How to Write the USC Essays

This classic “why this school” supplemental prompt is an excellent opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for all of the unique and vibrant aspects of USC that correspond to your area(s) of interest. First, identify your academic interests—these should be specific, unique, and demonstrated elsewhere in your application. Rather than saying you’re interested in teaching science, for instance, note that you are interested in secondary education and chemistry, with a particular interest in the ways in which artistic practice might inform how we represent chemical reactions for students. Then, conduct thorough research on the departments and resources USC offers that would allow you to explore your academic interests and think intentionally about how you could utilize them to reach your goals. Which programs, collectives, organizations or extracurricular activities interest you? Are there specific research or study abroad opportunities that can complement your course of study? Specificity is key when writing this essay, so be sure to name a professor that you are interested in working with, a course you’re excited to take, or an extracurricular opportunity you’re keen to pursue.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to weave in aspects of your personality and narrative as you give context for why you selected your courses of study in the first place. You want to write a response that tells a story about who you are—so be sure to make the connection between your life experiences and the academic experience you hope to have on USC’s campus next year.

Every so often when I was five, a kind neighbor would pay me $20 for my drawings in exchange for the simple assurance that I would continue to be colorful and bold. While these works were not conventional masterpieces, her unwavering support inspired me to create no matter the circumstance. Relentlessly, my excitement grew, and I soon transitioned from drawing on printer paper to creating acrylic portraiture and painting large-scale murals. USC’s Roski School of Art and Design is the ideal place for me to draw the next chapter of my story; it is a place where I can grow boldly, both as an artist and as a scholar.

Roskis flexible curriculum and distinguished faculty will provide exceptional structure as I refine my 3D artwork skills. I’m eager to explore diverse mediums in courses like Ideas in Intermedia and Creating and Understanding Visuals, working to craft aesthetically pleasing visuals and interactive art installations. Simultaneously, studying with world-class professors like Professor Ava Thompson will expose me to technological and traditional artistic practices in mixed media installations that will expand both my worldview and technical prowess.

Taking interdisciplinary courses like Studies in Art, Science and Technology to complete my Art History major will deepen my appreciation for artworks’ historical and cultural contexts, complimenting my own technical study and informing my own practice. At USC, I am confident that I will transform my childhood drawings into a legacy of innovative installations.

This space allows students who followed an untraditional educational timeline, whether due to medical complications, familial complexities, or otherwise extenuating life circumstances. If your personal experiences don’t directly resonate with any of these scenarios, feel free to skip this section. If you do identify with any of these narratives, however, take this time to clarify the details and timing concerning the gap in your studies. Don’t feel the need to apologize or overshare about a scenario outside of your control, but do emphasize the impact it had on you and the role it played in your personal development.

Stand out from thousands of other applicants to USC by choosing unique and unexpected words for this question. For example, an admissions officer might know you are creative if you are applying as an arts major, but might be surprised to learn that you also view yourself as persuasive and audacious or that you are a bibliophile or a yogi. When selecting your words, use this prompt as an opportunity to highlight a quality you have not yet demonstrated in another part of your application.

If you feel stuck, one of the best ways to tackle this question is to simply ask your friends and family to text you their responses and look for patterns. For example, if five people who know you well say you are thoughtful and caring, combine those into one idea, such as “empathetic.” Be intentional, however, choosing words that are highly descriptive while avoiding clichés as much as possible.

First Word: Yogi
Second Word: Zealous
Third Word: Cinephile

We all have strange snacks that hit the spot or sentimental bites that remind us of a favorite family recipe, restaurant, or trip. The point of this quirky prompt is to encourage creativity and allow you to showcase your personality in an unusual way. Think outside of the box as you consider how you might share something unique about yourself through the food—is there an unconventional or culturally relevant cuisine you enjoy? Does your love of peanut butter on pickles perfectly encapsulate your reputation for breaking the rules? Are you committed to leveling up the aesthetic presentation of everything you touch, adding your Ritz cracker sandwich to a 5-star cheese board? Whatever you choose, select a snack that gives insight into your story.

