Southern California Institute of Architecture is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is 59.84%. This means that 60 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Southern California Institute of Architecture Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the SCI-Arc is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Admission Requirements
SCI-Arc GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SCI-Arc is 3.5. It means that SCI-Arc is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.5, SCI-Arc requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. A couple of B's will not hurt you much, but more B's will put you in the lower category of the students. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.5 and higher than 3.2 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.1 GPA, to secure admission at SCI-Arc. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into SCI-Arc Without SAT Or ACT?: Southern California Institute of Architecture considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Average SAT Score: 1100
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern California Institute of Architecture is 1100 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Southern California Institute of Architecture SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1100 on the SAT.
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1100 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern California Institute of Architecture allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1020, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SCI-Arc. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Southern California Institute of Architecture SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 530 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 540 | 490 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1100 | 1020 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1020 then you are below most of the admitted students at SCI-Arc and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) are good but the admission staff at SCI-Arc tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
SCI-Arc Profile
Name: Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
City: Los Angeles
URL: www.sciarc.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 90013-1822
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from SCI-Arc Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Southern California Institute of Architecture is USD: 67666. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern California Institute of Architecture is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
20.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.48 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SCI-Arc and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Southern California Institute of Architecture, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SCI-Arc as your choice in the form.
How much a SCI-Arc Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the SCI-Arc graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 71909. An average SCI-Arc graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern California Institute of Architecture. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Southern California Institute of Architecture, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern California Institute of Architecture. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Southern California Institute of Architecture, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
| University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 1090 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern California Institute of Architecture. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
Masters Degree Programs
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Graphic Communications
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Full list of All degree programs offered by Southern California Institute of Architecture.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.