USC Supplemental Essays 2024-2025: Writing Tips + Examples

The University of Southern California (USC) ranks as the 5th best college in California, which explains its highly competitive 9.8% acceptance rate. To stand out, you’ll need to put your best effort into USC’s 11 different supplemental essays. Additionally, if you took a gap semester or are applying to Viterbi or Dornsife, you’ll be required to submit a few extra essays.

In this blog, we’ll share brainstorming tips and examples for each prompt to help you craft strong, well-written responses to help you stand out from the rest of the pack:

• USC Supplemental Essay Prompts
• How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay (General)
• How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays (Short Responses)
• How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays (Viterbi)
• How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay (Dornsife)
• How to Write the Optional USC Supplemental Essay
• Mistakes to Avoid When Writing USC Supplemental Essays
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

USC Supplemental Essay Prompts

USC accepts applications through the Common App, so you’ll need to submit a personal statement. In addition, you’ll also need to answer USC-specific questions which we list below here:

General prompt (all applicants)

Here is the USC supplemental prompt that every applicant should answer:

• Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words).

Short responses (all applicants)

All applicants should also write short responses to these prompts:

• Describe yourself in three words (25 characters each)
• What is your favorite snack? (100 characters)
• Best movie of all time (100 characters)
• Dream job (100 characters)
• If your life had a theme song, what would it be? (100 characters)
• Dream trip (100 characters)
• What TV show will you binge watch next? (100 characters)
• Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? (100 characters)
• Favorite book (100 characters)
• If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? (100 characters)

Viterbi prompts

If you’re applying for the Viterbi School of Engineering, you’ll have two additional prompts to answer:

• The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)
• The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

Dornsife prompt

Dornsife applicants will have one extra essay to submit. Here’s the prompt:

• Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about — a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

Optional prompt

Here’s the optional prompt that you may answer if it applies to you:

• Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. (250 words)

Don’t let the number of prompts scare you. In the following parts below, we’ll show you how to write USC supplemental essays.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay (General)

For this supplemental essay prompt, you should show your interests align with USC’s offerings. Admissions officers also want to see that you have a working plan for pursuing your academic goals.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of how USC can help you pursue your interests, here are some ideas:

• Identify your academic interests and majors. What subjects are you most passionate about, both inside and outside of your chosen programs? What specific areas within those subjects interest you? What problems do you want to solve? Think of how your majors will help you pursue your long-term goals.
• Look at USC’s resources. Identify resources like research centers and clubs that align with your interests. Are you interested in the Problems Without Passports program? Or the Information Sciences Institute?
• Connect your interests to USC’s offerings. Explain how specific USC resources will help you achieve your goals to show that you understand how USC’s academic environment will benefit you. Are you applying for the Environmental Studies program and hope to be involved in research at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies?

Essay structure tips + examples

When you’ve explained to yourself why you chose those majors and why in USC specifically, here’s how you can write it down:

• State your interests. Introduce your primary academic interests and program selections. Let’s say your main interest is computer science, particularly artificial intelligence. The two programs you chose are computer science and biomedical engineering.
• Explain your first-choice major. Explain why you chose your first-choice major. Highlight specific USC resources that align with your interests. Did you participate in AI camps that made you interested in computer science? Maybe you’re excited about being part of research at the Information Sciences Institute. Or you’ve browsed the courses and look forward to Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development.
• Explain your second-choice major. Same as the previous point, explain why you chose this program and which USC resources align with it. If possible, discuss any connections between your majors and highlight interdisciplinary opportunities at USC. For example: “My second-choice major, Biomedical Engineering, complements my interest in AI by providing a strong foundation in biological systems. The collaboration between the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Keck School of Medicine offers unique interdisciplinary opportunities.”
• Why USC? Describe your long-term academic and career goals and summarize why USC is the ideal place for you to pursue your interests. You can say you hope to develop AI-driven medical technologies that improve patient outcomes. USC’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and its resources in both computer science and biomedical engineering make it the ideal environment to pursue your academic passions and contribute to the future of healthcare.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays (Short Responses)

For the next set of USC supplemental essays, you’ll need to write short responses to these prompts. These prompts are deceptively simple. You’ll still need to think long and hard about them.

