<p>When applying to colleges that require both an application to the school, and a department specific supplement, do the departments get all of what is on the Common App?
In particular my DS is looking at USC, NYU, LMU, Chapman and Emerson. I'm wondering because his common app essay topic would be very good for the supplements. If they are already getting it, he can write about something else. If they are not, he might want to use the same theme or expand on the common app one for the supplements. I know he will need to call to get the answers from the specific schools... but everyone here knows so much, I thought maybe you all would know about this too!</p>
<p>Maddenmd,</p>
<p>Yes, the entire application is sent from the main admissions office to the individual schools for evaluation. Your son’s application to USC will go to the main admit office first, it will be sorted for deal breakers (low stats, incomplete application, etc.), and then the whole package is forwarded to the School of Cinematic Arts. SCA will do the really tough sorting and then they send back their list of students that they would like USC Admissions to accept. </p>
<p>In USC’s case, the Admissions Office has the last word on who gets in. SCA can plead for a stats-borderline student but at the end of the day Admissions makes the call. Admissions still makes the call for SCA approved applications with stats clearly within USC’s range, but it’s more of a rubber stamp. If your stats are at or above USC norms and SCA wants you then 99.9% of the time, you are in.</p>
<p>SCA will obviously be more interested in the creative parts of the application but they will also read every essay and been keenly aware of the stats.</p>
<p>So to directly answer your question: yep, the entire app is sent around as a complete package. This is the case with all of the schools that you mentioned except I’m not 100% sure on NYU’s process. </p>
<ul>
<li>Wheaty</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks Wheaty! Really appreciate all the info.</p>
<p>A little more info on deciphering USC’s SCA’s admissions process:</p>
<p>When an applicant’s full application is complete (all scores received, etc) the applicant’s SCA supplemental material (all submitted online as of 2011 cycle) is made available to the SCA admissions rep. That electronic file is now open for consideration. There may be a quick review by that administrator for some cut-off GPA/scores, but these would have to be very low to be removed from the next step in the process. The file is assigned to be reviewed by a professor or faculty member in the major (production, critical studies, etc) and for this primary review, selections are based purely on criteria such as:</p>
<p>success of writing samples in conveying personal convictions, specific passions
creative potential
initiative & leadership
artistic vision
preferred genre/goals
point of view
diversity of background
awards & recognitions
recommendations of those who have worked on creative projects w/student
depth of background in creative fields
training or self-produced projects</p>
<p>I was told by one of the SCA professors on the selection committee that he (they) do not pay any attention to GPA/scores, essays etc from the main application. </p>
<p>Each reviewing faculty member recommends students for admission–perhaps noting their favorites-- and then SCA must whittle down the numbers. At this point, the admissions administrator in SCA will see what the count is and start a process of composing a class with a diversity of points of view and backgrounds. Those with lowest stats among these finalists will be noted and perhaps left off the list. </p>
<p>At this point, the SCA sends its desired list back to the main USC admissions office and in cases where there may be a candidate with low scores/stats, discussions will occur. As noted, SCA may choose to fight for some students with low stats and may or may not win. </p>
<p>Bottom line, a student must be able to do all the work at the university and thrive or they will not be admitted. However, SCA’s process gives a lot of weight to the individual talents and creative potential in the students they admit.</p>
<p>Thanks Madbean… very helpful!</p>