<p>Just out of curiosity, does anyone know why USC doesn't offer an EA/ED/REA option? it seems that many other schools of similar ranking/fame do, with the exceptions of the UCLA who has a very limited application period anyways.</p>
<p>I do not think any of us knows why this decision has been made. Last year the common application was used by SC for the first time. My guess is there will not be drastic changes for some time. Keep in mind SC had more applications than any other private university for the class that entered in fall of 2012.</p>
<p>Perhaps some universities offer EA to give motivated students an earlier deadline that, in essence, allows the admissions committee to get started on processing files in December. That head start is crucial with the number of apps they get in overall each year and the tendency many/most students have to wait to the last minute to apply. Using that logic, USC has a method that encourages strong candidates to apply by Dec 1 as it is–the top merit awards attract thousands to apply “early” as well as some of the selective talent-based Schools at USC.</p>
<p>As GG says, we really don’t know but this is my guess. :)</p>
<p>I wished USC had EA/ED. Would’ve applied long ago!</p>