USC School of Cinematic Arts

The Bryan Singer Division of Critical Studies is committed to the understanding of film, television and new media in relation to the world. By studying and analyzing these forms and the processes behind their creation, Critical Studies scholars gain insight into the power and aesthetics of moving image media.Critical Studies students also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience of film and television by taking hands-on production courses.

The committee favors applicants with academic records and personal statements that indicate a diversified liberal arts and humanities background. The committee is also interested in experiences and activities that show a continuing or recent involvement in film and television studies, the arts, criticism and/or aesthetics. There are no admission interviews. The committee ensures that all applicants are judged equitably by limiting evaluation to the items listed.

Application Overview

The following items must be submitted to be considered for admission to the The Bryan Singer Division of Critical Studies BA program.

• The Common Application
• USC Supplement to the Common Application
• Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
• Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Official High School Transcripts
• Official SAT or ACT Test Scores
• Official TOEFL Test Scores (International Students Only)

All matters relating to admission are the applicant's responsibility. When submitting an application, make sure you have completed all screens of the online process. The application system allows you to check your application to verify your application materials have been uploaded and submitted. Incomplete applications, or applications not submitted, will not be considered.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission : December 1

View all Application Deadlines.

USC Application Process

In an effort to streamline the application process, USC now uses the Common Application exclusively. Students wishing to apply for admission to the 2013-2014 academic year should submit the Common Application and the USC Supplement, both of which can be accessed at The Common Application website.

For additional information please visit USC's Undergraduate Admission website.

Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials (Clearly title all documents)

As part of the application process, all students looking to be considered for admission to The Bryan Singer Division of Critical Studies program are required to submit supplemental materials to support their application. These supplemental materials must be submitted via USC's Supplement to the Common Application.

The following supplemental materials are required for admission consideration to the Critical Studies BA program:

1. Cinematic Arts Personal Statement

The Cinematic Arts personal statement should be a carefully prepared explanation of the applicant's goals, describing any film, television, scholarly, critical or other creative background, as well as career objectives. It should present a clear and accurate picture of the applicant, outline objectives in the field of critical studies and explain how attending the School of Cinematic Arts will help reach these goals.

2. Writing Sample

The writing sample should be a review or analysis of some aspect of film, television, or new media; a discussion or application of critical theory; or a published article.

3. Letters of Recommendation (One letter must be an academic reference)

Three letters of recommendation (no particular format) are required. Any letters submitted as part of your University application can be used towards the three letters of recommendation required for the Cinematic Arts application. Please submit any letters of recommendation online via the Common Application. If your recommender is unwilling to submit their letters online, please have them mail your letters to USC's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Applicants are responsible for verifying that letters of recommendation have been received by USC.

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts from all High Schools attended must be submitted to USC. Request official transcripts to be sent directly from your High School to USC's Office of Undergraduate Admissions at:

University of Southern California
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

TOEFL (International Students Only)

All international applicants (freshmen and transfer) whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. International freshmen applicants with minimum scores of 600 on SAT Critical Reading or 27 on ACT English are exempt from taking the TOEFL exam. The minimum required TOEFL score is:

Note: These scores may not be more than two years old at the time of application.

USC's institution code for TOEFL Registration is 4852. There is no Department Code. It is recommended that applicants take the TOEFL exam at least one month prior to the application deadline.

Freshman applicants who are from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec) where English is both the first language of the country and the language of instruction, are presumed to be proficient in English.

SAT or ACT Test Scores (Required of all Freshmen Applicants)

USC requires scores from the SAT or the ACT (with the optional writing component) from all freshmen applicants, including International Students. For students who take the SAT more than once, USC records the highest scores for each section - Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing -- even if achieved in different sittings. For students taking the ACT, USC will record the highest composite score.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Many financial aid and scholarship processes run concurrently with the admissions process. Be sure to research and apply for financial aid and scholarships as you are applying for admission. There are many grants and scholarships that are available through the University of Southern California. Please feel free to email us at studentservices@cinema.usc.edu for specific information or if you have any questions.