Fried plantains and Gyoza—sweet and savory, reflecting my Carribean and Japanese heritage.

For this response, consider the cultural, socio-political and personal aspects of the films you enjoy. Which movie do you believe has transformed the world? How about your perspective? Which films resonate most with your lived experience? Steer clear of any controversial picks that could be considered offensive or overly ideological. Whichever direction you take, make sure that your movie choice communicates something about your personality, values, and interests. This is also a great way to shed light on how you have connected one of your academic interests to non-academic material.

The Price of Everything, which questions where the value art is assigned.

Dream big for this prompt, but make sure that this response aligns with your intended major. How credible would the Mechanical Engineering major you listed on the application look, for example, if you listed “professional chef” here? Try to think as creatively and ambitiously as possible and consider your long-term goals. Be specific and add details so that your answer stands out.

An art therapist who helps children overcome trauma through imagination and play.

Music offers a special lens into your inner world, so you can say a lot with a few words here. Choose a song with a title that makes a point, be mindful of the artist’s reputation, and make sure that the title can’t be misunderstood or misinterpreted in a negative way. If possible, avoid overplayed or cliche songs unless you have nuanced context to offer.

 Anthem – Leonard Cohen’s words remind me that pain is often a sign of growth.

The sky’s the limit with this prompt—the place can be real, imagined, literary, or scientific. Be creative and specific with this answer, using it to shed light on your personality. Your answer can include your dream destination and experience, as well as the person with whom you may want to go on this dream trip.

Hopping from the Earth to the Moon and back in Calvino’s Cosmicomics.

For this prompt, you have two options. You can pick a show that highlights an interest or passion you haven’t written about in the rest of your application, or you can double down on an academic or extracurricular pursuit you previously shared by underscoring it with a niche related show. Either way, make sure that your reasoning is clear. To decide, narrow your options down to your favorite genre first, then list the reasons why you enjoy each show and choose the one that has the most unique and honest answer! While your choice should convey something about your interests, passions, or personality, it should also be authentic—don’t choose something simply because it sounds erudite! If it’s a show you truly enjoy, there is likely some way to connect it to your interests.

The Great British Baking Show, to get tips and tricks for my own baking experiments.

There are plenty of different factors you could take into account when answering this question. Who can you see yourself living with on a daily basis? Which conversations would you be eager to have with them? Which activities could you see yourself bonding and connecting over? Make sure that whichever individual you choose, it is someone who can display something positive about you, your character, and your values. A roommate is someone who you engage with outside of the classroom—so highlight something other than your academic passions here!

W.E.B. Du Bois—his infographics make me think he’d be an organized roommate with good taste in decor.

This is a perfect place to demonstrate your curiosity and imagination by picking a book that you’ve enjoyed reading during your free time. The admissions committee should have a clear understanding of your academic interests; this is your place to demonstrate how you spend your time outside of the classroom. That being said, avoid picking titles that appear as if you are trying to show off—be authentic with your answer. Make sure that your choice is appropriate and leaves a positive impression on the USC admissions committee—steer clear of books that may be controversial.

Octavia Butler’s Kindred inspired me to take further interest in Black history.

This prompt is a proxy for questions such as: What ideas do you care deeply about? What knowledge do you want to share and discuss with others? With this question, the Yale admissions committee wants to determine whether a student’s knowledge is more superficial or if they’re really fluent enough about what they love to get a reader excited about their own passions—even with limited words.

To answer this question, choose a topic about which you are either intensely curious or already very knowledgeable. If you choose a course, stay away from courses that you would see in a standard course listing, such as “Economics 101.” If you choose a book or an original piece of art, don’t worry about it being too serious or too silly—what matters is that it is something really creative and specific to you!

Kara Walker and Alma Thomas: Women of Color’s Legacy and Impact in the Field of Muralism.