USC Interactive Media Division

Application Procedures

Bachelor of Arts
Master of Fine Arts

Elements:

Each application is carefully evaluated by a panel of Interactive Media faculty, based on the following criteria:

Grade-point average (calculated from submitted transcripts)
Test Scores
SCA Personal Statement
Creative work sample
Writing sample
Letters of recommendation.

The faculty panel evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. Considerable importance is placed on the personal statement, portfolio list, writing samples and letters of recommendation. The Committee ensures that all applicants are judged equitably by limiting evaluation to the items listed.

Note:There is a separate application procedure for undergraduates currently enrolled at USC. Contact the School of Cinematic Art's Office of Admission, CTV-G130, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211 or call (213) 740-8358.

Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of all application materials - USC Application for Admission, official transcripts, test scores and School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) supplemental materials is:

September 1st - for Spring Undergraduate Admission
(for USC change-of-major students only)
December 1st - for Fall Undergraduate Admission
December 1st - for Fall Graduate Admission
February 1st - for Fall Transfer Admission

Spring Undergraduate Applications are received from currently enrolled USC students only.

Note: Application deadlines for the School of Cinematic Arts are subject to change. Follow the deadlines listed in the current USC Application for Graduate Admission.

USC Admission Materials

The administration highly recommends that all application materials be submitted at least one month before the deadline. Early applicants have additional time to respond should they need to furnish missing elements to complete their files. If complications arise, the school does not guarantee that the applicant will be evaluated for the desired semester.

The following items must be submitted to the USC Office of Admission:

USC Application for Admission.
Applications are obtained by writing to: USC Office of Admission, Application Request, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911 or by callin (213)740-1111. You may also apply online at http://www.usc.edu/students/admission/. The University Application for Admission is not available through the School of Cinematic Arts.
Official Transcripts.
Transcripts are required from all schools attended. For specific instructions, refer to the USC Application for Graduate Admission booklet.
Test Scores
- SAT/ACT Scores.
  Freshmen and Transfer applicants are required to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT.
- GRE Scores.
  Graduate applicants, including those with advanced degrees, are required to submit GRE scores. Other tests (for example, the Graduate Management Admission Test or Law School Admission Test) are not acceptable. GRE scores may not be more than five years old at the time of application for admission. The committee will not evaluate an application without GRE scores.
- TOEFL Scores.
  International applicants, for whom English is not the native language, must submit TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT/GRE scores. TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old at the time of application for admission. International applicants are expected to have a command of the English language.

Send the USC Application for Admission, official transcripts and test scores to:

University of Southern California
Office of Admission
University Park
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

Required SCA Supplemental Materials

The following materials must be submitted directly to the School of Cinematic Arts to support an application to the The Interactive Media Program. All items must be typed or legibly handwritten on standard 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, with the applicant's name and Social Security number indicated at the top of each page. Submit these materials directly to the School of Cinematic Arts' Office of Admission:

School of Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application form: download pdf or complete online. Supplemental applications are obtained on our website, by writing to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Office of Student Affairs, CTV-G130, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211 or by telephoning (213) 740-8358.
Copy of USC Application for Admission. Send a photocopy of the application you have submitted to the USC Office of Admission. (Do not send the original to the School of Cinematic Arts). Online applicants should print a photocopy of the application from their computer. A brief statement indicating submission of the online application is acceptable if you are unable to print the materials.
School of Cinematic Arts Personal Statement. The personal statement is an opportunity to express your background and basis for interest in Interactive Media and explain why you would like to study film, video, and electronic media production at the School of Cinematic Arts. This statement will be read by the Interactive Media Admission Committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. While there is no standard format, length or correct answer, your statement should give the committee a sense of your long term goals and artistic ambitions. It should answer the questions: "Who are you as a person? What are you trying to say, using interactive media?"
Writing Samples.Two writing samples are required to demonstrate imagination. You must complete Category III. You may choose between I and II for your second writing sample submission :
Category I: Write a one-page character profile of a person, real, or ficitional, whom you consider to be a good subject for a project. Describe this person in terms of appearance, social background and psychological attitude. What makes the person interesting?
Category II: Briefly describe the most emotionally intense moment you have experienced. Limit your description to two double-spaced, typed pages.
Category III: Describe an interactive media experience that has inspired you to enter the field. What were the qualities that touched you? What choices, actions or specific moments made the experience meaningful? Limit your description to one page.
Portfolio List. The portfolio list is a record of the applicant's creative material. It should include a concise description of each project, the month and year of completion and the applicant's creative role and the purpose of the project. The material, which does not have to be film- or television-related, should give an idea of the range and depth of applicant's creative ability. Formal recognition - such as awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions - should be noted. When listing creative materials prepared for a class or publication, the name of the institution or publication should be included. Two sample items are given below:
June 1994, Honors, 16mm black-and-white film, one hour. Position: writer/director. Honors is a story about two competitive college roommates. Produced for an advanced film production workshop: "Film Production II," University of San Diego, San Diego, California.
February 1993, "Cellomorphosis," short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 1993, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
Note: Do not send any tapes, reproductions or other materials (other than the creative sample) that are described in the portfolio list unless they are explicitly requested by the Interactive Media Admission Committee. Unsolicited materials will not be returned.
Creative Work Sample. The Creative Work Sample is the one item that represents your best or most relevant work. This work might be computer based or may be film, photo essay, or script or story. We also welcome references to URL's you have contributed to. Please note, your Creative Work Sample will not be returned to you.
Letters of Recommendation. A minimum of three letters of recommendation from a variety of sources (not exclusively from teachers) are required, but more are encouraged. These letters should be addressed to the Interactive Media Admissions Committee and sent to the address below. Applicants are responsible for verifying that letters have been received.

Send the above materials (SCA supplemental application form, copy of USC Application for Admission, SCA personal statement, portfolio list, writing samples and letters of recommendation) to:

USC School of Cinematic Arts
Office of Admission
Attn: Interactive Media Program
University Park,CTV-G130
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211

It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure all required materials are received by the appropriate offices in time to meet the application deadline. An application will not be evaluated if any of the required materials are missing.

Applicants are encouraged to make copies for their files and to send all materials via certified or registered mail. Applicants are also advised to verify the processing of their files, by telephone or correspondence, with the appropriate office (listed at the right).

Admissions Checklist:

USC Office Of Admission (213) 740-1111