According to Daily Trojan, the only independent newspaper at USC, USC’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is expected to be 9.2%. This sub-10% acceptance rate shows that USC is immensely popular and competitive. This blog is the most complete introduction to everything about the USC acceptance rate.
1. What is Acceptance Rate for USC
The University of Southern California(USC) is the most prestigious top private research university in the United States and one of the oldest universities on the West Coast of the U.S., located two miles south of Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1880, the university is a global center for the arts, technology, and international business, and its diverse curriculum offers enrolled students a wide range of opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The school’s federally funded computer science research program is among the largest in the country, USC values transfer students and provides a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth. Additionally, News & World Report ranks USC #25 among National Universities. USC’s high popularity has led to many applicants yearly, and it has also led to a tightly controlled acceptance rate for USC. Here is a table about USC’s acceptance rate for the class of 2028.
| USC Acceptance Rate for Class of 2028 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate | |
| Early Action | 41,000 | 2,952 | 7.20% |
| Regular Applications | 40,000 | 4,598 | 11. 5% |
| Total Applications | 82,000 | 7,550 | 9.20% |
USC Early Action Acceptance Rate
According to statistics, the USC E.A. acceptance rate is 7.2%. About 41,000 of this year’s admitted students applied under the early action deadline. While it does not significantly improve an applicant’s chance of admission, E.A. is clearly attractive for many students. As the applicant pool at USC has been increasing steadily over time, we advise students to consider applying through USC’s early admission programs if available. USC estimates that 20-25 percent of our admission spaces will be granted during the EA round.
Early applications often receive additional consideration. Applying by the Early Action (EA) deadline enables students to plan for college earlier, should they be accepted during this round of application reviews. It also ensures that students will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships. Early Action (EA) is non-binding, non-restrictive, and unavailable for majors requiring a portfolio or audition. Students applying under USC’s Early Action (EA) plan must submit their application materials earlier in the process but will receive an admission decision sooner than Regular Decision applicants. Besides, applicants to the World Bachelor in Business program must apply to Early Action. USC’s Regular Decision (RD) plan follows a more traditional timeline: If you submit your application by December 1 or January 15, depending upon your major, you will receive a decision by April 1.
2. Main Factors Influencing Acceptance Rate for USC
USC has long been renowned for its exceptional academic and athletic programs and prime location in the heart of Los Angeles, California. This prestigious institution has established itself as a top-tier university, attracting international students seeking a transformative educational experience. We listed some factors that influence the acceptance rate for USC.
- Academic Excellence and Rigorous Standards
USC maintains a commitment to academic excellence and adheres to rigorous admission standards. Prospective students are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including grade point average (GPA), standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and the rigor of their high school curriculum. Meeting or exceeding these requirements significantly enhances your acceptance rate to USC. - Intense Competition Among Applicants
The reputation of USC has made it an increasingly popular choice among students, leading to a highly competitive applicant pool. Each year, the university receives many applications from a diverse and accomplished group of individuals, making the admissions process highly selective. This level of competition means that even the most academically strong applicants must differentiate themselves through their extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and personal achievements. - USC Applicant Pool Characteristics
The demographics, geographic distribution, and overall qualifications of the applicant pool can fluctuate from year to year, affecting the competitiveness of the admissions process. Factors such as the number of international applicants, the ratio of USC in state acceptance rate and USC out of-state acceptance rate, and the profiles of the applicant pool can all influence USC’s acceptance rate. USC University strives to enroll a diverse group of students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions; students will enrich each other’s education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out. Additionally, the USC admission office always pays close attention to students’ personal narratives, backgrounds, and circumstances, which will help them get to know the personalities of students.
| USC Student Demographics | |
|---|---|
| Asian | 19.9% |
| Black/African American | 6.1% |
| Hispanic | 15.9% |
| White/Caucasian | 23.3% |
| International | 27.1% |
| Other | 7.8% |
3. USC Acceptance Rate vs. UCLA Acceptance Rate
Are you interested in attending college in sunny Los Angeles, California? UCLA and USC are similar in location, ranking, faculty, employment advantages, and academic resources. When you apply, you must wonder which school is better or more suitable for you. While UCLA acceptance rate is about 9%, similar to USC university acceptance rate, there are several key differences you need to remember before you prepare to apply to college.
