University of Southern California

Application and Registration

Applications are accepted in the fall for the following spring semester. The application can be downloaded from this page or a paper copy is available in RGL 108.

» Application Materials
» Application Deadlines
» Application
» Application Submission
» Applicant Interview
» Registration

Application Materials
The following items are required to be considered for the Washington Semester program:

  • cover sheet (included in the application packet)
  • current resume
  • essay — Students should address what they hope to gain from a Washington Semester experience
  • two sealed letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source)
  • unofficial transcript from USC – In general, successful applicants have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
  • a writing sample (i.e., 5-7 page analytical paper submitted for a class)
  • internship choices—Once students are admitted to the Washington Semester program they will be given access to a password protected internship database consisting of 300+ internships. Students will receive resume assistance and advice from the GWU Washington Semester staff and will be encouraged to contact agencies on their own.
  • professional interview with the DC semester coordinator

Application Deadlines
October 15, 2010 for Spring 2011 Admission

Application
The following downloadable file is in Adobe PDF Format.
Application

Application Submission
Applications should be submitted to:

Christine Wilson, Washington Semester Coordinator
USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 108
Los Angeles, California 90089-0626
(213) 740-4127
wilsonca@usc.edu

Applicant Interview
A 20-minute interview is part of the application process and will take place in the days immediately following the application deadline. Interview sign-ups take place when the application is submitted.

Registration
Students participating in the program register at USC, as well as at The George Washington University (GWU). Students will be given directions on how to register once admitted into the program.