University of Southern California

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

for 2024-2025

Want to talk about your

University of Southern California

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

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How do you apply to

University of Southern California

?

You apply to
University of Southern California
through their application portal through the Common App
or Apply Texas
or the UC App
or Questbridge
.
Apply Texas
Apply Texas
Apply Texas B
Apply Texas C
Common App
Common App
UC App
UC App
Questbridge
Questbridge

When are

University of Southern California

applications due?

Early Action:
November 1, 2024
Early Action II:
Early Decision:
Early Decision II:
Restrictive Early Action:
Regular Decision:
January 15, 2025

How many essays are required to apply to

University of Southern California

?

There's also
0
optional essay(s).
There are no optional essays.

Want to talk about your

University of Southern California

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

Talk with us

University of Southern California

Supplemental Essay Prompts

USC: Why Major?

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)Note: Transfer applicants must complete this essay with a limit of 2500 characters.

Word count:
250 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

USC: Short Answers

Answer the following:Describe yourself in three words. First Word: (25 characters)Second Word: (25 characters)Third Word: (25 characters)What is your favorite snack? (100 characters)Best movie of all time: (100 characters)Dream job: (100 characters)If your life had a theme song, what would it be? (100 characters)Dream trip: (100 characters)What TV show will you binge watch next? (100 characters)Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? (100 characters)Favorite book. (100 characters)If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? (100 characters)

Word count:
No max length
or less.
Requirement:
required

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Tips for Writing Supplemental Essays

How to write the best supplemental essays.

Tip #1

Develop Your Personal Brand

Brainstorm all your experiences in high school that you believe will show that you will be successful in college and beyond. The strongest ones will be the foundation of your personal brand.

Tip #2

Highlight Your Strengths

Your essays should highlight one of the 5 traits: drive, intellectual curiosity, initiative, contribution, diversity of experiences

Tip #3

Add to Your Personal Score

Every essay counts to build the overall narrative. Increasing your personal score increases your chances by 10x.

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essay guidance?

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