usc honors essays

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To be eligible for undergraduate honors at graduation, a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5 for cum laude , 3.7 for magna cum laude and 3.9 for summa cum laude is required. Students must meet these averages, for both USC coursework and on combined transferred and USC coursework. University honors is then determined by either the USC GPA or the combined USC and transfer GPA, whichever is lower .

USC GPAs are calculated to the third decimal place, but are never rounded up or down.

In addition to receiving University honors, which are noted on academic transcripts and the diploma, it is also possible in some programs to earn Departmental honors related to the major upon graduation. Check the list below to see if departmental honors is available in your major:

• Anthropology
• Art History
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences (B.A. and B.S.)
• Business Administration
• Chemistry (B.A. and B.S.)
• Cinematic Arts (Critical Studies)
• Communication
• Comparative Literature
• Earth Sciences
• East Asian Area Studies
• East Asian Languages and Cultures
• Geological Sciences
• Gerontology
• Human Development and Aging (B.S.)
• International Relations
• Linguistics
• Mathematics (B.A. and B.S.)
• Middle East Studies
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy (Ethics, Law and Value Theory)
• Political Science
• Public Policy, Management, and Planning
• Public Relations

The minimal requirements for receiving departmental honors are that the student:

• Satisfactorily completes course work for an honors project, and
• Achieves no less than a 3.5 GPA (A = 4.0) in the major at the time of graduation

Each program, department, or school will designate what it considers the appropriate coursework and honors project.

Departmental honors are noted on academic transcripts but not on the diploma.

In most cases the project submitted for a Departmental Honors program would also be eligible for the Discovery Scholar honor from the University.

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College Essays

So you have your heart set on going to the University of Southern California . That's great—it's one of the best schools in the country ! Unfortunately, that makes it tough to get into: only 10% of applicants are admitted each year .

But don't worry. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to write an outstanding USC Writing Supplement .

We'll answer all of your questions, including the following:

• What is the USC supplement?
• What are the questions, and how do I answer them?
• Are there tips and tricks for knocking your USC essays out of the park?
• What steps do I take to finish my USC application?

Let's get started!

Feature Image: Sitao Xiang / Wikimedia

What Is the USC Supplement?

The USC Writing Supplement is an additional part of the USC application that you fill out on the Common App website.

The supplement itself consists of two writing prompts (250 words each) and 12 short-answer questions (100 characters each) . The word limits mean you'll have to cram a lot of information into a small amount of space.

Great USC essays are going to be concise, honest, creative, and engaging . Remember, USC designed the supplement to help admissions counselors get a better sense of your personality. Don't be afraid to embrace your individuality here! It's your chance to share aspects of yourself, your life, and your goals that aren't captured by the Common App.

In other words: this is your time to shine.

( Bobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia)

Where Can I Find the USC Supplement?

The writing supplement is part of the USC Common Application. Once you've selected USC as one of your colleges, it should pop up in the application portal. If you're not exactly sure how to find it, don't worry ... here's a step-by-step guide!

• Log into the Common App website using your username and password.
• Click on the "College Search" tab and look for "University of Southern California."
• Select the search result and then click "add" to add it to your profile.
• Return to your dashboard and look for "University of Southern California." Click the label below the school that reads "Show more details."
• From there, click on the link titled "Writing Questions."
• You can also access the supplement by clicking on "University of Southern California" and scrolling down the school's home page on the Common App to find a link labeled "Writing Questions."

How Do I Answer the USC Essay Prompts?

The writing supplement contains two short writing prompts designed to showcase both your writing skills and your personality. But because you're limited to 250 words, you need to make every word count .

Here are some general strategies to keep in mind.

#1: Use a Standard Format

It's important that you aren't wasting precious space. A good strategy is to limit your intro/thesis statement and your conclusion to one sentence each . That lets you use the rest of the space to answer the prompt.

#2: Show, Don't Tell

Instead of giving run-of-the-mill answers, use stories and anecdotes to illustrate your point. Paint a picture for your audience when you can!

For example, say you're talking about your love of photography. Instead of writing, "I love to photograph people," see if you can capture the feeling of taking someone's picture.

A better sentence might read, "I love trying to capture people's personalities through my camera lens." The first answer tells us that you enjoy photography, but the second response shows us why you love it .

#3: Edit, Edit, Edit

Don't be disappointed if your first attempt at answering these prompts goes over the word limit. That's OK! Keep cutting and revising until you end up with something great.

Here are a few examples of how you can edit a sentence to make every word work:

• OK: "It was the very best experience of my whole life."
• Better: "It was the best experience of my life."
• Best: "The trip was transformational."
• Passive: "Geology would be my preferred major."
• Active: "I plan to major in geology."
• With "is": "Researching cancer treatments is my ultimate career goal."
• Without "is": "I plan to pursue a career in cancer research."

#4: Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

The USC supplement is short, so it's tempting to tackle it at the end of the application process. Don't! Writing short responses is harder than it looks, so give yourself plenty of time .

The USC Essay

USC is making things more streamlined this year: everyone answers the same question! Here's the prompt:

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.

What Is This Question Asking You to Do?

No option here: you're stuck with this prompt and limited to 250 words in your response. But that's OK because this is the "Why USC?" question. (It's a version of what we call the "why this college" around here.)

Why do you need to go to USC to fulfill your dreams? Or, put another way: why is USC the only school for you?

This means choosing and discussing your major (and your second-choice major if your program is very competitive). Remember that you're not committed to the major you pick . You can change majors after you've enrolled.

How Do You Answer This Question?

Research, research, research. Visit the USC website and get to know your college, your department, and the classes offered. Also, take a close look at your major's course of study. If you're going to take classes from other departments, figure out which ones and why. For example, if you're majoring in international relations and want to work in China, you'll probably take foreign language/culture courses (like Advanced Modern Chinese) and political science courses (like Chinese Foreign Policy). Research the professors in the department and mention them by name.

• Seize the day. There's more to college than going to class. Making the most of USC means getting involved and taking advantage of opportunities such as internships and study abroad programs. There are over 100 international fellowships and programs available through different colleges, so be sure to look into them . Mentioning programs like the Global Fellows Internship (available to all students) or the Maymester , which is a major-specific opportunity, shows that you're serious about making the most of your education at USC.
• Focus on USC. Your job is to show why USC and nowhere else can help you achieve your dreams.

Optional Essay: Explaining Your Education Gap

Who is this question for.

First thing's first: not everyone needs to answer this question. Only respond to this prompt if you took a semester or more off between high school and enrolling in college, or if you took time off while enrolled in high school.

So if you took a gap year (or two, or three), you should answer this question.

This isn't a trick question. Admissions counselors genuinely want to know why you took time off between high school and starting college. And don't worry if your reason isn't "sexy," like you were rescuing sea turtles off the coast of Argentina or teaching English to underprivileged students in Iowa. For most people, the answers will fall along the lines of getting a job, financial difficulties, or helping out their family.

In short: this question is asking you to honestly explain your education gap so that admissions counselors have a better idea of you and your story.

How Do You Answer the Question?

• Keep it short and sweet. It's tempting to give admissions counselors every detail of your situation. But the truth is, they only need to know the most pertinent information while still being honest. Remember: you only have 250 words!
• Explain why you're choosing now to return to school. Counselors are also going to be interested in why you want to go to college now. Be honest about this, too! It's okay to say that you wanted to take some time off to really figure out what you wanted to do with your life, and now you're prepared and excited to throw yourself into your studies. Whatever the case may be, make it clear that you're ready to be an engaged and dedicated student regardless of your education gap.
• Don't make excuses. This isn't a "woe is me" section. While taking time off between high school and college may have been out of your control, this isn't the time to air your grievances. The best answers to this question will keep things as honest and positive as possible.

Your answers in the next section might be small, but they're mighty.

Freddie Alequin /Flickr

The USC Short-Answer Questions

On the surface, the short-answer questions seem simple, but many students find this section the hardest part of the supplement . That's because these responses are limited to 100 characters or less—shorter than a tweet!

