Hi there! I'm a rising junior currently researching potential colleges and the University of Southern California has really caught my eye. I'm wondering about their requirements for admission though. Can anyone provide information on what they look for in applicants? Thanks in advance!
Sure, happy to help! The University of Southern California (USC) accepts the Common Application and has a holistic admissions process which means they evaluate several aspects of your application to get a full picture of you as an applicant, not just academic metrics.
Firstly, you need to submit your high school transcript. USC will be looking for strong academic performance in challenging coursework. They also review any improvements or drops in your academic performance over time. While USC does not list a minimum GPA for admission, admitted students usually have strong academic records.
For tests, USC has remained test-optional for the 2024-2025 academic year. This means you can choose whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores. However, if you feel your scores represent your academic abilities well and could strengthen your application, it might be beneficial to include them.
Letters of recommendation play a key role too. USC requires one letter from either a school counselor or a teacher familiar with your academic credentials. It's recommended that a teacher in a main academic subject write the letter and that it paints a picture of your abilities, interests, and potential.
The USC application also includes a writing supplement where you'll answer some short-answer essay questions. It's a great place to feature your unique experiences, highlight your personality, and convey how you could contribute to the USC community. They'll also be looking at your writing skills.
Extracurricular activities also matter here. Remember, while quantity can seem impressive, USC is more interested in seeing a depth of involvement and leadership in a few key activities – the famous "spike" rather than a well-rounded profile.
Lastly, you'll be asked to submit a mid-year report. This report includes your grades for the first half of your senior year and allows the admissions committee to see your recent academic progress.
Do keep in mind that specific schools and programs within USC might have different or additional requirements. For example, if you're applying to the School of Cinematic Arts or the School of Music, there may be specific portfolio or audition requirements.
Hope that helps! Good luck with your application.
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