University of Southern California: Supplemental Essays & Deadlines 2026-27
Every University of Southern California application deadline and writing prompt for the 2026-27 cycle, verified against the school's own materials on August 7, 2026.
2026-27 Application Deadlines
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1, 2026 |
| Early Action | November 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision | January 10, 2027 |
| Scholarships | November 1, 2026 |
Supplemental Essays & Short Answers
- 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 - The USC Student Commitment charges Trojans to "value honest, open communication and robust debate," and to "champion ideological diversity and embrace freedom of expression." Describe a time when you disagreed with someone you know about something important to you. Did you change your mind or reach common ground?
250 words · optional - 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.
250 words · optional
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Deadlines and prompts change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026; always confirm on University of Southern California's official admissions site before submitting.