Top 5 Things to Do After Applying to USC
You’ve finally pressed “submit” on your USC application... Congratulations! You deserve a standing ovation (but we’ll settle for a virtual high-five ✋). Now what? Don’t worry! You’re not alone if you’re wondering what comes next. Here are our recommendations for the top five things to do after applying to USC – because we know you like to stay on top of things.
1. Set Up Your USC Applicant Portal
A day or two after applying, check your email for one titled: “USC Admission Has Received Your Application – Set Up Your Applicant Portal Today!” This email is super important.It includes the PIN you’ll need to access your USC Applicant Portal. Once you’re in, you can monitor the status of your materials and, eventually, see your admission decision. We know the last part has you on the edge of your seat!
2. Be Patient While We Process Your Materials
We know, we know – patience is a virtue, but it’s hard when you’re excited. Rest assured that if you’ve submitted your Common Application by the deadline, your application is on time – even if some materials, such as transcripts, your recommendation letter or test scores, arrive later. We process thousands of documents (think of it as a digital avalanche of 300,000+ documents for undergraduate admission), and it takes about two to three weeks to get through everything. So, hang tight! Delays may happen if something doesn’t match, like the name on your test scores and your application. Make sure all your information lines up to avoid any hiccups.
P.S. Keep an eye out for those satisfying green check marks in your USC Applicant Portal. They’ll start appearing next to items we’ve processed. But remember: don’t worry if you don’t see them right away. It takes time!
* Pro tip: The portal checklist won’t show your letter of recommendation, SlideRoom items, or first-year applicant transcripts. Don’t freak out if those don’t appear! *
3. Sign the Applicant Affirmation and Notice of Potential Audit
Your application isn’t quite complete yet. There’s one more step! Keep an eye on your USC Applicant Portal for the Applicant Affirmation form. This electronic signature is your final official task, and you'll get a notification a couple of days after you submit your application. This is an electronic signature acknowledging that everything in your application is truthful, correct, and your own work. This is required for all USC applicants. Remember, your application isn’t fully in the system until this step is done – so don’t leave us hanging!
4. Upload Your Test Scores (If Applicable)
If you checked “yes” to sharing your SAT or ACT scores, you’ll need to send them. No need for nerves. You can submit an unofficial score report for now on your USC Applicant Portal. Just make sure it includes your name, the date of the exam, and all the sections from that sitting.
International applicants submitting English proficiency exams can do the same! Keep in mind that official test scores from approved proficiency exams must be submitted within two weeks of your respective application deadline.
5. And Finally... BREATHE
You did it! 🙌 You've submitted everything, checked all the boxes, and now you just have to wait (and maybe obsessively refresh your email...no judgment here). Give yourself some credit! You’ve worked hard, so treat yourself to your favorite snack, watch your next T.V. show binge, or think about your next dream trip! You've earned it!
Bonus Tip: Stay Connected!
While you wait, why not stay up to date with all things USC? Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates, student stories, and reminders (plus a sneak peek into campus life). You can also stay in the loop by checking out our blog for more tips from admission counselors and a behind-the-scenes look at USC from students. You can also contact your admission counselor with any questions., We’ve got your back every step of the way!
Instagram: @uscadmission
Blog: Subscribe here!
Good luck, and we’ll be in touch soon. In the meantime, let’s stay connected – we’re just an email or phone call away! 😊
Written By: Tyler Swartout, International Admissions Officer – Office of Admission