StudentsReview :: The University of Southern California - How to Get into USC (Undergraduate)
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The University of Southern California

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Your Combined ACT:
*** reported for attending students
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SAT Math + Verbal:
*** reported for attending students
Your Chances at USC
(on ACT score alone)
Your Chances at USC
(on SAT score alone)
Men
Women
# Applicants
22,324
25,034
# Admitted
4,416
4,979
% Admitted
19.8%
19.9%
% Overall
19.8%

Students who got into USC:

Tips mention: Interview (12), ACT/SAT (36), Grades (43), Sports/Extracurriculars (24), College Essay (15)
Applied and interviewed via phoneSep 13 2018Other
Applied and interviewed via phone. The letters of rec, essay, SATs, and transcript submission were necessary. Extracurricular (library busy work, digging holes for city hall) were a waste of time prior to applying.
Female
I did pretty well on my SATs, and wasJul 12 2012English
I did pretty well on my SATs, and was an honor roll student in high school. But I was certainly not an overachiever. Ultimately, I think my extracurricular activities, passion for film, and also my essays helped my application. When I say "extracurricular activities", I mean experiences like raising money to help bring construction volunteers to post-Katrina New Orleans and Mississippi, making a movie about the experience, starting an independent film club, etc. These were things I genuinely cared about, and admissions advisers can tell whether you've taken on certain activities because they're important to you, or simply because you want to pad your student resume. My advice: be forthcoming in what drives you, and reflect it in your high school studies.
SAT: 2070 Male
I had excellent grades in high school and wasJun 23 2012Biology
I had excellent grades in high school and was involved in a number of extracurriculars. USC definitely looks for students with more than grades--they want to see you involved in a variety of activities, especially philanthropic ones.
SAT: 2230 Female
Do well in classes and on tests, but youJul 21 2011Other
Do well in classes and on tests, but you really need to go beyond that as well. Show that you are a leader by logging service hours, participating in sports, and being involved in other activities outside the classroom.
SAT: 1900 Male
I took as many honors and AP classes asJul 19 2011History/Histories (art history/etc.)
I took as many honors and AP classes as I could in high school and got good grades. I was also involved in extracurriculars and some volunteer work. USC is a good school academically, but it is no Stanford. It is my impression that they are just looking for students with confidence and character. If your application shows a commitment or a passion for something in particular, that will help you get accepted. I suggest visiting campus to get a sense of the student body so you know how to highlight yourself in your application. Good luck!
SAT: 2100 Female
The University of Southern California
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