USC Undergraduate Admission Blog
Subscribe
Sign in
Home
First-Year
Transfer
International
Admitted
Parents
Counselors
Student Perspectives
USC Undergraduate Admission
Archive
About
First-Year Applicants
Latest
Top
Student Perspectives: QuestBridge
(A photo of USC QuestBridge scholars from a general body meeting we had in September 2025.)
Sep 10
USC’s Glossary for First Year Applicants
USC’s Glossary for First Year Applicants
Sep 4
Take Advantage of the High School Visit
Each year, our admission counselors travel to high schools to meet students like you and share information about applying to college.
Sep 2
Why Context Matters
When students hear the phrase “holistic admission” they may wonder what it really means.
Aug 31
What's the Purpose of a College Essay?
One of the most common questions we hear from students is, “What are you looking for in the college essay?” By the time you sit down to write, you’ve…
Aug 24
How to Cultivate Relationships with Teachers and Counselors
One of the things students don’t always realize is that admission counselors don’t review applications in a vacuum.
Aug 17
The Holistic Admission Process
The college admission process is a bit murky and confusing—in part because many schools have what’s called “holistic” review.
Aug 14
Advice for Younger Students: Experiences to Write About for The College Essay
One of the requirements when applying to college is the college essay.
Aug 12
Student Perspectives: Why USC Made My College List
My name is Edie Cingrani, and I am a senior majoring in International Relations and the Global Economy at USC’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and…
Jul 31
Advice for Middle School Students and Parents
Although it may be a bit too early to worry about college, it’s definitely not too early for middle school students to start setting themselves up for…
Jun 16
What High School Students Can Do With Their Summers
By the time summer rolls around, you’ve probably heard a lot about using your time “wisely” or doing something that will stand out for college.
May 15
How to Make Your College Decision
May 1st is just around the corner, which means it’s time to make your college decision!
Apr 16
This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please
turn on JavaScript
or unblock scripts