- PRIVATE COLLEGE VS. PUBLIC COLLEGE
USC is an innovative private research university established in 1880. It blends the autonomy for exploration emblematic of a private institution with its size, resources, and the breadth and scale of a public university. It is also the oldest private research university in the western United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks USC #28 among National Universities. USC is known for its strong academic research, providing a wealth of research opportunities and resources for students, especially in the fields of film arts, engineering, and business.
UCLA is located in the westwood neighborhoods in Los Angeles and is considered the nation’s top public university; with 173,400 applicants in 2024, UCLA is the most applied public school in the U.S., and it offers a wide range of academic resources and research opportunities, students can participate in multiple interdisciplinary research projects, and the UCLA’s research funding and facilities are among the top in the United States.
The public college UCLA has nearly twice as many applications and admissions as the private university USC. In fact, most public schools have twice or even several times as many students as private schools. The difference in enrollment scale leads to differences between public and private universities in examination and admission standards. Comparatively speaking, the enrollment of private universities is a bit smaller. In the process of admitting students, they will pursue a more holistic assessment of the student. In other words, private universities will consider performance data, similar to public schools, and evaluate the student’s extracurricular activities, personal statements or recommendation letters, and personality qualities.
- SCHOOL FEATURES & POPULAR MAJORS
As two of the most prestigious universities in California, USC, and UCLA have long been rivals. Each features a unique educational experience and academic profile. Here is some information about school features and popular programs.
In terms of school features, USC and UCLA exhibit several key differences. USC is renowned for its strength in business, engineering, and cinematic arts, producing many industry leaders and Hollywood elite among its alumni network. In contrast, UCLA is more distinguished for its excellence in the humanities, social sciences, medicine, and engineering disciplines.
As to disciples, USC offers various disciplines; some are more competitive than others. For example, USC’s Marshall School of Business, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, USC’s Roski School of Art and Design, USC’s School of International Relations, USC’s Department of Psychology. Those majors are considered the most prestigious in USC and must include your favorite ones. These schools align with USC’s reputation as a business, technology, and creative arts hub. Conversely, UCLA’s most popular academic programs are economics, psychology, biology, engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, etc.), and political science. This reflects UCLA’s strengths in the social sciences, natural sciences, and applied technologies.
In conclusion, while both USC and UCLA are renowned institutions of higher education, they possess unique school features and academic profiles that cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of prospective students. USC’s strengths lie in its private, urban setting and emphasis on professional fields. At the same time, UCLA excels as a public research university with a breadth of expertise in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines. Ultimately, which college is more suitable for you depending on your choice and preferences.
- TUITION & FEES
When choosing a university, one of the most important factors for prospective students and their families to consider is the cost of attendance. At the outset, it is important to note that USC is a private institution, while UCLA is a public university within the University of California system. This fundamental distinction has a significant impact on the overall cost of attendance. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at USC, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, is estimated to be around $95,225 per year for an undergraduate student. In contrast, the total cost of attendance at UCLA for the same academic year is approximately $42,127 for California residents and $76,327 for out-of-state students.
The stark difference in cost between these two institutions can be primarily attributed to the public vs. private university model. As a private university, USC has the autonomy to set its own tuition rates, typically higher than public universities. Additionally, USC does not receive the same level of state funding and subsidies that enable UCLA to offer a more affordable education to California residents. However, it is important to note that the higher sticker price of USC does not necessarily translate to a less accessible education. USC offers a robust financial aid program, with over 60% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance. Ultimately, the decision between USC and UCLA will depend on various factors, including academic programs, campus life, and, of course, the cost of attendance. While USC may appear more expensive on the surface, its financial aid opportunities can make it a viable option for many students. Conversely, UCLA’s lower tuition and fees can be attractive for those seeking a more affordable public university experience.
4. USC Application Procedures
Dates and Deadlines
1. Early Action
Applicants selecting Early Action will be notified of their admission or deferral to Regular Decision in mid-to-late January 2024.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Early Action (EA) is non-binding, non-restrictive, and unavailable for majors requiring a portfolio or audition. Students must apply for EA to be considered for USC Merit Scholarships unless their intended major does not participate in Early Action.
2. Regular Decision
Applicants selecting or deferring to Regular Decision will be notified of a decision by April 1, 2024.