For this prompt, USC wants to see how well you can capture your essence in a few powerful words. Your response should give insight into your character, values, or goals, helping them get a clear picture of who you are.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of the best three words you can use to describe yourself, here are some ideas:

• Don’t use clichés. Don’t think of overused words like “hardworking” or “dedicated.” Go for more specific and unique descriptors like “storyteller” and “future-builder.”
• Think of your goals and experiences. Think about impactful experiences that shaped you. What words would describe the person you became after that experience? What are your goals for the future? What are you passionate about? You can start with words like “innovator” and “solution-seeker” and look for more specific descriptors.
• Reflect on your personality and core values. What are your defining characteristics? Are you inventive or analytical? Consider how others perceive you. What principles guide your actions? Are you empathetic, resilient, or curious?

Essay structure tips + examples

There’s no structure here, but we’d like to warn you that the impact of the words you choose relies on your overall application. Because of that, make sure that your other materials provide context and support your chosen descriptors.

That being said, here are some examples:

• “Idea-generator, pattern-finder, concept-builder.” This can show that you’re proud of your intellectual curiosity and innovation skills.
• “Equity-seeker, voice-amplifier, obstacle-breaker.” This can show that you’re determined to advocate for positive social impact.
• “Systems-thinker, self-refiner, action-driver.” This can show that you’re a leader who values self-growth and analytical thinking.

At first glance, USC is really just asking about food. However, your response should also offer some insights into your personality, preferences, and what brings you comfort.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of a favorite snack that gives the admissions officers a glimpse of who you are, here are some ideas:

• Be specific. Don’t just say “chips.” What kind? Sea salt crisps? A specific brand and flavor?
• Add sensory details. If possible, include a word that hints at taste, texture, or smell, “tangy fruit mix” or “crispy rice rolls.”
• Have a personal connection. If there’s a story or memory associated with your snack, try to hint at it, like “Grandma’s chewy peanut cookies.” If you’re health conscious, you can go with edamame pods. Or, if you see yourself as a nostalgic or classic person, something like “warm chocolate cookies fresh from the oven” can do.

Essay structure tips + examples

Focus on the snack itself and any unique characteristics. Here are some examples:

• “Grandma’s warm peanut butter cookies, fresh from the oven, for a taste of home.” This takes a classic snack but with a personal touch, showing that you’re someone who values family and comfort.
• “Sweet and tart frozen blueberry yogurt for a cold, creamy, and refreshing brain boost.” This shows that you’re someone who values both taste, functionality, and health.
• “Salty, thin, and crispy spicy Korean seaweed for a quick healthy kick.” This presents a more specific and unique snack. It also shows you as a health-conscious and efficient person.

The “best movie” is subjective—but through your answer, USC can get some insights into your interests, values, and ability to concisely justify your choice.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of what’s the best movie of all time in your opinion, here are some ideas:

• Think of genres and themes. What genres do you like? Is it drama, comedy, or adventure? What themes are important to you? Is it justice, love, or resilience?
• Look for a personal connection. What movie has had a profound impact on you? What movie do you watch repeatedly? What movie sparked a passion or interest?
• Try to consider your major. If possible, you can choose a movie that relates to your major. If you are a science major, a science fiction film that is scientifically accurate could be a good choice. Or, if you’re a film student, choose a movie that highlights your understanding of film.

Essay structure tips + examples

Aside from the movie title, you also have some space to squeeze in a quick explanation to answer why you chose that film. Here are some sample responses:

• “Spirited Away. Ghibli’s dreamscape, pure magic, human spirit shines. Animation at its finest.” This highlights some core themes and a key visual element, showing an appreciation for animation and storytelling.
• “Parasite. Social commentary, brilliant twists. Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece. Shocking and insightful.” It shows an appreciation for relevant, thought-provoking films. It also gives a concise description of the film’s impact and acknowledges the director’s skill.
• “Interstellar. Cosmic wonder, human resilience. Nolan’s vision of space is awe-inspiring.” This showcases an interest in science fiction and grand-scale filmmaking. It also connects the film’s impact to the director’s vision.