Here are some general tips to make tackling the USC short-answer questions a breeze:

#1: Maximize the space you have. There's room to elaborate on your answers a bit, and you should.

#2: There are no right answers. Admissions counselors don't have specific responses in mind. This is their way of trying to get to know the person behind the application.

#3: You're more than a major. It's tempting to make every answer tie into your major or future career in some way; instead, your answers should capture who you are as a person and hark back to your academic goals only if it makes sense for them to.

#4: Don't be afraid of a little humor. Embrace being funny but not at someone else's expense. 

#5: Avoid clichés.

#6: Keep it tasteful. If you wouldn't say it to your parents, don't say it to an admissions counselor!

Now that you have some solid strategies, let's look at each question individually.

Questions 1-3: Describe Yourself in Three Words

A good way to tackle this question is to ask your friends and family to text you their responses, and look for patterns . For example, if five people say you are nice and caring, combine those into one idea, such as "empathetic."

Adjectives are the most common words to use, but you can pick nouns, too! Just stick to ones with personality (like "bookworm" if you love to read, or "shutterbug" if you're a photographer). Choose words that are highly descriptive (e.g., "enthusiastic" instead of "fun") and avoid clichés as much as you can.

Oh, and the supplement breaks this response into three separate fields , so make sure you don't type all three words on one line ! Also, note that there's a 25-character limit per word, so think "antidisestablishmentarian" or shorter.

Here are some sample responses:

• Whimsical, artistic, collaborative
• Competitive, thoughtful, engaging
• Loquacious, jovial, encouraging
• Reserved, compassionate, giving

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."

You can also touch on your personal history , especially if you come from a diverse background. You could say something like "My abuela's enchiladas" or "Almond Crush Pocky" as a nod to your heritage.

Finally, lean into your weird . We all have strange snacks that somehow hit the spot (we're looking at you, hot dog buns dunked in hot chocolate). If there's a bonkers food you enjoy—such as dipping tater tots in soft-serve ice cream—this is your time to shine. An added bonus? It will definitely make an impression.

• Perfectly toasted marshmallows while sitting around a campfire.
• A hot dog and soda from Fenway Park.
• Homemade apple pie with melted cheddar cheese on top!
• A package of Digestive Biscuits (they're cookies!) and a glass of milk.

Question 5: Best Movie of All Time

This question can make applicants anxious because people are passionate about the movies they love ... and the movies they love to hate! That's why we recommend that you either give a serious answer or embrace your silliness.

This goes without saying, but make sure your movie choice is appropriate . If you wouldn't watch it with your family, don't list it here. Also, steer clear of any super-controversial picks—don't pick a film that's clearly discriminatory, such as Birth of a Nation.

• Serious: Blade Runner because of its influence on sci-fi film.
• Serious: Saving Private Ryan . It reminds us that war is hard, dangerous, and tragic.
• Silly: The Lion King . We should all "hakuna matata" a little more!
• Both: Legally Blonde —I love stories about women chasing their dreams.

What is your ideal job? Maybe it's making mini beach dioramas in vintage suitcases.

Question 6: Dream Job

Obviously, this answer should roughly align with your major . (Don't say your dream job is to play Aaron Burr in Hamilton if you're majoring in computer science.)

You should also think big and think ahead. For instance, if you're a computer science major, maybe you want to start a company that develops assistive AI for people with disabilities. Embrace big goals!

The more specific you are, the better. Don't just say you want to be a veterinarian. What kind of animals do you want to work with? Will you specialize in something? Do you want to own your own practice? Adding detail will make your answer stand out.

• A large-animal veterinarian that helps rural farmers care for their livestock.
• The owner of a non-profit that helps women of color succeed in corporate America.
• A judge appointed to the US Courts of Appeals.

Question 7: If Your Life Had a Theme Song, What Would It Be?

Everyone needs a little walk-in music. As you think about yours, choose a song with a title that makes a point . It's tempting to pick a song with a specific lyric that speaks to you, but your admissions counselor might not be able to make the connection. Think more along the lines of "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty or "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" by Aretha Franklin and the Eurythmics.

Be careful that your song title can't be misconstrued. "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred might seem like a funny choice to you, but it could also come across as cocky or overconfident.

Additionally, keep your choice appropriate . Look through the song lyrics to make sure they aren't offensive.

And whatever you do, don't say the Trojan Fight Song . That's probably the most popular—and most clichéd—answer you could possibly give!

• "Beautiful Day" by U2
• "My Shot" from the Hamilton soundtrack
• "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

Maybe your dream trip is a mix of adventure and van life.

Question 8: Dream Trip

There's no special trick to answering this question. Just be honest and specific! And feel free to focus on experiences as well as destinations. Maybe you want to snorkel with stingrays in the Caribbean or visit the Lord of the Rings set locations in New Zealand. Share that here!

• Letting a lantern go during the Floating Lantern Festival in Thailand.
• Hiking to the top of Machu Picchu.
• Driving from California to Illinois on Route 66 with my best friends.
• Eating paella from a street vendor in Barcelona.
• Visiting Zimbabwe and bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Question 9: What TV Show Will You Binge Watch Next?

This is another question designed to reveal something about you, your likes, and your dislikes. We suggest that you pick a show you like, as long as it isn't completely without substance. If you're having a hard time choosing, try narrowing it down to your favorite genre first.

• I'll binge Making a Murderer because I'm interested in how the justice system works (and doesn't work).
• The Good Place because it combines comedy and philosophy!
• Friends because it helps you understand interpersonal relationships.

I'm bingeing RuPaul's Drag Race and learning a lot about drag culture and inclusivity.

Question 10: Which Well-Known Person or Fictional Character Would Be Your Ideal Roommate?

This question essentially wants to know who you could see yourself living with on a daily basis , whether it's a fictional character from a TV show or book you love, or a real-life celebrity, such as a movie star, singer, scientist, activist, writer, or historical figure.

The prompt doesn't limit you to living celebrities, so feel free to write about somebody who passed away recently (think Stephen Hawking) or even centuries ago (such as Jane Austen).

Make sure that you're choosing a person who will reveal something positive and/or unique about yourself. It's also OK to throw in a little humor! For example, if you're a huge Renaissance-period buff, you could talk about how you'd love to live with King Henry VIII because he'd entertain you every night with stories of his marriages.

Regardless of who you choose to write about, remember that the admissions committee wants to learn something about you through the person you pick to be your roommate , so be sure that you can clearly tie them back to yourself and your own interests somehow.

• Marie Curie because we could conduct experiments together after class every day.
• Hermione Granger! She'd be a great study buddy and could teach me magic on the side.
• David Sedaris. We could write stories together and he'd never fail to make me laugh!

Question 11: Favorite Book

This is a pretty straightforward question that's similar to the "favorite movie" one above. Be honest— don't try to pass off a book as one of your favorites just because it sounds impressive or is highly intellectual . The admissions committee will likely be able to tell if you're trying to show off!

At the same time, don't write about a book that's overly childish or inappropriate , or that fails to reveal anything interesting or impressive about you. For instance, even if you really love Twilight , unless you can say something a little more intellectual about it, such as how you enjoy analyzing its portrayal of codependency in teenage relationships, this book likely won't leave much of a positive impression on the USC admissions committee.

• Wild because this book inspired me to be courageous and go on a three-day hike by myself.
• Lolita is my favorite book because it's downright disturbing yet hauntingly beautiful.
• Definitely The Hobbit . It was the first book I read that showed me the power of taking risks.

Question 12: If You Could Teach a Class on any Topic, What Would It Be?

This final question from USC is truly a thought-provoking one. Basically, the admissions committee wants to know what kind of class you'd teach if you could choose any topic of interest to you .

While the topic you write about doesn't need to directly relate to your major, it should definitely be something you're deeply passionate (and, ideally, fairly knowledgeable) about . Are you really into horror movies and enjoy dissecting their depictions of female characters? Then perhaps you'd like to teach a class on women in horror.

