Hello, I've been working away on my application for the University of Southern California, and I've hit a bit of confusion over their recommendation letters. Do they have specific guidelines? How many letters do they require? Do they need to be from specific people (teachers, coaches, etc.)? I would greatly appreciate any assistance with this.
The University of Southern California (USC) has a pretty straightforward process when it comes to recommendation letters. For freshmen applicants, USC only requires one letter of recommendation. However, you can submit up to three letters. The first letter should come from a teacher or academic counselor who can discuss your academic performance and potential in-depth. Additional letters can be from individuals—such as coaches, employers, or club advisors—who can provide insight into your aptitude, qualities, and experiences.To submit these letters, you have a few different options. If you're applying via the Common Application, your recommenders can submit their letters directly using the system provided. Also, if your high school uses Naviance, you can have the recommendations sent through there. Alternatively, recommenders can mail their letters directly to USC. Make sure they include your full name as it appears on your application, your birthdate, and your USC ID if you have one.
Finally, remember to give your recommenders ample time before the deadline to prepare and submit your letters. This will give them the chance to write a comprehensive and thoughtful letter to help bolster your application. While the guidelines might seem open-ended, it's crucial to choose recommenders who can provide a detailed, personal, and positive view of you as a student and individual.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.