This is a pretty straightforward prompt. The admissions officers want to see your aspirations and passion in your chosen field.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of what job you’d really like to have, here are some ideas:

• Think of your skills and interests. What are you good at? What activities do you love doing? What fields are you most interested in?
• Reflect on the impact you want to have. What kind of impact do you want to have on the world? What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
• Be specific. Instead of “scientist,” try “genetic researcher” or “astrophysicist.” Instead of “artist,” think “digital concept designer” or “public muralist.”

Essay structure tips + examples

Make sure that your dream job is in a field that your major will help you enter. When you’ve come up with the specifics of your dream job, here are some examples that can help you write your own answer:

• “International diplomat, mediating global conflicts, promoting peace and cooperation.” This response shows that you have a global perspective and a desire to contribute to international relations, showing a passion for diplomacy and conflict resolution.
• “Astrophysicist, exploring cosmic mysteries, expanding our understanding of the universe.” This shows a deep curiosity about the universe and wanting to contribute to scientific discovery. It shows that you have an interest in theoretical science and a drive to expand human knowledge.
• “Environmental lawyer, protecting natural resources, advocating for climate justice.” This suggests that you have a strong sense of social duty and want to protect the environment.  It showcases a passion for law and advocacy.

In your response here, choose a song that genuinely resonates with you, something that has a deeper meaning for you and reflects your life. This would show your ability to introspect and give an insight into your personality and worldview.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you pick out the right option from your hundreds of liked songs on Spotify, here are some ideas:

• Reflect on your values. What are your core beliefs? What motivates you? What kind of energy do you bring to life?
• Consider your experiences. What are the defining moments of your life? What challenges have you overcome? What are your hopes and dreams?
• Think about your personality. Are you optimistic, adventurous, or introspective? Do you prefer upbeat or mellow music?
• Look at the whole song. Consider the lyrics, melody, and overall mood of the song.

Essay structure tips + examples

Remember to focus on the feeling of the song and keep it as specific as you can. Here are some examples:

• “‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor. Powerful rhythm, resilient spirit, always rising to the challenge.” This gives a sense of ambition and determination. It suggests that you’re always moving forward and pursuing your goals.
• “‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay. Thoughtful tone, reflecting on past choices with quiet contemplation.” This response hints that you’re introspective and that you try to learn from past mistakes.
• “‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong. Warm melody, beauty in everyday moments, peaceful joy.” This response reflects an introspective and appreciative personality. It suggests that you find peace and beauty in the simple things in life.

Your dream trip should reflect who you are and evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. Through your response, admissions officers will be able to glimpse your interests, passions, cultural awareness, and sense of adventure.

Brainstorming ideas

Don’t hold back! To help you imagine what kind of trip you dream of having, here are some ideas:

• Reflect on your interests. Are you drawn to nature, history, art, or adventure? What cultures intrigue you? What activities do you enjoy? Do you like exploring the natural world or are you more interested in trying out different cuisines?
• Think of your preferences. Do you value learning, relaxation, or exploration on a trip? Do you prefer solo travel or group experiences?
• Connect to your major. If possible, try to think of a trip that relates to your major. Are you an aspiring biologist? Maybe you’d like to see the Great Barrier Reef.

