University
Los Angeles, California, United States
Source: University of Southern California Common Data Set 2025-2026 · Retrieved 2026-08-31
Open the official institutional sourceDocument ID: sha256:899c1316d80eb5709d0212b37ba8500671f987c906499d60a3c9a52b83504a36 · Import: cds-2026-08-v10
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
Visual and Performing Arts
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physical Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology, General
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Engineering
Biotechnology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Chemical Engineering
Engineering
Chemistry
Physical Sciences
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Architecture and Related Services
Civil Engineering
Engineering
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Cognitive Science
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Communication and Media Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Engineering
Engineering
Computer Science
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Software and Media Applications
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Dance
Visual and Performing Arts
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Health Professions and Related Programs
Design and Applied Arts
Visual and Performing Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Visual and Performing Arts
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Economics
Social Sciences
Education, General
Education
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields
Engineering, General
Engineering
English Language and Literature, General
English Language and Literature/Letters
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Engineering
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Visual and Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts
Visual and Performing Arts
Geography and Cartography
Social Sciences
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Physical Sciences
Gerontology
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Health Professions and Related Programs
History
History
Human Biology
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Industrial Engineering
Engineering
International Business
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
International Relations and National Security Studies
Social Sciences
International/Globalization Studies
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Journalism
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Music
Visual and Performing Arts
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Natural Resources and Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Philosophy
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Physical Sciences, General
Physical Sciences
Physics
Physical Sciences
Political Science and Government
Social Sciences
Psychology, General
Psychology
Public Health
Health Professions and Related Programs
Public Policy Analysis
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Real Estate
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Real Estate Development
Architecture and Related Services
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Health Professions and Related Programs
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Health Professions and Related Programs
Religion/Religious Studies
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Security Science and Technology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Social Sciences, General
Social Sciences
Sociology
Social Sciences
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts, General
Visual and Performing Arts
Early action · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — November 1 is the Early Action deadline for first-year applicants applying to most majors at USC. Early Action applicants are notified of their admission or the option to defer to Regular Decision in mid- to late January 2026. Fall 2026 entry.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/early-action-and-early-decision-uscEarly decision · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — USC offers Early Decision as an option for students interested in applying to degrees within the Marshall School of Business, with a November 1 deadline. Early Decision applicants are notified of their admission or a deferral to Regular Decision in mid-December 2025. Fall 2026 entry.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/early-action-and-early-decision-uscFinancial aid · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — FAFSA and CSS Profile due for Early Decision applicants seeking a need-based aid summary. USC CSS School Code 4852; Federal School Code 001328. Additional financial_aid date(s) for this cycle: 2025-12-12 (FAFSA and CSS Profile due for Early Action applicants to have a need-based aid summary available quickly if admitted.); 2026-02-04 (FAFSA and CSS Profile due for Regular Decision applicants.).
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/Other · 2025–2026
2025-12-01 — December 1 Regular Decision deadline for portfolio- and performance-based programs (Architecture, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Art & Design, Music) and the World Bachelor in Business; these programs do not participate in Early Action.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/early-action-and-early-decision-uscRegular decision · 2025–2026
2026-01-10 — January 10 is the Regular Decision deadline for Fall 2026 first-year applicants applying to most majors. Regular Decision applicants are notified of their admission decision by April 1.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/january-10-regular-decision-applicationRequired · All first-year applicants
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically.
Limit: 250 words — Main USC writing supplement essay in the Common Application; applicants may address their first- and second-choice major selections. Stated as "(Max 250 words)."
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Describe yourself in 3 words.
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question; one-word or brief answers expected. No official character/word limit published.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
What is your favorite snack?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Best movie of all time?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Dream job?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
What TV show will you binge watch next?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Favorite book?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRequired · All first-year applicants
Dream trip?
No length limit reported — USC "Quick Takes" short-answer question.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsUSC first-year application materials require USC-specific short-answer responses; exact current-cycle questions are provided in the live application.
Application fee · Required
Value: 85
The undergraduate application fee is $85, payable online via the Common Application when the application is submitted.
https://ask.usc.edu/app/answers/detail/a_id/717/~/how-much-is-uscs-undergraduate-application-fee%3FFee waiver · Optional
"If paying the application fee would cause you a financial hardship, you may request a fee waiver through the 'Profile' section of the Common Application."
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Recommendation letters · Required
Value: 1
"One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school. Some programs may require additional letters."
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Personal essay · Required
Common Application personal essay submitted as part of the application.
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/what-we-look-for/Supplemental essays · Required
USC-specific writing supplement in the Common Application, including the 250-word "Why USC" essay and the short-answer "Quick Takes" questions.
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsPortfolio · Required
Required only for certain intended majors: "Provide a portfolio, a resume and/or additional writing samples, if required by your intended major."
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Audition · Required
Required only for certain performance majors: "Performance majors may also require auditions."
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Secondary school report · Required
"First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed." Self-reported grades on the Common App are used until an official transcript is added.
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/English proficiency · Optional
"International students interested in providing additional evidence of English-language ability should visit our Additional Requirements page for more information."
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/CSS Profile · Required
CSS Profile required for domestic students seeking need-based aid; submit at cssprofile.collegeboard.org using USC CSS School Code 4852. Deadlines: Early Decision November 1, 2025; Early Action December 12, 2025; Regular Decision February 4, 2026.
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/FAFSA · Required
FAFSA required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents seeking need-based aid; complete at fafsa.gov using USC Federal School Code 001328. Deadlines: Early Decision November 1, 2025; Early Action December 12, 2025; Regular Decision February 4, 2026.
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/Retrieved 2026-08-20 — Common App member-reported first-year deadlines; grid updated 2026-08-14.
Official source · supports application_platforms
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports testing_policy
https://admission.usc.edu/test-optional-faq/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/early-action-and-early-decision-uscRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/january-10-regular-decision-applicationRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://ask.usc.edu/app/answers/detail/a_id/717/~/how-much-is-uscs-undergraduate-application-fee%3FRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/first-year-students/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://admission.usc.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/what-we-look-for/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports essay_prompts
https://www.admissionblog.usc.edu/p/answering-the-usc-writing-questionsRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports description
https://www.usc.edu/we-are-usc/the-university/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports admissions_url
https://admission.usc.edu/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports financial_aid_url
https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?123961Retrieved 2026-06-10
