University of Southern California

Yes — USC is highly selective, admitting about 11.2% of applicants in the most recent cycle. It drew roughly 83,488 applications and enrolled around 3,759 first-year students, putting it among the more selective private universities in the country. There is no residency preference, so California and out-of-state applicants are read the same way.

Enrolled first-year students at USC report an average high school GPA of about 3.85 on a 4.0 scale. There is no hard cutoff, but both your academic GPA and the rigor of your course load are weighed as very important factors, so admitted students typically carry mostly top grades in a demanding schedule.

A 1500 is competitive at USC — it falls within the middle 50% of enrolled first-years, who scored between 1470 and 1540 on the SAT (32–35 on the ACT). USC is test-optional, so you can apply without scores, but a 1500 sits comfortably in range and can strengthen your application if you choose to submit.

No — USC is test-optional, so you may apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. If you do submit, the middle 50% of enrolled students scored 1470–1540 on the SAT and 32–35 on the ACT, and standardized test scores are weighed as a considered factor when provided.

Annual tuition and required fees are approximately $68,237, the same for every student since USC is private with no in-state or out-of-state distinction. About 34% of first-years receive need-based grant aid with an average aid package near $90,648, and USC meets about 99% of each aided student's demonstrated financial need.

Yes — USC rates the application essay as a very important factor in its review, on par with GPA, course rigor, recommendations, and personal character. With an acceptance rate near 11.2% and no admissions interview, the essays are one of the few places a strong applicant can stand out, so a specific, well-revised essay carries real weight.

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Business and marketing is the most popular area at about 21% of degrees, followed by engineering and computing at roughly 15% and the social sciences at about 11%. The visual and performing arts and communication/journalism are also widely pursued across USC's student body.

USC's review is holistic: rigor of your high school record, academic GPA, the application essay, recommendations, and personal character are all weighed as very important factors, with extracurriculars, talent, and test scores considered as well. Class rank, demonstrated interest, and state residency are not considered, so it is genuinely the strength of your record and your story that matter most.