Overview
Each year more than 30,000 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. They come from all 50 states and more than 70 countries around the world; from public and private and parochial schools; from small towns and big cities. They are interested in everything from Biology to Business, Engineering to English, Cinema-Television to Computer Science. We take seriously the process of reviewing each and every application. We read all the materials submitted. Our decisions are not based on formulas. We have no minimums and no cutoffs. As you prepare your application to USC, you can ensure the process goes smoothly by:
- Sending all materials in one packet
- Keeping copies of all your documents for your own records, and
- Placing one of your personal identification bar code labels on each document you send us.
Freshmen
If you are a current high school student or anyone who has not attended any college since finishing high school you should apply as a freshman.
Transfer Students
If you are currently a student at any college or someone who has attended college since leaving high school you should apply as a transfer student.
International Students
If you are a student of foreign nationality who will be entering, or has already entered, the United States with a student visa, you should apply as an international student (either freshman or transfer). Students already residing in the United States and holding other non-immigrant visas (E2, H2, or L2, for example) are also considered international students.
The University of Southern California admits students of any race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or mental disability.
