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If you're applying to USC for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays are a crucial part of your application. These questions are your chance to show the admissions committee who you are, what you're passionate about, and why you'd be a great fit for the Trojan Family. USC is a vibrant, diverse, and interdisciplinary community, and these prompts are designed to uncover the unique qualities and experiences that you would bring to the campus.
By sharing authentic and compelling responses, you'll help the admissions committee see what kind of classmate, leader, and community member you'd be.
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)
Describe yourself in three words:
What is your favorite snack?
Best movie of all time:
Dream job:
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
What TV show will you binge watch next?
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Favorite book:
If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?
There is additional space to share information if you have had any gaps in your education, but this is not required. See question below:
Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break.
Be specific. USC wants to know the real you. Instead of just saying you're passionate about a subject or field of study, share a specific story about an extracurricular activity you are a part of or a project you have helped shape. Use concrete examples to bring your experiences to life and show—don't just tell—the admissions committee who you are.
Highlight your "fit." USC's supplemental essay is a place to showcase your potential contributions to the university. Think about the unique aspects of USC, like its location in Los Angeles, its interdisciplinary approach, or its strong sense of community. Connect your interests, goals, and values directly to what USC offers.
Make each answer distinct. Every question is an opportunity to reveal a new aspect of your personality, interests, or experiences. Avoid repeating the same stories or themes. Remember USC Admissions Officers will also be reading your Common App Personal Statement, so be conscientious to discuss different ideas and sides of yourself in the main USC supplement question.
Build a Cohesive Story. A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Answer the question directly. This may sound obvious, but a common mistake is not fully addressing the prompt. Read each question carefully and make sure your response directly answers what's being asked. A well-written essay that doesn't answer the prompt won't help your application.
Proofread your work. Typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can distract from your message and suggest a lack of care. Take the time to carefully proofread your essays.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
If you're applying to USC for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays are a crucial part of your application. These questions are your chance to show the admissions committee who you are, what you're passionate about, and why you'd be a great fit for the Trojan Family. USC is a vibrant, diverse, and interdisciplinary community, and these prompts are designed to uncover the unique qualities and experiences that you would bring to the campus.
By sharing authentic and compelling responses, you'll help the admissions committee see what kind of classmate, leader, and community member you'd be.
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)
Describe yourself in three words:
What is your favorite snack?
Best movie of all time:
Dream job:
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
What TV show will you binge watch next?
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Favorite book:
If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?
There is additional space to share information if you have had any gaps in your education, but this is not required. See question below:
Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break.
Be specific. USC wants to know the real you. Instead of just saying you're passionate about a subject or field of study, share a specific story about an extracurricular activity you are a part of or a project you have helped shape. Use concrete examples to bring your experiences to life and show—don't just tell—the admissions committee who you are.
Highlight your "fit." USC's supplemental essay is a place to showcase your potential contributions to the university. Think about the unique aspects of USC, like its location in Los Angeles, its interdisciplinary approach, or its strong sense of community. Connect your interests, goals, and values directly to what USC offers.
Make each answer distinct. Every question is an opportunity to reveal a new aspect of your personality, interests, or experiences. Avoid repeating the same stories or themes. Remember USC Admissions Officers will also be reading your Common App Personal Statement, so be conscientious to discuss different ideas and sides of yourself in the main USC supplement question.
Build a Cohesive Story. A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Answer the question directly. This may sound obvious, but a common mistake is not fully addressing the prompt. Read each question carefully and make sure your response directly answers what's being asked. A well-written essay that doesn't answer the prompt won't help your application.
Proofread your work. Typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can distract from your message and suggest a lack of care. Take the time to carefully proofread your essays.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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