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How to Send SAT Scores To the University of Southern California (USC)? A Complete Roadmap with IvyStrides

Updated: Jan 5

Exterior view of USC’s campus; signaling sending SAT scores to the University of Southern California for admissions.

The University of Southern California gets tens of thousands of applications a year. Everyone applying thinks they’re standing out. Most of them aren’t.

Now, SAT scores, do they matter at USC? Technically, no. Realistically? If your score is strong, it’s your best friend.

At IvyStrides, we’ve worked with enough students to know when a test score seals the deal, and when it quietly buries an otherwise solid application. USC might be test-optional on paper, but trust us: optional doesn’t mean invisible. A strong SAT score still says something in a room full of strong GPAs and varsity captain essays.

And yet, too many students fumble this part.

That’s what this guide is for. Not to give you a “helpful checklist,” but to walk you through the actual decisions that make a difference. 

You’ll learn:

  • When sending your score is smart, and when it isn’t

  • How USC handles superscores (and how to use that to your advantage)

  • How to send scores from the College Board without playing guesswork

  • What international students should know (and what most overlook)

We’re IvyStrides have helped students play this game like they’ve done it before. 

Book your personalized admissions consultation now to gain expert insight.

How to Send SAT Scores to USC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Infographic outlining 4 steps to send SAT scores to USC, includes account login, submitting scores, and selecting test dates.

Sending your scores to USC isn’t tricky, but it’s one of those things you really don’t want to mess up. The wrong code, the wrong test date, or sending it too late, and boom, you’re either invisible or incomplete. Neither is good.

Here’s how to get it right the first time.

Step 1: Log in to Your College Board Account

Go to collegeboard.org and sign in.If you’ve taken the SAT, you already have an account. Don’t make a new one, just reset your password if you need to.

Once inside, click on “Send Scores.”

Step 2: Search for the University of Southern California

Or just use the SAT code directly: 4852

Step 3: Choose Which Scores to Send

Here’s where you get a little control.

The College Board gives you Score Choice, which lets you pick the SAT dates you want USC to see. They don’t see the dates you don’t send.

But remember: USC superscores.

So if you did better in Math on one test and better in Reading on another, send both.

Step 4: Pay and Confirm

Each score report costs around $12. If you’ve got a fee waiver, apply it here. Once you pay, you’ll get a confirmation email from the College Board.

That’s your receipt. Save it.

Step 5: Track Your Score Delivery

It usually takes 5–10 business days for USC to receive your scores.

To check if they’ve arrived:

  • Log in to your USC applicant portal

  • Look for the “Standardized Tests” section

  • If your SAT is marked “Received,” you’re good

If it’s been over 10 days and it still says “Missing,” reach out to USC Admissions, or let your IvyStrides coach help you sort it fast.

Why USC? Because “Top-Ranked” Isn’t the Whole Story

Infographic showing USC’s strengths, including research, startup culture, arts, media influence, and engineering excellence.

Every year, we help students compare their college options, and again and again, USC climbs to the top of their list. Why? Because while other schools ask you to fit into a mold, USC hands you the tools to build your own path.

The USC Campus: Where LA Feels Like Home

Located just south of Downtown Los Angeles, USC’s campus has the buzz of a global city and the tight-knit feel of a private community. 

Some USC hotspots our IvyStrides students love:

And unlike schools that shut down after dark, USC pulses late into the night, with student film shoots, hackathons, open mic nights, and 2 AM ramen runs.

Top USC Programs Everyone Talks About

Here are a few programs IvyStrides students consistently aim for:

What Really Sets USC Apart (And Why IvyStrides Recommends It)

Let’s skip the brochure talk. Here’s what we’ve seen first-hand that makes USC special:

  • True interdisciplinary freedom. Your major does not box you in. Want to pair CS with film? Business with environmental studies? USC encourages it and makes it work.

  • The Trojan alum network that actually replies

  • Top-tier research access as a freshman

  • LA = real-world learning just beyond campus

  • It’s got grit and polish. USC is competitive, but it’s also collaborative.

At IvyStrides, we recommend USC to those who want agency, creativity, opportunity, and a serious degree at the end of it all.

