UCLA and USC SAT Scores 2026 — Average Scores, Ranges & UC Berkeley

UCLA Average SAT Score: What You Need to Know

UCLA's mid-50% SAT range for admitted freshmen is approximately 1290–1530, with a median around 1415. UCLA is one of the most applied-to universities in the United States, receiving over 140,000 applications annually for roughly 6,600 freshman spots. The overall acceptance rate is approximately 8–9%, making UCLA one of the most selective public universities in the country.

The ucla average sat reflects a broad range because UCLA admits students across more than 130 undergraduate majors with varying levels of selectivity. Engineering and computer science programs have significantly higher average SAT scores (typically 1480–1570) than social science or arts programs (where a 1300 is more typical). If you're applying to a competitive UCLA major like computer science or pre-med biology, target the upper half of their published range.

UCLA participates in the University of California system's test-optional policy, which was implemented system-wide starting with the Class of 2023 and extended through 2025. As of current policy, UC schools do not consider SAT/ACT scores in admissions decisions, though scores can still be submitted for scholarship and placement purposes. However, policies can change — always verify UCLA's current test policy on their official admissions website before applying.

Even under test-optional policies, understanding where your score falls relative to admitted students helps you gauge your competitiveness. If your SAT is above UCLA's 75th percentile (approximately 1530), your score would be a meaningful differentiator in scholarship competitions and placement testing. If you're in the 1200–1300 range, focusing on GPA, UC Personal Insight Questions (the UC essay equivalent), and extracurricular depth is the highest-leverage approach for UCLA admissions.

USC Average SAT Score: Requirements and Range

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university with an overall mid-50% SAT range of approximately 1360–1540. USC's acceptance rate is approximately 11%, making it highly selective. Unlike the UC system, USC is a private university not subject to the UC's test-optional policy. USC has had its own test-optional policy in recent years, but applicants with strong SAT scores (1450+) are advised to submit them.

USC's most competitive schools — the Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, Iovine and Young Academy, and the School of Cinematic Arts — have higher average SAT scores than the university-wide range suggests. For Marshall Business and Viterbi Engineering specifically, competitive applicants typically score 1450–1570. The usc sat scores for general admission (non-engineering) programs average around 1400–1490 for the middle 50%.

A key distinction at USC: the scholarship landscape rewards high SAT scores substantially. USC's merit scholarship programs, including the Trustee Scholarship (full tuition, room, board) and the Presidential Scholarship, use SAT scores as a significant component of the award selection. A 1500+ SAT substantially improves your scholarship competitiveness at USC even if it doesn't change your admissions outcome. Students targeting USC merit aid should aim for 1480+.

UC Berkeley SAT Scores: The Nation's Top Public University

UC Berkeley's mid-50% SAT range is approximately 1310–1530, with an overall acceptance rate of about 11%. Berkeley is consistently ranked as one of the top public research universities in the world. Like all UC schools, Berkeley currently operates under the UC system's test-optional policy, meaning SAT scores are not used in admissions decisions for admitted class years after the policy took effect.

For context on uc berkeley sat scores historically: before the test-optional transition, Berkeley's admitted class averaged around 1430–1450 on the SAT. The current published range still reflects historical admitted class data. Berkeley's most competitive programs — EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), Haas School of Business (which admits from the junior year), and some pre-professional tracks — are extraordinarily competitive regardless of SAT considerations.

If you're planning a UC application and wondering whether to include your SAT score, the general guidance for Berkeley and other UCs: scores are not used in admissions decisions under current policy, but they can be used for scholarship awards, course placement, and fulfilling subject requirements. A strong SAT score (1400+) is still worth submitting to UC schools for these ancillary benefits, even though it won't affect your admit decision.

Comparing California University SAT Requirements

California's public and private universities span a wide range of selectivity and average SAT scores. Understanding where each school sits helps you build a balanced school list. UCSD (UC San Diego) has a mid-50% range of approximately 1210–1490. UC Davis is 1170–1430. UC Irvine is approximately 1200–1480. UC Santa Barbara is 1210–1480. These UC campuses are strong universities with lower average SAT scores than UCLA and Berkeley — ideal for students in the 1250–1400 SAT range who want a UC system education.

For SAT scores specifically, use our guide to average SAT scores by college to compare California schools with other universities on your list. Checking both the school-wide range and the program-level data (when available) gives you the most accurate picture of where your score positions you at each school you're considering.

One final note on SAT strategy for California university applicants: even under test-optional policies, taking the SAT and scoring well creates options. A 1400+ SAT score can unlock merit scholarships at USC and private California schools like Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara University, and the University of San Diego that have explicit score-based merit award thresholds. The investment in SAT prep pays dividends beyond just UC admissions. Review our free SAT practice test resources to start building toward your target score.

SAT Strategy for California University Applicants

Applying to California universities requires understanding the distinction between the UC system and private institutions. The nine UC campuses (UCLA, Berkeley, UCSD, Davis, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Riverside, Merced) are all public universities governed by the same board of regents. USC, Caltech, Stanford, and other California private universities operate under their own admissions policies entirely separate from the UC system.

For UC applicants, the current test-optional policy means your SAT score is not part of the 13 factors UC schools use to evaluate applications. Those 13 factors include GPA, academic courses, upward trends, senior-year courses, extracurricular activities, awards, employment, community service, and the four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs — the UC's essay system, with 350-word responses to four of eight prompts). Understanding what UC admissions actually weighs helps you allocate your preparation time effectively: strong grades in rigorous courses and compelling PIQ essays are your highest-leverage application components under the current UC framework.

For USC applicants, the calculus is different. USC is a private university that has actively recruited strong scholars through its merit scholarship programs for decades. The combination of a high GPA (3.9+ weighted) and a strong SAT score (1480+) creates the most competitive applicant profile for USC merit aid. The Trustee Scholarship (USC's highest merit award, covering full tuition, room, and board) is evaluated holistically but correlates strongly with 1530+ SAT scores and exceptional extracurricular achievement. Students with 1400–1480 SAT scores who are strong all-around applicants are competitive for the Presidential and Dean's scholarships at USC.

One practical planning note: if you're applying to a mix of UC schools and USC in the same cycle, prepare your SAT regardless of the UC policy. You need it for USC consideration anyway, and having a strong SAT score (1400+) costs you nothing at UC schools under their current policy — it simply doesn't factor into their admit decision but can still help with course placement and supplemental scholarship programs. Taking the how to check SAT scores process seriously and tracking your score trajectory across practice tests is the best way to know when you're ready for test day.

Finally, a word about GPA vs. SAT for California schools. Under UC test-optional policies, GPA — specifically your UC GPA calculated using a specific method that weighs Honors, AP, IB, and community college coursework — is the single most important quantifiable factor in UC admissions. A 4.2 UC GPA (weighted) from a rigorous course load is more impactful at UCLA than a 1550 SAT score under current policy. For USC and other private California schools, both GPA and SAT score matter, with SAT carrying significantly more weight in scholarship decisions than in admissions decisions.