University of Southern California: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 12% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1530 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 35 |
| Location | CA |
| School type | Private |
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles. It accepts roughly 12% of applicants, a rate that has dropped sharply over the past decade as the school's reputation and applicant pool have grown. Getting in requires a strong application on multiple fronts.
Calculate your chances at University of Southern California free →How hard is it to get into the University of Southern California?
USC's 12% acceptance rate reflects a school that has become much more selective in a short period of time. Students who might have been admitted a generation ago under a different version of the school's reputation would face real competition today.
The applicant pool is national and includes a lot of students with high GPAs and test scores. Doing well academically is expected. What sets admitted students apart is usually a combination of strong personal essays, meaningful extracurriculars, and a clear sense of what they want to do at USC.
Test scores that make you competitive
The 75th percentile SAT among admitted students is 1530, and the 75th percentile ACT is 35. Those are high marks that reflect a very competitive academic pool. If your scores are in that range, you are academically competitive. If they fall short, your GPA, course rigor, and essays will carry more weight.
USC has offered test-optional admission in recent years. Check the current policy when you apply, since requirements can shift between cycles.
What USC looks for
USC uses holistic admissions and considers grades, course rigor, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations together. Strong performance in challenging classes is the starting point. The school also values students who have a clear sense of direction and have pursued their interests with real effort.
Los Angeles is part of the appeal for many applicants, and students who connect their goals to what the city and the campus offer tend to write more convincing essays. USC has a specific culture and a tight alumni network, and it tends to admit students who understand and want to be part of that.
Estimate your chances at USC
The free CollegeCalcAI calculator gives you a personalized odds estimate for USC based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. Head to collegecalcai.com to see where you stand before you put hours into the application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Southern California's acceptance rate?
USC accepts about 12% of applicants, placing it among the most selective private universities in the country.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for the University of Southern California?
The 75th percentile SAT is 1530 and the ACT is 35. Scores at those levels are competitive, though USC considers the full application.
Is the University of Southern California hard to get into?
Yes. USC's 12% acceptance rate and large, competitive applicant pool make it a genuinely difficult school to get into.
See your real odds at University of Southern California
Use the free calculator →Compare similar schools
Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.