Be as specific as you can be. Don't just say you want to teach a class on the environment because you're committed to combating climate change. What specific topic concerning the environment or climate change would you like others to learn more about, and why?

• A creative writing class that would focus on writing stories from the perspective of children.
• Women of color in astronomy. Too few know about the accomplishments of Beth Brown and Mae Jemison!
• The Navajo language. Not enough schools teach it and we Native Americans must strive to preserve it.

Finishing your supplement is like climbing a really tall flight of stairs. Just put one foot in front of the other! 

Next Steps for Your USC Supplement

Even once you've finished and submitted your Common App and USC essays, you're not quite done. Most of USC's colleges require you to submit additional materials, such as portfolios or writing samples, before your application is considered complete.

Visit the links below to view each college's supplemental application requirements and submission deadlines:

• USC School of Architecture
• Roski School of Art and Design
• Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
• Marshall School of Business (World Bachelor in Business)
• USC School of Cinematic Arts
• Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
• Kaufman School of Dance
• Ostrow School of Dentistry (Junior Transfers Only)
• USC School of Dramatic Arts
• Viterbi School of Engineering
• Thornton School of Music

Need Some Extra Help?

The USC application process can be overwhelming, but PrepScholar is here to help you succeed ! Check out our resources below for more information about how our experts can help you achieve your dreams.

Haven't started your Common Application yet? No problem! We've got you covered with tips and tricks to make your application stand out from the crowd .

Start learning more about USC! Check out their admission requirements , mission statement, admission website, and this great blog post about getting to know USC without leaving your couch.

Still stressed about your supplement? Get in touch with PrepScholar's college admissions team !

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Get Into USC in 2023, from a USC Grad

What’s covered:, how hard is it to get into usc, what is usc looking for, my usc admissions story, how to improve your chances of getting into usc, tips and tricks from a usc grad.

The University of Southern California (USC) has the distinction of being the oldest private research university in California. However, what attracts applicants to the school today are its world-class education, beautiful campus, and idyllic Los Angeles setting.

USC is consistently ranked among the top 30 national universities, and some of its programs are thought of as the best in the country. For example, USC and NYU often go back and forth as the best school for students pursuing film, and USC’s location gives it an advantage over most top-tier schools in this field.

Read along to learn what it takes to get into USC in 2023, along with tips from a USC alumna.

Gaining admission to USC is hard. The university received a historic 80,790 applicants for its Class of 2027 and admitted 9,277—an acceptance rate of just 9.9%.

The average academic profile of accepted students for the Class of 2027:

• SAT/ACT: The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores are 1330-1520 and 30-34, respectively.
• Class Rank: USC didn’t report the average class rank for its Class of 2027, but you’ll need a strong performance in the classroom to gain admission—41% of the Class of 2027 earned perfect grades in high school.

According to their 2021-2022 Common Data Set, USC considers the following factors “very important”:

• Course rigor
• Test scores
• Recommendation letters

These factors are “important”:

• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

These are “considered”:

• First generation
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience

And these are “not considered”:

• Geographical residence
• State residence
• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Applicant interest

Academically, my profile aligned strongly with USC’s average academic profile. My GPA was extremely high, like most USC admits, and I did not fail to demonstrate course rigor—graduating having completed 15 AP classes. My ACT score was a 33, at the upper end of USC’s Middle 50%.

Based on my academic profile, my application made it through the first round of admissions and was read by an admissions officer. That said, I think that it was the combination of my essay and my letter of recommendation that secured my admission and that earned me a scholarship.

My essay focused on my experiences in high school grappling with perfectionism and self-hate, which ultimately landed me in a live-in youth rehabilitation program. I wrote about this experience in a reflective way that demonstrated my growth mindset, thoughtfulness, and maturity.

This was supplemented by a letter of recommendation from my AP World History teacher and mock trial coach, who outlined my response to these troubling experiences in high school, describing me as “a phoenix from the ashes.”

I believe that, through these elements, USC admissions officers got the impression that I was an intensely driven, resilient student with a large interest in self-improvement and learning. I also feel that this impression was extremely important in my admissions decision.

My advice to you—figure out exactly how you want USC admissions officers to view you, then use your academics, essays, and letter of recommendation to ensure that they get that impression of you!

Read more about my USC admissions story , with specifics of my academic profile and excerpts from my submitted essays.

1. Achieve at least a 3.9 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Your GPA is important to your application because schools that receive a huge number of applications (like USC) often use a tool known as the Academic Index to streamline the admissions process.

The Academic Index boils each applicant’s academic performance (GPA and test scores) down into one single number, which is then used to weed out applicants who would be considered academically unqualified. Such applications, more often than not, don’t even get read.

The average high school GPA of the Class of 2027 was a 3.9, so if you are hoping for USC admissions committees to seriously consider your application, you should strive for exceptional grades in all of your classes.

If your GPA is below USC’s standards and you’re early in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it’s harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to improve your Academic Index at that point of your high school career would be to get higher test scores.

It’s important to note that, while your GPA is an important component to have your application read, you can’t just take easy classes and get good grades. Course rigor is considered “very important” to USC admissions officers. To submit a competitive application you’ll need all, or mostly all A’s, while taking the most challenging courses available.

Applicants who gain admission to top-tier schools like USC commonly complete between eight to twelve AP classes . My USC application showed success in 15 AP classes, which obviously appealed to admissions officers.

2. Aim for a 1520 SAT and/or 34 ACT

Test scores are “very important” in the USC admissions process. The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for USC’s Class of 2026 were 1330-1520 and 30-34. Any score in the middle 50% is good, but the higher your score is, the greater your chances of gaining admission.

USC records the highest scores for each section of the SAT and ACT, even if they’re earned in different sittings. Given this fact, you should consider taking the SAT or ACT multiple times to improve your academic profile.

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• SAT Info and Tips
• ACT Info and Tips

Note: USC has been test optional for recent application cycles and will be test optional going forward. That said, CollegeVine generally recommends taking the SAT/ACT anyway to improve your chances of admission. Applicants who submit scores are accepted at higher rates than those who do not.

A good rule of thumb is that you should submit your score if it falls above the 25th percentile (1330 SAT/30 ACT). You can get recommendations on whether or not to apply test optional using our free chancing engine .

3. Write engaging essays

Once you clear USC’s academic thresholds, essays are the best way to set yourself apart from the competition—USC considers them “very important.” USC’s application includes a writing supplement featuring one required essay, one optional essay, and 10 short answer prompts—things like “What is your favorite snack?”

USC is looking for interesting applicants with unique stories and perspectives. Set yourself apart with an attention-grabbing essay that is written in your voice, and that creatively frames your experiences and highlights how you’ll be as a student and on campus at USC.

For more USC-specific essay advice, check out our article, How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays.

4. Secure humanizing letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are another “very important” aspect of a USC application. Letters of recommendation highlight your academic success and classroom contributions, and hint at how you’ll fit in at USC. USC recommends one letter of recommendation either from a high school counselor or teacher.

Because USC places considerable weight on your letter of recommendation, you’ll want to get the best one possible. One way to ensure a compelling recommendation is to follow the nine rules for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers , which cover everything from who to ask, to the timeframe, to how you can support the process.

Keep reading for my tips and tricks on securing an outstanding letter of recommendation.

5. Cultivate one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Extracurriculars are marked as an “important” part of USC’s admissions process and can carry serious weight when applying to coveted programs like the university’s film school. Having a highly developed interest, known as a “ spike ,” supported by one or two extracurricular activities that demonstrate high levels of achievement or leadership can bolster your application.

Not all extracurricular activities are equal—some have more influence over admissions than others. Learning about the four tiers of extracurriculars is a simple way to understand how a college like USC values your activities outside the classroom.

