Drishti Jain Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Aug 26, 2025
USA is known as one of the best-recognised countries in terms of world-class education. USA hosts the largest share of International students of 16% according to the Institution of Higher Education (IHE). Even with the popularity of other study abroad options, Indian students are still drawn to the USA. The higher education system in the USA continues to stand out for its well-known flexibility, emphasis on research, and student-centered approach. USA Universities generally have 3 intakes: Fall Intake, Spring Intake, and Summer Intake. The Fall intake ought to be the best for Indians for Undergraduate courses, as it has relatively more programs and courses to offer.
Due to a higher number of applicants drawn towards the USA, getting admission into the Top Universities can be difficult. One among them is meeting the Minimum Percentage Criteria in the 12th Standard. The minimum percentage required in 12th Standard to get into USA Universities ranges between 75% to 95% or a GPA of 3.0/4.0. Though, USA has made an excellent remark in every field of study but some of its top courses are in the field of Life sciences, Engineering, Business management, etc. USA has some of the world’s best Universities, like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with Rank #1 (QS World University Ranking 2026) , Harvard University with Rank #5 (QS World University Ranking 2026), and 15 Universities of US are in the top 50 of QS World University Ranking 2026.
- Minimum Percentages after 12th For USA for Different Streams
- Minimum Percentage for Top Universities In USA after 12th
- Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Science
- Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Commerce
- Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Arts
- Additional Requirements For Applying to USA After 12th
- FAQs
Minimum Percentages after 12th For USA for Different Streams
Getting into your dream college for undergraduate studies in USA can be challenging at first, as you need to focus on your 12th standard exams in order to hit the minimum percentage requirements for different Universities.
| Stream | Minimum Percentage Required | Recommended for Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Science | 65% – 85% | Above 90% |
| Arts | 65% – 80% | Above 85% |
| Commerce | 65% – 75% | Above 85% |
Minimum Percentage for Top Universities In USA after 12th
Many U.S. Universities rank in the top 50 of the QS World Ranking 2026. Every University also has its minimum requirement of percentage in 12th Standard for students to be eligible to apply for their Bachelor’s programs
| University | QS Rank 2026 | Top Bachelor’s Courses | Minimum % Required in 12th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | Biomedical Engineering, Energy Studies, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Environment & Sustainability, Middle Eastern Studies | 90–95% |
| Stanford University | #3 | Business, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences | 90–95% |
| Harvard University | #5 | Social Sciences, Biology, Computer & Information Systems, History, Engineering, Psychology | 90–95% |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | #6 | Biology & Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Science, Geology, Planetary Sciences, Humanities | 90–95% |
| University of Chicago | #10 | Economics, Quantitative Economics, Mathematics, Biology, Public Policy, Political Science | 90% |
| University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) | #13 | Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences | 88–93% |
| Princeton University | #16 | Engineering, Computer Science, Literature, Foreign Languages | 90–95% |
| Yale University | #18 | Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering | 90–95% |
| Cornell University | #20 | Business, Management, Marketing, Biology, Biomedical Sciences | 88–93% |
| Columbia University | #22 | Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Humanities | 90–95% |
Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Science
The bachelor's course duration in the USA is usually 4 to 5 years. Below is the list of some top courses offered by top universities for a bachelor’s in USA for Science Stream
| University | QS Rank 2026 | Popular Courses (Bachelor’s Level) | Minimum % Required in 12th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | #5 | - Bachelor of Science in Earth and Marine Sciences- Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 90–95% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry- Bachelor of Science in Architecture- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | 90–95% |
| Cornell University | #16 | - Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences- Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics | 88–93% |
Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Commerce
Below is a list of some top courses offered by top universities for a Bachelor’s in USA for the Commerce Stream:
| University | QS Rank (2026) | Popular Bachelor’s Courses | Minimum % in 12th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | #173 | - Bachelor of Accountancy- Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship- Bachelor of Science in Finance | 75% – 85% |
| University of California, Berkeley | #17 | - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- Bachelor of Science in Global Management- BSc in Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology | 90% – 95% |
| Texas A&M University | #144 | - Bachelor of Science in Accounting- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness- Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics | 80% – 88% |
Minimum Percentage Top Courses in USA after 12th For Arts
Below is a list of some top courses offered by top universities for a bachelor’s in the USA for the Arts Stream:
| University | QS Rank (2026) | Popular Bachelor’s Courses | Minimum % in 12th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | #21 | - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design- Bachelor of Arts in Photography- Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking | 90% – 95% |
| Stanford University | #3 | - Bachelor of Arts in Art History- Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Practice | 90% – 95% |
| Dartmouth College | #247 | - Bachelor of Arts in Music- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art- Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies | 85% – 92% |
Additional Requirements For Applying to USA After 12th
Apart from meeting the minimum percentage requirements for USA after 12th, there are some additional requirements to be eligible to apply for Bachelor’s programs in USA. Following are the requirements:
- Applicants must have completed their 12th grade from a recognised institution with a minimum 65% or a GPA of 2.5-3.
- Minimum IELTS 6.5
- A minimum SAT score of 600-800 is required for admission to US universities.
- SOPs and LORs
- Academic Transcripts
- University-specific requirements
Enrolling in top-ranked Universities in the USA just after your 12th standard opens the door to diverse experiences and options. Researching about the Universities and colleges early can help you find the most suitable for the programs that you want to pursue. Additionally, it will also help you in setting a target for your minimum percentage in the 12th standard to get into any US University.
FAQs
Ques: Do 12th marks matter while applying in USA for a Bachelor’s?
Ans: Yes, 12th-grade marks matter significantly if you're applying for undergraduate programs abroad. Your 12th results help universities assess your readiness for higher education. In general, A minimum of 60–70% is expected for most mid- to top-tier institutions.
Ques: Can I study in the USA with 50% marks in 12th standard?
Ans: Well, it is quite difficult to get into a Top University with 50%. You can still apply and get into Tier 3 colleges.
Ques: Is a 12th percentage enough to get into USA Universities?
Ans: No. Even though one of the criteria to be eligible to get into US universities after 12th is meeting minimum percentage requirements, it is not the only requirement. You need to have standardised test scores, English proficiency test scores, and university-specific requirements, too.
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