Apply: What We Look For
USC students represent a vast array of interests and passions. Bold, driven, curious and creative, they want to make an impact, both in and out of the classroom.
Overview
We look for those students we believe will thrive at USC. Our application process is designed to discover your individual story, so that we might see how you would take advantage of the many opportunities available at USC. Like many highly selective universities, we conduct a comprehensive, holistic review of your application to consider academic and personal characteristics. We will review your performance in school, the rigor of your program, writing skills and test scores. We also consider personal qualities, as revealed in community involvement, leadership and achievements.
Successful USC Students
USC students pursue ambitious intellectual and professional goals by studying across disciplines and taking advantage of the diversity of programs available. They are willing to venture outside their comfort zones. They are interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective. USC students are unafraid to speak up in class to make others think or fight for a cause. They get involved by participating in student organizations and connecting with others. They seek to grow to their fullest potential, and they seek to serve others in the community along the way.
Accessibility and Financial Aid
USC is need-blind in its admission process—a student’s financial need will never influence an admission decision. In fact, nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students at USC receive financial aid.
“Let your passions shine through in the application! Numbers do not tell the whole story; rather we really want to get to know the person behind the application, and writing about what is important to you will really allow us to do just that.”
“Remember, there’s a person on the other end of your application; we’re just trying to get to know you.”
First-Year Student Profile
| Fall 2020 | |
| New students | 3,460 |
| Application Process | |
| Fall Applicants | 59,712 |
| Fall Admits | 9,618 (16.1% admitted) |
| Fall Enrolls | 3,460 (36% yield) |
| Gender | |
| Female | 53% |
| Male | 47% |
| Race, Ethnicity & Background | |
| White | 31% |
| Asian / Asian American | 27% |
| Latinx / Hispanic | 17% |
| International (student visa holders) | 12% |
| Black / African American | 6% |
| Multiple Ethnicities | 6% |
| Not reported | 1% |
| Native American / Pacific Islander | <1% |
| Most Represented Geographic Areas in U.S. | |
| California | |
| New York | |
| Texas | |
| Illinois | |
| Washington | |
| New Jersey | |
| Florida |
| Most Represented Geographic Areas Outside U.S. | |
| China | |
| India | |
| South Korea | |
| Canada | |
| Taiwan | |
| Singapore | |
| United Kingdom |
Financial Aid
About 21% of the 2020 entering first-year class received a merit-based scholarship from USC. Approximately two-thirds received some form of financial assistance.
Transfer Student Profile
| Fall 2020 | |
| Applications | 8,846 |
| Admits | 2,368 |
| Admit Rate | 26.8% |
| Transfer Class Size | 1,447 |
| Average College GPA | 3.67 – 3.98 |
| Our Transfer Students Come From | |
| California Community Colleges | 52% |
| UC or CSU | 9% |
| California Independent Institutions | 8% |
| Colleges Outside California | 22% |
| Colleges Outside U.S. | 9% |
| Preferred European Institutions | 9% |
“College is all about learning, most importantly about yourself as a person. Look for schools that can help you grow in all aspects of your life – inside and outside the classroom.”
Undocumented-DACA-AB540 Students
Undocumented or DACA students should apply for admission following the general policies and guidelines outlined on this website. Financial assistance is available for undocumented students who meet certain criteria. California residents may qualify for additional assistance under AB540 (the “California Dream Act”). For more information, please visit dream.csac.ca.gov.
