USC Journalism Acceptance Rate?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior interested in studying journalism at USC. Does anyone know the acceptance rate for their journalism program, and maybe some tips on how to make my application stand out? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Although USC does not officially publish acceptance rates for specific schools or majors within the university as a whole, the overall institution is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 11-13% in recent years. The rate for the journalism school is likely right around there, or could even be slightly more competitive, since USC's journalism program is well-regarded.

To make your application stand out for the journalism program, consider the following tips:

1. Demonstrate strong writing skills: Showcase your writing abilities through your application essays, as well as your participation in extracurricular activities such as your school's newspaper or literary magazine.

2. Earn a high GPA and test scores: Journalism is a demanding field, so you want to make sure your academic profile reflects a readiness to handle that rigor. While USC is officially test-optional, when applying to such a selective institution, it will likely be worth your while to invest time and energy into aiming for a high SAT or ACT score. You can read more about how to navigate test-optional policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

3. Pursue relevant extracurriculars: As mentioned, involvement in your school's newspaper, literary magazine, or even starting a blog or writing column for a local publication can show your commitment and passion for journalism. If you're looking for ways to bolster your extracurricular involvement over the summer when you have more time, CollegeVine's blog has a list of well-regarded summer programs related to writing: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-writing-programs.

4. Develop a portfolio: If you have any published work such as articles, editorials, or multimedia projects, make sure to include them in your application, to provide tangible evidence of your journalistic skills and potential.

5. Seek out leadership roles: Taking on positions of responsibility in writing or journalism-related activities can demonstrate an ability to work with others and a strong work ethic, two traits that are highly valued in the journalism field.

6. Emphasize your passion for journalism in your essays: Make sure to express your motivation and enthusiasm for the journalism program in your application essays, as well as explain your long-term goals and aspirations within the field. You can read more about how to tackle USC's school-specific supplemental essays on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-usc-essays.

7. Secure strong recommendation letters: Obtain letters from teachers or mentors who have observed your journalism skills firsthand and can speak to your dedication and potential in the field.

By demonstrating your genuine passion for journalism in a variety of ways, you can increase your chances of being accepted into USC's journalism program. Best of luck with your application!