What does USC look for in essays?

We pay close attention to your personal narrative, background and circumstances, realizing that each student is unique and has something to offer. Your application 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.

What type of students does USC look for?

They are interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective." As you can see, USC is looking for applicants who aren't just academically gifted but who are also willing to challenge their limits, learn about new fields, and assume a global perspective.

How many essays do you need to write for USC?

The Requirements: 2 or 3 essays (depending on major selection) of up to 250 words; 2 short-answer lists.

How to write USC short answers?

Focus on your own experiences and choose answers that reflect your unique perspective and passions. And most importantly, remember that there is no single correct answer to these questions; success comes from showcasing your authentic self. Good luck with your USC application!

How to describe yourself in three words USC?

People tend to stress out a lot over questions like this, but you really should not. If you want to use three adjectives, think of three components of yourself that are mutually exclusive and span a wide breadth of your personality; find words that encompass those three components.

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What is your favorite snack USC application?

If you have an interesting background or tradition centered on food, this is a good time to show it. So, for example, if you're Hungarian and your favorite snack is Chicken Paprikash, let them know. It'll allow a small window into your life. Again, there is no wrong answer here, but again, don't be boring.

Why does USC ask for favorite snack?

Question 4: What Is Your Favorite Snack? Here's a chance to showcase your personality by being specific. Let's say that you love peanut M&Ms. A specific answer might say, "Eating peanut M&Ms while watching a scary movie."

What values does USC look for in applicants?

We will review your performance in school, the rigor of your program, your writing skills and any test scores you choose to submit. We also consider personal qualities, as revealed in community involvement, leadership and achievements.

What does USC look for in letters of recommendation?

Recommenders should include information about how they know you and for how long. They should include specific reasons they recommend you for admission to USC. The letter should offer detailed examples that highlight your skills, qualities, and academic performance, though it shouldn't be too lengthy.

Does USC encourage double major?

Yes, you can double major or pursue major-minor combinations at USC. However, applicants are not able to choose a combined program at the time they apply for admission. Applicants apply for, and are admitted to, only one major.

Does USC look at SAT essay?

USC does not require the writing section for either the ACT or the SAT. Find answers to questions you have about how our test optional policy will affect your application. First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.

Does USC admit by major?

USC requires that students declare a first and second-choice major on their application. This means that students must choose a specific major within one of its many undergraduate colleges, including the Marshall School of Business and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

How do you get accepted into USC?

The recommended GPA requirements to get into USC are between 3.75 and 4.0. You will need a very high GPA and will likely be graduating in the top quarter of your class in order to get into USC. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

What is the lowest GPA accepted to USC?

What GPA and test scores are required for undergraduate admission? There is no minimum requirement or absolute "cutoff" for grades, class rank or test scores. USC evaluates prospective students through an individualized, comprehensive review process that takes these, and many other factors, into account.

Does USC look at 9th grade?

Generally, for the purposes of admission into USC, we first review an applicant's coursework from grades 9 - 11. Applicants are also expected to submit grades from the fall term of their senior year as soon as they are available by using the Mid-Year Report Form included in the Common Application.

Does USC care about grades?

It is important to always strive for a high GPA, as the USC average GPA can change each year based on the academic profile of the incoming class. Based on the current trend, the USC GPA will likely increase with each application cycle. USC will use your junior year GPA to evaluate your USC admission odds.

What GPA is USC looking for?

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1520 SAT or a 34 ACT. You should also have a 3.83 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

What GPA does USC look at?

Average GPA: 3.83

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.83, USC requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. You'll need mostly A's, ideally with several AP or IB classes to help show your preparation at a college level.

Does USC require predicted grades?

Students are admitted with predicted A-Level results and will be asked to verify their final results once they are released. Competitive applicants will have predicted results of a B or above for at least three A-Level/Pre-U exams. There are no subject requirements for entry into USC.

Does USC look at senior grades?

How do I submit them? We find that an applicant's senior mid-year grades can help us make better admission decisions. These grades can show how applicants handle some of the most challenging courses of their high school career, and they can further illustrate emerging trends in overall performance.

Can I get into USC with a 3.5 GPA?

It really depends on your major. A student who has a 4.5 GPA can get rejected from USC as an engineering or film major while a 3.5 GPA could get in through a less competitive major. Should you apply in a competitive major, it does hurt your chances but is possible should you explain why you have 2 B's, 2 C's and a D.

Can I get into USC with a 3.7 GPA?

Is your high school GPA good enough for USC? The average high school GPA for admitted students at USC is 3.79 on a 4.0 scale. (You can calculate your high school a GPA here.) This is a very competitive GPA, and USC is clearly accepting students at the top of their high school class.

What does USC care about most?

The most fundamental expectation of each entering student at USC is that she or he will have completed a rigorous high school curriculum in English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. We realize, of course, that individual talents, circumstances and opportunities vary greatly.

Does USC look at social media?

Kirk Brennan, associate dean and director of USC admissions, said that the role of social media in admissions is minimal at USC, with few circumstances leading admissions officers to use the internet to explore an applicant's information.

Does USC prioritize California students?

The university does accept out-of-state and international students, but in much smaller numbers. As a private institution, USC is not required to give preference to California residents. USC's Class of 2026 profile shows that more students were admitted from outside of California than in-state.