USC Admissions Question

Does USC admit first into their university and then into the different schools? Or are you compared against others applying to the same school/major as you are?

Each admission office (the university overall and the school’s individual one) likely discuss their probable decisions, but yes - USC as the university overall can admit you undeclared, if the school or schools housing your first and second choice major preferences pass on you. And those schools are of course certainly comparing you to the other applicants seeking the same major. Good luck…