Understanding USC Admissions: What “Test-Optional” Really Means

You’ve probably heard it already: “USC is test-optional.” Sounds simple, right? But let’s be clear: optional doesn't mean irrelevant. At IvyStrides, we see students misread this all the time.

How USC Reads Your SAT Score (If You Send It)

If you choose to submit your SAT, here’s how USC looks at it:

  • They superscore. That means if you scored higher in Math in March and higher in Reading in May, USC will combine those into a new total. Best of both.

  • They don’t mix formats. Took the paper SAT once and the digital SAT next? USC will only superscore within each format, not across both.

  • They consider the SAT as part of the bigger picture. A 1540 alone won’t get you in. But a 1540-plus great essays, teacher recs, and some real-world work? Now you’re cooking.

And if you don’t send your scores? There is no penalty, and a blank space in your file. USC will just look harder at everything else.

Join our Common App Essay Coaching program to leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.

So, What’s a “Good” Score for USC?

Here’s the middle 50% range for admitted students:

  • Math: 740–790

  • Reading & Writing: 700–760

  • Total: 1440–1540

That means half of USC’s accepted students scored within that range.

If your score is above it? Strong play-send it.

At the lower end? Depends on the rest of your application.

Below 1400? Unless you're applying to a highly specialized or underrepresented program, leave it off.

At IvyStrides, we help students make this exact decision all the time. Sometimes we send. Sometimes we don’t. But we always do it with purpose.

USC’s SAT Code

When you’re ready to send, don’t guess.

USC’s SAT code is 4852.

You’ll need that when sending through the College Board (we’ll walk you through that in a minute).

When to Send Your SAT Scores to USC

Infographic listing ideal SAT submission times for USC, including the October SAT for EA, and the December SAT for RD.

One of the questions we hear most at IvyStrides is: “How late is too late to send my scores?”

Let’s clear it up: it’s not about when you send them, it’s about when USC gets them.

USC Application Deadlines (tentative) You Need to Know

USC offers two main application options:

  • Early Action (EA): November 1 

  • Regular Decision (RD): January 15

That means your SAT scores need to arrive before your application is reviewed, which could be just days after the deadline.

Best SAT Test Dates If You’re Applying to USC

Here’s how it plays out for 2026–27 applicants:

Application Type

Latest SAT Date You Should Target

Early Action (Nov 1)

October SAT (2026)

Regular Decision (Jan 15)

December SAT (2026)

If you test in December and apply Regular Decision, send your scores the same week they’re released to avoid delays.

Can I Send My SAT Scores After I Submit My Application?

Yes, you can. And plenty of students do.

But there’s a catch: USC starts reviewing applications quickly.

If your scores aren’t in when they open your file, they may never get factored in.

At IvyStrides, we recommend this golden rule: Send your scores at least 2 weeks before your application deadline.

Exceptional Cases: International Students and Multiple SAT Attempts

If you’re applying from outside the U.S., or you’ve taken the SAT more than once. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Sending SAT Scores from Outside the U.S.

Whether you're applying from India, the Middle East, Singapore, or anywhere else, the process is the same: You’ll send your scores through the College Board using USC’s code (4852), just like domestic students.

What’s different?

  • Timing. International score reports can sometimes take a little longer to reflect in USC’s portal. We recommend sending your scores as soon as they’re released, especially if you're working with tight deadlines.

  • Test dates. SAT availability can differ by country. We help students plan around that so they don't miss submission windows.

At IvyStrides, we work with students across time zones and testing calendars, and we know exactly how to avoid timing mishaps with USC.

Took the SAT More Than Once? Good. Use It.

Most of our students take the SAT at least twice, sometimes more. USC rewards that, thanks to their superscore policy. Just make sure both scores are from the same format (both paper or both digital). USC doesn’t mix them.

Our team at IvyStrides helps students pick the correct test dates to send and builds a superscore submission strategy that highlights their strengths, without showing scores that could drag down their profile.

Is USC Affordable? Let’s Talk Financial Aid and Scholarships

On paper, USC’s cost of attendance is high. For 2026–27, you’re looking at around $85,000 a year, including tuition, housing, and meals.

