{"id":12486,"date":"2023-05-16T19:55:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T19:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admission.usc.edu\/?page_id=12486"},"modified":"2026-02-10T22:15:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T22:15:24","slug":"how-to-apply","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/admission.usc.edu\/prospective-students\/how-to-apply\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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USC offers exceptional students a world-class education, with top-ranked programs in virtually every discipline \u2014 from cinema to the sciences. Here, students begin a journey of intellectual challenges, personal and professional achievement, and lifelong friendships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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What We Look For<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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We look for students we believe will thrive in our world-class academic environment. Our review process is holistic, taking into consideration more than just grades and test scores. We also look at your personal qualities, your academic and leadership potential, and your ability to become a partner in learning and research. The Common App for each admission cycle opens August 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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First-Year Students<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance \u2014 and the potential to do more. Generally, they have taken the most rigorous academic schedule available to them. First-year students can apply Early Action, Early Decision or Regular Decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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Transfer Students<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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USC accepts sophomore and junior transfer students from across California, the U.S., and around the world. Successful transfer students have demonstrated their potential to succeed in our dynamic academic programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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International Students<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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USC enrolls international students from around the globe and hosts one of the most vibrant student populations in the U.S. You are considered an international student if you will enter or have already entered the United States with a student visa to live and study in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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Immigration and DACA <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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Admission and enrollment policies are\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>not<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0based on<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>your immigration or DACA status. Some DACA students may be eligible for financial aid u<\/span><\/span><\/span>nder the California Dream Act.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":11633,"parent":10923,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12486","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Apply - Undergraduate Admission<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Embark on a journey of personal growth\u2013 apply to USC! 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