USC's Standardized Testing Requirements

The University of Southern California remains test-optional. But looking closely at the 2024-2025 Common Data Set reveals that a test-optional policy does not mean standardized tests do not matter.  In fact, the numbers prove that the students who choose to submit scores are turning in massive results.

For the enrolled first-year students who submitted an SAT score, the middle 50% range was 1450 to 1550. This means 25% of score-submitting students scored below 1450, while another 25% scored above a 1550. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite range was 32 to 35.  

A breakdown of the score distributions shows just how high the ceiling is for admitted students:

• SAT Composite: A massive 91.1% of students who submitted SAT scores scored between 1400 and 1600. Only 7.9% scored between 1200 and 1399.  

• ACT Composite: The story is the same here. Over 95% of students who submitted ACT scores earned between a 30 and a 36.  

The data also reveals how section scores shake out. For the SAT, the middle 50% for Math was 740 to 790. For Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, it was 710 to 760. This shows a slight edge in math proficiency among the enrolled class.  

It is easy to assume these averages look inflated because only the highest scoring students choose to report them. That is partly true! But it also means these numbers represent the academic baseline of the students you are competing against.  

USC marks standardized test scores as "very important" in their review process for students who submit them. If you choose to apply without a score, the rest of your application must do the heavy lifting. Your high school GPA, class rigor, and application essays will face even greater scrutiny.  

If your scores fall within or above these middle 50% ranges, submitting them will actively strengthen your application. If they fall below, going test-optional is likely your best strategic move.