<p>Hi, I am an upcoming Junior and I am wondering what ACT/SAT scores I should aim for to get accepted into USC and get their big merit scholarships. It's my dream school, so I would really appreciate any info! And for people who got accepted, what were your scores? Thanks!</p>
<p>Would love to give you a precise answer, but because USC uses holistic process there is a wider swing in scores because they are looking at entire application for fit and value. Of course higher is better, but there are kids with 4.4 wgpa and 2300 SAT that don’t get any scholarship offers because perhaps their essay doesn’t stand out or many other reasons, while others have lower (not implying really low) that do get scholarships cause they are well rounded or just hit the USC buttons that are important that year. But it is frustrating not giving you something, so I would suggest looking at the admission data and shooting for the top 25% of admitted students. Here’s a couple articles and statistics you should look at:</p>
<p><a href=“USC Releases Admission Statistics for Fall 2014 - Press Room USC”>https://pressroom.usc.edu/usc-releases-admission-statistics-for-fall-2014/</a></p>
<p>This is a pdf, not sure if link will work, so google this:
USC Freshman Profile and Admission Information 2013</p>
<p>Thanks! What does “holistic” mean exactly? I have heard it used around college admissions but I’ve never quite understood what it means…</p>
<p>^ It’s when a college considers not only your grades/test scores, but also other factors such as essays, activities, community service, letters of recommendation, special circumstances, etc. </p>
<p>It means be yourself because the thing you think is least important might be the one they they are looking for that year. It means you can’t guess what they want because it changes and is objective.</p>
<p>As far was “what score” should you get? The best one you’re capable of. Why would it be any different.</p>
<p>And yes - even with perfect scores the odds of getting one of the prestige scholarships is low relative to the huge number of students who apply (close to 52,000 in the applicant pool). So apply but don’t pin your hopes on it. </p>
<p>^^^Good advice. If anything, many kids are disappointed because they are sure their amazingly high scores and GPA will get them a scholarship, but there are soooooo many of those that apply. Have a dream, but have some backup dreams too.</p>
<p>Hi! I interviewed for the Trustee and received the Stamps with an SAT on the lower side of the spectrum 
(SAT: 2220, ACT: 35) </p>
<p>The average SAT for Trustee weekend was 2230 and the average ACT was 35. These are just guidelines-- make sure the rest of your application is strong as well!</p>
<p>Just curious…
How did you discover the “average” SAT and ACT scores for Trustee Scholars?</p>
<p>Are private universities the only ones who use the holistic approach, or do public universities do that as well? And @dragonflymusic if you don’t mind me asking how was the rest of your application? I am just wondering because like I said above it is my dream school, and I’m determined to get in and hopefully get one of those big scholarships too.</p>
<p>@"Georgia Girl" , Dean Brunold announced them at the Trustee Explore weekend. I know the averages for the Presidential weekend are floating around somewhere on here too…</p>
<p>@gatomas, I’m in the results thread somewhere in the beginning pages, but the best advice that I can give you is to score well on your PSAT. Good luck!!</p>
<p>(Clarification: the average SAT was 2320 for those INVITED to both Trustee weekends.)</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback!@dragonflymusic</p>