Hey guys, I've been dreaming of going to USC since like forever, but I'm not really sure about what they look at in terms of GPA. Any current or past applicants who can give me an idea?
USC, like many other highly selective colleges, does not have a hard and fast GPA cut-off. However, it's helpful to look at the general profile of admitted students to understand where you might stand.
The admitted first-year students at USC typically have high school GPAs in the range of 3.8 to 4.0 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale). So, if your grades are within this range or above, you will definitely be in a competitive position in terms of GPA.
That being said, USC does consider the rigor of your high school coursework, so challenging yourself with AP or IB level classes can positively impact how your GPA is viewed in the admissions process. Remember, a high GPA with a rigorous curriculum signals to colleges that you can handle the academic workload.
Remember, GPA is just one piece of the puzzle. USC also evaluates other factors like your standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities as part of a holistic review process.
Although a strong GPA can significantly increase your chance of acceptance, applicants with a lower GPA should not be deterred from applying so long as they can prove their abilities through other components of their application.
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