Hey there! I'm really stoked to apply for USC's Computer Science program next fall, but I'm unsure about how competitive it is. Does anyone have a ballpark figure for the program's acceptance rate?
USC's Viterbi School of Engineering, which houses the Computer Science program, is indeed quite competitive. Generally speaking, USC overall has an acceptance rate of around 9%, but it's likely a bit lower for popular and competitive programs such as Computer Science. Unfortunately, USC does not publish acceptance rates for individual programs or majors, so it's tough to provide a specific percentage. However, to make your application competitive for such programs, you should strive to exceed USC's typical student profile. This means aiming for an SAT score in the 1450-1550 range (or an ACT in the 32-35 range), and an unweighted GPA between 3.79 and 4.00. A strong emphasis on math and science in your coursework, as well as relevant extracurricular activities, such as coding clubs or internships, also significantly bolster your application. Remember, while stats are important, USC, like many universities, uses a holistic admissions process and will consider things like your essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities in addition to your academics. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.