US holisticUnited States · Bachelor’sResearched 0d ago

Computer Science

University of Southern California

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Overview

USC Computer Science (BS) uses USC’s holistic first-year review within USC Viterbi. Academics and writing both matter substantially; there is no portfolio requirement for Viterbi CS, and SAT/ACT are optional, though English proficiency testing is mandatory for international applicants whose native language is not English.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

USC Viterbi does not use a portfolio or extra project packet for first-year Computer Science applicants. Applicants are evaluated through the standard USC application only; technical or creative work can only appear indirectly through the activities list and written application.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeHigh

The written application is a meaningful part of review. USC and Viterbi explicitly consider the Personal Statement, USC supplemental questions, and short answers to understand the applicant’s voice, interests, passions, and likely contribution to campus.

Bar to clear: Strong Common App personal statement plus USC short answers

Academics & GPAHigh

Academics are central. USC reviews academic performance and course rigor in context, and Viterbi expects the highest rigor available with strong math and science preparation. For engineering/computer science, at least one year of calculus is important, and competitive applicants typically have calculus completed or in progress by senior year.

Bar to clear: Most rigorous curriculum available; calculus completed or in progress; admitted GPA middle 50% 3.87-4.00 unweighted

Test scoresMedium

SAT/ACT are optional and applicants without them are not penalized, so entrance test scores are not decisive for all applicants. However, applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English proficiency exam, and USC states its most competitive English scores are well above the minimums.

Bar to clear: SAT/ACT optional; if English test required: TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+ minimum

Application components

No portfolio or extra project materials for Viterbi CSCommon App personal statement and USC short answersOfficial high school transcript/academic recordsSAT/ACT score report if submittedEnglish proficiency test report if required

How to stand out

→Take the strongest math/science schedule your school offers and include calculus by senior year if possible.

→Use the personal statement and USC short answers to show clear motivation, intellectual curiosity, and specific CS-related interests.

→Keep grades consistently strong across grades 9-11 and avoid weaker senior-year rigor.

→Submit SAT/ACT only if it strengthens the file; non-submitters are not penalized.

→If English proficiency testing is required, aim materially above the minimum, not just at the floor.

Source confidence

93%Well sourced

Sources

How to Apply to USC Viterbi

viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply/

Official Viterbi first-year CS/engineering application page; states no extra materials, test optional, what Viterbi looks for, and calculus preparation expectations.