University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private University · 21,000 undergraduates
Key Facts
- USC's middle 50% SAT range is 1390–1540 — 25% of admitted students scored above 1540, 25% scored below 1390
- USC is highly selective — overall acceptance rate is 12.0%
- USC currently requires standardized test scores for admission
- A score within or above the middle 50% range removes academic metrics as an obstacle; essays, recommendations, and context remain the deciding factors
- Students using Auriga's adaptive SAT prep improve an average of 150+ points toward their goal score
USC SAT Score Requirements — Class of 2030
Middle 50% SAT Range
1390–1540
12.0% acceptance rate
Typical Score Target
1465
Midpoint of middle 50%
Middle 50% ACT Range
32–35
ACT accepted equally
Test Policy
Test Required
2024-2025
What the SAT Range Actually Means
The middle 50% range (1390–1540) means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1390 and 25% scored above 1540. This is not a minimum cutoff — it's a distribution. Students are admitted with scores across a wide range.
A score within the middle 50% means you are academically competitive. Whether you're admitted depends on the strength of your complete application — essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and how you've used your opportunities.
A score above 1540 (the 75th percentile) removes academic metrics as an obstacle and lets your application compete on the strength of everything else. It does not guarantee admission at an institution as selective as USC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need to get into USC?
USC's middle 50% SAT range is 1390–1540. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1390 face a more difficult path at an institution with a 12.0% acceptance rate.
Is USC test optional?
As of 2024-2025, USC requires standardized test scores for admission.
What is the SAT score for the average admitted student at USC?
The midpoint of USC's middle 50% range is approximately 1465. However, roughly half of admitted students score above this, and half below — there is no single "average" that predicts admission.
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