What is USC Known For?

What’s Covered:

• Overview of USC Admissions
• Unique Aspects of USC
• What Are Your Chances of Acceptance to USC?

Famed for its prestigious creative programs, particularly film, the University of Southern California (USC) is the oldest private research university in California. USC is highly selective and offers a wide range of top-ranked academic programs. 

What is USC most known for? Keep reading for an in-depth rundown of its programs, extracurricular activities, traditions, and more.

Overview of USC Admissions

Location: Los Angeles

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,900

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Middle 50% SAT: 1360-1510

Middle 50% ACT: 30-34

USC consistently ranks among the top 30 universities in the nation, and its competitive admissions reflect that standing. Admissions is so coveted that some high-profile families were discovered to have falsified athletic recruitments in the “Operation Varsity Blues” scandal. 

There are some ways to boost your chances ethically, however. Even if you don’t intend to apply for scholarships, it’s still a good idea to submit your application by the scholarship deadline of December 1. This can give you a 6-8% admissions boost.

Bear in mind that while creative programs don’t have higher academic requirements, the admissions committee does emphasize extracurricular experiences and portfolio strength when evaluating applications for these programs. If you’re planning on applying to a film program at USC, you’ll need to start your application early because it requires a number of supplemental essays and portfolio components. 

See our guide to writing USC’s supplemental essays for help crafting an attention-grabbing message.

Unique Aspects of USC

Academics

Boasting alumni like Judd Apatow and Macy Gray, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is the oldest (and arguably most prestigious) film school in the U.S. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top film schools in the country, with numerous Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning students and faculty to its name.  

USC has several additional creative and performing arts schools, including the Thornton School of Music, School of Dramatic Arts, and Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, some of the most notable performing arts schools in the nation. 

But USC is not only known for its creative and performing arts programs. The Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, for example, offers a wide variety of traditional and niche programs—with over 80 degree options for undergraduates, from creative writing to physics to archaeology.

Other undergraduate schools include: 

• Sol Price School of Public Policy, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development, and Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning
• Viterbi School of Engineering, one of the nation’s top-ranking engineering schools
• Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where students hone their skills in communication, journalism, public relations, and public diplomacy
• Marshall School of Business, which prepares business leaders and entrepreneurs for thriving careers at a premier business school 

Faculty are noted experts in their fields: Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, Rhodes Scholars, Academy Award winners, and other distinctions. Alumni, too, are leaders, holding the same or equally prestigious honors. 

Many USC students choose to study abroad through programs like Global Scholars, the USC Africa Fund, the Queens College Cambridge-USC Exchange Program, the Schaeffer Government Service Fellows Program, and the Global Fellows Internship Program.

Extracurriculars

USC is a member of the Big 10 athletic conference. Its football team is particularly revered, but the university excels in a number of sports. The Trojans have won a total of 107 team and 412 individual NCAA team championships, placing them third in the country. Students and alumni have won over 300 Olympic medals, and more than 525 football players have been drafted into the NFL. 

USC offers plenty of other extracurricular opportunities aside from the sports arena. The Trojan Marching Band, known as the Spirit of Troy, has many claims to fame. It has performed in and at many prestigious venues and events, including the Academy Awards, the Rose Parade, and more. 

Greek life has a high participation rate at USC, with more than a quarter of students joining fraternities and sororities. But students have many additional options, such as Active Minds, Best Buddies, Dragon Boat, Eco-op, and many others.

Financial Aid

USC’s admissions is need-blind, so your ability to pay won’t impact your admissions decision. The school also meets 100% demonstrated need, and around two-thirds of first-year students received some financial assistance, with 18% receiving merit scholarships.

USC enrolls a relatively high number of low-income students—as of 2024, more than 27% of undergraduates received Pell grants. 

Traditions

USC has plenty of traditions, many of which revolve around football. For example, when the Trojans score, the Spirit of Troy plays “Conquest.” Traveler, the school’s white horse, makes an appearance at games, too. Because football plays such an important role in student life, people wake up early on game days to take advantage of tailgates and other events. En route to the LA Memorial Coliseum, students kick one of the flag poles for good luck.

Dorms

Residential life at USC is built on community. First-year students live in residential colleges, where they participate in activities such as dinners, volunteer events, and listen to guest speakers, alongside faculty in residence and staff.  

After their first year, students can choose from various residential options, including residence halls, suites, apartments, and special-interest communities that cater to specific interests.

Location

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the U.S. and offers so much to USC students, from arts to culture to food and more. This provides students with many resources and tools to succeed in their careers and lives.

USC is LA’s largest private employer, further solidifying the relationship between the university and its renowned city. 

Resources

USC is home to several museums and libraries, including the Fisher Museum of Art, which holds a collection of about 3,300 works, and the Special Collections, which manages archives, manuscripts, historic photographs, and rare books. 

Students can also access discounts at some of the most famous attractions in LA and nearby cities, including Knott’s Berry Farm and the San Diego Zoo. USC even has its own gas station, as well as offering other amenities.

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance to USC?

Will you be admitted to USC? While the university is highly selective, your chances depend on several factors—such as GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and the specific program you apply to. Admissions standards can vary, especially in renowned fields like film and the performing arts.

To estimate your odds of acceptance, check out our free chancing engine. This valuable tool estimates your true odds of acceptance based on your personal data and information. It’s free to use—create a profile to get started!