University of Southern California Admission

University of Southern California admissions are highly selective, with an overall acceptance rate of around 11.2%.

The holistic review process evaluates transcripts, essays, and extracurriculars. First-year applicants typically need a weighted GPA of 3.75–4.0 and must apply via the USC Application or CommonApp. 

University of Southern California admission is highly, especially for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Cinematic Arts, Communication, Public Policy, and health-related programs.

Key Highlights of University of Southern California Admission:

Source: USC First-Year Student Profile, USC Facts and Stats, USC Academic Calendar, USC Graduate Admission.

This article covers University of Southern California admission dates & process, MBA, MS, bachelor’s admissions, scholarships, acceptance rate, and student support services. 

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University of Southern California Admission Dates & Deadlines

University of Southern California admission deadlines vary by level, school, and program. USC’s Fall intake is the main intake for bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, PhD, and professional programs. Students applying for admission and scholarships should track undergraduate and program-specific graduate deadlines early.

The table below highlights important Fall intake deadlines.

Source: USC Undergraduate Deadlines and USC Academic Calendar

University of Southern California Admission Process

The University of Southern California (USC) uses a highly selective, holistic review process for admissions. For first-year undergraduate applicants, it requires the Common Application, high school transcripts, and a portfolio or audition for certain competitive programs. International students may also need to submit English proficiency scores and financial documents for I-20 processing.

Here is an outline of the steps required for applying to the University of Southern California:

Step 1: Choose the Right Application Platform

• Bachelor’s applicants must apply through the Common Application and complete the USC Writing Supplement.
• Master’s, MS, PhD, and most graduate applicants must apply through the USC Graduate Application. 
• MBA applicants must apply through the USC Marshall School of Business application system, as requirements vary by MBA format.

Step 2: Select Program and Check Deadlines

• Applicants should first select their course, school, or department before starting the application.
• USC undergraduate deadlines are fixed, while graduate and MBA deadlines vary by program. 

Step 3: Submit Academic Records

• Undergraduate applicants must submit official secondary school records, including transcripts and exam results where applicable.
• Graduate applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. 
• Some programs may also ask for country-specific documents, degree certificates, or certified English translations.

Step 4: Complete Essays and Program Materials

• Bachelor’s applicants must submit the Common App essay and USC-specific short responses.
• Graduate applicants may need to submit a statement of purpose, resume, recommendations, writing sample, portfolio, or department-specific materials.
• USC Graduate Admission states that supplemental materials vary by program and are usually submitted through the application portal.

Step 5: Submit Standardized Test Scores, If Required

• For bachelor’s applicants, SAT/ACT scores are optional. 
• For graduate and MBA applicants, GRE, GMAT, or other test requirements depend on the selected program.

Step 6: Submit English Proficiency Scores

• International undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English must submit a USC-approved English proficiency exam.
• USC-approved options include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, PTE, SAT EBRW, ACT English, and Duolingo in limited cases.

Step 7: Track Application Status

• After submitting the application, applicants should regularly check the USC applicant portal or graduate application portal.

Step 8: Application Review Process

• USC reviews applications holistically.
• Graduate and MBA applications may also be reviewed for work experience, research background, technical skills, leadership, and career goals.

Step 9: Admission Decision and Offer Acceptance

• Applicants receive decisions based on their admission plan and program timeline.

Step 10: Complete Financial Documents and Visa Steps

• International students admitted to USC must submit financial documentation to receive the I-20 for an F-1 visa.
• USC Graduate Admission states that financial documents must show enough funding to cover the first year of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
• Students may also need to submit passport details and other visa-related documents after admission.

Know the latest University of Southern California Rankings

University of Southern California MBA Admissions

University of Southern California MBA admissions are handled by USC Marshall School of Business. The USC Marshall School of Business offers a highly competitive Full-Time MBA program in Los Angeles. 

International students should choose the format carefully because deadlines, test rules, documents, fees, and visa suitability can differ.

MBA Admission Requirements

To gain admission to the highly competitive MBA program at the USC Marshall School of Business, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, submit a professional résumé, provide GMAT or GRE scores (unless granted a waiver), write required essays, and complete an online Kira interview.

The table below outlines the key MBA admission requirements:

Source: USC Marshall MBA Admissions

MBA Scholarships & Financial Aid

At the USC Marshall School of Business, all incoming MBA applicants (both domestic and international) are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission.

