Coronavirus Updates: USC  |  SCA
 

Online Application

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program has a rolling admission. After the application is reviewed, classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis upon acceptance. Therefore, we encourage students to apply early.

In order to apply to the program, you must first select the course(s) you would like to attend. Once you have selected the courses you would like to be considered for, you can begin the application process.

Important Date(s) for SUMMER 2023:
  • Summer 2023 Applications Opens: November 1st.
  • Summer 2023 Applications Deadline: June 9th.
  • International Student (with valid visas) Deadline: June 2nd
  • International Student (without valid visas) Application Deadline: April 7th.
To view available classes for the upcoming summer, please select "view classes" below.

View classes »

The following are the required materials for admission consideration into the SCA Summer Program.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 regarding USC’s protocols, vaccinations and testing requirements, and declinations please visit https://coronavirus.usc.edu/

  • 30 Second Video Student Introduction (Required)
    • Please submit a 30-second introduction video of yourself and why you wish to attend the USC SCA Summer Program.
      • This video is a self-recorded interview and not a sample of work. Please make sure to show yourself speaking to the camera.
    • A few things to keep in mind to help you with your video introduction. These are not questions that you need to answer specifically in the video, but just thoughts to think about while making the video.
      • What do you wish to get out of attending our program?
      • Why the USC School of Cinematic Arts?
      • Why do you think you are a good match for our program?
      • What are your future ambitions and goals?
  • Writing Sample
    • Cinematic Arts Summer Program Personal Statement
      Your personal statement will be read by the Summer Program Admission Committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness, and vision with respect to films or games. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, characteristics, background, values, and/or 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 about the kinds of stories you want to tell or the kinds of game experiences you want to make. 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. (500-word limit)

  • Minor Students Application Requirements
    Minor students (16 & 17 year olds) are required to submit their most recent transcript (official or unofficial) and the USC SCA Recommendation Form from a school official. Please have your school counselor or official fill out the form and email it directly to summer@cinema.usc.edu. Please note that this document should come from the official's email and not the applicants.
Submitting a Video

When submitting your video, please remember that you are submitting a link (URL) to your video (such as on YouTube, Vimeo, some other video hosting site, or your own website), not the video itself.

Do not secure your video with a password. Instead, we recommend that you make the video unlisted. The following descriptions apply to YouTube, but should be applicable to other video hosting sites. YouTube has three privacy settings: Public, Private, and Unlisted.