Essay structure tips + examples

When writing your responses, think about the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of your dream trip to engage the senses. Here are some samples:

• “Iceland’s glaciers, northern lights dance, exploring volcanic landscapes, a world of ice and fire.” This hints at a sense of adventure and a fascination with nature’s extremes. It suggests that you like dramatic landscapes and natural phenomena. The contrast of “ice and fire” adds a poetic touch too.
• “Ancient ruins of Rome, history’s echo, exploring colosseums, a journey into the past.” This response shows a strong interest in history and archaeology. It suggests that you’re fascinated by the past and eager to explore ancient civilizations.
• “Tuscany’s vineyards, rolling hills, Italian cuisine, a sensory feast of art and flavor.” This response highlights a love for food, art, and the beauty of the Italian countryside. It hints that you appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy a sensory experience.

For this supplemental essay prompt, USC wants to know about your interests and pop culture awareness. This will also give them an idea of your personality and what you find entertaining.

Brainstorming ideas

Not sure where to start thinking with your long to-watch list? Here are some tips to help you narrow down your choices for this prompt:

• Think of your favorite genres. What themes or topics interest you? Do you prefer dramas, comedies, sci-fi, documentaries, or something else? What genres does Netflix keep recommending to you?
• Consider your mood. Are you looking for something lighthearted or thought-provoking? Do you want something that is action-filled like John Wick or something cute like Old Enough?
• Relate to your major. You don’t have to force this, especially if it doesn’t align with your current mood. But if possible, think of a show that connects to your major. If you are going into the medical field, a medical drama would be a good choice.

Essay structure tips + examples

When structuring your response, highlight what makes the show appealing to you. Here are some examples:

• “Our Planet. Nature’s beauty, stunning visuals, environmental insights, exploration of our planet.” This shows an interest in nature and environmental issues. It also suggests that you appreciate visual storytelling and are concerned about the planet.
• “Arcane. Animated masterpiece, complex characters, blend of action and emotional depth.” This shows that you appreciate animation as a serious art form and that you value storytelling and visual artistry.
• “The Wheel of Time. Epic fantasy, magical realms, grand battles, a richly imagined world.” This response reveals a love of fantasy and adventure. It shows that you enjoy escapism and imaginative storytelling.

Your response here can show your values and personality and what qualities you admire in others. It also hints at how you envision a positive living environment in your dorm while allowing you to get creative.

Brainstorming ideas

There are probably so many characters/people you’d like to try living with. But to help you determine who would be the ideal one, here are some ideas:

• Consider your ideal living environment. Do you prefer someone organized or laid-back like you? Do you value someone who is supportive or independent?
• Think about qualities you admire. What traits would make a roommate enjoyable to live with? Are you drawn to intelligence, kindness, humor, or creativity?
• Reflect on your interests. Do you want a roommate who shares your hobbies or passions like exploring restaurants and cafes outside the campus or bingeing the same TV shows? Or do you want someone who can introduce you to new things?

Essay structure tips + examples

When you’ve settled on an ideal roommate, mention what about them you admire that could give an idea of the type of living environment you would have. Here are some samples:

• “Bob Ross. Calm, creative, positive energy, turning our room into a masterpiece of ‘happy accidents.’” This response highlights a desire for a calm and creative living environment. It suggests that you appreciate positivity and enjoy artistic expression.
• “Rosa Diaz. Loyal, direct, protective spirit, turning our space into a secure and honest haven.” This response highlights a value for loyalty, honesty, and security. It can show that you appreciate direct communication and a safe living environment.
• “Tony Stark. Witty, inventive, spontaneous projects, turning our dorm into a high-tech workshop.” This shows a love of innovation and a desire for a dynamic living environment. It also suggests that you enjoy wit and spontaneous creativity.

Your favorite book can show your intellectual interests and values and what kind of stories resonate with you.

Brainstorming ideas

Are you an avid bookworm or don’t read a lot? Regardless, here are some ideas to help you look for that one book that you absolutely love:

• Reflect on books that impacted you. Which books have stayed with you long after reading? Which books changed your perspective? Which books do you reread? Were you emotionally wrecked by The Song of Achilles? Are you picking up Pollyanna for the hundredth time?
• Consider genres and themes. What genres do you gravitate towards? What themes resonate with you? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Do you like mystery, adventure, or humor?
• Focus on the essence. What is the core message or feeling of the book that made you like it so much? What makes it stand out for you among the other books you’ve read?