No separate scholarship application is required. Beyond merit awards, candidates can also secure fellowships, private loans, and federal financial aid.

The table below lists common MBA funding options:

Source: USC Marshall MBA and USC Graduate Financial Aid pages

University of Southern California Masters/MS Admissions

USC Master's (MS) admissions require submitting a centralized application through the USC Graduate Admission portal. USC MS admission is program-specific and handled through the USC Graduate Admission portal and individual schools.

Masters/MS Admission Requirements

University of Southern California (USC) master's admissions require an official bachelor's degree, a completed USC Graduate Application, and department-specific requirements like GRE/GMAT scores, essays, and resumes.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests.

for master’s programs, TOEFL iBT 90 before January 21, 2026, or 4.5 on the new TOEFL scale after that date, with section minimums IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each band is also listed for master’s ISE exemption.

The table below outlines common MS admission requirements:

Source: USC Graduate Admission, USC Graduate English Proficiency

Masters/MS Scholarships & Financial Aid

The University of Southern California (USC) offers merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for Master’s students. International and domestic students are generally not eligible for federal need-based aid, so funding largely depends on outstanding academic performance and department-specific awards.

The table below explains MS funding options:

Source: USC Graduate Cost and Financial Aid guidance

University of Southern California Bachelors Admissions

University of Southern California bachelor’s admissions are highly selective and based on holistic review

Applicants can apply through Early Action or Early Decision (deadline: November 1) or Regular Decision (deadline: January 10). Scores like SAT/ACT are considered but not required.

Benefits of Studying at University of Southern California:

• Strong academic choices across business, engineering, arts, communication, policy, sciences, and professional fields
• Location in Los Angeles with access to media, technology, business, healthcare, and creative industries
• Large international student community, including 11,959 international students in Fall 2025
• Research, internship, alumni, and career opportunities across USC’s schools and centers
• Merit scholarship options for high-achieving undergraduate applicants

Bachelors Admission Requirements

University of Southern California (USC) admissions are highly competitive with an acceptance rate around 10–12%. Actionable requirements include submitting the Common App, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. SAT/ACT scores are optional but recommended for competitive evaluation.

The table below outlines undergraduate admission requirements:

Source: USC International Undergraduate Admission

USC says international applicants who cannot take a USC-approved English exam may use Duolingo, but they must score at least 130. Admitted students using only Duolingo must take USC’s International Student Exam after matriculation.

Bachelors Scholarships & Financial Aid

The University of Southern California (USC) awards merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. To be considered for university merit scholarships (ranging from partial to full tuition), first-year applicants must apply by the Early Action/Early Decision deadline or the specific talent-based major deadline.

International undergraduate students are not eligible for federal or USC need-based aid, but they may receive merit scholarships or departmental awards.

The table below lists undergraduate scholarship options:

Source: USC Scholarship Guide and USC First-Year Student Profile

Students should verify eligibility and deadlines directly with each external provider before applying. 
 

Check out Courses at University of Southern California

Acceptance Rate for University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) has an overall acceptance rate of roughly 10% to 11%, making it an extremely selective institution. For highly competitive programs and early admission cycles, this rate drops even further.

This makes USC highly selective, especially for competitive schools such as Marshall, Viterbi, Cinematic Arts, and Annenberg.

The table below provides a snapshot of USC’s latest admission competitiveness:

Source: USC First-Year Student Profile

University of Southern California Student Support Services

The University of Southern California offers a robust, centralized network of student support services covering academic success, mental health, basic needs, and personal advocacy.

The primary hub for navigating these resources is the Office of Campus Support and Intervention (CSI).

International students can also get immigration guidance from the Office of International Services and student-life support from international student teams.

• Office of International Services: I-20, DS-2019, CPT, OPT, visa and immigration advising
• Career Center: Resume support, employer events, interviews, and job resources
• Student Health: Medical care, mental health support, and wellbeing resources
• Office of Student Accessibility Services: Disability accommodations and access support
• Campus Support & Intervention: Basic needs, emergency support, and student care
• Kortschak Center: Learning strategies and academic support
• USC Student Life: Campus engagement, leadership, and community programs

Source: USC Student Life and international student support pages