“We recognize that this is a stressful and uncertain time for students who will soon be starting the application process. In an effort to alleviate some worry, USC is suspending its standardized testing requirement for one year.”
-Timothy Brunold, Dean of Admission
From the USC Office of Undergraduate Admission:
“Due to disruptions in testing schedules caused by COVID-19, prospective first-year students applying for the 2021-2022 academic year can do so without submitting SAT or ACT scores – although these results can still be submitted if desired. For students who submit test scores, USC records the highest scores for those who have taken tests more than once. For the SAT, the highest scores for both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and the Mathematics section will be recorded, even if achieved in different sittings. For the ACT, USC will just consider the highest composite score. USC does not require the writing section for either the ACT or the SAT general test.”
This policy applies to all first-year students applying for the 2021-2022 academic year, including applicants to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Note that this policy only applies for applicants for this upcoming admission cycle–2021-2022. It will not continue for future admission cycles unless such a policy is announced by the USC Office of Admission.
More information about this test optional policy can be found on the USC Office of Admission’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
If you are an international applicant whose native language is not English, you must still demonstrate language proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic scores. More information on applying as an international student can be found here.
