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Undergraduate Admission
    Ready, Set, Apply! USC

    Ready to join the Trojan Family?

    Your USC journey starts with the Common Application.

    Start Your Application

    Explore application options and deadlines, review the requirements for your program of interest, and take the first step toward becoming a Trojan today.

    First-Year Application Deadlines

    Students talking next to a fountain on a sunny day.NOVEMBER 1, 2026

    Early Decision/Early Action (Most Majors)

    Two students reading together at the library.DECEMBER 1, 2026

    Regular Decision (Performing Arts Majors)

    Three students sitting outside eating lunch on a bright Los Angeles day.JANUARY 10, 2027

    Regular Decision (Most Majors)

    Students applying by November 1 or December 1 will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships.

    Deciding Which Deadline Is Right for You

    Is USC your first choice? Are you committed to enrolling at USC, if admitted?

    APPLY EARLY DECISION BY NOVEMBER 1, 2026.

    Most majors. Binding and restrictive.
    Receive an admission decision by mid-December 2026.

    Want to plan ahead? Not ready to commit to one college?

    APPLY EARLY ACTION BY NOVEMBER 1, 2026.

    Most majors. Non-binding.
    Receive an admission decision by mid-January 2027.

    Applying to a major in Dance, Dramatic Arts or Music?

    APPLY REGULAR DECISION (PERFORMING ARTS) BY DECEMBER 1, 2026.

    Receive an admission decision by April 1, 2027.

    Want to be considered for admission only?

    APPLY REGULAR DECISION BY JANUARY 10, 2027.

    Most majors.
    Receive an admission decision by April 1, 2027.

    Application Checklist

    Your Application

    • The Common Application
    • Personal essay
    • Academic interest short answer
    • Activities list
    • Quick takes

    School Documents

    • Secondary school report
    • Letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
    • Official high school/secondary school transcripts
    • Mid-Year Report/fall grades

    Additional Requirements

    • Additional materials if required by major
    • Official SAT or ACT scores (optional)
    • Official English proficiency exam and proof of financial support (international students)

    Have questions or want to learn more? Use the quick links for application resources, important information and more ways to discover USC.

    Meet Us Explore all that USC has to offer by signing up for a campus tour, admission information session or academic information session.How to Apply (First-Year Students) Learn more about our admission process, our application requirements and what we look for in prospective students.First-Year Application Deadlines Get detailed information about our deadlines.Scholarships Find out what USC scholarships you may qualify for and how to apply for them.Find Your Counselor Search for the USC admission counselor who covers your school or region.International Students Learn more about who is considered an international student and the additional materials we require with the application for admission.Financial Aid Office Learn more about USC’s robust financial aid program, the various funding options available to undergraduate students and how to qualify for them.askUSC Get answers to commonly asked questions about the admission, financial aid and enrollment process at USC.

    Ready to Apply?

    Apply Now