The Common Application and USC Writing Supplement can be accessed at The Common Application website. Please note that the Common Application and USC Writing Supplement are two separate submissions. Both must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for admission.

Please carefully review and follow the application instructions for transfer applicants on USC's Undergraduate Admission website.

In addition to the Common Application and USC Writing Supplement, all applicants are required to submit supplemental materials via the SlideRoom Application. Please be sure to submit the SlideRoom Application titled: "Media Arts + Practice B.A. Program — External Transfer Applicants". All materials must be submitted via the SlideRoom application and any materials sent by mail or email will not be considered.

1. Global Issues Statement
   How would a Media Arts + Practice major help you solve a global issue facing society in the 21st century? (200 words maximum)
2. Image Essay

   Create an image that effectively communicates your thoughts or feelings about an issue relevant to you or your community. It can be analog, digital or a combination — incorporating drawing, painting, photograph, collage, etc. — and can include both text and graphic components. You may use any software application to help create the image. (5MB maximum)

   As part of this visual essay, include a written reflection (200 words maximum upload in PDF format only) on the image that you created, analyzing your creative process. How do your design choices communicate your intended message? (Please note: any design components that were borrowed from someone else should also be cited in your written reflection.)

3. Aspirational Portfolio (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   Please curate a collection of three media projects (not made by you) that inspire your creative work. You may find these projects by perusing online media archives, digital magazines or journals, news sites, arts and culture publications, streaming platforms, museum catalogues, etc. This collection should represent what you hope your own portfolio will look like in 5-10 years. 

   For each selection, include the direct link to where you found the project, and a short paragraph (100-200 words) that critically engages with the work and why you consider the piece to be aspirational. Then write a 100-200 word summary paragraph thinking through the connections between the three works that you selected.

4. Audio Portrait

   Create a one-minute, audio-only recording (.mov, .m4v or .mp3 file) to introduce yourself to the admissions committee.  What are your goals as a MA+P student? What particular areas interest you? Your recording may be a spoken narrative (whether you use your own voice or not), and you may include music and/or other sound effects as needed. As with the image essay, any borrowed assets should be cited in the “additional details” box.  (30MB maximum)

5. Project Question 1 (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   Provide an example of a project that you have contributed to or led. Choose a project that left you feeling proud. Please describe the context of the project (e.g. the people involved the goals, etc.) and also describe your role in the project. Finally, state what about your role in the project gave you a feeling of pride. (No more than one page)

6. Project Question 2 (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   Describe a project that you have worked on that was a failure. Describe the situation in which the project took place, the objectives of the project and others (if any) who were part of the project team. Be clear about your role in the project. Describe how and why the project failed. Finally, summarize what you learned from the project and what you would do differently next time. (No more than one page)

7. Letters of Recommendation
   Three letters of recommendation in particular format are required. At least one letter of recommendation must be an academic reference. Please note: we will not accept letters of recommendation from USC Media Arts + Practice staff or faculty members. Any letters submitted via the Common Application will be used towards the requirement and do not need to be resubmitted via SlideRoom. Any additional letters may be submitted via the SlideRoom references system. Applicants are responsible for requesting letters of recommendation as well as confirming that they have been submitted by the deadline.

Transfer applicants should submit official high school and college transcripts to USC's Office of Admission, not the School of Cinematic Arts.

Transcripts can be sent electronically via the Common Application or sent by mail to:

SAT or ACT scores are required from applicants who have completed fewer than 30 semester units of college coursework. Arrange for the testing agency to send your SAT or ACT scores directly to USC.

The essay portion of the ACT is optional. The essay portion of the SAT will be optional for students taking the redesigned test in March 2016 or after.

Academic success at USC depends on your ability to communicate effectively in English. All international applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency in the following manner:

Transfer international applicants should earn:

• A minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT (with a minimum score of 20 in each section); OR
• A minimum IELTS score of 7; OR
• A minimum PTE score of 68.

Applicants must receive the minimum required score to be considered. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and dated no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the start of your intended first term at USC.

Please carefully review and follow the application instructions for first-year international applicants on USC's Undergraduate Admission website.