Home > admissions > articles > University of Southern California Admissions Information

University of Southern California Admissions Information

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California (map)

 

Competitive, high-ranking, and visually stunning, the University of Southern California is among the most well-rounded universities in the country. The school is known as much for its world-renowned research facilities as it is for its winning athletic programs the Trojans regularly compete for national titles. USC is one of the most selective universities both in California and in the U.S., with a wide range of academic choices (95 undergraduate majors, to be exact). The school boasts more than 600 clubs and organizations, ensuring that each student can find outlets for his or her interests.

One thing that sets USC apart is its proximity to Hollywood. This closeness has enriched the University’s academic and artistic programs by allowing its School of Cinematic Arts to flourish. Alumni include directors Judd Apatow and George Lucas, and major films such as Forrest Gump, Legally Blonde, and The Graduate were all filmed on campus. In addition, USC’s thriving Greek life involves about 4,000 students across more than 60 chapters. Overall, the University of Southern California is the epitome of a top-ranking academic institution whose extracurricular offerings are just as strong as those in the classroom.

 

 

Basic Info

Main Address: University Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
 
Phone Number: (213) 740-2311  
Website: http://www.usc.edu/  

Characteristics

Type of school: Private  
Type of school: Coed  
Setting: Urban, large city; Residential campus  
Athletics: NCAA Division I, Intercollegiate, Intramural, Club, Scholarship  
Degrees offered: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral  
Size of undergraduate student body: 16,751  
Percent out-of-state: 41%  
Percent international: 10.83%  
Female to Male ratio: 53:47  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 9:1  
Most popular majors: Business/Marketing (27%)
Social Sciences (14%)
Visual and Performing Arts (14%)
Communications/Journalism (9%)
Engineering (9%)
 
Special study programs: Distance learning
Double major
ESL
Honors program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/Career combination
ROTC, Air Force
ROTC, Army
ROTC, Navy
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Visiting/exchange student program
Washington semester
 

Campus Life

Housing options:
Coed housing
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Wellness housing (alcohol/smoke/drug-free)
Apartments for married students
Fraternity/sorority housing
Special housing for international students
Activities:
Campus ministries
Concert band
Drama
Fraternities
Jazz band
Marching band
Music ensembles
Opera
Radio station
Student government
Symphony orchestra
Yearbook
Choral group
Dance
Film societies
International students
Literary magazine
Model U.N.
Musical theater
Pep band
Sororities
Student newspaper
Television station

Fun Facts

  • Ranked #5 "Top undergraduate entrepreneurial programs"
  • USC's Trojans have won 80 NCAA team championships and 358 NCAA individual championships
  • Ranked #12 "Students pack the stadiums"
 

Admissions Information

Admitting 24% of all applicants, the University of Southern California is a very selective institution. The school's admission process places emphasis on both academic ability and extracurricular achievement. USC requires that students take either the SAT or ACT with the optional writing section, and notes that if students choose to submit their SAT II Subject test scores, these will count toward the admissions decision.

USC notes that crucial admissions factors include a student's application essay, recommendations, academic GPA, and the rigor of high school courses taken. In fact, the University's admissions website notes that consideration of a student's GPA is weighted in relation to the number of honors, Advanced Placement, and IB courses that he or she completed. Other important determinants include extracurricular activities, alumni relations, class rank, interview, race/ethnicity, volunteer/work experience, and whether the student is a first-generation college attendee.

Admissions address: John Hubbard Hall
700 Childs Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911
 
Phone number: (213) 740-1111  
Fax number: (213) 821-0200  
Admissions Website: http://admit.usc.edu/  
Email:    
Contact Person: Admissions counselor varies by home region  
Number of first-year applications received: 35,753  
Percent of applicants admitted: 24%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: January 10  
Early decision/action deadline: Not applicable  
Accepts the Common Application? No  
Admission requirements: Application essay
Recommendations
Secondary school grades
SAT or ACT with writing
 

Application Information

Standardized test scores required? SAT or ACT with writing
If submitted, SAT II subject tests will be considered
 
Policy regarding SAT score-use: Considers highest section score for all test dates; strongly encourages submission of test scores from each test date.  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
620
670
710
82%
SAT Math
650
700
740
82%
SAT Writing
640
690
730
82%
ACT Composite
29
31
32
39%

 
College Board code: 4852  
ACT code: 0470  
Learn more about other Top California schools:
Pepperdine  

Share This Information:

StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admissions to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information.

About the College Admissions Profiles

Searching for the right college or university? StudyPoint can help! Check out StudyPoint’s College Admissions Profiles for all the essential information on schools you’re researching. Learn about student life, review admissions requirements, and see how your scores compare to those of the current freshman class. Search for a specific school or browse the categories below to find the school that’s the best match for you!

About StudyPoint

StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors.

LEARN MORE

PARENT'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSION

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
close

Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time.