The Common App is officially open, which means application season has officially begun!
If you’re thinking about applying to USC Viterbi, now is the perfect time to get started. Even if you’re not planning to hit submit for a few months, getting an early start will make the process much more manageable—and give you plenty of time to put together an application that truly reflects who you are.
Here are a few things every future Viterbi applicant should know.
Choose Your First-Choice Major Carefully
One of the most important decisions you’ll make on your application is selecting your intended major.
If you’re applying to USC Viterbi, be sure to choose the engineering or computer science major you’re most interested in as your first-choice major. USC Viterbi only reviews applicants for their first-choice major, so don’t save your favorite engineering major for your second choice.
Not sure which major is right for you? That’s okay! Take some time to explore our undergraduate programs and think about the types of problems you’re excited to solve. Whether you’re interested in designing spacecraft, developing medical technologies, building sustainable cities, or advancing artificial intelligence, there’s a place for you at Viterbi.
No Additional Engineering Essays Required
Here’s a common question:
“Do I have to write extra essays for engineering?”
Nope!
If you’re applying to USC Viterbi, there are no engineering-specific written supplements. Once you’ve completed the required Common Application and USC application questions, you’ve completed everything needed for your Viterbi application.
One less thing to add to your to-do list.
Your Story Matters
One of the biggest myths we hear is that you need years of engineering experience to be a competitive applicant.
The truth is, students discover engineering in many different ways. Maybe you’ve taken physics or computer science classes. Maybe you love solving problems, building things, or asking “why?” Maybe your experiences come from a job, athletics, music, family responsibilities, or community involvement.
At USC, we use a holistic review process, which means we’re looking at the full picture. We want to learn about your academic preparation, your interests, your experiences, and what motivates you—not just a list of accomplishments.
There isn’t one “perfect” engineering applicant, and there isn’t one path to becoming an engineer.
Ready to Apply?
Check out our recent podcast, where we tackle everything prospective students need to know about applying to engineering programs for Fall 2027. The team explores why now is the perfect time to study engineering, busts common myths about admission requirements, from GPA expectations to the misconception that you need your entire future mapped out, and walks through the application process step by step.
We’re Excited to Learn More About You
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but remember—you don’t have to have everything figured out to apply.
Be curious. Be authentic. Share your story.
We can’t wait to learn more about you and what you’ll bring to the Viterbi community.
Best of luck, and as always…
Fight On!