For majors requiring a portfolio or audition:
Application Deadline: December 1, 2023
All other majors:
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
3. Financial Aid
Early Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Regular Decision Deadline: February 7, 2024
4. SAT/ACT Tests
The University of Southern California has not explicitly articulated a policy regarding SAT/ACT requirements. However, as the institution has published average SAT or ACT scores, it is likely to be test-flexible in its admissions process. USC states that if you feel your SAT or ACT score accurately represents you as a student, you should submit it. Otherwise, you may choose not to.
Despite this flexible approach, most students still elect to take the SAT or ACT, and the majority of applicants to USC will submit their scores. If applicants choose not to submit test scores, they may be disadvantaged compared to other students, as they will lack an additional dimension to demonstrate their qualifications. It is therefore recommended that candidates consider taking the SAT or ACT and strive to perform well on these assessments.
Given the low acceptance rate for USC, attaining a strong SAT/ACT score and grade point average is crucial to improving one’s chances of admission. Failure to meet the university’s requirements in these areas may result in rejection without extensive consideration. To maximize the prospect of acceptance, we recommend applicants should aim to achieve scores at the 75th percentile, equating to 1520 on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT. Additionally, a GPA of 3.83 or higher is desirable. For those with a lower GPA, a higher SAT/ACT score will be necessary to compensate.
| Application Considerations | |
|---|---|
| SAT Test scores | Considered (not required) |
| ACT Test scores | Considered (not required) |
| High school rank | Not required or recommended |
| High school GPA | Required |
| Completion of college prep program | Required |
| Official High school transcript | Required |
| Letter of recommendation | Required |
| Portfolio, resume/or additional writing samples | Required |
| Test of English as a foreign language | Option 1:TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 and no less than a score of 20 in each section. |
5. Conclusion
Despite USC’s highly selective nature, students should not be deterred by USC acceptance rates. Read USC admission requests carefully and prepare diligently and strategically so that students can position themselves to fulfill their academic aspirations at USC. Since USC is a private school, the admission office usually considers students’ social practices and extracurricular activities. We recommend students participate in activities related to their interests and future development. For those individuals exploring USC off-campus housing, uhomes.com offers a variety of USC student housing options.
FAQ
The recommended GPA requirements to get into USC are between 3.75 and 4.0. You will need a very high GPA and likely graduate in your class’s top quarter to get into USC. Suppose your GPA is lower than suggested when you apply. In that case, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests or have unique practical experience related to your applied major.
- Sol Price School of Public Policy, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development, and Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning
- Viterbi School of Engineering, a top-ranking engineering school in the nation
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where students hone their skills in communication, journalism, public relations, and public diplomacy
- Marshall School of Business, which prepares business leaders and entrepreneurs for thriving careers at a premier business school
Several key factors can affect the USC acceptance rate:
- Academic Qualifications: high SAT/ACT scores, typically in the 75th percentile or above (1520 SAT, 34 ACT), and a high GPA, ideally 3.83 or higher. Failing to meet these academic benchmarks can significantly reduce an applicant’s chances of admission.
- Competitiveness of the Applicant Pool: USC applicant pool has become increasingly competitive. More and more high-achieving students are applying, making it more difficult to gain acceptance.
- Institutional Priorities: USC may adjust its acceptance criteria and priorities based on the university’s strategic goals and initiatives at a given time. Factors like desired enrollment numbers, program focus areas, and campus diversification can influence admissions.
There are some reasons that have weighed into people’s decision to come to USC.
1. The people: The USC student body seemed like a group of people with whom you could connect, study, and build meaningful relationships.
2. School spirit and campus life: USC’s big school spirit, strong sports teams, and the ability to have a small university experience within the large school were very appealing. Students loved being able to attend football games and other sporting events while also benefiting from the small class sizes in the engineering school.
3. Location: Being close to Southern California yet still being able to explore LA was a great balance for the students.
4. Collaborative culture in Schools: Students were drawn to the encouraging and supportive environment within schools such as the Viterbi School of Engineering, where professors work hard to ensure student success and foster collaboration.
5. Breadth of opportunities: USC provides students with various extracurricular activities, competitions, conferences, internships, and other experiences that allow them to grow personally and professionally.
Overall, the combination of the welcoming community, vibrant campus life, location, supportive academic culture, and abundant opportunities made USC an ideal choice for students.
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