• Tier 1 includes the most impactful activities. These are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement and leadership, such as earning national recognition in athletics or winning a prestigious national competition.
• Tier 2 activities also show great achievement and leadership, but are more common than those of Tier 1. These activities include state-level recognition in athletics, winning a regional competition, or holding a leadership position in a well-known club.
• Tier 3 extracurriculars demonstrate your interests but don’t carry the same weight as those in the tiers above. These include playing a varsity sport or holding a minor leadership position in a well-established club.
• Tier 4 is home to the least distinguished and influential activities, such as playing a sport and participating in a club.

6. Apply Early Action

For most programs, USC has two different application deadlines: November 1 and January 15. The November 1 deadline is called the “Early Action” deadline—a non-binding, non-restrictive application. If you apply by this deadline, you are automatically considered for all USC merit scholarships, while regular decision applicants are not considered for merit scholarships.

Students who apply by the early deadline are typically accepted at a 6% to 8% higher rate, so even if you aren’t hoping for a scholarship, applying by November 1 is a smart strategy for gaining admission to USC.

How to Apply to USC

You will apply to USC through the Common Application. In addition to your Common App essay, you will submit:

• USC Supplemental Essays
• A high school transcript
• At least one letter of recommendation
• A mid-year report
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)

USC has a few different application deadlines. It is important to note that, if you apply to a regular program by November 1, you will automatically be considered for all USC Merit Scholarships . Regular decision applicants must apply by January 15 and will not be considered for merit scholarships.

Additionally, there is a separate application deadline for students of special programs—all Dramatic Arts, Cinematic Arts, and Music programs, the Kaufman School of Dance, the Iovine and Young Academy, the Roski School of Art & Design, and the School of Architecture. These programs may also require a portfolio, resume, and/or samples of work.

*These programs do not allow Early Action applications, so all students who apply to these programs by December 1 are considered for merit scholarships.

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations

It is important to ask someone who knows you very well, academically and personally, to write your letter of recommendation. Then, fill that person in on the image you are trying to impress upon admissions officers.

If they know what your academic profile looks like, your strengths and weaknesses, and, importantly, what your essay is about, they can write a letter of recommendation that rounds out your application. They can help you form connections between parts of your profile that feel disconnected, explain gaps in your resume or coursework, and simply humanize you.

2. Apply by the scholarship deadline

My most important advice to you is to apply by the scholarship deadline. The best part about the early application is that you don’t have to do anything extra—no supplements or extra questions. You simply have to submit the same application earlier.

There are multiple levels of merit scholarships that you are automatically considered for through your early application—Dean’s Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Trustee’s Scholarship. These scholarships cover 25%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, of your tuition each year for four years of study.

Additionally, receiving a scholarship makes you eligible to live in USC’s honors dorms—McCarthy Residential College for first-year students and Ilium Residential College for sophomores. These dorms create a special type of community that I am still grateful that I was a part of.

What Are Your Chances at USC?

Only 9.9% of USC applicants were accepted in 2023. If you’re feeling discouraged by this low acceptance rate, remember that your personal chances of acceptance can vary greatly based on your profile.

To better understand your chances of acceptance, use our free admissions calculator. This tool will not only let you know your chances at hundreds of schools, but will also give you tips for improving your profile. Getting into a selective school requires a strong strategy, and our free admissions platform can help you every step of the way.

Interested in learning more about USC? Check out these other articles:

• What is USC Known For?
• How I Got Into USC
• USC vs. UCLA: Which College is Right for You?
• USC vs. UC Berkeley: Which College is Right for You?

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Suggested search, thematic option honors program, get the benefits of a small liberal arts college in the heart of one of the world’s finest research universities..

It is not enough that Thematic Option (T.O.) students are questioning the greatest philosophers, writers, scientists, and artists of the humanistic tradition—writers like Homer, Plato, Gandhi, Douglass, Woolf, Hawking, Baldwin, Shakespeare, Rousseau, King, Hurston, Arendt, Marx, Du Bois, Morrison, and Freud. Students are also expected to question how a work becomes “canonical” precisely by setting out to challenge and revise the canon that preceded it. As critical readers, T.O. students themselves participate in the assessment, maintenance, and reshaping of a canon or “reading list” they can pass on to others. This requires not only the critical analysis of difficult texts, but also the development and practice of empathy for voices different from our own—voices that speak to us across centuries and millennia, but also across cultures, geographies, races, ethnicities, genders, economic classes, and languages. Through critique, empathy and curiosity, T.O. students are continually challenged to make their own connections between readings in the classroom and the social and political challenges of our current moment.

Each year, 200 freshmen participate in this interdisciplinary core curriculum. “T.O.” – as it’s commonly called around campus – offers small classes with some of the University’s best undergraduate teachers and a hand-picked group of writing instructors. The classes are stimulating, and the faculty are brought together with students for a variety of evening events including films, dinners, speakers, performances, and field trips. The intellectual community fostered by common coursework and evening events helps bright students find their peers and a sense of their own place during those crucial first few freshman weeks.

Thematic Option’s curriculum consists of honors-level interdisciplinary courses taught around distinct themes, through which you will satisfy USC’s general education requirements. Your T.O. classes will ask you to consider the big questions, such as: Is there such a thing as human nature? How have conceptions of justice changed over time? Is there order in history? How do we define progress? What is the nature of truth? Where does knowledge come from? As you pursue possible answers, you will learn about broad ethical issues and approaches to historical change. As issues of epistemology, representation, and social construction emerge from your studies, you will be challenged to reconceptualize the world and your role within it.

Thematic Option’s writing program consists of two writing seminars supplemented with biweekly one‐on‐one tutorials. The first semester writing course focuses on the relationship between critical thinking and analytic writing. The second course is aimed at developing your capacity to address specific audiences and convey complex ideas persuasively.

The curriculum in Thematic Option is centered on interdisciplinary approaches that develop students’ abilities to think critically about themselves and their place in history and society. T.O. creates a small intellectual community through various kinds of programming inside and outside the classroom that generates a free flow of ideas, debate, and conversation through the student population, including an annual research conference where students can present their original work in an academic formal setting, tying together what they have learned in the program as they engage with each other’s budding research interests. Across its curriculum, Thematic Option strives to equip students for a life as critical and dialectical thinkers and, equally important, equip them with the ability to intelligently express themselves and engage in dialogue within their respective field(s), profession(s), as well as across various perspectives that make up the public sphere.

The program has three broad learning objectives:

1. students learn to think across disciplines, to not be constrained by the methods and concepts of any one approach. .

The name “Thematic Option” stems from its interdisciplinary strategy for general education, which allows students to trace specific concepts, such as the self, family, or progress, trans-historically and to discover the web of interconnection between academic fields visible from a thematic perspective. For example, CORE 102: Culture and Values may weave together literature, classics, history, philosophy, politics, and biology to consider questions of personal identity and social responsibility.

2. Students learn to deal with ambiguity.

Many of the challenges and issues we face and our students will face do not have clear-cut responses or solutions. Thematic Option courses are not about providing answers, but asking questions, often the so-called big questions like What is truth? What is justice? What is love? Who am I? What responsibilities do I have to society? These are but a few of the grand questions with which Thematic Option students struggle as they become comfortable with the realm of uncertainty, an open space full of opportunities for exploration and debate within themselves and among each other.

3. Students develop a love of language, an appreciation for the power of the written and spoken word.

• a) Through the CORE curriculum courses, students get a sense of the history of ideas, along with the ability to discuss “traditional” texts critically and open it up to inquiry. Students read primary texts rather than textbooks, which allows students to confront the canon on their own terms and form their own passionate points of view on these works.
• b) Thematic Option’s writing seminars emphasize close reading and argumentation through which students learn to express complex ideas cogently and concisely as persuasive writers. Importantly, students learn to integrate their own ideas with those of others, establishing their own voice and authority while supporting their stances by employing outside sources. Students should be able to assess broad rhetorical situations and respond confidently in a way that maintains the integrity of the student’s own voice.