Essay structure tips + examples

In your response, highlight key themes or aspects of the book that made you like it. Try to convey a sense of why the book is meaningful to you. Here are some examples:

• “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Adams’ humor, absurd adventures, a cosmic comedy.” This response reveals that you have a sense of humor and a love for absurd and imaginative stories. It also suggests that you enjoy wit and philosophical comedy.
• “The Martian. Weir’s science, survival story, human ingenuity, a tale of problem-solving.” This can show that you enjoy science fiction and stories of survival. It also shows that you may be drawn to themes of human ingenuity and problem-solving.
• “Jane Eyre. Bronte’s passion, gothic romance, strong heroine, a journey of independence.” This response shows that you appreciate classic literature and strong female characters. You may also be drawn to themes of passion and independence.

For this supplemental essay prompt, USC wants to see your passions and expertise. They also want to see your potential as both a learner and educator.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of what topic you’d like to teach, here are some ideas:

• Reflect on your passions. What are you most knowledgeable about? What topics do you love discussing? Are there interests that you’re so passionate about that you feel like if you start talking about them, you can go on for hours? Like the math behind the Rubik’s cube or the different types of crystals?
• Consider your unique perspective. What can you teach that others might not know? What unique insights do you have? For instance, did you grow up doing urban homesteading?
• Think about practical skills. What skills do you think are essential for life? What skills do you wish you had learned earlier? How do you think your class can apply your lesson in real life?

Essay structure tips + examples

Be very specific in your response. Highlight the unique skills or areas of knowledge you’d like to impart and suggest practical or thought-provoking applications. Here are some samples:

• “Ancient Roman Engineering. Aqueducts, architecture, practical innovations that shaped civilizations.” This shows that you have an interest in history and engineering and that you’re fascinated by the practical applications of knowledge and the impact of innovation.
• “Sustainable Fashion. Upcycling, ethical design, reducing textile waste, a conscious approach.” This response highlights your interest in both fashion and environmental sustainability. It shows that you’re conscious of ethical consumption and creative solutions.
• “Decoding Body Language. Non-verbal communication, social cues, understanding unspoken messages.” This suggests an interest in social dynamics and communication. It hints that you’re observant and interested in understanding human behavior.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays (Viterbi)

If you’re applying to the Viterbi School of Engineering, you’ll need to write two additional supplemental essays. We’ll discuss the two prompts below.

In this prompt, Viterbi is explicitly asking what unique qualities you bring and how you will positively impact its diverse community.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of what you can give back to Viterbi, here are some ideas:

• Identify your unique qualities. What experiences have shaped your perspective? What skills or talents do you possess? What challenges have you overcome? What are your core values? Describe specific projects, experiences, or challenges to contextualize your qualities. Did you show resourcefulness when you developed a filtration system using locally available materials?
• Consider Viterbi-specific opportunities. Mention specific labs, research projects, or student organizations and connect your unique qualities to these opportunities. Maybe your resourcefulness will be valued greatly when you participate in research at the Institute for Creative Technologies or the Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
• Connect your qualities to Viterbi’s mission. How will your unique perspective contribute to engineering a better world? How will your skills and experiences benefit your peers? How will you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment? Do you want to start Python workshops for beginners? Show that you understand the importance of diverse perspectives in engineering.

Essay structure tips + examples

When you’ve pinpointed how you’ll contribute to the Viterbi community, here’s how you can write about it:

