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Students DohenyIt’s August 1st – and that means the application season for all First-Year (freshmen) and Transfer applicants looking to join us in Fall 2014 is OPEN!  But just because it’s available starting today – PLEASE don’t submit it today…. read below about the USC application process, and realize that it will take time and effort…. early applications don’t have any impact on your admission decision. (other than increase the amount of time you will wait for a decision!) 🙂

Applying to USC is a very straightforward process, and applying as an engineering major is no different!

To apply to USC as an engineering applicant – here’s all you need to do:

  1. Go to CommonApp.org and create your profile
    1. Select USC as one of your schools
  2. Complete the USC Supplement at CommonApp.org
  3. You must list one of the Engineering majors as your First Choice Major on the USC Supplement to be considered for study in the Viterbi School.  If you are unsure of which major, please list Undeclared Engineering (387).
    1. All engineering applicants must also answer a few short answer questions on the USC Supplement specifically for you…. have fun with these!

At USC, you do not affect your chances of admission by listing engineering as your major. We have no impacted majors in the Viterbi School of Engineering.  Choosing one engineering major over another does not have a greater or lesser chance of admission.  Selecting a major for your first choice major on the application does not “lock you into” that program, nor does it declare it for the remainder of your time at USC. Choose the major that you believe is the best fit for you, and honestly, what sounds the “coolest!”

Now – thats about it.  Of course, there are many other details (test scores, transcripts, etc.) that are outlined in the instructions.  Make sure to follow the application checklist found here, and all of the instructions in the Common App in order to successfully apply to USC as an engineering student.

Please remember, you have 4 months to complete this application.  Simply because the application was released today does not mean you need to complete it today.  Take your time, craft your responses carefully, and do your best to give us the best representation of yourself.

We DO NOT practice Early Action, Early Decision…. Early Anything!  Please review the deadlines below – but any applications received prior to these will wait for all applications to come in.

Please remember these important deadlines for all USC Applicants:

  • December 1, 2013:
    • First-Year Application Deadline for Scholarship Consideration
  • January 10, 2014: Final First-Year Application Deadline (if you do not want to be considered for scholarships)
  • February 1, 2014: Transfer Application Deadline for Scholarship and Regular Consideration

All this said – if you have any questions or need more info – please sound off in the comments below and we can have a great discussion!

Paul Ledesma

As Executive Director, Paul oversees Undergraduate Admission for all programs at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He was born and raised in southern California and is a lifetime Dodgers fan. He enjoys traveling (Italy may be a second home), discovering new restaurants in LA (tacos anyone?), and while he may not qualify as a bonafide movie-buff, he loves movies (especially comic book movies). He studied Psychology for his bachelor's degree, minored in Public Management, and was active in leadership for community service groups Troy Camp and Dance Marathon while attending USC. When he's not working he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and rescued pup and kitty in Redondo Beach, CA. (well, maybe not the cat so much) Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his