Our application does have some creative and supplemental requirements. Please carefully review the information below BEFORE filling out the application.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- 30 - 60 Second Student Introductory Video
Please review carefully the following information on the required materials for admission consideration. This video is a self-recorded interview and not a sample of work. Please make sure to show yourself speaking to the camera.
Please submit a 30 - 60 second introduction video of yourself stating your full name and where you are from, touching upon the following questions:
- Why the USC School of Cinematic Arts?
- What do you wish to get out of attending our program?
- Why are you a good match for our program?
- What are your future ambitions and goals?
- Personal Statement
The SCA Summer Program Admission Committee will read your personal statement as a measure of self-awareness and artistic vision.
Different from your introductory video, we seek a sense of you as a unique individual. Please demonstrate how your distinctive experiences, characteristics, background, values, and views of the world have shaped who you are and might influence your work as a creative filmmaker or game developer. We want to know the stories you want to tell or the game experiences you want to make.
- 500-Word Limit
- Helpful Hints:
- Enthusiasm for your field, descriptions of your favorite films or games, and involvement in the production process are common among many candidates. As a result, we encourage you to focus on your individuality.
- Note that there is no standard format or correct answer.
- Creative Writing Sample
The SCA Summer Program Admissions Committee will read your creative sample solely on your ability to create a unique central character of a film, series, or video game.
Characters are the central aspect of any visual story, from television, games, animation, and feature films. Please write a detailed character description. We are looking for more than a name, role, age, job, etc. The structure is up to your discretion. Below are some questions to keep in mind when creating your character:
- 300-Word Limit
- Helpful Hints:
- What is their goal?
- Any shortcomings/weaknesses?
- How do they feel about themselves? Others?
- Any likable/unlikeable qualities?
- References
- The SCA Summer Program requires all applicants to submit one reference using the Recommendation Form that is accessible on our SlideRoom application portal.
- Applicants will be asked to submit the name and email address of their recommender, who will then receive a link to the Recommendation Form.
- Recommendations must come from a current or former teacher, guidance counselor, or employer.
- The Recommendation Form is accessible only through our SlideRoom application portal.
- The SCA Summer Program will not accept any Recommendation Forms or letters that are submitted separately from the application.
- Additional Application Requirements Pre-College Students
Pre-College Students (16 & 17-year-olds) are required to submit their most recent academic transcript (official or unofficial)
IMPORTANT DATES
| APPLICATIONS | OPEN | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|
| General Student Application | December 15 | April 30 |
| International Student Application | ||
| General International Student | December 15 | March 15 |
| Currently on another school's I-20/F1 | December 15 | March 31 |
| Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder | December 15 | April 30 |
| *Other valid visa (e.g. J-1, O-1, E-2) | December 15 | April 30 |
| Waitlist | Live updates and notifications | |
| *B-1/B-2 and other tourist/visitor visas are not considered valid visas. | ||
- Once a student is accepted into the Program, the non-refundable $750 Commitment Deposit must be submitted within 5 Business Days after the date of the Acceptance Notification. The Commitment Deposit will be credited back to the student's USC account toward their tuition..
- Failure to submit the Commitment Deposit within 5 Business Days after the date of the Acceptance Notification could jeopardize your place in the course(s) you have selected.
- All tuition and housing fees must be paid in full by June 20 in order to secure your enrollment in the Program and to guarantee your housing assignment.
- Failure to pay the tuition and housing fees by June 20 could jeopardize your enrollment in the SCA Summer Program and could impact your future standing with the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
- Students cannot take more than one production course.
- Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
- Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
- No auditing courses.
- The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
- USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.
- Once a student is accepted into the Program, the non-refundable $750 Commitment Deposit must be submitted within 5 Business Days after the date of the Acceptance Notification. The Commitment Deposit will be credited back to the student's USC account toward their tuition..
- Failure to submit the Commitment Deposit within 5 Business Days after the date of the Acceptance Notification could jeopardize your place in the course(s) you have selected.
- All tuition and housing fees must be paid in full by June 20 in order to secure your enrollment in the Program and to guarantee your housing assignment.
- Failure to pay the tuition and housing fees by June 20 could jeopardize your enrollment in the SCA Summer Program and could impact your future standing with the USC School of Cinematic Arts.