• Introduce your passion. State your passion for engineering and your understanding of Viterbi’s mission. Then, briefly introduce the unique quality you will focus on. For example, maybe the unique quality you’ll be talking about is your unique blend of technical skills and cross-cultural experiences.
• Talk about your experiences. Describe specific experiences that have shaped your perspective. Make sure to highlight relevant skills or talents as well. For example: “Growing up in a bilingual household and participating in international robotics competitions like the Trinity College International Robot Contest taught me the importance of clear communication and diverse perspectives. I learned to bridge cultural gaps and work effectively in multicultural teams.”
• Explain your contributions. Explain how your unique qualities will benefit the Viterbi community. Mention specific Viterbi opportunities that align with your interests, and describe how you will contribute to a collaborative environment. In our example, you can say you want to actively participate in projects that address global challenges. This can be through research at the Information Sciences Institute or by joining the USC chapter of Global Medical Brigades.
• Reiterate your fit. Summarize how your contributions will help engineer a better world. Reiterate your passion for engineering and your fit with Viterbi. You can say that your ability to bridge cultural gaps and passion for developing technology that benefits humanity align perfectly with Viterbi’s mission.

In your supplemental essay, you’ll need to show that you’ve researched and understood NAE’s challenges. Admissions officers want to see your ability to analyze and prioritize complex problems and your enthusiasm for contributing to solutions.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you choose a challenge that resonates with you the most, here are some ideas:

• Explore the NAE grand challenges. Visit the website and thoroughly research each challenge. Identify the challenges that align with your interests and skills. Did you take part in the Solar Car Challenge, which made you choose the “Make solar energy economical” challenge?
• Connect to your interests and skills. How does your chosen challenge align with your academic interests? How can your skills contribute to solving the challenge? Did you participate in the Cyber Security for Computer Science, which is why you’re choosing the “Secure cyberspace” challenge?
• Consider Viterbi-specific resources. Research Viterbi’s labs, research centers, and faculty related to your chosen challenge. Mention specific projects or initiatives at USC that address the challenge too.

Essay structure tips + examples

When you’ve chosen a grand challenge, here’s how you can write about it:

• State the challenge. State your understanding of the NAE Grand Challenges and Viterbi’s mission. Clearly state which challenge you have chosen.
• Explain the challenge. Describe the challenge in your own words and explain why it’s significant and urgent. Give specific examples or statistics to back up your claims.
• Present your skills. Explain how your interests and skills align with the challenge.
• Connect to Viterbi’s resources. Mention specific Viterbi resources or faculty that are relevant. Describe how you would like to contribute to solving the challenge at USC.

Let’s say you chose the “Provide access to clean water” challenge. State that you understand that it’s one of the most pressing issues facing humanity and that it aligns with Viterbi’s mission to engineer a better world.

Discuss the importance of the challenge. You can say millions lack safe drinking water, leading to disease and suffering. Give statistics if you can. In this case, say that 2.2 billion people don’t have access to safely managed drinking water.

What skills can you offer that can help alleviate that problem? How can Viterbi’s resources help you with that? For example:

• “My interest in environmental engineering and sustainable solutions drives my passion for this challenge. I am particularly drawn to the research conducted at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, where faculty are developing advanced water filtration technologies. I hope to contribute to these efforts by applying my skills in chemical engineering and data analysis”

End your essay by reiterating your passion for contributing to solutions. Say that you’re motivated to contribute to this challenge, and you believe Viterbi’s resources and collaborative environment will enable you to make a meaningful difference.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay (Dornsife)

If you’re applying to the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, you’ll need to submit an additional supplemental essay.

For this prompt, you should show your passion and intellectual curiosity. Admissions officers also want to see your ability to analyze and articulate complex issues. They want to see your desire to make a difference, even with just ten minutes.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of an issue or passion you’d like a million people to listen to you talk about, here are some ideas:

• Identify your passions. What issues keep you up at night? What topics do you love discussing with others? What changes do you want to see in the world? Is it food security? The refugee crisis?
• Consider your unique perspective. What experiences have shaped your views and the problems you want to solve? What insights can you offer that others might not have?
• Look up Dornsife Resources. Mention specific programs or initiatives at USC that align with your interests to show that the institution is also relevant to helping solve the issue. Consider resources like the Center on Public Diplomacy, or the various research centers related to the topics you are considering.
• Focus on a specific topic. Don’t try to cover too much ground. Choose a topic that you can address effectively in ten minutes.

