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.
This section includes information needed to apply to the Writing for Screen & Television Program. Please read all the following information carefully.
Application Overview
The following items must be submitted to be considered for admission to the Writing for Screen & Television program:
- USC Graduate Application for Admission
- Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
- Autobiographical Character Sketch
- Emotional Moment Essay
- Creative Challenges (A & B)
- Writing Samples (2 Samples, Maximum of 15 pages combined)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Official Transcripts (From all Academic Institutions Attended)
- Official GRE Test Scores (Required of all Writing applicants)
- 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 online 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
Graduate Writing for Screen & Television
- Fall: December 1
Note: Spring admission is not available for the Writing for Screen & Television program.
View all Application Deadlines.
Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
All of the following materials must be submitted through the University's Graduate Online Application. Materials sent by mail will not be accepted. The online system may have provision for materials required by other programs, but we only require submission of materials specified herein.
These materials must include the applicant's name at the top of each page. Clearly title all documents with the appropriate supplemental document title (e.g. Emotional Moment Essay, Creative Challenge Part A, etc.).
- Graduate University Application
The application to the USC Graduate School is through the online application system (USC Graduate Application). On this system, the applicant must upload the following materials required by the Writing for Screen & Television program.
If you experience any technical issues, please contact the Apply Yourself Help Center by email at ayhelp@usc.edu.
- Autobiographical Character Sketch
- Emotional Moment Essay
- Creative Challenges: (Two scenes with assigned parameters)
- Part A: Write a scene between two very different kinds of people who get stuck in an elevator on New Year's Eve. Two-five pages. Please use screenplay format.
- Part B: 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. Two-five pages. Please use screenplay format.
- Writing Samples
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of Recommendation (One letter must be an academic reference)
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.
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.
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. Please include only original material, do not submit a television spec episode of an existing television show. Maximum of 15 pages combined. If you send more than 15, only the first 15 will be read.
A record of the applicant's background and experience, listing education, work experience, creative portfolio of all creative projects in which he or she has participated, and activities that show interests, skills and passions. Formal recognition - such as awards, publications, and exhibitions should be noted.
Three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants must submit their letters electronically through the "Recommendation" system on the online application. Recommenders who are unwilling to use the online recommendation process may send their letters to USC Graduate Admissions. Applicants are responsible for verifying that the letters have been received.
Graduate Record Examination: (GRE) General Test
The GRE General test is required for admission to the Writing for Screen & Television program. The application committee will consider your Verbal and Quantitative scores on the exam. Beginning August 2011, the exam has a new format. We will accept scores from both the new and old formats. GRE General Test scores may not be more than five years old at the time of application for admission. Make arrangements directly with Educational Testing Service ( or www.gre.org ) to take the exam. The GRE is given worldwide. Students with a documented learning disability can arrange to take an untimed GRE. There is a fee for taking the GRE. Register early, as they may run out of spaces.
USC's institution code for GRE Registration is 4852. There is no Department Code. Additionally, if you have a copy of your score report, please scan and upload it to the online application. It is recommended that applicants take the GRE test at least one month prior to the application deadline. Make arrangements early.
TOEFL (International Students Only)
International students are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam, unless they 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 instruction or if they have a degree from a college or university in an English-speaking country (United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA, etc.).
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. Additionally, if you have a copy of your score report, please scan and upload it to the online application. It is recommended that applicants take the TOEFL exam at least one month prior to the application deadline.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all Colleges or Universities attended must be submitted. Request original copies of official transcripts to be sent directly from your institution to USC Graduate Admissions at:
USC Office of Graduate Admissions3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
It is recommended that you send your official transcripts to USC's Office of Graduate Admissions at least 3 weeks before the application deadline.
Additionally, please upload a copy of your transcripts into the online application system. This will assist us in processing your application. When scanning transcripts into the online system, be aware there is a limit on the size of file you can upload.
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.