Screenwriting students follow a carefully constructed program that first introduces them to the fundamentals of creating for visual media while writing scenes, short scripts, treatments and full-length feature screenplays. Students can expect to graduate with a portfolio of writing, which will include two or more feature screenplays, a script for an existing television episodic drama or comedy, plus additional material, depending on their preference and interests.

Considerable importance is placed on the personal statement, story ideas, writing samples, portfolio list and letters of recommendation during the application review process. 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 Writing for Screen & Television program.

  • The Common Application
  • USC Supplement to the Common Application
  • Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
    • Autobiographical Character Sketch
    • Emotional Moment Essay
    • Creative Challenges (A & B)
    • Writing Samples (2 Samples, Maximum of 15 pages combined)
    • Portfolio List
    • 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, cannot be considered.

Application Deadlines

  • Freshmen Applicants (First-Year): December 1 (Fall Only)

*View all Application Deadlines.

USC Application Procedures

In an effort to streamline the application process, USC now uses the Common Application exclusively. Information regarding the application will be available later this summer. Students wishing to apply for admission to the 2012 - 2013 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 Writing for Screen & Television 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 Writing for Screen & Television program:

  1. Autobiographical Character Sketch

    2. This is not a résumé. It should reflect your individuality and evoke an understanding of how you became who you are. You may write a creative essay or short story, 1-2 pages in length. This statement is in addition to and separate from the undergraduate general admission essay.

  2. Emotional Moment Essay

    3. Convey in writing the most intensely emotional moment - positive or negative - you have ever experienced. This may, but does not have to be, an elaboration of something touched on in your autobiographical character sketch. 1-2 pages in length.

  3. Creative Challenge - (Both A & B are required)

    4. Two scenes with assigned parameters:

    1. Write a scene between two very different kinds of people who get stuck in an elevator on New Year's Eve. 2-5 pages. Please use screenplay format.
    2. Write a scene between two people (e.g., a parent and child) who live together. The first character strongly desires to go out; the second desperately wants the first to stay home. Emphasize visual elements as well as dialogue. 2-5 pages. Please use screenplay format.
  4. Writing Samples

    5. At least two samples of your creative writing. These may be excerpts with a note explaining the context. Writing in script form is not required. Maximum of 15 pages combined. If you send more than 15, only the first 15 will be read.

  5. Portfolio List

    6. A list of all available creative material and experience with a concise description of each item listed. Items need not be film related, but should give an idea of your creative ability. If your creativity has been recognized in some way, please include brief details.

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

    7. 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 recommended TOEFL score is:

  • Computer Based Test (CBT): 250
  • Internet Based Test (IBT): 100
  • Paper Based Test (PBT): 600-603

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.