🇺🇸United States

University of Southern California

US News #27📍 Los Angeles, California

About

The University of Southern California (USC) is located in downtown Los Angeles, and is the oldest private research university on the U.S. West Coast. Its School of Cinematic Arts ranks #1 globally, and has cultivated numerous Hollywood directors and producers. The Viterbi School of Engineering enjoys a world-class reputation. The powerful alumni network known as the Trojan Family is a major advantage for its graduates.

⭐ Highlights

#1 ranked School of Cinematic Arts worldwide
World-renowned Viterbi School of Engineering
Powerful Trojan Family alumni network
Located in downtown Los Angeles
Top NCAA Pac-12 athletics program

📚 Top Programs

Film and TelevisionComputer ScienceBusiness (Marshall School of Business)EngineeringCommunicationEconomicsLawMusic

💰 Fees

TuitionApproximately $60,000 per year

Living CostsApproximately $20,000 per year

Application DeadlineEarly Action (EA): November 1, Regular Decision (RD): January 15 (varies for some schools)

💼 Career Outcomes

Graduates have strong employment competitiveness, with most joining Fortune Global 500 companies, well-known financial institutions and top technology firms. The university has a comprehensive career development center that provides abundant internship and on-campus recruitment opportunities.

📋 Admission Information

🎓Undergraduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 100+ (iBT/TOEFL iBT Band 5+), IELTS 7.5+
Standardized Tests	SAT 1450-1540 or ACT 32-35 (currently under Test-Optional policy)
GPA	Unweighted GPA 3.8+/4.0

📄 Required Materials

Common App

Submit via the Common Application

USC Supplemental Essays

2 short essays covering the themes of "academic interests" and "personal experiences"

Main Essay

650-word personal statement

Extracurricular Activities

Up to 10 activities

Letters of Recommendation

2 academic letters of recommendation

Transcripts

9th-12th grade transcripts

Film Portfolio

A portfolio is required for applications to the School of Cinematic Arts

💡 USC has an acceptance rate of approximately 12%. The acceptance rate for the School of Cinematic Arts is only around 3%. The undergraduate BSAI program at the Marshall School of Business is highly competitive.

🎯Graduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 100+ (iBT Band 5+), IELTS 7.5+; some graduate programs require a minimum section score of 24+; requirements are higher for communication programs at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Standardized Tests	A GRE score of 320+ is recommended; the Marshall School of Business MBA program requires a GMAT score of 720+
GPA	Undergraduate GPA 3.5+/4.0

📄 Required Materials

Online application

Submit through the corresponding school or college

Statement of Purpose

Requirements vary by program

CV/Resume

Comprehensive professional and academic history

Recommendation letters

2-3 letters

Academic transcripts

Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

Standardized test scores

Submit according to program requirements

💡 Graduate programs at the Viterbi School of Engineering have a high proportion of international students. The acceptance rate for the MFA in Film Production program at the School of Cinematic Arts is approximately 4%.

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