC produced more Olympic athletes, specifically gold medalists, than any other university in the country, but they also have been represented in all but five Super Bowls!

From Application To Career: What You'll Experience At USC

The University of California is known as one of the most popular large colleges in the country, and for good reason. Beginning with the university’s holistic application, USC provides students with a supportive community and the resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive working world.

YOUR APPLICATION

USC students thrive on hard work and ambition, and your application should reflect your willingness to dedicate yourself to your academic potential. Carefully selected extracurricular activities can be used to showcase your talents and skills while your academic record speaks for itself. Your application should speak clearly to who you are as a person rather than what you believe admissions officials want to hear.

YOUR ESSAY

The two most important words to remember when working on your essay and USC-specific question answers are: brevity and clarity. Use strong words that allow you to get your message across clearly, but avoid technical jargon unless it directly applies to the topic at hand or your intended major. The best essay responses mix your personality and professionalism to create a pleasant reading experience.

YOUR COLLEGE YEARS

Life at USC is never dull, and there are plenty of places to go and activities to participate in to keep you stimulated as you dive deeper into your studies. Students are encouraged to support and challenge one another to succeed, and once you’ve found your tribe of supporters, you’ll begin to blossom at this prestigious research university.

YOUR FUTURE

As an alumnus of USC, you’ll forever have your name listed beside the first man on the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong (as well as actors Will Ferrel and John Wayne.) USC is known for producing some of the brightest visionaries in a variety of fields.

USC alumni find employment in sectors such as:

• Finance
• Non-profit sector
• Consulting
• Digital media
• Computer engineering
• Communications

Your Future At The University Of Southern California

USC has excelled at helping students reach their full potential for over one hundred years. Those that thrive at this expansive university are students with a knack for speaking their mind and following their heart while still keeping up with their academic commitments.

Of course, USC’s campus culture and its well-earned reputation as one of the country’s premier research universities both make it a competitive college to be admitted into.

If your heart is set on attending USC, WeAdmit’s team of college counselors can help you navigate USC admissions. Our experts are equipped to help you perfect your college application, from your essay responses to your portfolio. For students serious about increasing their odds of being accepted into their dream school, our counselors can provide in-depth guidance and support as you dive headfirst into the college application process!.

So, are you ready to become a USC Trojan fan and live life in sunny California?

It’s Time To Get Into The University Of Southern California!