High School Preparation
First-Year candidates are evaluated on the content and rigor of their high school course work, grades and scores from standardized tests. An activity summary, essay, short answers and counselor/teacher recommendations also play important roles in the admission decision. When assessing your grade point average, consideration is given to your class rank, honors courses, as well as
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate work. You will be considered individually on the merits of your academic record, personal qualities, and potential for success in your field of interest. There are no absolute "cutoffs" for grades, rank in class, or test scores at USC, as we are interested in the each of these elements as well as your personal accomplishments.
>> Preparing for USC
>> USC Admission Standards
Standardized Test Scores
Scores from the SAT or the ACT (including the writing exam) are required for all freshmen applicants who are attending High School in the United States as well as those applicants attending overseas American or International Schools. For students who take the SAT more than once, USC records the highest sub-score achieved, even if achieved in more than one sitting. For students taking the ACT, USC will record the highest composite score. USC does not require any SAT Subject Tests.
Recommended High School Courses
4 years of mathematics (e.g. algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus)
3-4 years of lab science (e.g. physics, chemistry, biology)
4 years of English (composition and literature)
2 years of social sciences (e.g. U.S. history, government, economics)
2-3 years of electives (e.g. computer science, art, music, speech)
2 years of foreign language
Admission Interviews
The University as well as the Viterbi School conducts optional interviews for Freshman Applicants. Interviews are held as part of the application process, and give us yet another opportunity to learn more about you. Interviews are held from August through Mid-December during a high school student's senior year (or during the application process). All interview appointments are made online through our
Admission Interview Scheduler.
Admission Interviews are NOT required and a student's application does NOT need to be completed in order for a student to conduct an admission interview. Interviews are not conducted any year prior to the application year (e.g. sophomores in high school) or for transfer applicants. If you are not yet ready to apply, please check out our Visit Us section for ways to visit campus and learn more about our programs.
>> Schedule an Interview
