I've been eyeing to apply at USC Columbia after high school, but I'm unsure about their SAT requirements. What scores are they typically looking for? Should I retake the SAT in case I don't reach their 'ideal' score?
For the University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia, most accepted students typically fall within the top 27% nationally on the SAT. According to the last-pre COVID data (from 2019), for the SAT Math section the middle 50% range was between 580-690, while the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ranged from 600-690. That means the average score was approximately 1190-1370.
You should aim for a score in this range to increase your chances of acceptance, but remember, the SAT is just one part of your application. Your high school GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays also play a significant role in admission decisions.
If your SAT score is not within this range, and it is financially and scholastically feasible for you to retake the test, it could be beneficial to give it another shot. However, remember to also prioritize your coursework and extracurricular activities which are equally important in your application. A balanced approach to all components of the application will reflect positively on your profile.
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