The University of Southern California is not only an esteemed private research university, it also acts as the informal academic wing of the Los Angeles entertainment industry. Because of its proximity to Hollywood, USC’s campus has served as a filming location for dozens of films, including standing in for Harvard Law School in the blockbuster Legally Blonde.

USC alumni have gone on to win more Academy and Emmy awards than any other institution. This reputation comes as no surprise to those familiar with the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which is the first, and widely regarded as the best, film school in the United States. The university also holds the record for highest number of Olympic medalist alumni and boasts a star-studded roster of celebrity graduates. 

With a $8.2 billion dollar endowment, USC has drawn prominent faculty such as Nobel Laureates George Olah and Arieh Warshel. Amongst the many famous Trojan alumni, astronaut Neil Armstrong and Star Wars creator George Lucas stand out. Pop star Olivia Rodrigo is currently enrolled as a part-time student at USC’s Thornton School of Music, and has cited a 2022 poetry class she took at USC as integral to the songwriting process of her most recent album, GUTS.

USC has 22 schools and programs offering 80 undergraduate majors. Despite this relatively decentralized approach, all students share a core curriculum consisting of requirements in “The Arts,” “Humanistic Inquiry,” “Social Analysis,” “Life Sciences,” “Physical Sciences,” “Quantitative Reasoning,” “Citizenship in a Diverse World,” “Traditions and Historical Foundations,” as well as a two-semester writing requirement. Roughly 21,000 undergraduates are enrolled alongside 28,500 postgraduates.

Founded in 1880, USC is the oldest private research university in California. Judge Robert M. Widney solicited donations from prominent Angelinos to begin construction on the newly established institution. Initially affiliated with the Methodist Church, the university lost its religious affiliation in 1952. In 1984, the university hosted many events for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and provided residences for the athletes. Around this same time, Paul Mockapetris, a researcher with USC’s Information Sciences Institute, developed the modern Domain Name System that is now ubiquitous across the internet.

In the 21st century, USC has forged a legacy as a hub for research and innovation. It houses the Pacific Council of International Policy, the Integrated Media Systems Center, the Center for Biomimetic Microelectronic Systems, and the Southern California Earthquake Center, amongst other centers and institutes. In addition to the film school, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the Sol Price School of Public Policy, and the graduate programs in occupational and physical therapy are nationally-ranked.

Student life on campus is abuzz with research opportunities, extracurriculars, and parties. USC’s athletics program is defined by two iconic rivalries with Notre Dame and UCLA. The Spirit of Troy, the university’s marching band, has been featured on a Fleetwood Mac album, has performed at two Olympic Games, and has appeared alongside Beyonce at the 2009 Academy Awards. The student-run newspaper, The Daily Trojan, was the first media outlet to interview President Nixon after his resignation. The fraternity and sorority scene on campus is quite popular and is punctuated by some of the first cultural affinity Greek life organizations in California.

Maybe it’s because so many teens are mystified by the Hollywood glamor overlaying campus, maybe it’s the result of several-news cycles worth of publicity showcasing parents and students desperately — and unlawfully — vying for entry, but in any case, for admission to the Class of 2029, USC reported a record-low acceptance rate of 10.4% culled from an astounding 83,500 applications. USC’s Undergraduate Admission office states that their “holistic” evaluation process tries to get to know the “person” behind an application. If you have been captivated by the cultural phenomenon that is the University of Southern California, turn to New Ivies to put your best face forward to the admissions committee!

What are University of Southern California looking for?

We look for those students we believe will thrive at USC. Our application process is designed to highlight your individual story, so that we might see how you would take advantage of the many opportunities available at USC.

Like many highly selective universities, we conduct a comprehensive, holistic review of your application to consider academic and personal characteristics. We will review your academic performance and the rigor of your program within the context of your school, your essays and any test scores, you choose to submit. We also consider personal qualities, as revealed by your school and/or community involvement, leadership and other achievements.

Personal Characteristics

We strive to enroll students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions, who will enrich each other’s education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out.

We pay close attention to your personal narrative, background and circumstances, realizing that each student is unique and has something to offer. Many components of your application—from your activities list to your essay to your USC academic short answer—will paint a picture of you and how you might contribute to the community, tradition and spirit that make USC the dynamic place it is.

Your teacher or counselor recommendation letter reflects your values and personal characteristics. It speaks to your academic success and the contributions you might make to the classroom, your school’s broader learning environment and your community at large.

“Remember, there’s a person on the other end of your application; we’re just trying to get to know you.” -—Becky Chassin, Assistant Dean of Admission

Successful USC Students

USC students pursue ambitious intellectual and professional goals by studying across disciplines and taking advantage of the diversity of programs available. They are willing to venture outside their comfort zones. They are interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective. They get involved by participating in student organizations and connecting with others. They seek to grow to their fullest potential, and they work to serve others in the community along the way.

Your High School Record

Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance — and the potential to do more. Most admitted students are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score, if submitted, is in the top 5 percent of all test-takers.

Students are expected to have earned a grade of C or better in at least three years of high school mathematics, including Advanced Algebra (Algebra II). Outside of mathematics, no specific curriculum is prescribed or required, though students offered admission typically pursue the most rigorous program available to them in English, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. Careful attention is paid to preparation for the intended major.

The review is not formulaic — we try to envision your performance at the next level.

We are also looking for your potential to make an impact: willingness to go beyond the requirements, to dig deeply into texts, to explore ideas and become a lifelong learner.

Ultimately, we look for students who will become enthusiastic partners in learning and research.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

As part of the Writing Questions section of the Common Application, all first-year applicants applying to a USC Dornsife major as a first-choice major will be asked to complete a Dornsife supplemental question. The question will appear on the Common Application after you have selected a Dornsife major as your first-choice major. You will provide a brief (250 words or less) response to this supplemental question. Transfer students are not required to complete this supplemental question and will not see it on the Common Application

There is no “best” or “right” answer. We simply want to know more about you and your motivations and passions. Because application reviewers will have access to all portions of your application, we suggest that you focus your Dornsife supplemental response on a different topic than what you’ve already discussed elsewhere in your application.

The Dornsife supplemental question is:

Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about?