Essay structure tips + examples

When you’ve chosen a topic you can confidently talk about for ten minutes to a million people, here’s how you can write it down:

• Introduce your talk. State your topic and why it is important to you. You can give a brief outline of the main points of your talk.
• Explain the problem. Describe the issue or problem in detail. Give specific examples and statistics. Explain the impact of the issue on individuals and society as well.
• Offer a solution. Give your unique perspective or solution, explaining how your ideas can make a difference. Connect your ideas to relevant Dornsife resources.
• Give your call to action. Summarize your main points and inspire your audience to take action.

Maybe you want to talk about media literacy. Start your essay by saying that you believe it’s important the critical need for increased media literacy in the digital age. Maybe it’s because you also believe that understanding how media shapes our perceptions is essential for informed citizenship.

Contextualize the issue. In this case, maybe the spread of misinformation and deepfakes has somehow destroyed trust in traditional media sources, as many people struggle to distinguish between credible information and propaganda. You could say that this lack of media literacy has serious consequences for democracy and social cohesion.

Give your solution to this problem. For example:

• “I would propose a nationwide initiative to add media literacy education into school curriculums. By teaching students how to evaluate sources and identify bias critically, we can also empower them to become informed and responsible consumers of information. I believe that the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the Center for Public Diplomacy could be great resources for this initiative.”

End your essay with a call to action. Reiterate that by fostering a culture of media literacy, we can strengthen our democracy and build a more informed society. Show your commitment to helping solve this issue and that USC Dornsife’s resources and education can help you create a meaningful impact.

How to Write the Optional USC Supplemental Essay

If you ever had a gap during the regular school year, you should answer this essay. USC just wants a clear and honest explanation of why you had that gap.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you properly explain the circumstances surrounding the gap in your education, here are some tips:

• Be honest and authentic. Focus on your own experience and perspective but don’t try to sugarcoat the situation. Were there medical reasons? Family circumstances? Personal challenges? Travel or work opportunities?
• Focus on what you learned. How did you use your time? What skills did you develop? What insights did you gain? How did this experience shape you? Did you take a gap program? Did you turn to music production or drawing to help cope with a problem? What skills did you acquire during a travel opportunity?
• Highlight growth and resilience. How did you overcome challenges? How did you prepare to return to school? How did this experience contribute to your personal development? Maybe a personal challenge showed you that you possessed skills like problem-solving that you didn’t know you had.

Essay structure tips + examples

Now that you’ve got your explanation ready, here’s how you can write about it:

• State the general reason. Say the gap period and the general reason you weren’t in school. It can be as simple as this: “From January 2022 to August 2022, I took a leave of absence from school. This was due to a necessary medical leave related to a diagnosis of severe mononucleosis.”
• Explain the reason in depth. Provide specific details about the circumstances. Explain the medical condition (without overly detailed medical jargon) and describe the impact on your ability to attend school. Mention the necessary treatments and recovery that forced you to take that leave of absence. Maybe prolonged fatigue and weakness associated with the diagnosis made attending regular classes impossible, and that you needed extensive rest and medical monitoring.
• Talk about your growth. Explain what you did during the gap, what you learned and how you grew. Describe how you stayed mentally engaged during your medical leave and highlight specific skills developed. Show how you maintained a connection to your academic interests. For example: “I enrolled in several online courses related to my interest in biology, which let me stay engaged with my academic pursuits. I also used the time to read up on the fields of medical history and public health. This period strengthened my self-discipline and time-management skills since I had to structure my learning around my fluctuating energy levels.”
• Connect to your future. Connect the experience to your future academic and personal goals. Describe your return to school and how you adapted. What changed within you and how will you carry this to the future? Maybe you learned the importance of resilience and self-care. Maybe the experience also solidified your resolve to pursue a career in medicine.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing USC Supplemental Essays

USC supplemental essays should showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate your genuine interest in the university. Below are some mistakes that can affect the credibility of your essays and how you can avoid them.

