RED PROGRAM

University of Southern California (USC)

School Type

Private

Writing Requirements

Common App Questions,

College Questions

Optional Materials

Creative work samples
portfolio

Acceptance Rate

10%

Admissions Type(s)

EA, ED, and RD

Deadline

EA/ED – November 1
RD – January 1

Overview

Writing Requirements

  • Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 words maximum)
  • Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. (250 words maximum)
  • Describe yourself in three words. (3 words, max 25 characters per word)
  • What is your favorite snack? (100 characters maximum)
  • Best movie of all time (100 characters maximum)
  • Dream job (100 characters maximum)
  • If your life had a theme song, what would it be? (100 characters maximum)
  • Dream trip (100 characters maximum)
  • What TV show will you binge watch next? (100 characters maximum)
  • Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? (100 characters maximum)
  • Favorite Book (100 characters maximum)
  • If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? (100 characters maximum)

Optional Materials

Students applying to USC’s School of Architecture, Roski School of Art and Design, School of Cinematic Arts, Kaufman School of Dance, School of Dramatic Arts, Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation, and the Thornton School of Music can access SlideRoom for supplements including creative samples/portfolio(s).

About USC

About USC

  • Founded in 1880
  • Private institution
  • Urban campus

 

School Is Known For 

  • Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism 
  • Highly esteemed School of Cinematic Arts. Has graduated students such as directors Judd Apatow and George Lucas
  • Films including “The Graduate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Forrest Gump” all filmed scenes on USC’s campus
  • Football program and tremendous school spirit
  • Tight-knit alumni network

 

Culture 

  • Beautiful, well-maintained campus in South Los Angeles
  • Culture of hustle and achievement, but also style and fun
  • Deep-rooted school pride, especially around USC football
  • Traditions like “Fight On”, Tommy Trojan, and Trojan Marching Band
  • High student turnout at games and event 
  • Rivalry with UCLA is a big deal
  • Strong alumni network (often described as the “Trojan Family”)
  • Campus culture emphasizes networking and internships early on
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