Hey,
I’m applying via regular decision to USC, but I have to submit by December 1st in order to compete for some of their scholarships. I’m really confused about how the various schools within USC work and how one could major across them or switch between them.
I’ve known I wanted to do a degree in media studies for a long time, with some sort of minor in poli sci or sociology, and I’m not really sure where that leaves me in terms of the USC application. USC has amazing programs in film studies and in communication, but I’m looking for something somewhat in-between, I guess. I’ve looked at all the programs that seem relevant to me and the one I liked the sound of the best (based on the courses) was the Cinema and Media Studies program, which is a part of SCA. I also know that, as of now, my eventual goal is to work on the ‘business side’ of TV, and my dream job would be working as a network executive. Thus, the BCA (Business of Cinematic Arts program) sounds perfect for me in the long-term, but I don’t think I want to go to business school, because I don’t really have an interest in going into business unless its related to entertainment and I’ve always pictured myself getting a broader undergraduate education (and maybe getting an MBA later). I like the liberal arts curriculum of Dornsife, but I feel like since I want to go into entertainment, it would be better to do one of the specialized programs USC is known for. To complicate matters even further, I love journalism and though I don’t see myself pursuing it as a career, the resources of the Annenberg school are tempting.
So…here’s where I am as of now: in order to apply for the major that I originally thought I wanted, I have to apply to SCA, which, as we all know, is harder to get into and also has an additional application. To apply for the BCA program, I’d have to apply to Marshall, and I just don’t think I want to go to business school as an undergrad. I could apply more generally to Dornsife, but then I might be stuck there. That’s where I get confused — is it possible/easy to switch between schools at USC? Say I apply to Dornsife, but then realize I want to go to SCA in my sophomore year. Is that a possibility? USC is one of the largest schools that I’m applying to and it has the most specialized programs, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is making it difficult for me to know how to apply. Could anyone provide insight or offer advice? I didn’t realize my conundrum until recently, and my application, according to my college guidance counselor, should be done within the next five days. Help?
*Note: I’ve already completed most of the USC common app supplement and the writing sample for SCA. All I have left would be the “why USC” question and the SCA statement of intent, but I don’t feel like I can write either of those without knowing what I actually want from USC. Thanks in advance for any replies! I’m happy to provide any additional info that could help you help me.
Basically, when applying to USC, you can simply apply with no declared major and try to gain acceptance to the university generally… but if you name a first choice major and/or second choice major, you are also being considered for admission by that School as well. If you do not list it now, you would have to apply for admission to that school later while already at USC.
If you listed Cinema and Media Studies or any other SCA major, you would also have to meet their Dec 1st deadline to have all items in by then, including the supplements due in via the SlideRoom link on the Common Application. So, the USC deadline for scholarship consideration is Dec 1st, and in the case of the School of Cinematic Arts, that is also their admission deadline for the submission of all application materials.
Later, USC will either accept you or not. Likewise, SCA or any other USC School would either accept you or not. If both of your major choices were SCA, and if they passed on you in both cases, you could still get admitted to USC as Undeclared as to your major. Or SCA could accept you to your first choice major or to you second choice major. If you major choices involved different USC Schools, you would need to meet those admission requirements separately… and the deadlines could presumable be different for each as well.
I hope that helps…
@WWWard Thank you so much! This really helped me understand 
you’re welcome
How do I get an ID number to upload to slide room?
Thank you to anyone who can answer this question. Very much appreciate your help
@mominfl If an USC major requires slideroom, a portfolio link to it will appear on the bottom of the USC section within the Common Application page for USC. Click on that link and sign-up… you do not need an USC ID for such…
Its direct link is https://apply.commonapp.org/ca4app/SlideRoomLoad?memberId=492 but you really need to link to it through the common application
Thank you to anyone who can answer this question. Very much appreciate your help
@WWWard thank you for the slide room answer. Two more questions please.
- Regarding the self reporting of grades in the common app - my school only has 2 semesters, do I leave the section of 3rd semester blank or should I write n/a?
- I took summer physics in 11th grade, not a science during the year. Should I put this grade under the 11th grade science section or 12th grade?
Thank you for your assistance!
To clarify, Summer Physics was between 11th and 12th grade. Where should I report it?
@mominfl you’re welcome.
- blank for 3rd semester
- I would match it to the format of the official transcript. Do they incorporate into one of the two semesters or list it separately? If separately, that may be where the 3rd semester option could be utilized for you.
Perfect! You are incredibly helpful and I am most appreciative! Submitting now! USC is my first choice!!! Fight on!
@mominfl you’re welcome. Fight on!