Acceptance Rate For USC: Statistics And Demographics

Published November 23, 2023 · · Updated July 20, 2024 · 5 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Acceptance Rate For USC: Statistics And Demographics. USC’s regular decision process is one of the most selective in the country. USC’s regular decision admissions acceptance rate for the class applying during the 2020 cycle was approximately 12.5% because it had an around 71,031 applicants and it admitted about 8,884. 

The University of Southern California accepts a relatively diverse class of students. Students that get accepted to USC often show their background and unique experiences through their college essays.

How USC Rates Applicants

This school gives a genuinely comprehensive and holistic review of each application. They pay close attention to an applicant’s “performance in school, the rigor of your program, writing skills and test scores” and “also consider personal qualities. They are looking for people who are ambitious intellectually and professionally but also bring a global perspective, show a history of getting involved in their community.

Factors that USC officially ranks candidates

There are five factors that USC officially ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, standardized test scores, the essays, and recommendations. The three factors that rate as “important” are extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal characteristics. “Considered” factors include first-generation status, legacy status, race/ethnicity, volunteer work, and paid work.

Statistics And Demographics for USC Acceptance

Race/Ethnicity	Students	Percentage
White, non-Hispanic	6,674	32%
Hispanic/Latino	3,581	17%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic	1,222	6%
Nonresidents	2,562	12%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic	29	0%
Asian, non-Hispanic	4,971	24%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic	55	0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic	1,270	6%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown	426	2%
TOTAL	20,790	100.0%

What is the true acceptance rate for USC?

The USC acceptance rate is 12.5% because it is a highly desired research university with a media and entertainment bent right in the heart of Los Angeles. Acceptance rate or admissions rate often represents how enticing a school is to attend

USC Early Decision Acceptance Rate

USC doesn’t publicly release acceptance rate data about its early action program in its Common Data Set, but it has published that it accepts “about 20% – 25%” of its incoming class through its early action program. If you are curious about this data, reach out to the University of Southern California’s admissions department to learn more. Early action or early decision acceptance rates tend to be a bit higher than regular decisions acceptance rates.

Regular Decisions USC Acceptance Statistics For The 2019-22 Classes

Reporting Year	Applicants	Admittees	Acceptance Rate
2021-22	8,884	71,031	12.5%
2020-21	59,712	9,618	16.1%
2019-20	66,198	7,558	11.4%

Tips for Applying to USC

If you plan on USC for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• You must list your “first-choice major” on the Common App and have the option of selecting a second-choice major or pre-professional emphasis.
• Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays required by USC. 
• USC expects to see evidence of advanced coursework in high school. Taking multiple advanced classes, particularly within your area of academic interest is a must. A minimum of 7-8 AP courses is a good target to aim for.
• USC does not weigh “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process. Therefore, you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit (in non-pandemic times), contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• USC does not conduct admissions interviews of any kind so your best way to connect with an admissions officer on a personal level is via your Common App and supplemental essays/short answers.

USC College Essay Examples

All applicants must respond to one of the prompts below in 250 words.

1. What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you?
2. USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. Please discuss the significance of the experience and its effect on you.
3. USC faculty place an emphasis on interdisciplinary academic opportunities. Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which you are interested in learning.

Mandatory USC College Essay prompts. 

1. Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)*
2. Describe yourself in three words (25 characters).

Historical Trends for Admission at USC

USC’s admission rates have become increasingly competitive over the years, reflecting the university’s growing reputation and popularity among students. Here’s a look at some historical trends in USC admissions:

• In 2010, USC’s acceptance rate was 26.3%.
• 2015, the acceptance rate had dropped to 18%.
• In 2020, USC’s acceptance rate was 16%.
• For the Class of 2027, USC’s acceptance rate further decreased to 9.75%.

Acceptance Rates For Top USC Majors – University of Southern California Majors

• Computer Science: USC’s computer science program is also very popular, with an acceptance rate of around 7.5%. The median SAT score for admitted students was 1540, and the median ACT score was 35.
• Psychology: USC’s psychology program is also a popular major, with an acceptance rate of around 8.5%. The median SAT score for admitted students was 1500, and the median ACT score was 34
• Communications: USC’s communications program is another popular major, with an acceptance rate of around 13%. The median SAT score for admitted students was 1480, and the median ACT score was 34.
• Engineering: USC’s engineering program is highly regarded, with an acceptance rate of around 10%. The median SAT score for admitted students was 1530, and the median ACT score was 34.
• Business Administration: USC’s business administration program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 9%. The median SAT score for admitted students was 1520, and the median ACT score was 34.

Recommendation

• USC Transfer Acceptance Rate, GPA, Application Requirements: Is USC a transfer friendly school?
• USC Acceptance Rate | University Of Southern California Admission,
• 8 Best Ivy League Schools In California.
• Top 25 Perfect College Essay Examples Common App
• USC Transfer Student Profile