Thematic Option is a diverse and eclectic intellectual community. We are interested in enthusiasm, participation, and the pursuit of more questions rather than simple answers. The typical T.O. student has average high school grades of “A.” More important than scores, applicants to Thematic Option should have an evident love of reading and writing. Many eligible students are contacted by T.O. after they are admitted to the University, however, we encourage all interested students to inquire about and apply for the Program. Let us know if you think Thematic Option is right for you.

Statement on Academic Conduct and Support Systems

Academic conduct.

Plagiarism – presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in the Academic Integrity section of the USC Student Handbook (page 11). Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable. See additional information in the Student Handbook, as well as university policy on scientific misconduct .

Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any incidents to USC’s Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX) ,  or to the  Department of Public Safety . This is important for the safety whole USC community. Another member of the university community – such as a friend, classmate, advisor, or faculty member – can help initiate the report, or can initiate the report on behalf of another person via Trojans Care 4 Trojans . Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP) provides 24/7 confidential support, reporting options, and other resources.

Support Systems

A number of USC’s schools provide support for students who need help with scholarly writing. Check with your advisor or program staff to find out more. Students whose primary language is not English should check with the American Language Institute , which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for international graduate students. The Office of Student Accessibility Services   provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations. If an officially  declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information will provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued by means of Brightspace, teleconferencing, and other technology.

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First-Year Students

Admission decision timeline for transfer applicants.

Admission decisions or a request for more information, such as spring-term grades, will be posted by May 31. If spring grades are requested, a decision may not be available until mid-July.

Admission letters and certificates will be mailed following the release of admission decisions online.

Each year more than 50,000 of the most talented high school seniors in the country and from all over the world apply to USC. We are proud of the quality, diversity and uniqueness of these applicants. We welcome you to apply.

“I chose USC because there is no better place to study the impact of digital media on entertainment... The support here is unbelievable.”

Dates and Deadlines

Early action (ea) vs regular decision (rd).

Applying by the Early Action (EA) deadline enables you to plan for college earlier, should you be accepted during this round of application reviews. It also ensures that you will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships . Early Action (EA) is non-binding, non-restrictive, and is not available for majors requiring a portfolio or audition. Students choosing to apply under USC’s Early Action (EA) plan will need to submit their application materials earlier in the process but will receive an admission decision (or deferral to Regular Decision) sooner than Regular Decision applicants.

We recommend this option for those who have thoroughly researched their college options and have settled on USC as their top choice. We estimate that 20-25 percent of our admission spaces will be granted during the EA round.

Please note that applicants to the World Bachelor in Business program must apply Early Action.

USC’s Regular Decision (RD) plan follows a more traditional timeline: If you submit your application by December 1 or January 15, depending upon major, you will receive a decision by April 1.

Students who wish to have more time to fill out their application, or those who wish to have their records for the fall semester of their senior year included as part of their application, may wish to wait until the Regular Decision (RD) deadline.

The following programs do not participate in Early Action:

Iovine and Young Academy Kaufman School of Dance Roski School of Art and Design School of Architecture School of Cinematic Arts School of Dramatic Arts Thornton School of Music

Students applying to these schools must submit their application materials by December 1 to be considered for admission and USC Merit Scholarships. Please refer to the Regular Decision deadlines for more information.

Early Action

Applicants selecting Early Action will be notified of their admission or deferral to Regular Decision in mid- to late January 2024.

Application Deadline: November 1, 2023

Early Action (EA) is non-binding, non-restrictive, and is not available for majors requiring a portfolio or audition. Students must apply EA in order to be considered for USC Merit Scholarships , unless their intended major does not participate in Early Action.

Students applying to majors requiring a portfolio or audition (see below) will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships as part of their Regular Decision process.

Regular Decision

Applicants selecting or deferring to Regular Decision will be notified of a decision by April 1, 2024.

For majors requiring a portfolio or audition: Application Deadline: December 1, 2023

This is the final deadline for students applying to majors in the following schools:

See Additional Major Requirements for information about your intended program.

Regular Decision candidates applying to these programs by December 1 will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships .

All other majors: Application Deadline: January 15, 2024

Extensions of application deadlines are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who are unable to meet the published deadlines may contact an admission counselor to be considered for an extension.

• Financial Aid

Early Application Deadline: January 12, 2024 Regular Decision Deadline: February 7, 2024

Applicants who want to be considered for need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA * and CSS Profile applications by the appropriate deadline. *Undocumented or DACA students should submit their 2021 tax return and third-party letter confirming undocumented status instead of the FAFSA.

Cal Grant Application Deadline: March 4, 2024 California residents should apply for Cal Grants by this date.

Visit our Financial Aid page for more information. To check on the status of your financial aid application, visit the FAST page in your applicant portal .

Early Action FAQ's

Early Action applicants apply earlier and may be informed of their admission to USC in January. Early Action is required for most students wishing to be considered for merit scholarships. It might also be an attractive option for those with particularly strong records who consider USC one of their top choices. Regular Decision applicants follow a more traditional timeline, with later deadlines and a decision notification date of April 1. Neither plan requires admitted students to enroll at USC.

Yes, unless your intended major does not participate in Early Action. Early Action is not available if you are applying to the Iovine and Young Academy or majors in Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts or Music. Applicants to these majors should apply by December 1 to be considered for both admission and scholarships.

Other scholarships offered through USC-affiliated organizations are available but require a separate application. Visit our Scholarships page for more information. USC also offers a robust need-based financial aid program. More information is available at the USC Financial Aid website.

No, we cannot guarantee that fall grades will be considered if you apply Early Action.

We anticipate that about 20-25 percent of the class will be admitted early. Early Action applicants who are not admitted in January will be able to defer their application to the Regular Decision round.

Not all early admits will be selected to continue in USC’s merit scholarship process. Students who are selected as scholarship finalists will be notified of their next steps in February after receiving their admission decision.

No, Early Action admission is non-binding and does not require enrollment at USC.

No, no one will receive a denial letter in January. Students who are not admitted early will be given the chance to defer their application for consideration in the Regular Decision round. We expect that 75-80 percent of the class will be admitted Regular Decision.

Most admitted students will receive their financial aid summaries around the same time. EA applicants should apply for need-based financial aid by January 12, 2024 and RD applicants should apply by February 7, 2024 to be considered for all types of financial aid for which you may be eligible.

No, but transfer applicants interested in Dance, Music, and BFA majors in Cinematic Arts and Dramatic Arts must apply by December 1. The admission and scholarship application deadline for all other transfer applicants is February 15.

Application Checklist

Complete the Common Application .

For students who submit test scores, USC records the highest scores for those who have taken tests more than once. For the SAT and ACT, the highest scores for each section of the exam will be recorded, even if achieved in different sittings. 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.

One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school. Applicants to the School of Cinematic Arts must submit two letters of recommendation.

Performance majors may also require auditions. Refer to the Additional Application Requirements section below for more information.

Use the Mid-Year Report Form included in the Common Application or visit  your applicant portal  to submit your fall grades.

Affirmations  will be available in the portal after we receive your application. Your digital signature may be submitted after the application deadline.

If the application fee poses a financial burden, you may request a fee waiver through the Profile section of the Common Application.

International applicants: Please refer to the International Students page for Additional Requirements.

The USC Office of Admission reserves the right to make admission decisions with unofficial documents and may collect official documents post-admission or enrollment.

Additional Application Requirements

If you are applying to a major in any of the schools listed below, it is your responsibility to complete your application by the appropriate deadline. Unless otherwise noted, all deadlines are the same as those listed on the Dates and Deadlines section. Be sure to obtain any required supplementary forms and to fulfill all departmental requirements.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

USC School of Architecture

Roski School of Art and Design

Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

Marshall School of Business (World Bachelor in Business)

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Kaufman School of Dance

USC School of Dramatic Arts

Viterbi School of Engineering

Thornton School of Music

Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Home-Schooled Students

Home-Schooled applicants must also submit answers to the home-school questions on the Common Application Secondary School Report. Be sure to include information about your home-schooling philosophy, curricular choices and textbooks used. Although the application process for the 2023-2024 Academic Year is test-optional, we still find it helpful to have work from home-schooled students that is externally graded or examined. Therefore, we recommend submitting either SAT/ACT results, SAT subject exam results, AP exam results, or transcripts from college courses or other accredited online schooling programs if possible.

