Applying to USC's School of Cinematic Arts - Writing Sample Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Hey everyone. So I’m applying to USC’s school of Cinematic Arts, and one of the requirements involves a writing sample. There’s three different options that I’m given for this assignment. The three are

-A description of a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually.

-A dialogue scene between two people. Provide a one-paragraph introduction describing the two characters in screenplay format. (no more than three pages)

-Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, fiction or documentary, which you would like to develop. (no more than two pages)

To make my life easier, I decided to go with the second option. Within the last few months I’ve been writing a screenplay that involves two KKK members having a really racist conversation. Really racist slurs are used that could offend many. I do not support racism one bit. I’ve been a victim of it and because of my experience, I do not condone it. It’s simply a work of fiction. My question regards that writing sample. Will I, in any sort of way be looked down upon for a really racist screenplay, and will my chances of acceptance significantly be dropped down? Thanks!

2

Hey! Since you’ve been working on it for a while I wouldn’t completely scrap it but is there a way you can tell it without using racist slurs? Try and work around it

3

It’s great if a screenplay is brave and controversial, but it should never be disrespectful or offensive, especially if you’re writing it in college and even more so if it’s for your application. SCA gets to know you through your supplement, so be really careful about what you want to get across, because they might not see the whole picture and misinterpret your point. The supplement is generally all SCA sees, remember that!