USC GPA scale and grading policy
Quick answer: University of Southern California uses the standard 4.0 scale with +/−. USC reviews GPA in context of course rigor, school profile, and recommendations.
| Metric | USC Standard |
|---|---|
| Typical admit GPA | 3.85 - 4.0 unweighted |
| Good standing minimum | 2.0 |
| Dean's List threshold | 3.5+ for Dean's List |
| Scale type | Standard 4.0 scale with +/−. |
How USC recalculates GPA for admission
USC reviews GPA in context of course rigor, school profile, and recommendations. The number you submit on your transcript and the number USC uses in its admission decision may differ. Use the calculator above to model both — switch the preset to match USC's policy.
Maintaining a good USC GPA
- Track cumulative GPA, not just semester GPA. University of Southern California reports both. Most academic warnings trigger on the cumulative number.
- Use the credit-weighted scoring above.A 4-credit course's grade affects your GPA 33% more than a 3-credit course's grade.
- Plan for honors. 3.5+ for Dean's List. Use the GPA Goal Calculator to see what grade average you need next semester to qualify.
- Check the grade replacement policy. USC, like most universities, has a grade-replacement policy for retaken courses. Removing a low grade from the cumulative is the single biggest GPA lift.