USC does not conduct admission interviews. However, prospective students are welcome to contact their USC admission counselor with any questions about the admission process. To learn more, please visit our Find Your Counselor page .

International students interested in providing additional evidence of English language ability should visit our Additional Requirements page for more information.

DACA Students

For information about application for DACA students, please refer to this page .

Keep Exploring

• Scholarships

Essay prompts for University of South Carolina Honors Program

Does anyone know if the essay prompts for the Honors program application at University of South Carolina change year to year? If it does not, what were the exact prompts from last years application? Thanks

Supplemental essay prompts definitely can change from year to year. I’d just wait until they release their application, which is tomorrow.

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USC Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Tips

September 1, 2023

When applying to a school like the University of Southern California, it is important to grasp that their acceptance rate in 2023 is lower than Harvard’s back in the late 1990s. Last cycle, USC received roughly 80,000 applications and admitted just 9% from that pool (their first time in the single digits). We don’t bring up these numbers or the Friends -era Harvard comparison to cause future applicants unnecessary fear. Rather, we want aspiring Trojans to realize that in addition to strong high school grades and standardized test scores, they need to excel in other critical areas of their application as well. This brings us to the topic of the USC supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Southern California? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into USC: Admissions Data and Strategies   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The supplemental essay section offered by USC is a fairly epic one and presents just such an opportunity for students to differentiate themselves from swarms of other qualified applicants. In addition to several short essays, you are also required to answer 10 short answer questions. Below are the USC’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

2023-24 USC Supplemental Essays – Required Prompt #1

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. (Approximately 250 words)

This is part “Why Us?” and part “Explain Your Major” and your aim is to seamlessly touch on both topics in a tightly woven 250-word composition. For a deeper dive, let’s examine a list of characteristics of a winning USC “Why Us?” essay:

• How did your interest in your major of choice begin and how has it matured over the years?
• While pursuing your majors(s)/interest(s) of choice, how will you take advantage of the university’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom? Be sure to cite specific  academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs , and  study abroad programs . Discuss why they pique your interest.
• Feel free to touch on  student-run organizations  related to your field of study that you would like to join.
• Lastly, don’t ignore your second-choice major in this essay.

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school, but you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled ten minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate). In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar USC essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

USC Supplemental Essays – Short Answers

(#1 provides 25 characters for each word, and #2-10 provide 100 characters each)

• Describe yourself in three words.
• What is your favorite snack?
• Best movie of all time
• If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
• What TV show will you binge watch next?
• Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
• Favorite book
• If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

USC Supplemental Essays (Continued)

It would be a bit silly to try to advise you on what your favorite snack is. Obviously, the USC admissions committee wants to hear “Pepperoni Pizza Combos” but will also accept “Ranch-flavored Bugles.” As such, we’ll keep our advice on these a bit broader:

• This is a chance to make a personal connection with an admissions officer. Don’t overthink these or pick movies, books, songs, or trips that you think an admissions officer will find impressive. Just be genuine.
• For #1, try to avoid words like “interesting” that are…well, not very  interesting , or words that could describe most of USC’s applicant pool, like “hard-working” or “dedicated.”
• For #10, don’t pick a general topic in a traditional discipline. Instead, pick something about which you are passionate. This could be a blend of pop culture and academics or a highly esoteric topic that you happen to be obsessed with (e.g., the Beatles 1965-67 mid-career era, the history of jai-alai, or how to groom a ferret).
• You have 100 characters to utilize, so do include some short explanations that infuse your answers with extra personality. For example, you could jazz up Ranch-flavored Bugles as follows: “Ranch-flavored Bugles, me and my mom’s go-to Jeopardy snack.”
• Final tip: if you feel stuck, try brainstorming a few options for each one before choosing your favorite.

USC Supplemental Essays – School-Specific Prompts

In addition to the required essays noted above, you’ll also need to answer at least one additional essay question that is dependent on the school or college you are applying to at USC. Below, we’ve broken down the most popular options:

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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? (250 words)

What makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? Which subjects could (and do) you talk about for hours if given the opportunity? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? Here’s your chance to tell us all about it. You’ll then want to explain “why”—why will (or should) your passion/topic of choice be made relevant to a wider audience? Why is it so important that others hear your message? Your answer will give admissions readers greater insight into what type of issues are most important to you.

Viterbi School of Engineering

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at  http://engineeringchallenges.org  and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

The NAE Grand Challenges list is expansive and includes a number of pressing issues, like clean water access, solar energy, and nuclear terrorism. Basically, you are 100% guaranteed to find at least one item on this list that resonates with you. After reviewing the options, which one are you most passionate about, and why? Is there something from your personal background or experiences that inspired your interest in this area? Alternatively, have you engaged with this topic either inside or outside of school, and if so, how? What would you still like to learn about it? If you choose an issue that you are genuinely interested in and clearly convey your reasoning for doing so, you’ll be well on your way to a compelling response.

The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background
• A personality trait
• A skill you hold

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and other USC essays. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged Viterbi community.”

How important are the USC supplemental essays?

There are five factors that USC considers to be “very important” to their candidate evaluation process and the essay section is one of them. Along with GPA, standardized test scores, rigor of high school coursework, and recommendations, the Common App and supplement essays play a huge role in the USC admissions staff’s decision-making.

Want personalized assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your USC supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of South Carolina | USC’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

The USC valedictorian and two salutatorians were announced for 2024

The scholarly honorees were recognized at the usc academic honors convocation on tuesday night..

La CASA is hosting the 42nd Annual Latinx Graduation ceremony in-person. (Photo courtesy of La CASA)

USC President Carol Folt named Asna Tabassum as valedictorian and both James McColl III and Lisa Tchitchkan salutatorians in the Town and Gown ballroom on April 2. The event recognizes the achievements of students and faculty at the university.

The valedictorian and salutatorian honors are determined by a combination of grade point average, involvement in the university and an interview process. This year 236 students were eligible to receive the honors at USC.

For a student to be eligible, they must have a grade point average of at least 3.980 or higher and complete the number of course units needed at USC. A student has to have complete knowledge of an academic program and contribute to university and community life. Also, they must submit an essay reflecting on their USC journey and be willing to accept the award. The student named valedictorian must have the ability to deliver a short commencement speech at graduation. Student candidates can apply and receive interviews, then will be selected from the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection Committee.

USC 2024 valedictorian, Asna Tabassum is a fourth-year student from Chino Hills, California. She will be graduating with a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide which includes her studies on how technology, immigration and literacy play a role in the type of medical care people will receive.

After receiving the phone call from USC Provost Andrew T. Guzman, Tabassum felt thankful for being awarded valedictorian. “I think I had come to peace with the fact that whether I got it or whether I didn’t get it, I was really proud of how I had grown. So just ultimately, I was grateful.”

During her four years at USC, Tabassum did a lot of work for the community, first joining LACI (L.A. Community Impact) which works with nonprofit organizations around Los Angeles. Then she co-founded the club Blueprints for Pangaea with other fellow USC students. Its goal is to reallocate medical supplies from the Keck School of Medicine to areas in need around the world.

“Over the course of the next three years, I was in the club as president, I was able to send medical supplies to Ukraine, right after the war broke out, Turkey and Syria right after the earthquake, various different places around the world, which is really cool. Definitely the experience that I got the most out of and the I grew the most,” said Tabassum on the work she had achieved in the club.

She is also a student ambassador for Viterbi School of Engineering and part of the USC mobile clinic, which goes to homeless shelters in Skid Row conducting hypertension screenings.

Tabassum wanted to tell her parents about the honor with a cake that said “Val part two” on it. She was also valedictorian in high school but couldn’t celebrate it due to Covid-19.

