USC Enrollment Requirements

Hello everyone. I really want to get into USC and I want to be prepared. Apart from good grades and test scores, what other factors does USC look for in prospective students? Is there anything specific that I should be aware of?

USC places a lot of emphasis on the overall fit of a student with the university's values. Here are a few aspects they profoundly care about along with strong academic performance and test scores, which you've already mentioned:

1. Extracurricular Involvement: USC likes students who are involved in their local communities. This could be through school clubs, volunteering, sports, or jobs. They are interested in students who show initiative, leadership, and commitment through their extracurricular activities. Such involvement can also add depth to their essays and paint a more comprehensive picture of the applicant's passions and interests.

2. Major Interest: USC wants to see an authentic interest in the major you have chosen. This could be in the form of relevant coursework, involvement in related clubs or organizations, internships, etc. A high level of specificity in expressing why you are interested in your chosen major might make your application stand out.

3. Personality: USC also cares about whether you would be a good fit for their community. Attributes like resilience, passion, empathy, intellectual curiosity, and creativity are all appealing.

4. Essay: USC has several supplemental essays that vary each year. Often, these questions are intended to gauge your interest in USC specifically, so it's crucial to be familiar with USC's offerings and to articulate how those offerings align with your academic and professional goals.

In addition, for students applying to specialized programs, there may be additional application components like portfolios for Arts applicants or interviews for applicants to the World Bachelor in Business, to name a couple of examples.

Ensure to approach all these aspects thoughtfully, blending your ambition, interests, experiences, and individuality for the best application result. Unique personal stories are always appreciated in the application process, so try thinking about what makes you unique and how you can best express that in your essays and extracurriculars. Good luck with your preparation!