<p>I used both systems and making the common app personal is up to the university. I am a production major, so I had a lot of portfolio requirements. My NYU and Champman app were way much personal than my BU app which, unlike the others, didn’t ask many personal questions, extra essays, video supplements, etc. I did find the USC application more user friendly mostly because of the layout of the page, but I bet it will still be personal at the Common App. Besides with that many supplements, those who are not truly interested in applying to USC will not fill the application.</p>