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USC receives 42,000 Early Action applications, will introduce Early Decision

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The University of Southern California will release its Early Action decisions via students’ USC applicant portal​s on Friday, January 17. ​USC received nearly 42,000 applications for Early Action, which is ​about 2% ​m​ore than received last year. ​Of those 42,000, only approximately 3,500 will be offered admission Early Action. All other applicants will be invited to defer to Regular Decision.​

​USC anticipates accepting another 5,200 ​first-year applicants for fall, or ​roughly 60% of the total, ​via Regular Decision in late March. ​Interestingly, Regular Decision volume is also ​u​p roughly 2% ​compared to last year. 

Deferred students ​who want to be considered for Regular Decision must submit an Early Action Deferral form in their USC portal​s​ and submit mid-year grades if they have not already done so. ​USC does not want ​t​o review any additional new materials such as resumes, ​recommendations, essays, or general updates. ​No letters of continued interest at USC!

USC only introduced its Early Action (EA) program for first-year applicants during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle; yet, it will soon formally announce that it is introducing Early Decision for certain applicants during the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. To get an update on scholarship allocation and learn more about USC’s first foray into Early Decision, watch the full video below.

The University of Southern California (USC) stands out as an undergraduate institution for several unique reasons, including:

1. Location in Los Angeles: USC is situated in the heart of Los Angeles, providing students with unparalleled access to the entertainment industry, tech startups, and a diverse cultural landscape. This urban setting offers numerous internship opportunities, networking events, and real-world experiences that are directly integrated into the curriculum.

2. Interdisciplinary Education: USC is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, where students are encouraged to explore across fields. Programs like the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offer joint majors, minors, and combined degree programs, fostering a comprehensive educational experience.

3. World-Class Faculty and Research Opportunities: The university boasts faculty who are leaders in their fields, many of whom are engaged in groundbreaking research. Undergraduates have opportunities to participate in research from their freshman year, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects.

4. Diverse and Inclusive Campus: USC prides itself on its diversity, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 135 countries. This diversity enriches the academic and social environment, promoting a global perspective among students.

5. Strong Alumni Network and Career Services: USC has an extensive and influential alumni network, which can be beneficial for job placements and career development. The Career Center at USC is one of the best, offering tailored career advice, job fairs, and connections to industry through initiatives like the Marshall School of Business’s Career Treks.

6. Innovative Programs and Facilities: USC offers unique programs like the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which is considered one of the top film schools globally, providing state-of-the-art facilities and technology. Additionally, the university has invested in innovation hubs like the USC Village, enhancing student life with modern amenities and community spaces.

7. Sports and School Spirit: Known for its spirited athletic programs, particularly football, USC fosters a strong sense of community and school pride. The Trojan spirit is a unifying force on campus, with traditions like the Walk of Fame and the Victory Bell.

8 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: With initiatives like the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Marshall Venture Fund, USC encourages entrepreneurship. Students have access to resources for starting their own businesses, from funding to mentorship.

9. Global Exposure: Through programs like the Global Leadership Program, students can study abroad or participate in international service learning, gaining a global perspective that’s integrated into their academic journey.

10. Focus on the Arts: Beyond its famous film school, USC supports a vibrant arts scene with the Thornton School of Music, the Roski School of Art and Design, and numerous performance venues, providing a rich cultural education.

Good luck to all students who applied Early Action to University of Southern California.

Colby Working to Help Rural Students Attend College

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Colby College has announced that it has been selected as an inaugural member of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network.

The STARS College Network is a group of sixteen colleges and universities across the United States working together to increase access, affordability, and college advising for students from rural and small-town communities. The other current colleges STARS colleges include Brown University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, The University of Chicago, The University of Iowa, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Yale University.

As part of its membership, Colby will help fulfill a critical role as the sole small liberal arts college in the network, ultimately committed to helping students from small-town and rural communities enroll in, succeed at, and graduate from the undergraduate program of their choice. Events, workshops, and college access opportunities in conjunction with this new membership are in the works beginning as early as this summer.

Colby College is a private liberal arts college located in Waterville, Maine, in the northeastern United States.

With easy access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and rafting, strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of environmental science, biology, and economics, a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, a commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025 and large investment in sustainable infrastructure and practices on campus, a vibrant campus community with a wide variety of clubs and organizations, and a strong athletics program, Colby College offers a unique combination of academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and a dynamic campus community in a beautiful location.

Colby College has an Island Campus on Benner Island.

University of Chicago shared more about the STARS initiative as well, including the fact that it is supported by a $20 million gift from Trott Family Philanthropies, the foundation of University of Chicago trustee Byron and Tina Trott.

USC First-Year Applications Up 17%

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University of Southern California received nearly 81,000 applications for first-year admission during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, which is a 17% increase over last year. This comes after USC introduced Early Action as an application plan last summer.

Meanwhile, USC will make Regular Decision notifications later today, Friday, March 24. According to Kirk Brennan, USC’s Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Admission, “In hopes of minimizing disruption of school days around the globe, our release is scheduled for the late afternoon Pacific time. Students should wait for our email stating the status is available before visiting the USC applicant portal.”

Ultimately, the university will accept around 8,000 first-year applicants for fall 2023 admission, which includes the 2,470 admitted through Early Action. Though this total is only slightly smaller than last year, with the increased application numbers, the competition for limited space was noticeably higher. USC will post final enrollment statistics later this year.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 25, USC will email approximately 1,000 admitted students results of their merit scholarship application.

USC does not use a waiting list. Instead, it offers a smaller group of students (roughly 1,200 this year) admission to the spring term, which begins in January 2024. If after May 1 USC has room in its fall class, it will invite some spring admits to change their term to fall. All students who submit their spring Intent to Enroll form by May 1 will be considered for any available space. Students in this situation are asked to refrain from sending any other documents to be considered for fall.

In other news, the LA-based research university announced earlier this month that it will now have a new campus in Washington, DC.

New York University vs. University of Southern California

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If you only have one more spot to fill on your college list and it comes down to New York University or University of Southern California, here are the factors you should consider before making the final cut.