There is no minimum requirement or absolute "cutoff" for grades, class rank or test scores. USC evaluates prospective students through an individualized, comprehensive review process that takes these, and many other factors, into account. Regardless, we have found that GPA and standardized test scores are powerful predictors of success at USC, so they do play a significant role during our review process.

All undergraduate students entering USC may receive a combined maximum of 32 elective units for college courses and/or examinations (e.g., AP or IB) taken before graduation from high school. A maximum of 16 of these 32 units will be allowed for college courses taken before high school graduation. These courses must appear on a college transcript as part of a regular college curriculum and are expected to be taught on the college campus by college faculty. These courses (as well as AP and IB exams) can fulfill general education categories I, II, III and V where appropriate but will not receive course equivalence or credit toward writing, diversity, foreign language. However, departments may use them as a basis to waive prerequisites or specific course requirements on a case-by-case basis. Students may not receive credit for both an AP exam (or IB or other international exam) and a college course taken before high school graduation covering the same subject matter, nor for an AP and IB exam covering the same subject matter. Students who began full-time college bachelor's degree programs at four-year institutions before completing their high school diplomas can submit transcripts for course evaluation. More than 16 units may be granted. Programs which award a high school diploma concurrently with first- or second-year college level work are typically conducted on the post-secondary institution's campus and are taught by the regular faculty. These programs will be evaluated on an individual basis, along with the student's high school record, to determine both the student's admissibility and the transferability of courses. Students entering full-time college programs at two-year colleges before graduating from high school are subject to the 16 unit maximum stated above.

Admissions statistics are available online in the Freshman Profile PDF.

Generally, for the purposes of admission into USC, we review an applicant's coursework from grades 9 through 11 for admission into our fall freshman class. We may, however, request 7th semester grades (12th grade, fall semester) before making a final decision. Those students from whom we require 7th semester grades will receive letter requesting this information if we need it, but we encourage all first-year applicants to submit their 7th semester grades when they become available. They may do so by going to usc.edu/midyeargrades.

Once admitted, all students are required to submit an official copy of their high school transcripts in order to verify their graduation dates. Students' transcripts will also be reviewed to ensure that they have maintained a continued level of academic achievement. A serious downturn in a student's senior year could result in the rescinding of an admission offer.

First-year candidates are evaluated on the rigor of their high school course work, their grades, scores on standardized tests, activities, essays and counselor/teacher recommendations.

When assessing grade point average, consideration is given to class rank and Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate course work. Students are considered individually on the merits of their academic records, personal qualities and potential for success in their fields of interest. There are no absolute "cutoffs" or minimums for grades, rank in class, or test scores, as we are interested in the interplay of these elements and students' personal accomplishments.

Students should successfully complete at least sixteen yearlong college preparatory courses while in high school:

• 4 years of English (composition and literature)
• 2 years of foreign language
• 3 years of mathematics (algebra, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, or calculus)
• 2 years of natural science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics)
• 2 years of social sciences (e.g. U.S. history, government, economics, geography)
• 3 years of additional courses in subjects above or academic electives (e.g. computer science, art, music, speech)
• Students should pursue Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes whenever possible.

We only require SAT Subject tests from first-year applicants who do not attend a regionally accredited high school (e.g., home school, some non-accredited parochial or community based programs, even some newer schools). These students must submit three SAT Subject exams, including one in mathematics, in addition to the SAT or ACT. For all other applicants, these exams are optional, but recommended. We find them helpful in evaluating applications for merit scholarships.

For applicants whose education is based upon the British educational system, USC requires results from the GCSE/IGCSE/O-level exams as well as predicted A-level results. Results of AS-level exams should also be submitted. In addition, USC will award advanced credits for each successfully completed A-level for which USC offers comparable coursework.

USC requires scores from the SAT or the ACT (with optional writing component) from:

• All freshman applicants
• Transfer students who have accumulated fewer than 30 USC-transferable semester units since graduating from high school

For students who take the SAT more than once, USC records the highest scores for each section - Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing -- even if achieved at different sittings. For students taking the ACT, USC will record the highest composite score.

The answer to this question depends on when you left the university.

Policies for students who left USC in the fall semester of 1997 or later:

• If you left USC voluntarily (i.e., you were not academically disqualified), you should contact the academic advisor in your department. The advisor will be able to provide guidance about re-enrolling.
• If you were academically disqualified, you must contact the USC Office of Academic Review at (213) 740-7741 for further guidance.

Policies for students who left USC before the fall semester of 1997:

• If you left USC voluntarily (i.e., you were not academically disqualified) and you have completed 16 or fewer semester units elsewhere, then you are still considered a "continuing student." Simply contact your previous department's academic advisor. The advisor will be able to assist you in clearing any holds on your record and will be able to provide you with registration information.
• If you left USC voluntarily (i.e., you were not academically disqualified) and you have completed 17 or more semester units elsewhere, then you must fill out a USC Re-entry Application. This brief form allows you to list the schools you attended after leaving USC. There is no fee for this application.
• If you were academically disqualified, you must contact the USC Office of Academic Review at (213) 740-7741 for further guidance.

USC accepts applications from students enrolled in non-traditional programs and high schools not recognized by one of the regional accrediting associations. However, in addition to all of the standard application materials, these students are required to submit results from three SAT Subject tests (one must be in math).

USC considers applications from home-schooled students. To better understand a student’s preparation, we require two extra items, in addition to the general requirements found on the Freshman Admission Process page. Home-schooled students must submit (1) results from three SAT Subject tests, including one in mathematics, and (2) the Common Application Home School Supplement.

All international applicants (first-year and transfer) whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score. International first-year applicants with minimum scores of 600 on SAT Critical Reading or 27 on ACT English are exempt from taking the TOEFL. The TOEFL must have been taken within the past two years from application date.

All international applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency in the following manner:

• First-year applicants may submit TOEFL, SAT, or ACT scores
• Transfer applicants must submit TOEFL score

First-year and transfer applicants whose native language is English are presumed to be proficient. This includes applicants from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec) where English is both the first language of the country and the language of instruction. Applicants with minimum scores of 100 on TOEFL iBT (with at least 20 in each section), 600 on SAT Critical Reading, or 27 on ACT English are presumed to be proficient.

For those who do not demonstrate English proficiency, USC requires the International Student Exam (ISE) upon admission and prior to registration. The results on the ISE determine whether or not a student must enroll in intensive language courses at USC.