“Of course, they were really happy and my mom started crying and my dad was like, I don’t get it, what’s on the cake?” said Tabassum.

Asna Tabassum and James McColl at Scholar Ceremony on April 2. (Photo courtesy of James McColl)

One of the salutatorians for the Class of 2024 was James McColl. McColl is a senior from Chicago with a computer science major and entrepreneurship minor. He was proud of himself and the experiences he underwent in order to get to this point.

“The title itself is great. But it’s really just the experiences that have led to this point, I would say, have meant the world,” said McColl.

McColl founded a club called USC Theater Showcase Group (TSG) during the first semester of his sophomore year. The club would meet up once a week to rehearse a group musical theater song in preparation for the end of their semester performance. The ticket money from that performance goes towards the Harmony Project, whose mission was to fund and provide arts programs for underfunded schools in the L.A. area. They raised about $5,000.

“It’s been great to see just the community that’s come out of that. People are super passionate about just performing and what we do, which is awesome,” said McColl.

McColl credits his collegiate accomplishments and opportunities to USC. “To become salutatorian, I think it takes a lot of hard work. It takes even being passionate about helping the USC community but it also just takes really loving the school and being excited about taking advantage of as many USC opportunities as you can.”

The second salutatorian for the class of 2024 was Lisa Tchitchkan. Tchitchkan, who’s originally from Belarus, was a human biology and psychology major but changed to a double major in neuroscience and Spanish because it was the perfect mix of everything she was looking for.

Salutatorian, Lisa Tchitchkan. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Tchitchkan)

“The reason why I really love those two [majors] is because I really like understanding how people essentially think – and not just how they think on an interpersonal basis, but also just the molecular reasons behind how people are perceiving what they’re perceiving, why people are the way they are, and I think science really allows you to explore that a little bit more,” Tchitchkan said.

Tchitchkan has two primary clubs that she has been involved with since she started at USC. Since her freshman year, Tchitchkan has been a part of USC InterAxon , a K through 12 outreach organization for local underserved schools.

“It’s really fun to essentially teach kids about not only its existence but also teach them that it’s possible to pursue neuroscience at a higher level. That it’s possible to get to graduate school, and go to medical school and [we] encourage these kids to follow whatever interests they like,” Tchitchkan said.

She also helped in the creation of the Trojan Health Interpretation Services (THIS). The club trains bilingual students in Spanish and English to become volunteer medical interpreters and help bridge the gap between English-speaking physicians and Spanish-speaking patients.

Tchitchkan reflected on her journey from where she first started at USC until now as a salutatorian.

“I think being a salutatorian now, and comparing that to where I was my freshman year when I was first admitted to USC, serves as an example that even though things might be tough when you first come to USC, it is possible to kind of still do well here because there’s so much support that USC gives you,” she said.

Tchitchkan’s two biggest supporters who she credits for her success are her parents. She has a strong relationship with her parents and said she feels thankful that they have been supportive of her throughout her life.

“They’ve supported me throughout this entire journey: encouraging me, especially during that freshman fall when I didn’t feel like I belonged here. They told me to believe in myself and essentially, make it through college and get to where I am now, which I’m very, very fortunate to be at,” Tchitchkan said.

The valedictorian and salutatorians will be recognized for their academic achievements, consideration, service and leadership during this year’s graduation alongside a speech by the valedictorian.

CORRECTION: The story has been updated to clarify that the valedictorian and salutatorian honors are not determined by the highest GPA but by a multitude of factors including involvement and a formal interview process. The story was also updated to reflect that James McColl founded the club Theatre Showcase Group, and the story has been updated to clarify where Lisa Tchitchkan is from originally.

Important Updates

Commencement Update, April 25, 2024

To ensure we host commencement activities and celebrate our graduates safely, we will be implementing additional security measures. These include ticketing of all commencement events taking place on May 8-11 and directing all campus access through specific points of entry….Continue Reading Commencement Update, April 25, 2024

Read more…

Commencement Update, April 19, 2024

To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program. Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony….Continue Reading Commencement Update, April 19, 2024

L.A. Times Book Prize winners named in a ceremony filled with support for USC valedictorian Asna Tabassum

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The spotlight shined on great literature Friday night at the 44th Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony at USC’s Bovard Auditorium, where winners took the stage to celebrate their honors and, in some cases, call attention to the free speech controversy unfolding on campus.

A political undercurrent ran through the night’s speeches following the university’s cancellation of a commencement speech by pro-Palestinian valedictorian Asna Tabassum. Emily Carroll, who won the Book Prizes’ graphic novel/comic category, ended their speech by calling on USC to restore Tabassum’s appearance, “so that she may inspire her community of peers with, as she’s put it, her ‘message of hope.’ Also, I would like to express my own solidarity with Asna and also my solidarity with Palestine.”

Applause drowned out Carroll’s words at times. Later, Tananarive Due, who won for science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction for her novel “The Reformatory,” used her speech to add: “As we face the horrors in our cities, in Gaza and elsewhere, and witness true-life racism, homophobia, Islamophobia and antisemitism, let us honor the courage of young people.” They, Due said, have been the drivers of change throughout history.

Upon accepting the award for the current interest category, Roxanna Asgarian added her support for Tabassum . “She earned her right to speak,” Asgarian said. “Let her speak.” Amber McBride, who won for young adult literature concluded her speech by saying, “Free Palestine.”

The focus for the rest of the evening were the books themselves — 60 finalists in 12 competitive categories plus three special honors. Jane Smiley accepted the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, which pays tribute to a writer with a substantial connection to the American West. The L.A.-born author, who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1992 for her novel “A Thousand Acres,” gave a brief, heartfelt speech, noting, “I love to write novels, I love to go for walks and look around. And I think the greatest pleasure of the novelist’s life is curiosity.”

Claire Dederer received the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose for “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma.”

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“‘Monsters,’ a book-length expansion of an essay on the problematic relationship between masculinity and fame, considers how we come to love art made by less than perfect humans,” read the selection committee’s praise. “Dederer engages the essayist form at its best and the result is both critical, literary and provocative.”

“These are really, really dark days,” said Dederer, accepting the award. “And I’m so grateful for this bright moment.”

The final special honor went to Access Books, which received the Innovator’s Award for its work renovating school libraries to enhance access to books and literary resources for underserved students and communities.

This year’s Book Prizes featured a new category: achievement in audiobook production. That award, which honors performance, production and innovation in storytelling — given in collaboration with Audible — went to Dion Graham and Elishia Merricks for “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir.” The judges noted Graham’s “transcendent” narration of musician Sly Stone’s “percussive and almost musical writing” in his memoir.

Ed Park’s novel “Same Bed Different Dreams” took the fiction prize. The selection committee singled it out for being “as playful as it is moving, as serious as it is otherworldly and as funny as it is intellectually stimulating.”

The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction went to Shannon Sanders’ debut, “Company: Stories,” which features 13 stories that follow the lives of a multi-generational Black family from the 1960s to the 2000s in cities including Atlantic City, N.J., New York and Washington, D.C. “The prose is magnificent, mature and breathtakingly precise, and the collection resounds with a sensitivity and wisdom rarely seen in a debut,” noted the judges.

Gregg Hecimovich won for biography with “The Life and Times of Hannah Crafts: The True Story of The Bondwoman’s Narrative,” about a slave who escaped from a Southern plantation and spent the rest of her life evading capture. The book was chosen out of more than 100 entries, with the selection committee writing, “Through Hecimovich’s painstaking historical detective work and keen literary analysis, the reader is rewarded with a captivating and vivid portrait of a life once stolen by enslavers and long robbed of recognition. This is at once a startling and original work.”

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Carroll won for “A Guest in the House,” an adult horror story about a woman who marries a dentist and discovers there is a mystery to be solved when it comes to the death of his former wife. “A fleshy, sensuous journey that pushes the limits of the medium in ways that only Carroll can. A skin-crawling gem, not to be missed,” wrote the selection committee.