But here’s what most families don’t realize:

USC offers one of the strongest financial aid programs among private universities.

And if your SAT score is strong, it might open up more doors than you expect.

USC’s Need-Based Financial Aid

USC meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.

That means if your family qualifies, USC will cover the difference, often with grants, not loans.

If your family earns under $80,000/year, there's a real chance you’ll pay little to no tuition. 

Merit Scholarships and the SAT Connection

USC awards merit-based scholarships to a select group of high-achieving students. Some of these awards are automatic; others require early application and standout profiles.

Here are a few of the major scholarships USC awards:

  • USC Mork Family Scholars Program

  • USC Stamps Scholarship

  • USC Trustee Scholarship

  • USC Presidential Scholarship

  • USC Dean's Scholarship

A high SAT score, especially something above 1500, can make your application pop for scholarship consideration, even if USC is test-optional.

Join our SAT Fall batch and get complete preparation for your best score.

How IvyStrides Helps Families Plan Around Aid

At IvyStrides, we help you:

  • Understand FAFSA and CSS Profile requirements

  • Identify SAT-score-based scholarships you can actually win

  • Plan your application timeline to maximize aid opportunities

For international families, we provide country-specific guidance on aid eligibility and competitive positioning.

Final Checklist: Sending SAT Scores to USC Without Slipping Up

Before you hit "submit," run through this quick list. At IvyStrides, we’ve seen too many students miss out because of minor, avoidable missteps. Not you.

1. Know If You’re Sending

  • Is your SAT score above 1440? Stronger than your GPA? Adds value?

    → Send it.

2. Use the Right Code

  • USC SAT code = 4852

3. Pick the Right Scores

  • Use Score Choice to send your best test dates

  • USC superscores within formats (paper OR digital, not both)

4. Send Early

  • 2 weeks before your USC deadline = minimum

  • October SAT for Early Action 

  • December SAT for Regular Decision 

5. Track It

  • Log in to USC’s applicant portal

  • Check that your SAT is marked “Received” within 10 days of sending

If you’re still unsure whether to send or not, don’t guess; we will help you make that call/

Ready to Send Scores, or Still Deciding? We’ve Got You.

Whether your SAT score is already locked in or you’re still weighing your odds, the USC process isn’t just about sending a number; it’s about playing it smart.

At IvyStrides, we guide students like you through every decision point, from “Should I send this score?” to “How do I maximize my aid and stand out in my major?”

We provide:

  • Personalized SAT score strategy

  • College-specific planning (yes, even test-optional ones)

  • Early Action vs. Regular Decision advice

  • Financial aid positioning for USC’s merit scholarships

If USC is on your list, join our SAT Prep Program right now.

Your USC journey starts here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does USC accept self-reported SAT scores initially?

No. USC requires official SAT scores sent directly from the College Board. Self-reported scores on the Common App won’t be considered during review.

Can I change my SAT score decision after submitting my application?

Yes. If you initially chose not to send scores but change your mind, you can still send them later, as long as USC hasn’t reviewed your file yet. Once they start reading, that window closes.

Does applying test-optional impact my eligibility for merit scholarships at USC?

In some cases, yes. While USC doesn’t require test scores for merit scholarship consideration, a high SAT score can strengthen your case, especially for competitive awards like the Trustee or Stamps Scholarships.

Can homeschoolers apply to USC without SAT scores?

Yes, homeschoolers can apply test-optional. However, USC strongly recommends homeschool students submit SAT/ACT scores or at least two SAT Subject Tests or AP exams to demonstrate academic readiness.

If I’m applying to multiple majors or am undecided, does that affect how my SAT is reviewed?

Not exactly. USC reviews SAT scores in the context of your chosen major, if declared. For undecided applicants, they look at overall academic strength.For high-stakes majors (like Engineering or Business), a strong Math score helps.

Does USC prefer the SAT over the ACT?

No preference. USC accepts both equally. What matters is which test better showcases your strengths. IvyStrides helps students pick between them using performance analytics and predictive scoring.


 
 
 

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