The University of South Carolina is a top-ranked public research university located in Columbia, SC. The academic offerings here are magnificent, along with the lively campus community that fosters an inclusive feeling for all members of the university family. USC is considered one of the best in the United States to offer innovative initiatives through academic programs, methods, and processes. Competition for admission into USC is very competitive, and admitters achieve some level of: academic excellence, leadership potential, and other community services. GPA and standardized test scores are the most important academic inputs that USC utilizes while admitting the students.

University of South Carolina SAT Score

The University of South Carolina utilizes the SAT scores along with other criteria that help to evaluate the collegiate preparedness of the student. Though SAT scores submission is not mandatory, a competitive SAT score will work considerably in your favor. Here are some of the ranges of the SAT scores of students at the University of South Carolina.

The SAT determines critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills important to college success. It can be made optional to gain admission at USC if you have a good SAT score.

Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

Here’s the table formatted based on the SAT score data:

Percentiles for SAT Score

A score at the 25th percentile or lower may leave less in your favor for acceptance unless other application materials are highly exceptional. Scoring better than 1280 puts you in a very good position for acceptance.

25th percentile SAT score: 1140

75th percentile SAT score: 1280

University of South Carolina Schools That Accept SAT Scores

USC has a mostly test-optional policy for most programs, but submitting SAT scores still has advantages for certain schools, including:

• Darla Moore School of Business: Concentrating on international business education course.
• College of Engineering and Computing: Programs are innovative, based on research output.
• College of Arts and Sciences: Disciplines include humanities, social science, mathematics, life science, physical sciences, and humanities.
• College of Education: Prepares students for teaching, offers educational research programs, and has many other programs.

Improve Your SAT Scores for Admission to the University of South Carolina

You can talk with your counselor about strategies to improve your SAT score if you need improvement. Here are some strategies you could follow:

• Practice full-length, timed tests under conditions that closely mimic test day.
• Focus on working on weaknesses.
• Utilize official study materials from the SAT and potentially consider a tutor or SAT tutoring Course for extra assistance.
• Practicing full-length, timed tests will help you prepare for test day and strengthen your time management, so you'll feel much more confident about taking the test.

GPA Expectations at USC

USC cares very much for GPA in its admissions review process. The quality of classes plus your cumulative GPA is reviewed. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses have a lot of GPA weight.

Middle 50% GPA of Admitted Students

The middle 50% of students admitted to USC have a GPA in the range of 3.50 to 4.0. Those who had high GPAs and also pursued challenging courses are less likely to be denied admission.

Middle 50% GPA range: 3.50 – 4.0

If your GPA is below 3.50, don't worry. SAT scores or outstanding extracurricular activities can offset your application

How to Improve Your GPA

To increase your GPA and score a good SAT score, it is suggested to take the following suggestions and boost your chances to get admission in University of South Carolina. 

• Take as many challenging courses as possible-like AP and honors classes-to make the weighted nature of the GPA better.
• Try to get help or tutor someone in a subject or two in which you are weak.
• Try to slope the graphs upwards from your junior through your senior year.

University of South Carolina Admission Requirements

University of South Carolina is not an easy university to get into. While USC forgone standardized testing for the Class of 2024 and subsequent years, University of South Carolina considers GPA, coursework, and a student's extracurricular activities in admission decisions. If you know what the admission requirements are, it can help polish an application.

Check the SAT writing Tips!

More than SAT and GPA

USC cares about academic measures, but also wants to know the kinds of qualities of well-rounded student:

• Letters of Recommendation: These can give insight into your academic strengths and personal life.
• Extracurricular Activities: Evidence of leadership roles, community service, and other long-term commitments speak to your commitment and passion.
• Personal Statement: Use this as an opportunity to tell your story-including your background and experiences, goals, or what makes you uniquely you.
• Awards and Honors: Recognitions in the classroom or outside of the classroom may strengthen your application.

Writing a Winning Application

To maximize your chances of entering USC, use the following tips to craft a strong and compelling application:

• Show experiences that best illustrate your strengths, character, and aspirations.
• Select recommenders who know you very well and can speak both to your academic qualifications and your personal qualities.
• Join leadership positions or programs that will engage you long term to demonstrate your initiative and passion.
• If you have demonstrated academic growth, talk about how you have improved and succeeded in your academics

SAT Scores for University of South Carolina Admission: Summing Up!

University of South Carolina is looking for students who are exceptionally bright in academics and highly participate in extracurricular activities. A good SAT score combined with a good GPA will lift you up from the claws of the admission board. A sound application will make you one of the worthy and competitive students for this college.