USC SAT Score Requirement?

Hi guys, USC is one of my top choice schools. I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of SAT score is generally required or suggested to feel competitive for USC? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

For the University of Southern California (USC), there isn't a strict “required” SAT score. However, for some perspective, the middle 50% of enrolled students usually have SAT scores between 1410–1540. This statistic means that 25% of USC's admitted students scored below a 1410, and another 25% of admitted students scored above a 1540, and the remaining 50% fell within this range.

But remember, standardized test scores are just one piece of the admissions puzzle. USC uses a holistic review process, by considering other factors like your GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at USC, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including not just test scores but also GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at USC and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, whether by raising your SAT score slightly or some other step, like earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.

Or, if you want suggestions for how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle USC's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-usc-essays/. At selective schools like USC, the essays are a great way of setting yourself apart from even other talented applicants by showing what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Finally, keep in mind that USC has remained test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, so you actually are not required to submit an SAT (or ACT) score. However, you're smart to still be thinking about a target score, as at selective institutions like USC, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

Good luck with your application - go Trojans!