1. Not being authentic

The admissions officers are trying to get to know the real you—and they’ve read enough essays to be able to spot if you’re insincere. Trying to be someone else makes you blend in with everyone else who is trying to also be someone else. Not being authentic makes it harder for the reader to connect with you since your essays sound forced and insincere. Look at this example:

• “I’ve always dreamed of being a doctor to save lives.”

This is a common and often overused statement. It lacks personal connection and doesn’t reveal anything unique about you, making it easily interchangeable with other applicants’ essays. The reader might even think that you don’t really want to be a doctor since you’re not talking about any motivation or goal that inspires you. Consider this example:

• “Growing up, I spent countless hours exploring the woods behind my house, fascinated by the ecosystems. One day, I found a bird’s nest that had fallen from a tree, and I carefully observed the fragile eggs. That experience sparked my lifelong curiosity about biology and my desire to understand the interconnectedness of life. I now want to study environmental science so that I can help to preserve our natural world.”

This sounds better since it has a specific, personal anecdote that reveals the origin of your passion. It shows a genuine sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

2. Being negative

Being negative in your essays is bad because it creates an unfavorable impression and doesn’t showcase your resilience or ability to overcome challenges. Admissions officers are looking for students who are positive, proactive, and capable of contributing to a lively campus community.

For example:

• “My parents were always putting me down, and I never felt like I was good enough. That’s why I struggled in school” is a bad statement. It’s too personal and puts the blame on family members. It doesn’t show any personal responsibility or resilience.

Compare that to this:

• “My high school had significant budget cuts, which led to limited access to advanced science labs and equipment. Instead of letting this hinder my passion for chemistry, I looked for online resources and independent projects. I even connected with a local community college professor who let me use their lab for experiments.”

The essay acknowledges the negative situation but highlights your proactive approach to overcoming it. This shows a strong sense of resilience and determination, which colleges look for in students.

3. Grammar and tone issues

Grammar and spelling mistakes can suggest a lack of attention to detail and care, which can also reflect badly on your overall academic abilities.

Be mindful of your tone as well. You don’t have to be overly professional, but don’t be too informal either. Consider this statement:

• “My experience at the summer camp was like, really cool, and I learned a lot of stuff.”

This sentence is too informal and uses vague language. It lacks clarity and professionalism and also shows poor sentence structure and a limited vocabulary. Compare that to this response:

• “My internship at the research lab gave me invaluable experience in data analysis. I meticulously reviewed complex datasets, identified key trends, and presented my findings in a comprehensive report. This experience improved my analytical skills and solidified my passion for scientific research.”

The writing is clear, direct, and easy to understand. It also uses precise and sophisticated vocabulary, showing a strong command of the English language.

It might be hard to balance your tone or spot any errors if you’ve gone over your essays many times already. Fortunately, a college essay expert can help you refine your essays so they bring out the best in you while remaining authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does USC have supplemental essays?

Yes, USC has supplemental essays. Ten of the prompts have character (not word!) limits, so be especially careful and mindful of your responses to them.

2. How many supplemental essays does USC have?

USC requires anywhere from 11 to 14 supplemental essays, depending on whether you answer the optional one and if you’re applying to Dornsife or Viterbi.

3. How important are USC supplemental essays?

USC supplemental essays are highly important since they’re an opportunity for you to reveal your personality, passions, and fit for the USC community. They give you a chance to stand out even among applicants who are academically better than you.

Takeaways

USC supplemental essays allow you to explain why you’re choosing USC and how you’ll contribute to their community.

• USC requires a minimum of 11 supplemental essays. If there’s a gap in your education (not counting summer break) or you’re applying for Viterbi or Dornsife, you’ll need to submit additional essays.
• Some mistakes to avoid in your USC supplemental essays include lacking authenticity, being overly negative, and having weak writing or grammar.
• Need help putting together an excellent college application that goes with your solid essays? A private consultant can guide you through which academics and extracurriculars will also boost your profile.