How does USC consider SAT scores?

Yo! So USC is my dream school and I want to do whatever it takes to get in. I'm curious, how heavily does USC weigh SAT scores in their admissions process?

Hello! It's wonderful to hear how driven you are about attending USC. USC, like many selective colleges, considers a variety of factors during their admissions process, but SAT scores are definitely a key one.

In their Common Data Set, which breaks down the first year admissions process, USC states that standardized test scores are "Very Important," just like your grades, essays, and extracurriculars. Even though USC is officially test-optional, this report indicates that the vast majority of USC applicants will want to submit a test score to be competitive.

If you'd like to learn more about test-optional policies and how to navigate them, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

For context, the middle 50% SAT scores of admitted USC students usually fall between 1460 and 1540, so you'll definitely want to aim high. Of course, there are other factors considered as well, so do be aware that being within or above this range doesn't guarantee anything, while you can be below it and still be accepted if you show notable strengths in other areas.

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 tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd 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/. Especially at selective schools like USC, the essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Good luck with the application process - go Trojans!