Strategic application for acceptance to USC regarding majors

ArtsandLetters
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:07:39 +0000

If you are not sure of another major, then selected undecided as a second choice. Here’s how USC and Cinematic Arts works. The student has to be academically qualified for USC before he can be accepted at SCA. USC reads the primary application (grades, scores, teacher recommendations, etc.) on the Common App. Cinematic Arts (SCA) reads the supplement to choose the students they want.

ADHD is no big deal on campus if the academic performance is good. The dean told parents that they have a good system for accommodations as it is common in highly artistic students. So I suspect its not as much of a reach for SCA as you think.

Still, the school of Cinematic Arts takes only 4% which you know. But the odds at USC are a bit better. It isn’t that uncommon for students who are not admitted to SCA to be admitted to USC as undecided.

So if USC is his mission, have him really put as much effort into the main part of the Common App as the Cinematic Arts supplement. SCA can campaign for the students they like but the student has to convince USC they’re a good match for the campus in general.

One caveat, though. USC had over 51,000 applications this last round. So the school is a reach for just about anyone. But its worth a try.

Have a back-up plan. A lot of CC students got bad news this spring so find a second choice he can love. I like CalArts and they don’t look at grades and scores - only portfolio. And if he’s determined to stay in soCal also look at Chapman. His ACT may gain him an automatic merit aid and their film and animation departments are pretty nurturing.

Good luck!