Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at University of Southern California scored about 1450 to 1550 on the SAT, with an average of 1495. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1450 or lower and a quarter scored 1550 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
USC at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1450 to 1550 | Average: 1495
Reading and Writing: 710 to 760 | Math: 740 to 790
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 35
Admission rate: 9.8%
USC SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 710 | 760 |
| Math | 740 | 790 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1450 | 1550 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does USC require the SAT?
No. USC says first-year applicants for the 2027 to 2028 academic year are not required to send SAT or ACT scores. You choose on the Common Application whether USC should consider your scores, and USC says you will not be at a disadvantage without them.
- Official scores only: if you choose to submit, scores must come directly from College Board or ACT.
- Superscoring: USC takes your highest Reading and Writing and highest Math, even from different dates.
- Scholarships: you do not need scores to be considered for merit scholarships.
- SAT code: 4852.
- International applicants: if you use the SAT to prove English proficiency, you need at least 650 in Reading and Writing.
USC’s own number: USC reports that 48% of its fall 2026 first-years submitted scores, and their middle 50% superscored SAT was 1470 to 1540.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Use USC’s fall 2026 number: 1470 to 1540 among students who submitted. Send your score if it is about 1470 or higher. At 1540 or higher it is a clear plus. Below about 1470, test-optional is usually the better choice, since more than half of USC’s first-years did not submit at all.
Because USC superscores, plan your retake around your weaker section. In the Scorecard numbers, USC students score higher in Math (740 to 790) than in Reading and Writing (710 to 760).
Where do you stand against USC’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 790 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to USC’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
For cost, graduation rate and earnings data, see the full USC college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for USC?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1450 to 1550.
What is the average SAT score at USC?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1495.
Does USC require the SAT?
No. USC is test-optional for fall 2027 applicants, superscores if you submit, and does not require scores for merit scholarships.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: University of Southern California (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- USC Admission Blog, Early Action and Early Decision FAQs for Fall 2027.
- USC Admission, First-Year Student Profile.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for USC?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1450 to 1550.
What is the average SAT score at USC?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1495.
Does USC require the SAT?
No. USC is test-optional for fall 2027 applicants, superscores if you submit, and does not require scores for merit scholarships.