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Are you considering yourself a candidate for this year’s University of Southern California admissions? The Early Action application deadline for undergraduate programs is 1 November 2024 for international students, while the Regular Decision applications end on 1 December 2024. One of the oldest private universities in LA, California, it requires an unweighted GPA of 3.79-4.00 from freshman students. Currently having 47,000+ students and an acceptance rate of 10%, admissions to the institute are highly competitive. So dive into this blog to learn about USC’s entire admission process, from deadlines to requirements.
| Founded | 1880 |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Type | Private research university |
| Students | 47,000 (total), 21,000 (undergraduates), |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% |
| Admission Deadlines | Undergraduate courses: 1 November 2024 (Early Action), 1 December 2024 (Regular Decision) Postgraduate courses: Varies with program For MBA: Closed |
| Academic Requirements (international students) | A1 or A2 grades (80% or higher) for Indian boards like CBSE/ICSE IB Diploma: Scores of 5-7 on all HL and SL exams in all subjects French Baccalaureate: Scores of 10 or higher (14+ for competitive applicants) For Chinese students: 90+/100 and 135+/150 in Chinese National Curriculum |
| English Language Requirements (international students) | TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (with at least 20 in each section) IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0 PTE: 68 ACT English: 27 SAT: 650 (For Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section) |
This Blog Includes:
Why Study at University of Southern California?
Ranking #116 among the world’s top universities and #29 nationally, the University of Southern California admissions are a ticket to every international student’s study abroad dream. Moreover, the institute comprises 23 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 150+ majors and minors and 400 graduate programs across various disciplines. This reputation translates to a world-class education, allowing you to explore your interests and find the perfect fit.
Some of USC’s schools are particularly well-known, like the Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts. Since the university has a large international student population, it creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students worldwide.
Moreover, USC provides financial aid to international students, making it more affordable for those with financial limitations. With a strong focus on career preparation, it also offers counselling, internships, and connections to alumni networks. That said, let us look at how you can access these world-class facilities as an overseas applicant.
Also Read: Stanford University Admissions 2024: Requirements, Admission Process and Fee
University of Southern California Admissions Requirements
The University of Southern California admissions requirements generally vary with the program level and discipline chosen. However, given below are some general criteria that international students should fulfil to secure a seat at the university:
- Academic Requirements:
| For Indian students | A1 or A2 grades (80% or higher) for Indian boards like CBSE/ICSE |
| IB diploma | Scores of 5-7 on all HL and SL exams in all subjects |
| French Baccalaureate | Scores of 10 or higher (14+ for competitive applicants) |
| For Chinese students | 90+ out of 100, 135+ out of 150 in Chinese National Curriculum |
- English Language Requirements:
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL iBT | UG: 100 overall (with at least 20 in each section) |
| PG: 90 or higher (with at least 20 in each section) | |
| IELTS | UG: 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0 |
| PG: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0 | |
| PTE | UG: 68 |
| PG: 61 or higher, with 53 in each section | |
| ACT English | 27 |
| SAT | 650 (for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section) |
- Academic transcripts of your high school (for UG students).
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university (for graduate students).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Personal Statement
- Letters of recommendation (LOR)
- Portfolio/Audition
- Resume/CV
- Entrance exam (for graduate courses)
University of Southern California Admissions Dates
The University of Southern California admissions accepts students through Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). Students applying by Early Action deadline have to submit their application with all requirements earlier than those going through Regular Decision. Applying by the EA deadline also increases the student’s chances of being considered for USC Merit Scholarships.
Given below are the general deadlines for both intakes every year:
Early Decision: General Deadlines
| Application Deadline | 1 November |
| Admission Decision/Deferral to Regular Decision | Mid to late January |
| Application deadline for Financial aid | 12 January 2024 |
Regular Decision: General Deadlines
| Application Deadline | 1 December/ 15 January |
| Admission Decision | 1 April |
| Application deadline for Financial aid | 7 February 2024 |
Also Read: The University of Ottawa Acceptance Rate 2024-25: Complete Details
Admission Process for International Students
The University of Southern California admissions for international students are given below, varying slightly due to the program level chosen:
- Start by researching USC’s undergraduate/graduate programs and select the one that best aligns with your goals.
- Then, carefully go through the specific admission requirements for your chosen program.
- Make sure you understand the relevant deadlines (Early Action/Regular Decision) well in advance and plan accordingly.
- Submit the online application form through the USC portal by the deadline, along with relevant documents.
- The Admissions team at USC will take time to review your application thoroughly.
- Moreover, USC will notify you of their admission decision via email (offer of admission, denial, or waitlist placement).
- If admitted, you’ll have a deadline to pay a commitment deposit to secure your place at USC.
- Also, international students are eligible for some financial aid options.
- Once admitted, you’ll need to apply for a student visa to study in the US. USC’s Office of International Services can guide this process.
Documents Required
Moreover, here are the documents you need to provide:
- Completed online application
- Official academic transcripts
- English Proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT) (optional)
- Essay and Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio/Audition Materials (if applicable)
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- A copy of your current passport
- Student Visa
University of Southern California Admissions: Acceptance Rate
The University of Southern California admissions rate is generally around 10% for both domestic and international students, indicating its selectiveness of learners from around the globe. So students must go above and beyond the minimum requirements asked to bag a seat at this world-renowned university. All the best!
Relevant Reads:
FAQs
Answer: The minimum GPA requirements for international students to apply to USC varies with nationality. Some of them are as follows:
1. For Indian students – A1 or A2 grades (80% or higher) for Indian boards like CBSE/ICSE.
2. IB Diploma – Scores of 5-7 on all HL and SL exams in all subjects.
3. French Baccalaureate – Scores of 10 or higher (14+ for competitive applicants).
4. For Chinese students – 90+ out of 100, 135+ out of 150 in Chinese National Curriculum.
Answer: To get into USC, Indian students must fulfil the following requirements:
1. A1 or A2 grades (80% or higher) for Indian boards like CBSE/ICSE.
2. English Language requirements: TOEFL iBT – UG: 100 overall (with at least 20 in each section), PG: 90 or higher (with at least 20 in each section);
IELTS – UG: 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0, PG: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0;
PTE – UG: 68, PG: 61 or higher, with 53 in each section;
ACT English – 27;
SAT – 650 (for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section).
3. Academic transcripts of your high school (for UG students).
4. A 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university (for graduate students).
5. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
6. Personal Statement
7. Letters of recommendation (LOR)
8. Portfolio/Audition
9. Resume/CV
10. Entrance exam (for graduate courses)
Answer: Yes, the University of Southern California admissions rate is 10%, indicating its highly competitive admission process.
We hope this blog gave you a complete insight into the University of Southern California admissions process for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for regular updates like this on study-abroad universities. Thank you for reading!
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