Hi! There is no thread yet for current applicants to the IYA, I was hoping we could share info and keep each other updated on what happens in the future. Congrats on getting your apps/portfolios in! The hardest part is over 
It looks like interview decisions are released at the end of January(the 25th for the past two years). Interviews are on campus mid-February, and may be conducted over Skype, BUT this could hurt your chances because they are evaluating how you interact with staff and other prospective students the whole weekend. I am not 100% sure they will still be conducting interviews because USC stopped doing interviews for all students that want one. That said, from what the dates and deadlines page for the university as a whole says, it seems that interviews will still be conducted for potential scholarships. Can anyone confirm?
The academy website says the interview is going to be on February 15-18th. I think IYA students find out about scholarships once they get in; the interview is for academy admission not for scholarship consideration.
I literally was about to make this thread when I realized you beat me to it by a few hours lmao
good luck to yall
Good luck everyone! Hope we can all move onto the next step of this lengthy process.
Did everyone do the portfolio? My friend didn’t, since it says “optional,” but i’ve heard it’s pretty important…
Yes, I believe the portfolio is quite crucial to the admissions process (it is very difficult for the admissions committee to gauge what you bring to the table otherwise).
I didn’t have a whole lot of portfolio material because I was only allowed to take one art class in high school, but I submitted a zine I made for English, a 3D model of my bedroom I made for fun during freshman year, an animation I made for APCSP, a project in Illustrator for graphic design, and a satirical video about how I’m mediocre at dancing.
A lot of it was kind of a stretch but I figured it would be good to show a variety of creative outlets.
What about that pitch videos?
I have checked load of videos titled “IYA Accepted” on Youtube lol
To me, however, the quality of idea does not matter that much.
The point is “you have to sell that point”.
Anyhow, since everything could be done is done. Good luck to those who applied!
i probably watched every pitch video i could find on yt.
what I gathered are three types of people
someone who’s qualifications must have fallen outside of video (exceptional grades/portfolio) but video was no good
someone who’s video was poor quality but they really sold the point (i.e. they actually made a product or prototype of an actual product, or someone with a really solid theoretical idea that was well-executed )
someone who’s video was really high quality, despite their product idea being completely lame, unoriginal, etc. A trend the academy really likes is motion graphics & animation within videos, as many that use those fell into the accepted pile.
My video falls between 2 & 3; where I made a product but my video was pretty decent quality. I think this hopefully puts me in a decent position for the interview lol. If not, it’s up to my portfolio. My grades aren’t great, but I hear the academy cares more about the innovative type student than someone with a 5.0.
Hope this insight helped ease anyone’s anxiety. Or maybe you’re more paranoid now. join the club.
Only 1 week for the results to come out lol…
Wish everyone the best of luck!
My Son applied for IYA. if he don’t get interview call will they consider scholarship for second choice Major
Yes. All IYA applicants are considered for both their second choice major and a scholarship if they do not receive interviews.
Also, from the research that I’ve done, it seems that interview results will come out on Jan. 25 at 5:00 PM (or so it has been historically). Less than a week left! Good luck everyone
If we get an interview how long afterwards do you know if you’re into IYA?
Is the notification by phone or by email?
We get our final decisions with the rest of USC admittees (by April 1, but has been around March 24-26 the past few years) and the interview notification is by email.
Hey! Has anyone called the Academy and confirmed that interview decisions are coming out by the end of this week? I’m a little nervous because I fear that they’ll delay sharing the results to February (which they did a few years ago).
My son was not accepted. He received an email around 3:50 today. I am so bummed. He is such an amazing person. I wish he could have attended the weekend gathering–he is so personable, smart and talented–I feel he would have left a positive impression.
My son also was rejected. He was the perfect candidate. He’s miserable.
It’s so hard to get this kind of news - hugs all around. You just have to guide and support them to other great options out there - this will not define them, they can bring their talent elsewhere and let it shine there.