Joya Chatterji took home the prize for history with “Shadows at Noon: The South Asian Twentieth Century,” which limns the region’s trajectory from British colony to three complex, independent nations.

The mystery/thriller award went to Ivy Pochoda for “Sing Her Down.” The unique nail-biter takes place in the shadows of L.A.’s homeless camps, run-down motels and dark alleys, following women who have turned — for various reasons — to a life of crime. The judges, including Alex Segura, Wanda Morris and mystery fiction critic Oline Cogdill, wrote, “Pochoda brilliantly explores her characters and this setting, while sifting through myriad literary tropes, including allusions to Macbeth, mythology, even a bit of a Greek chorus.”

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Airea D. Matthews’ “Bread and Circus” was honored in the poetry category. Matthews is an associate professor of creative writing and the co-director of the creative writing program at Bryn Mawr College. She was named the 2022-23 poet laureate of Philadelphia.

The prize for science fiction, fantasy and speculative fictior went to Due for “The Reformatory.” The novel is part horror, part historical fiction in its examination of life under Jim Crow law in the South.

Eugenia Cheng’s “Is Math Real? How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths” nabbed the prize for science & technology, with the judges writing, “Beginning with a dedication to readers who think math isn’t for them, Cheng shows us that not only is math for all of us, but so is the act of searching for meaning in shapes, patterns and symbols that simultaneously seem like they have nothing to do with us and also everything to do with who we are as a species.”

Cheng uttered perhaps the most helpful line to all the writers in the room Friday night, noting to applause, “If you have ever been made to feel bad at math, you didn’t fail math, math failed you.”

The story of a 12-year-old blue-skinned girl called Inmate Eleven who is being groomed to be a partner to a white-skinned teen clone, and future president of Bible Boot, is the plot of McBride’s “Gone Wolf,” which won for young adult literature. “McBride mixes American history with speculative fiction to dissect melancholia and political anxiety for young people who are living through uncertain times — in the future and today,” wrote the judges.

The ceremony, which opened with remarks by Times Executive Editor Terry Tang and was emceed by Times columnist LZ Granderson, serves as a kickoff to the Festival of Books running Saturday and Sunday across USC. The full list of finalists and winners is below.

Achievement in Audiobook Production

Maria Bamford and Mike Noble, “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere”

Sophia Bush, Helena De Groot and Kerri Kolen, “Wild and Precious: A Celebration of Mary Oliver”

Dion Graham, narrator, and Elishia Merricks, producer, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir”

Helen Laser and Suzanne Franco Mitchell, “Yellowface”

Adam Lazarre-White and Elishia Merricks, “All the Sinners Bleed”

The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction

Stephen Buoro, “The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa: A Novel”

Sheena Patel, “I’m a Fan: A Novel”

Shannon Sanders, “Company: Stories”

James Frankie Thomas, “Idlewild: A Novel”

Ghassan Zeineddine, “Dearborn”

Leah Redmond Chang, “Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power”

Gregg Hecimovich, “The Life and Times of Hannah Crafts: The True Story of The Bondwoman’s Narrative”

Jonny Steinberg, “Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage”

Elizabeth R. Varon, “Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South”

David Waldstreicher, “The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poet’s Journeys Through American Slavery and Independence”

The Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose

Claire Dederer, “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma”

Current Interest

Bettina L. Love, “Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal”

Roxanna Asgarian, “We Were Once A Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America”

Zusha Elinson, “American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15”

Cameron McWhirter, “American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15”

Christina Sharpe, “Ordinary Notes”

Raja Shehadeh, “We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir”

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Susie Boyt, “Loved and Missed”

Yiyun Li, “Wednesday’s Child: Stories”

Elizabeth McKenzie, “The Dog of the North: A Novel”

Ed Park, “Same Bed Different Dreams: A Novel”

Justin Torres, “Blackouts: A Novel”

Graphic Novel/Comics

Derek M. Ballard, “Cartoonshow”

Matías Bergara, “CODA”

Emily Carroll, “A Guest in the House”

Sammy Harkham, “Blood of the Virgin”

Chantal Montellier, “Social Fiction”

Simon Spurrier, “CODA”

Ned Blackhawk, “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History”

Joya Chatterji, “Shadows at Noon: The South Asian Twentieth Century”

Malcolm Harris, “Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World”

Blair L.M. Kelley, “Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class”

Nikki M. Taylor, “Brooding Over Bloody Revenge: Enslaved Women’s Lethal Resistance”

Innovator’s Award

Access Books

Mystery/Thriller

Lou Berney, “Dark Ride: A Thriller”

S. A. Cosby, “All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel”

Jordan Harper, “Everybody Knows: A Novel”

Cheryl A. Head, “Time’s Undoing: A Novel”

Ivy Pochoda, “Sing Her Down: A Novel”

K. Iver, “Short Film Starring My Beloved’s Red Bronco”

Airea D. Matthews, “Bread and Circus: Poems”

Maggie Millner, “Couplets: A Love Story”

Jenny Molberg, “The Court of No Record: Poems”

Simon Shieh, “Master: Poems”

Robert Kirsch Award

Jane Smiley

Science & Technology

Eugenia Cheng, “Is Math Real? How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths”

Jeff Goodell, “The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet”

Jaime Green, “The Possibility of Life: Science, Imagination, and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos”

Caspar Henderson, “A Book of Noises: Notes on the Auraculous”

Zach Weinersmith, “A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?”

Kelly Weinersmith, “A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?”

Science Fiction, Fantasy & Speculative Fiction

Tananarive Due, “The Reformatory: A Novel”

Daniel Kraus, “Whalefall”

Victor LaValle, “Lone Women: A Novel”

V. E. Schwab, “The Fragile Threads of Power”

E. Lily Yu, “Jewel Box: Stories”

Young Adult Literature

Jennifer Baker, “Forgive Me Not”

Olivia A. Cole, “Dear Medusa”

Kim Johnson, “Invisible Son”

Amber McBride, “Gone Wolf”

Sarah Myer, “Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story”

More to Read

Photos: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

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Jessica Gelt is an arts and culture writer for the Los Angeles Times.

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Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival

Ken Cazan , the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, will lead Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Music Academy of the West’s 2024 Summer Festival . Conducted by Daniela Candillari, the opera production will show on July 10 and feature choreography from flamenco star Manuel Gutierrez.

The Summer Music Festival takes place from June 12–August 3 in Santa Barbara, CA. Individual tickets go on sale May 1.

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USC Football: Lincoln Riley Defends Caleb Williams Character Prior to NFL Draft

Riley is backing his former QB.

• Author: Eva Geitheim

In this story:

Assuming the Chicago Bears do take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, they'll not just be getting the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft, but a great teammate according to his college football coach, Lincoln Riley.

There have been rumors and talk questioning Williams as a person through the pre-draft process. Ahead of the NFL Draft getting started on Thursday, Riley praised Williams as a teammate.

"i've seen as member of high school team and two different teams in college and he was very present with his team, the small things, the big things," Riley said on the Rich Eisen Show . "Here's a guy who would take NIL opportunities that a lot of people would love for themselves and he would do things for the linemen, for the entire team. He was extremely team conscious."

Eisen added that Williams stayed out on the field during his Pro Day to draw attention to his teammates. Eisen noted that Williams also shook the hand of everyone working the event that day.

Riley has previously spoken up in support of Williams earlier this offseason, shutting down the rumors that suggested Williams was unwilling to play for the Bears . Both Riley and many Williams' teammates have spoken positively and praised Williams through the pre-draft process.

While Williams has proven to be unconventional from many other NFL quarterbacks, painting his nails, opting out of medical testing at the NFL combine, and being open about his mental health and emotions, he appears to only have the support and belief from those close to him.

This is expected to be great for the Bears, who have been looking for a true franchise passer to carry the team since Sid Luckman. With both Williams's reputation as a player and a teammate, Chicago should have nothing but a bright future come Thursday evening.

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