Is USC generally more selective than Ohio State for undergraduate admission?

USC is generally more selective than Ohio State for undergraduate admission overall. USC attracts a very large national and international applicant pool for a comparatively limited first-year class, and admission is highly competitive across most majors. Ohio State is also selective, particularly for its Columbus campus and popular programs, but it enrolls a broader academic range of students and has a larger undergraduate population.

USC tends to suit applicants whose records are strong across the board: demanding coursework, excellent grades, meaningful involvement outside class, and a distinctive personal or academic direction. Its review places substantial weight on the full application, so essays, activities, recommendations, and the context behind a student’s achievements can matter alongside academic preparation.

For application planning, it is reasonable to treat USC as a high reach for nearly every applicant, including students with very strong credentials. Ohio State may be a realistic reach, target, or likely option depending on residency, intended major, course rigor, grades, and the strength of the applicant’s high school curriculum.