Academic Expectations for International Students
Overview
Students from all countries and all educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply for admission to USC. We will consider each application within the context of the student’s educational environment.
The most common curricula from which we receive applications are listed below, along with academic expectations and recommendations.
If you do not see your curriculum or diploma listed below, we courage you to use the “International Qualifications” tool below. Please select the country in which you study to determine the curricula and/or diploma types that USC prefers, along with academic recommendations.
Please note that all transcripts and/or secondary-school records must be submitted directly by the school through the Common Application. Records must be submitted in the native language (if not English) and accompanied by a certified English translation.
Most Common Curricula
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We typically expect the full IB Diploma Programme, with strong academic performance (scores of 5-7 on all HL and SL exams) across all subjects. Predicted grades should be included with your transcript.
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I/GCSE results must be provided, in addition to predicted results for all A-Level subjects (and EPQs, if applicable). Students are not eligible for admission with only I/GCSE results. Students are admitted with predicted A-Level results and will be asked to verify their final results once they are released. Competitive applicants will have predicted results of at least a “B” or above for at least three A-Level exams. There are no subject requirements for entry into USC.
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Complete Year X and Year XII state board or CBSE/ICSE exams. Competitive applicants typically achieve high marks, primarily A1 and A2 grades or scores above 80.
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Successful students enrolled in the Chinese National Curriculum achieve high marks, primarily 90+ out of 100 and 135+ out of 150. For students in an international curriculum, refer to the academic expectations for IB or A-Level results.
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Students enrolled in French Baccalaureate schools are expected to earn scores of 10 or higher, and most competitive applicants typically score 14+ points in each subject.